Photographs: Courtesy, Four Seasons Resort
Travel + Leisure magazine asked its readers to rate hotels globally based on rooms, location, service, food, and value.
Surprisingly, the top hotels turned out to the ones ‘off the grid’. For example, the best hotel in the world, as rated by the readers, is the one located in the jungles of Africa and the second best offers experience of a beautiful country side.
Let’s take a look at the top 30 hotels in the world as rated by the magazine’s readers.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Wickaninnish Inn.Photographs: Courtesy, Wickaninnish Inn
Wickaninnish Inn
Rank: 30
Location: British Columbia
Country: Canada
Situated within a remote pine forest, the Wickaninnish Inn is an experience of a lifetime.
The hotel offers direct access to ChestermanBeach, and panoramic ocean or beach views from every guest room.
It has 75 deluxe guest rooms and suites (with fireplace, soaker tub and individual balcony), and a 720 sq. ft. meeting/banquet room.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Taj Lake Palace.Photographs: Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces/Wikimedia Commons
Taj Lake Palace
Rank: 29
Location: Udaipur
Country: India
Lake Palace has 83 rooms and suites featuring white marble walls, located on a natural foundation of 4 acres rock on the Jag Niwas island in LakePichola.
It has been voted as the most romantic hotel in India and in the world, according to Wikipedia.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: The Peninsula Beverly Hills.Photographs: Courtesy, The Peninsula
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Rank: 28
Location: California
Country: US
The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills.
The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of CenturyCity and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: La Residence Phou Vao.Photographs: Courtesy, La Residence
La Residence Phou Vao
Rank: 27
Location: Luang Prabang
Country: Laos
Positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay.
Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage town of Luang Prabang - former royal capital of Laos - spread out below.
This luxury hotel is known for its wonderful French-influenced local cuisine and an open-air spa beside a water lily pool.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Cape Grace.Photographs: Courtesy, Cape Grace
Cape Grace
Rank: 26
Location: Cape Town
Country: South Africa
Situated on a private quay, nestled between the working harbour of Cape Town’s bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the serenity of an international yacht marina, CapeGrace showcases the essence of the Cape with designs that reveal local creativity.
The hotel has 120 luxurious guest rooms and suites including a Penthouse Suite that features a private rooftop room, spacious lounge, outdoor terrace with private Jacuzzi, and walk-in closet.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge.Photographs: Courtesy, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge
Rank: 25
Location: Florida
Country: US
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is a luxurious, oceanfront boutique hotel on AmeliaIsland. It features a private beach and AmeliaIslandMuseum is 2.2 miles away.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Old Edwards Inn & Spa.Photographs: Courtesy, Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Rank: 23
Location: North Carolina
Country: US
Old Edwards Inn and Spa sits atop the scenic southwest plateau of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, offering abundant opportunities for relaxation, recreation and adventure, according to the company’s website.
The European style resort cascades along several blocks filled with amenities, music, dining venues and individually appointed guestrooms, suites and cottages.
Surrounded by pristine mountains with lakes, streams and waterfalls, Old Edwards is also in the heart of the fun and artsy walking downtown of Highlands, North Carolina.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Cloister at Sea Island.Photographs: Courtesy, Sea Island Resorts
Cloister at Sea Island
Rank: 23
Location: Georgia
Country: US
From its inception, The Cloister at Sea Island has been defined by its elegance. The hotel has 200 world-class rooms and suites that showcase a unique natural setting and exclusive access to five miles of private beach.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Nisbet Plantation Beach Club.Photographs: Courtesy, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
Rank: 22
Location: St. James Parish
Country: Nevis
The hotel is one of the jewels of the Caribbean. Nestled in 30 lush tropical acres on Nevis is Nisbet Plantation – the Caribbean’s only historic plantation inn located directly on the beach.
Nisbet Plantation blends old-world charm with modern-day conveniences for an unforgettable experience, according to the hotel’s website. Not ultra fancy and opulent. Just private, romantic and personal,
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Anse Chastanet Resort.Photographs: Courtesy, Anse Chastanet Resort
Anse Chastanet Resort
Rank: 21
Location: Soufriere
Country: St. Lucia
Anse Chastanet is St. Lucia's only resort property with the iconic view of both the Piti and Gros Piton mountains floating upon the Caribbean Sea.
The location of the property is unsurpassed, a private estate of 600 lush tropical acres bordering two soft-sand Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just offshore, states the hotel’s website.
