It’s no secret; we like to spend money. Our money, your money, other people’s money (affectionately referred to as OPM). This is not our first rodeo, though, and we know the places that are worth it. Most of us will not get the $1-trillion comp package, so that means that when you do allocate resources to a special hotel, it has to deliver. This is the list of luxury hotels where the destination worth the splurge will not disappoint.
Cheval Blanc Paris
Location: Paris, France
Cheval Blanc Paris is your proof that love at first sight really does exist. With the Île de la Cité on one side and The Louvre on another, every room has a “pinch me” view. Inside, just 72 rooms and suites keep things intimate, while four restaurants (including the three‑Michelin‑starred Plénitude) make dining alone worth the trip. Add in the Dior Spa, the renowned pool, interiors by Peter Marino, and a rooftop terrace that feels like Paris at your feet, and you’ll see why this maison is the definition of “worth the splurge.”
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
Location: Cap D’Antibes, France
A hotel where no amount of money guarantees a reservation? This place must be special. At Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, every first-timer is treated equally. Each year, the hotel assigns rooms to regulars — and the rest can only hope to take what they can get. It helps, of course, that no matter which room you get, it’s nothing short of perfection. With 118 rooms and suites spread across three historic buildings, the property feels both grand and intimate.
Guests spend days lounging by the iconic seawater pool carved into the rocks, or retreating to private seaside cabanas shaded by Aleppo pines. Tennis courts, a nine‑hectare park, and a spa complete the Riviera fantasy, while dining ranges from elegant French cuisine to breezy Mediterranean fare. And then there’s the staff. Famed for their discretion, warmth, and impeccable service (having waited on everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to the Kennedys), they make every guest feel like part of the hotel’s storied history.
L’Apogée Courchevel
Location: French Alps
In this gingerbread‑pretty village, L’Apogée Courchevel is the spot where ski dreams meet the friendliest of family vibes. With true ski‑in/ski‑out access, you can clip in right outside the door, then return to the 53 rooms and suites, a penthouse, or even private chalets that feel like your own Alpine hideaway. For dining options, choose between refined French plates at Le Comptoir L’Apogée or sushi at Koori, before a nightcap at the bar. The La Prairie spa, hammam, salt sauna, and indoor pool are perfect for thawing out, while the kids’ club (the biggest in Courchevel) keeps little ones entertained. Add discreet staff who know how to balance warmth with polish, and you’ve got yourself a spot in one of the Alps’ most exclusive resorts that’s decidedly worth the splurge.
Reschio
Location: Umbria, Italy
Started as a romantic dream by the Bolza family and now a destination unto itself, Reschio continually redefines the hotel as destination. At its heart is the castle, with villas and rooms furnished entirely with Italian‑made pieces, art, and fixtures. Horses remain central to the estate’s identity, but the experiences go far beyond equestrian pursuits. Guests can try archery, calligraphy, weekly tennis tournaments, meet the beekeeper, go fly‑fishing, or even hunt for truffles. With 3,700 acres of carefully restored wilderness as your playground, Reschio offers the kind of “money‑can’t‑buy” adventures that spark new passions while delivering deep restoration of the soul.
Belmondo Splendido
Location: Portofino, Italy
La Dolce Vita takes it up a notch at Belmondo Splendido. Bask in golden sunlight with breakfast or aperitivo overlooking the Ligurian Sea, then retreat to one of 52 rooms and suites, each refreshed by designer Martin Brudnizki with a mix of classic Italian style and modern comfort. Dining is a highlight: La Terrazza serves refined Ligurian seafood, while Baratta Sedici keeps evenings lively with cocktails. The hillside pool offers one of the Riviera’s most iconic views, and the spa provides Mediterranean‑inspired treatments for ultimate relaxation. Guests can explore vineyards, join tennis matches, or charter a private boat at sunset. With a history stretching back to its Benedictine monastery roots and a guestbook signed by royals and Hollywood legends, Splendido’s embrace is as warm and welcoming as the sun itself.
Singita
Location: Various throughout southern Africa
A safari is on every serious traveler’s bucket list. It’s the ultimate adventure and indulgent pleasure, experiencing the animals of our childhood literary favorites up close. Singita offers the seven distinct locations to experience the wonders of the continent. From the iconic Kruger Park, Mozambique, Botswana and Tanzania and Rwanda, making its way onto must-visit countries this year. Singita is committed to conservation, lightly placing luxurious bungalows on its properties without interfering on its Jungle Book residents. There’s an uncompromising attention to detail whether you’re on safari or on site.
