Taking time out to completely ‘switch off’ from everyday chores is a rare luxury, but taking the time to do so is hugely beneficial and what better place to unwind and refocus than in a luxury hotel. Places where distractions fade away, and the outside world feels at a comfortable distance. From intimate beachfront retreats and countryside hideaways to design-led city escapes where service is so instinctive, staff anticipate what you need before you have even thought to ask, allowing the mind to slow without interruption. Each hotel on this list is one we have personally reviewed and returned feeling genuinely rested and refreshed. Whether that means long and lazy mornings, unhurried dinners, incredible wellness experiences or days shaped by no agenda whatsoever, these are our favourite luxury hotels in which to totally decompress.
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
Steps away from the surf and sand, Koʻa Kea Resort in Hawai’i’s Kauai, is all about a quieter pace; there are no waterslides or kids club, just time by the pool with an outdoor bar within easy reach. By early evening, a gentle stroll along the beachfront path leads naturally back to the property’s ocean-facing lawn, which becomes the setting for sunset cocktails and live music. Rooms and suites each come with a balcony or lanai, while a spa, sushi bar, and destination dining at Red Salt, along with welcome wine in your room and a lei greeting on arrival, make this prized lodging a much sought-after destination in the Hawaiian archipelago.
Galgorm
Surrounded by 163 acres of lush parkland, next to the river Maine and just 30 minutes north of Belfast International Airport in County Antrim Northern Ireland, lies the incredible Galgorm Hotel and Thermal Village. The luxurious accommodation options are paired up with award-winning dining and its pièce de résistance is the onsite thermal village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. Galgorm has attracted many a celebrity with its five-stars, triple AA-Rosette restaurant, award-winning spa treatments and butler service yet it has a laid-back feel, befitting its relaxed countryside locale.
The Leddie Hotel & Restaurant, East Lothian
Located in the small Scottish coastal village of Aberlady, boutique hotel The Leddie brings fresh energy to a centuries-old coaching inn. Its 27 individually designed bedrooms are matched by confident interiors, warm hospitality and a destination restaurant and bar with a clear focus on Scottish ingredients and provenance. The result is a contemporary base for coast and countryside escapes just thirty minutes from the Scottish capital and an ideal place to realx in.
The Sarojin
Set within 10 acres of tropical gardens that open onto a secluded stretch of white-sand beach, The Sarojin in Khao Lak offers a serene, highly personalised escape that captures the essence of barefoot luxury. Boutique in scale, with just 56 residences housed in low-rise residential style buildings discreetly dotted around its lush gardens. Dining is central to the experience, with two main restaurants and imaginative private dining options, including candlelit meals beside a waterfall and castaway-style dinners on a secluded sandbank. Guests can shape their stay around their own rhythm, whether that’s sunrise yoga, unwinding in the open-air spa, or beginning the day with a champagne breakfast served until 6pm.
Cap Rocat
A former 19th-century military fortress carved into golden cliffs overlooking Palma Bay, Cap Rocat stands as one of the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary hotels. This retreat on a protected peninsula features just 30 unique rooms and suites built into the original fortress structure. Leisurely lunches at Sea Club’s waterfront setting and rejuvenate at the underground spa carved 12 metres into the rock and dine at La Fortaleza restaurant for fine dining Mallorca cuisine.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
What has to be one of Thailand’s most dramatic and ultra-luxurious hotel properties, the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Krabi has just 54 villas and pavilions set across meticulously manicured grounds, a backdrop of cinematic natural beauty and a collection of dining experiences ranging from classic Thai, contemporary fine dining and laid-back Mediterranean-inspired options poolside. This beachfront hideaway offers the intimacy of a boutique retreat combined with the service style and offerings the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand is synonymous with.
Seaton House
Overlooking the 18th hole and clubhouse of the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews, the 5-star Seaton House provides the famous Scottish golfing town with its most refined hospitality experience to date. Positioned on ‘The Scores’, St Andrews’ most iconic road, Seaton House offers 42 luxurious guest quarters, including expansive garden and terrace suites, destination dining by celebrated Edinburgh’s seafood restaurant Ondine Oyster & Grill, Bar and outdoor alfresco dining terrace and a further all-day dining experience, The Board Room.
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows brings a classic Hawaiian beachfront stay to Kaanapali Beach with an easygoing, island-inspired atmosphere. 330 guest rooms lie within its 12-story tower, along with 127 low-rise private bungalows and suites, spread out across the 27-acre, oceanfront property estate. Facilities that include two beachfront pools, a signature restaurant and casual dining options, a poolside bar, fitness and wellness spaces and direct access to a wide golden beachfront.