The resort property includes the historical plantation of Anse Mamin and Emerald Estate where the resort grows its own organic produce.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Image: Cavas Wine Lodge.Photographs: Courtesy, Cavas Wine Lodge
Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza
Rank: 20
Location: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
The hotel is located amidst 14 hectares vineyard at the foot of Andes mountain range. The hotel is built in a Spanish colonial style. It features a wellness-centre and Arabian style patios. Each room has a private outdoor hot tub and a stunning upstairs terrace.
Some of the best things to do here include, strolling in the vineyards, taking a walk in Andes, and watching the sun go down with a glass of wine in hand.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Rank: 19
Location: Jaipur
Country: India
The hotel’s architecture is inspired by Rajasthan’s forts. Sprawled over 32-acres, the hotel has luxury villas and ‘royal’ tents surrounded by lush gardens, flowering trees and cascading fountains.
The hotel has a helipad for high fliers to directly land in the premises.
The hotel also features two great restaurants - Surya Mahal and Raj Mahal. It also has Rajwada Library Bar that hosts an hour long discussion with an acclaimed local historian about Jaipur and the Rajputana twice a week.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, The Peninsula
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Rank: 18
Location: Hong Kong
Country: Hong Kong
Opened in 1928, and expanded in 1994, the hotel combines colonial and modern elements. To celebrate the Hotel's 85th anniversary in April 2013, it launched a refurbishment programme and now features digital enhancements ranging from touch-screen tablets, DVD library of 3D movies to High-Definition televisions.
The decor of the rooms are in pared-down Oriental chic, with plain cream upholstery and vintage luggage-inspired drawer handles, according to Wikipedia.
According to the hotel’s website, it features a Roman-style indoor pool, a spa and 9 award-winning restaurants and bars.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Post Hotel & Spa
Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise
Rank: 17
Location: Lake Louise, Alberta
Country: Canada
The Post Hotel, located in the BanffNational Park, offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
It features a spa and an indoor Roman-styled pool. Each room provides Mountain views, free Wi-Fi and cable TV.
The Post Hotel also features a wine cellar with 32,000 bottles to choose from.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, The Lodge Sea Island
The Lodge Sea Island
Rank: 16
Location: St. Simons, Georgia
Country: Untied States
The main feature of this lodge is private butlers assigned to guests, who can accommodate most requests. Guests flock here to play on the 18-hole golf courses.
The 40 rooms at The Lodge Sea Island have an elegant and traditional design, with Oriental rugs and floral fabrics.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Rank: 14
Location: Jodhpur
Country: India
Set amidst 26-acre of lush garden, this monument took 15 years to build. It is one of the largest private residences in the world and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family.
According to the hotel’s website, The Palace is divided into three functional parts - a luxury Taj Palace Hotel (in existence since 1972), the residence of the erstwhile royal family, and a Museum focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family. The hotel has 64 rooms and suites.
Guests can stroll through the private museum, test their skills on the marbled squash courts or enjoy a game of billiards in the panelled recreation room.
The hotel also provides a vintage car to drive through Jodhpur accompanied by a butler and if you want to see what future holds, there is an astrologer’s service available, too.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain St. Lucia
Rank: 14
Location: St. Lucia
Country: St. Lucia
Some people prefer to describe it as ‘more than a hotel’ and term it as an ‘experience’. Some say it has the ‘best hotel room’ in the entire Caribbean. Every critic, traveller, and holiday maker is enamoured by the resort.
The resort is constructed on top of a mountain and offers jaw-dropping view of the Caribbean and St. Lucia’s famous twin peaks, the Pitons. The rooms have 15-foot ceilings and open air private infinity pools in different coloured tiles.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Triple Creek Ranch
Triple Creek Ranch, Darby
Rank: 13
Location: Darby
Country: US
Slip your boots on, put on your cowboy hat and set off to explore the scenery of Montana while you lodge at this ranch inside the jungle.
The website of the hotel states, “Triple Creek Ranch is a favourite destination for those who want to unwind, refresh and reconnect. This spectacular setting is a haven for those who want privacy and pampering.”
The getaway also boasts of an award-winning wine cellar that features more than 500 fine wines and champagnes, representing every major growing region in the world.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest
Rank: 12
Location: Budapest
Country: Hungary
The hotel was built in 1906 and renovated in 2004. It combines vintage architecture with modern services and features luxury rooms, infinity pool and fitness centre.
