These resorts offer the ultimate luxury experience and we are looking the world’s best hotels across the globe that fall a bit beyond the beaten track. They all have something a little bit special and quirky. Read on to explore what some of the best luxury resorts and hotels can offer from a full cultural immersion to beach fronted villas on private islands. Journey with us as we explore the best of the best, on a whistle stop tour around the globe.

Where to stay in Australia

To be home to one of the 7 wonders of the world means there can be no greater luxury than finding hotels in the Whitsundays on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and this is the one we chose to feature on our tour…

Qualia – Hamilton Island

A stay at this adult only luxury resort offer another unique experience to those already explored on the Asia Pacific continent, promising a full sensory experience with calmness, tranquillity & serenity at the heart of its philosophy. Thinking about what the region has to offer, Hamilton Island is one of the 74 islands which make up the group of Whitsundays and situated just to the east of the Great Barrier Reef. It is the perfect spot to explore from. As well as the wonderful havens at the resort for relaxing and unwinding, there are a myriad of activities for guests to choose from including diving & snorkelling, boating & sailing, food & wine and golf. For something a little bit extra special, one of the Signature Experiences is a must with one of our top picks being the ‘Journey to the Heart’ which includes a helicopter trip over the stunning Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef, landing on the Heart Island platoon, this really is what dreams are made of. Executive Chef Mark Jensen is responsible for the deliciously simple and healthy cuisine made from fresh local ingredients to be enjoyed in one of Qualia’s beautiful restaurants, as native Queens-lander, Mark is passionate about the produce of this region. A stay at Qualia in one of beautifully elegant private pavilions amongst the tropical bush land with views over the breathtaking water is what makes this without doubt one of the worlds best hotels.

Where to Stay in Fiji

With the whole archipelago of islands to choose from, how could we resist this, in the world of luxury hotels, it does not get much better than a private island.

Laucala Island

Everything you would expect from the most exclusive of private island experiences, the Laucala Island resort is the ultimate paradise spanning 3,500 acres of resplendent rain forests, jungle, coconut plantations and the most idyllic white sandy beaches offering perfection in terms of luxury and privacy. Accommodation consists of 25 villas with one, two or three bedrooms dotted across the landscape; in the hillside, over the water, on the beach front, the choice is yours… Each villa is simply styled in natural colours reflecting the surrounding environment with its own private pool and yoga deck as well as housing a sophisticated WiFi and home entertainment system. There is no shortage of incredible activities on offer. For an unforgettable underwater experience, take a trip in the submarine. Why not take advantage of the kids club and enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on a sail boat. Explore the jungle forests on the back of a thoroughbred horse or unwind on the breathtaking 18 hole golf course. A wonderfully indulgent experience in the spa can be enjoyed throughout your stay but what better way to recuperate from a long journey than to start here. As well as the private infinity pools in each villa, a huge lagoon style pool sits in the heart of the resort surrounded by palms, overlooking the beach and section with glass walls giving bathers jaw dropping views of their surroundings from underwater. And we haven’t even touched on the restaurants serving exquisite dishes all sourced from local ingredients. This truly is a most magnificent hideaway for those looking for something akin to the Garden of Eden.

Where to stay in Japan

Aside from the luxury hotels you would expect to find in Tokyo and other major cities, we went a little off piste to find this, a gem of hotels, imbued in history and traditional culture.

Asaba – Shuzenji

From Fiji’s playground for millionaires, a stay in Japan at the Asaba in Shuzenji, couldn’t be more different. For a total escape from hectic lives, this 15th century family run ryokan offers a traditional Japanese cultural experience. Just under 2 hours from Tokyo, Asaba is on the edge of Shuzenji, one of the oldest hot springs on the Izu Penninsula and revered across Japan. This is the perfect retreat in a hot spring town, stepped in history which eludes most travellers. The rooms are minimalist in true ryokan style with tatami mat floors, deep cypress baths, futons and stunning views of the serene gardens and lake. Nestled among the bamboo bushes you can enjoy the free flowing hot spring in an outdoor bath, or if you prefer to be inside, the hinoki cypress timber baths are available for private bookings as well as general use. The Noh stage situation on the edge of the lake attracts top class acts performing traditional Japanese arts, the sound of the music drifting across the lake at night is a profoundly enriching experience. From the moment you step through the noren curtain at the entrance, you enter a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Where to stay in Chile?

We have decided to train our eye this time in the north of Chile, focusing on the Atacama desert region, one of the highest and driest desert’s in the world.

Alto Atacama, Chile

Set sympathetically within the Catarpe Valley amongst the terracotta coloured hills, this dessert lodge and spa blends perfectly where hideaway meets luxury retreat. The architecture takes its inspiration from the local village and is totally enveloped by its natural surroundings. The choice of rooms ensures there is something for every customer Quitor and Catarpe rooms are closest to the main building and common areas, the suites are set apart with views over the pond and larger private terraces facing south. Many a bucket list item could be ticked off whilst enjoying a stay at this luxury hotel. The Atacama is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, with the lack of light pollution and high altitude, the sky above this resort is the perfect spot for viewing the Milky Way. During the daylight hours, explore the Valley of the Moon, visit Chaxa Lagoon in the middle of the salt flats and see pink flamingos in their natural habitat and after days of exploring and adventure, find time to relax and unwind in the Puri Spa. Every guest of this hotel leaves knowing they have experienced something very special.

Where to stay in the United States

Typically this is where the global hotels of New York City, Los Angeles, and other famous cities expect to feature but as we are exploring luxury hotels that are slightly unconventional, we are heading to the Colorado Plateau…

Amangiri, Utah

If it is luxury in the wilderness that excites you, take a look at the Amangiri from where ‘back to the wild’ experiences ideal for both families and for business retreats take advantage of the breathtaking Utah desert scenery. Accommodation choices include the tented pavilions at Camp Sarika from where you step into authentic Wild West territory. Or a 4 bedroom house secluded by the rock formations ensure perfect privacy whilst enjoying views from the terrace or a dip in the private infinity pool. With experiences available to discover Navajo heritage, become an intrepid explorer on a canyon hike, explore the desert on horseback, or take it all in from the air in hot air balloon, every option is sure to be an adventure never forgotten.

Where to stay in Morocco

Luxury hotels was the brief, so luxury Palace we find, and what a find it is, read on to understand why.

Royal Mansour, Marrakesh

At the heart of the Ochre city this luxury hotel is one of a kind. The rooms and suites are replaced by luxury riads, each beautifully unique in design offering accommodation across 3 floors. This really is the best of Marrakesh, staying at the palace with the world famous Jemaa al Fna just a five minute walk away. From the luxury of the palace you can visit many of the must see attractions Marrakesh has to offer in around the city and the Atlas mountains with bucket list items being ticked off in abundance.

No luxury hotel would be complete without a well appointed spa, and the Royal Mansour does not disappoint. The jewel in the crown is the white marble Hammam treats you to a fully immersive experience of the senses steeped in Moroccan history. The gardens and pool area provide a peaceful haven within the palace for a relaxing day by the pool.

For your next business event, your venue search might just be over. The business lounges are set in the picturesque gardens with traditional touches in style and design but with everything you need to run a business meeting or event however formal or informal.

In conclusion…

Having explored a handful of the best luxury London hotels in the last blog, event management folks would have seen what London has to offer but for a more global reach at destination management some of these gems might help solve your venue finder conundrums.

Enquire now by contacting Liz Axten on liz.axten@thektsgroup.com
+44(0)7880 545 811