The credibility behind Luxury Travel Intelligence lies in their independence and honesty, a members-only organization that provides in-depth, unbiased insights into luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and nightlife worldwide. LTI does not accept advertising or sponsorships, ensuring that their evaluations remain impartial and focused solely on the interests of their members. Their team of experienced researchers conducts evaluations anonymously, paying full rates for their experiences.This approach encourages unbiased reporting and authentic assessments of luxury establishments.
Their annual Top 15 luxury hotels around the world list is much anticipated by luxury, travellers, then. Here’s the Top 5, with the balance of the list at the end:
5. Royal Mansour, Casablanca
Set in an iconic monument from the 50s, Casablanca’s new luxury hotel embodies a vibrant journey through a timeless golden age. The effervescence of the lounges, the monumental lighting of the lobby and the superb signature restaurants: everything sparkles with an elegant and warm energy.
4. The Emory, London
London’s first all-suite ultra-luxury hotel certainly impresses. This super discreet property is the latest addition to the Maybourne Hotel Group’s prestigious portfolio, which includes Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley.
3. Soneva Secret, Maldives
The first resort in the Makunudhoo Atoll, Soneva Secret, offers 14 overwater and island villas, each having a dedicated team of three, including a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and dedicated chef, to ensure your stay is fully personalised. It may well now be the most expensive resort in the Maldives, but you most certainly get your money’s worth.
2. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
Mandarin Oriental has created the ultimate boutique ultra-luxury property in Mayfair. It’s very discreet and offers guests a spectacular spa, an excellent destination restaurant in Akira Black, and two Abar options (one on the rooftop with views over Mayfair).
1. Cheval Blanc, Seychelles
Curled around the Anse Intendance beach on Mahé Island in the Seychelles, LVMH, the world leader in luxury, has created Maison Cheval Blanc, which is truly exceptional. Situated in the perfect idyllic setting, this ‘Maison’ embodies a unique ‘art de vivre’ in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. With 52 villas that offer stunning, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, we appreciate how this property stands out for its harmony with the lush nature of the Seychelles.
The villas meld spacious volumes, contemporary lines and local inspirations, creating a perfect balance. The culinary offering features five restaurant concepts, while the Spa Cheval Blanc by Guerlain, offers unique treatments inspired by the island’s nature wonders, combining expertise and well-being.
6-15: The Potlach Club, Bahamas; Bijal, Turkey; Shebara, Saudi Arabia; Raffles, Jaipur; Four Seasons, Mallorca; The Surrey, New York; Nujuma, Saudi Arabia; The Dunlin, South Carolina; Hôtel du Couvent, Nice; Arev, St Tropez.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