Sublime Comporta
Sublime Comporta is an extraordinary destination, a barefoot luxury retreat lost amongst Atlantic pines and sandy landscapes of flowering shrubs and tall grasses. This 17-acre estate includes rooms, suites, and cabana-style villas with private pools. Wellbeing facilities embrace Sublime Spa, Sublime Comporta Gym, and active experiences such as bike rides, tennis, as well as horse rides along the broad sandy beaches. Sem Porta is the resort’s signature restaurant, while seasonal pop-ups include the Food Circle. On the shores of the Atlantic is the Sublime Comporta Beach, the perfect complement to this escape in the wild nature of Portugal’s magnificent coast.
Pine Trees Hotel
Pine Trees in Pitlochry invites you to disconnect from modern life for a moment and embrace the simplicity of a slower pace. 32 beautifully appointed rooms feature bespoke furnishings and plenty of surprises, some have balconies and patios, some have four poster beds or free-standing bathtubs, while others include cosy lounges ideal to ‘coorie’ away in. The hotel’s ground floor restaurant and bar, Flora and Fauna, offers a contemporary Scottish culinary experience, celebrating locally sourced ingredients while Flora Bar serves an extensive selection of whiskies and cocktails offering the perfect place for a pre, post-dinner or entire evening of indulging.
Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve
Perched atop dramatic red cliffs in Portugal’s Algarve, Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, is an exceptional holiday and wellness destination. Set across 179 acres, the resort features 870 rooms, including three Luxury Collection properties, private villas, and townhouses. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, while leisure facilities include five outdoor pools, an indoor pool, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, and the Porto Pirata Kids Club. A mini market is also available, and direct access to Falésia Beach is provided via a scenic lift and walkway. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the resort’s nine-hole course, which winds through pine trees and offers a links-style ocean view backdrop. For relaxation, the award-winning Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments, as well as a thermal oasis featuring experience showers, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and therapy pool.
Portella Palma
Portella is a 14-room boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century palace beside Palma’s Arab Baths. Expect a leafy courtyard, roof terrace with Cathedral views, suites with kitchenettes, connecting rooms, wellness that includes an authentic stone hammam with treatments, as well as a gym, and relaxed dining led by an in-house chef.
Murrayshall Country Estate
Murrayshall Country Estate, a luxurious haven in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, invites you to escape to its 365-acre countryside retreat. Built in 1664 by Sir Andrew Murray, the estate served as the family home for over 260 years before its transformation into a hotel in 1973. The hotel offers 40 beautifully designed rooms and suites, some featuring period details and all inspired by the stunning natural surroundings. Experience exceptional fine dining at the award-winning Eolas Restaurant, enjoy relaxed dining in Cairns, and start the evening with cocktails at the stylish Barossa Bar, in the comfort of a roaring log fire. Golf enthusiasts will be in their element with two immaculate parkland courses, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy spa treatments using Ishga products at the Gate Lodge.
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa
Experience the timeless elegance of Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, a landmark property in Glasgow, Scotland’s most vibrant city. Located in a stunning Georgian building overlooking historic Blythswood Square gardens, this beautiful five-star hotel seamlessly blends rich history with contemporary luxury. Enjoy superior service, luxurious room, and its destination spa which cannot be missed, it’s an underground sanctuary of relaxation. Also enjoy its destination restaurant iasg offering seasonal dining and classic cocktails along with free wine every day from 4pm till 5pm. Immerse yourself in nearly two centuries of heritage at this only AA five-star accredited hotel in the heart of the city.
Dunas de Formentera
Positioned as the island’s first ‘eco-resort’, the captivatingly charming Dunas de Formentera rural beachside hotel offers barefoot luxury in an unprecedented sea view location surrounded by nature, just steps from a sandy beach. 45 rooms and suites are found within standalone bungalows and duplex buildings, set amongst the sand dunes of Migjorn beach, shaded by twisted juniper trees and fragrant pines. The property’s restaurant, Caliu offers Mediterranean dishes, with many prepared over the Josper grill. There’s also an infinity pool with views to the emblematic azure and aquamarine waters of Formentera.
The Shoregate
Located in Crail in Scotland’s East Neuk of Fife, The Shoregate offers a destination restaurant, a cosy traditional bar along with three stylish guest rooms and a top-floor show-stopping two-bedroom suite with breathtaking views of Crail and the Firth of Forth beyond.
Knipoch House Hotel
Knipoch Hotel, with its 26 beautifully designed rooms, offers a refined and cosy escape just six miles south of Oban, in the dramatic landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Overlooking the peaceful Loch Feochan, the hotel is surrounded by rolling hills and shimmering waters, creating a perfect backdrop for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in Scotland’s natural beauty. Inside this thoughtful restoration has maintained the hotel’s original charm with features like stone walls, fireplaces, and wood-panelled interiors while adding a fresh contemporary interior design colour palette and enhanced luxuries such as super king-sized beds, modern fittings, and an inviting outdoor hot tub.