Kisawa
Location: Mozambique
Kisawa is the perfect way to unwind from a safari or recover from life in the fast lane. Just 11 bungalows are set on an acre each, all overlooking white sand beaches and Benguerra Blue reefs teeming with sea life. The surrounding nature reserve is whisper‑quiet, but guests can dive into eco‑experiences through the island’s research facility — from reef expeditions to guided wildlife tours. Take a trip out onto the reef or get a guided tour of the island’s precious wildlife. Dining is a experience unto itself. Now awarded two Michelin stars, there’s no doubt that from creatively-prepared simple ingredients to spectacular dishes, Kisawa is also a gourmand’s paradise. Whether it’s food, adventure or just glamping, leaving the details to Kisawa is a worthwhile investment in pleasure.
Soneva Jani & Soneva Fushi
Location: The Maldives
Whether it’s a honeymoon or simply ticking the Maldives off your list, Soneva is the standard‑bearer of island getaways. Each villa (whether perched over turquoise waters or tucked into lush jungle) comes with its own personal butler, ensuring every detail is handled before you even think to ask. The resort’s famous “No News, No Shoes” philosophy means uncompromising ease, with days shaped entirely around your interests.
Families and couples alike find plenty to do: tennis with a former pro, guided stargazing with an astronomer, snorkeling among vibrant reefs, or indulging in the open‑air cinema under the stars. Dining is equally bespoke, from barefoot beach barbecues to fine‑dining experiences crafted with fresh Maldivian ingredients. Add a world‑class spa and wellness programs, and Soneva becomes a blueprint for how island life should feel when you truly splurge.
The Brando
Location: Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia
Hide away on the pristine Tetiaroa atoll at one of 35 villas, each tucked into lush tropical gardens with powder‑soft beaches just steps away. Your journey begins at The Brando’s private guest lounge before a short flight over the turquoise lagoon — an arrival as memorable as the stay itself. Villas come with private pools and outdoor living spaces, perfect for families or couples seeking seclusion. The resort doubles as a conservation hub, offering eco‑tours, reef expeditions, and guided wildlife encounters that make it an ideal introduction to nature for younger guests. Dining ranges from French‑Polynesian fusion to casual beachfront fare, while the spa floats above the lagoon for ultimate serenity. And for a keepsake, the Hinerava boutique offers Tahitian pearls as timeless as the island itself.
Huka Lodge
Location: New Zealand
If fly fishing in pristine wilderness and jet boating rapids is your thing, Huka Lodge is paradise on earth. Set on the banks of the Waikato River near Taupo, this century‑old retreat offers just 25 suites and two cottages, ensuring privacy with world‑class service. The lodge is famed for its culinary program, with daily changing menus and an exceptional wine cellar that showcase New Zealand’s bounty. Guests can choose from guided fishing, hiking, golf, or helicopter tours to nearby volcanic landscapes. Every season brings its own magic: from summer riverside dining to cozy winter evenings by the fire. With attentive staff and a legacy of welcoming royalty and celebrities, Huka Lodge remains the definitive splurge in the land of the long white cloud.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Location: Kangaroo Island, Australia
Australia is in itself a splurge, with 13 hours from the West Coast of the US or a full 24 hours and two flights from Europe’s capitals. Southern Ocean Lodge makes the trip worth the effort. With only 23 suites and a four‑bedroom pavilion, it’s the perfect location for a destination wedding or milestone celebration. Set on pristine Kangaroo Island in Australia’s south, it’s teeming with its namesake wildlife along a rugged coastline that overlooks the whale migration route. Recently rebuilt after the 2020 bushfires, the lodge now blends cutting‑edge sustainability with its signature luxury. Stay cozy indoors while gazing out at the vast outdoors, and enjoy the freshest local ingredients paired with Australia’s celebrated wines.
Other Articles You’ll Like
Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc
The African Safari 101 Guide
Galavante Crash Pad – Soneva Fushi in the Maldives
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi?
A: Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi are both ultra‑luxury Maldivian resorts under the same brand, However, they deliver very different experiences. Soneva Jani is famous for futuristic overwater villas with slides and a lagoon setting. Soneva Fushi offers rustic “Crusoe chic” jungle villas on a larger island with more barefoot adventure.
Q: What is the best way to try to secure a reservation to Hotel du Cap Eden Roc?
A: Book directly through the Oetker Collection website as early as possible, ideally several months in advance. Bear in mind that the hotel operates only seasonally (April–October) and prioritizes returning guests. Flexibility with dates and room categories, plus contacting the reservations team personally, increases your chances.
Q: How do I get to The Brando?
A: To reach The Brando on Tetiaroa Atoll, you must first fly into Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT). From there, guests take a 20‑minute private flight with Air Tetiaroa, the resort’s own airline, directly to the island. Only registered guests of The Brando are permitted on these flights.