The hotel has 179 rooms including 19 suites. Many of these have private balconies.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, The Discovery Leisure Company
Discovery Shores Boracay
Rank: 11
Location: BoracayIsland
Country: Philippines
Discovery Shores Boracay is located on a stretch of fine white sand known as Boracay's White Beach. It provides all possible 5-star amenities and rooms here feature views of the pool or the man-made waterfalls.
The resort also offers jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, island hopping, cliff jumping, paddle boarding, wake boarding, and kite boarding.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Singita
Singita Sabi Sand
Rank: 10
Location: KrugerNational Park Area
Country: South Africa
The Sabi Sand is a privately owned game reserve adjacent to KrugerNational Park. The reserve is owned by the Bailes family who have acted as the custodians of this area since 1926.
This private reserve spans over 45,000 acres and is famous for easy sightings of wildlife, especially leopards.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Rank: 9
Location: KrugerNational Park Area
Country: South Africa
At Sabi Sabi, you can experience the wildlife in four completely separate luxurious lodges that have distinct characters and atmospheres. They are themed as "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow".
Selati Camp is themed ‘yesterday’ for a romantic experience. The more contemporary lodges of Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp are themed as ‘today’, and ‘tomorrow’ is the theme at the Earth Lodge.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Oberoi Udaivilas
Rank: 8
Location: Udaipur
Country: India
The hotel’s architecture is inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan and features three restaurants, two heated outdoor pools and a luxurious spa. The interiors are as grand as the exterior and features hand painted frescoes and artefacts.
Other than the regular 5-star amenities, guests can also practice yoga, learn a Rajasthani folk dance, and attend a cooking lesson with the in-house chef.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Rank: 5
Location: MatauriBay
Country: New Zealand
Set on 6,000 acres near MatauriBay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offers spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and overlooks a championship golf course.
This plantation lodge has a spacious living room, two private rooms and a dining room with outdoor. Guest can also enjoy swimming in an infinity pool, fitness centre and spa.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Four Seasons
Four Seasons Resort Bora-Bora
Rank: 5
Location: Bora-Bora
Country: French Polynesia
The most enticing thing to do at this luxury resort is stay in one of the 100 over-water bungalows on the beautiful private beach. It also has beachfront villas with private pools.
The resort is located at Motu Tehotu on the island of Bora Bora, in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
The spacious bungalows and villas feature traditional wooden furnishings, thatched roofs and walls made of volcanic stone.
Each accommodation has extraordinary view of the turquoise-blue sea.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
Rank: 5
Location: Berlin
Country: Germany
Located at Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz Square, The Ritz-Carlton has elegant rooms that offer tantalising view of the Berlin skyline.
Guests can enjoy food at Restaurant Desbrosses, an authentic French Brasserie from 1875, or head to The Curtain Club bar for a drink.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Rank: 3
Location: La Fortuna
Country: Costa Rica
This five star luxury boutique hotel is located on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, and is surrounded by lush green rainforest.
Guests come here for wildlife spotting, volcano tour, adventure and white water rafting.
The hotel has 50 bungalows ranging from 855 to 1,905 square feet. Each of these has a secluded garden with an outdoor shower and a terrace overlooking the volcano.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Singita
Singita Kruger National Park
Rank: 3
Location: KrugerNational Park
Country: South Africa
If staying in a hotel inside the KrugerNational Park does not sound exotic enough, you can try Singita’s game lodge. It has just six double suites which accommodate 12 guests.
Situated on the banks of SweniRiver, guests can expect to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard) at the water body.
Despite being in the remote location, the hotel boasts of five-star amenities such as swimming pool, spa and gym and wi-fi access.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Timbers Resorts
Castello di Casole - A Timbers Resort
Rank: 2
Location: Casole d’Elsa, Tuscany
Country: Italy
This former castle, which is now a 41-suite boutique hotel, is surrounded by miles of Tuscan countryside. Vineyards and orchards of olive trees pattern the hillsides of the estate.
One of the delights here is the traditional Tuscan food that guest savour at the hotel's restaurants.
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4 Indian hotels among world's best
Photographs: Courtesy, Wilderness Safaris
Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp
Rank: 1
Location: Moremi Game Reserve
Country: Botswana
Imagine a hotel inside a jungle with big cats, elephants, and other wildlife around. That is Mombo Camp for you. Add to this, outdoor bathrooms, plunge pool, great service, warm hotel staff and responsive management and you get the best hotel in the world.
The camp is constructed under big trees raised two metres above the ground. It overlooks the plains where guest can see wildlife all-round the year.
Wilderness Safari, a luxury ecotourism company, runs Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp. It has similar camps all over Africa.
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