Finca La Bobadilla
Staying at the 350-hectare Finca La Bobadilla Luxury Hotel & Estate means being immersed in the captivating essence of Andalusia. Set in the Sierra de Loja between Málaga and Granada, the cortijo has been transformed by Unico Hotels into the ultimate expression of sophisticated countryside luxury, where rolling hills dotted with ancient olive groves and holm oak forests create a remarkable Andalusian experience.
Park Hyatt London River Thames
Occupying a prime position on London’s south bank of the Thames and rising 18 floors up, the Park Hyatt London River Thames marks the debut of Hyatt’s flagship luxury brand in the UK. Embodying the philosophy of discreet luxury, the hotel features 203 rooms including 34 suites, including two private VIP floors with signature suites and a presidential suite. With a curated art collection, exceptional dining venues, and an entire floor dedicated to wellness, the property introduces Park Hyatt’s signature residence-style hospitality to the capital.
IZZA
Located in the heart of Marrakesh’s Medina, IZZA is a tribute to the late American socialite designer Bill Willis. Guests will find a labyrinth of corridors that lead to serene courtyards and plunge pools, a tranquil tearoom, a relaxing wellness spa, a composed library, and a rooftop restaurant and bar presenting stunning views across the city. IZZA integrates classic Marrakesh aesthetics with contemporary art, thanks to its 300+ artwork collection and is one of the best luxury hotels in which to stay in Marrakesh right now.
Capella Bangkok
Located along the eastern bank of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, with an air of sophistication yet a carefree charm. This splendid urban retreat boasts accommodations each with river views and private villas perched right at the water’s edge. Each room is attended to by Capella Culturists, and the fine dining experience is Michelin-starred. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the Thai capital or simply unwind in the welcoming embrace of this urban sanctuary, Capella Bangkok offers the ultimate vantage point to observe a river undergoing a renaissance.
Prestonfield House
Located next to Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park and a short drive from the city’s Old Town stands the resplendent Prestonfield House. This theatrically decorated 5 Star hotel affords timeless elegance, rich history, and sumptuous surroundings. Grand architecture is set among extensive manicured gardens where peacocks roam creating the feel of a country estate. Inside is a world of opulence and grandeur; a masterful display of period furniture, richly coloured lavish fabrics, antique artwork and flawlessly executed service throughout this hotel really makes a statement.
137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai
Experience Old Chiang Mai’s timeless charm at 137 Pillars House. Originally constructed in the 1880s as part of the East Borneo Company headquarters, this teak homestead has been meticulously restored to transport you back to the 19th century. With 30 beautiful and spacious suites, gourmet dining, fabulous bar, dramatic pool, well-stocked library, and a range of soothing spa treatments, the intimate, refined atmosphere of 137 Pillars is perfect for a romantic getaway in the heart of Chiang Mai.
Ozen Life Maadhoo
Arrive via speedboat and be heralded by the blowing of a conch shell as you step into this ultra-luxury Maldivian resort inspired by nature’s elements. Half of the accommodation is beachfront, the other is set on stilts overwater with villas offering a peek into the marine life below via glass panels. Dive further into the ocean with the M6m dining experience, a restaurant set six metres below the sea, scuba lessons, snorkelling the reefs, or via a sub expedition, riding just one metre beneath the surface. The resort also has a spa (with over-water treatment rooms and therapies based on the principles of earth, wind, water, fire and wood) as well as a beach club, bars, an infinity pool and multiple other dining experiences.
Hotel Casa del Limonero
Casa del Limonero offers a refined, intimate stay that blends contemporary creativity with centuries-old Andalusian heritage. Within this restored Sevilla mansion, guests discover a tranquil courtyard, a lush walled garden, a private pool, and a rooftop with views of the Giralda, all curated with the eye of the Parisian art collector owner, and the warmth of a gracious host, General Manager Martina Cam.
Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
This majestic property by Fairmont was originally built in the 1920s as a residence for the King’s advisor and has been restored and transformed into a luxurious hotel in Tangier. The hotel offers 133 rooms, suites and penthouses, each of which provides incomparable views and unparalleled luxury. All of the accommodations come with traditional Moroccan decor, featuring handcrafted Mousharabieh, Tadelakt and Zellige artwork from local artisans, as well as finely crafted textiles. There are seven different places to eat and drink in this palatial hotel, including Persian food at Parisa and seafood at Mediterranean Crudo. Curated experiences help guests to develop a deeper understanding of the region and you can book hammam rituals (among other therapies) in the spa or chill out by the pool which overlooks the city.
