As a Travel writer, I have stayed in variety of hotels and looking back, I'd like to share my top 5 favourite hotels.
For me, luxury is not always about the marble bath-tub or exquisite spa, but about the location, ambience and service. Feeling looked after and stress free including experiencing something unique and new.
Below are five
standouts - some quite new, some brand new to me, each having all it takes to let us experience the best of it all, be it a dream family holiday, romantic getaway, or a luxurious retreat.
Corso Zanardelli, 190, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy
Reason
Ambience, Location, Food
Built as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family in 1888, the hotel combines historic architecture with luxury and comfort located in Gardone Riviera, right on the shore of Lake Garda in Northern Italy.
The rooms are spacious and elegant with the most magnificent views of the lake you could ever dream of.
The grounds and gardens are immaculate. Great spot for a spot of lunch or just lounging around. The service and attention to detail is impressive.
Chef Matteo Felter, a native of Lake Garda, certainly adds his creativity and modern twist to the traditional dishes in their Il Fagiano restaurant.
Highly recommend dining here for a good quality food and amazing atmosphere.
Grand Hotel Fasano is the ultimate escape to simply relax and take in the incredible scenery around you. There are plenty of attractions and things to do in the area too – I went paragliding.
Reason
Ambience, Location, Food
Built as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family in 1888, the hotel combines historic architecture with luxury and comfort located in Gardone Riviera, right on the shore of Lake Garda in Northern Italy.
The rooms are spacious and elegant with the most magnificent views of the lake you could ever dream of.
The grounds and gardens are immaculate. Great spot for a spot of lunch or just lounging around. The service and attention to detail is impressive.
Chef Matteo Felter, a native of Lake Garda, certainly adds his creativity and modern twist to the traditional dishes in their Il Fagiano restaurant.
Highly recommend dining here for a good quality food and amazing atmosphere.
Grand Hotel Fasano is the ultimate escape to simply relax and take in the incredible scenery around you. There are plenty of attractions and things to do in the area too – I went paragliding.
Read my full review
For more information, visit their website
Where
Fiskardo 280 84, Kefalonia, Greece
Reason
Ambience, Location, Service
The five-star resort makes fantastic use of its natural surroundings, set in green luscious grounds along the rocky shoreline of the Ionian Sea designed to make you feel at home.
Guests are welcome to the calm and serenity of the hotel grounds, and enjoy a stay that is close to nature and away from the hubbubs of modern life.
It’s a luxury playground with a soul, a resort that offers all: restaurants, bars, 3 swimming pools, tennis and squash court, Elemis spa and much more.
With several outdoor activities to try such as hiking, horse riding or scuba diving, you can never get bored, if you feel like being active. But if all you want to do is kick back and relax, soaking up the panoramic views of the neighbouring islands of Ithaca and Lefkada is pretty spectacular activity itself.
If you ever visit Kefalonia, you must visit Fiskardo, often described as Greece's prettiest village and Kefalonia’s most glamorous spot.
Fiskardo 280 84, Kefalonia, Greece
Reason
Ambience, Location, Service
The five-star resort makes fantastic use of its natural surroundings, set in green luscious grounds along the rocky shoreline of the Ionian Sea designed to make you feel at home.
Guests are welcome to the calm and serenity of the hotel grounds, and enjoy a stay that is close to nature and away from the hubbubs of modern life.
It’s a luxury playground with a soul, a resort that offers all: restaurants, bars, 3 swimming pools, tennis and squash court, Elemis spa and much more.
With several outdoor activities to try such as hiking, horse riding or scuba diving, you can never get bored, if you feel like being active. But if all you want to do is kick back and relax, soaking up the panoramic views of the neighbouring islands of Ithaca and Lefkada is pretty spectacular activity itself.
If you ever visit Kefalonia, you must visit Fiskardo, often described as Greece's prettiest village and Kefalonia’s most glamorous spot.
Read my full review
Where
21, Derb Chtouka, Kasbah, Marrakesh 4000, Morocco
Reason
Ambience, Location, Service, Food
What an unexpected surprise to find this much peace and tranquillity in the middle of a busy city; it is like entering another world.
Once you've done the cultural highlights of the pink city of Morocco, escape the dust and heat of the streets an step into an oasis to take a breath and cool down from the burning sun.
The best thing about the hotel is their picture perfect garden. Peaceful. Tropical. Exciting.
Staying here is like living in a bird sanctuary, surrounded by palm, banana and orange trees, birds chirping away and tortoises trolling through the grounds. You wouldn't think you are in the centre of Marrakech!
Outstanding food, fantastic atmosphere, fabulous spa, impeccable service, live music, cookery lessons and so much more this elegant hotel has on offer. And of course, the most beautiful tropical garden you wish was yours.
21, Derb Chtouka, Kasbah, Marrakesh 4000, Morocco
Reason
Ambience, Location, Service, Food
What an unexpected surprise to find this much peace and tranquillity in the middle of a busy city; it is like entering another world.
Once you've done the cultural highlights of the pink city of Morocco, escape the dust and heat of the streets an step into an oasis to take a breath and cool down from the burning sun.
The best thing about the hotel is their picture perfect garden. Peaceful. Tropical. Exciting.
Staying here is like living in a bird sanctuary, surrounded by palm, banana and orange trees, birds chirping away and tortoises trolling through the grounds. You wouldn't think you are in the centre of Marrakech!
Outstanding food, fantastic atmosphere, fabulous spa, impeccable service, live music, cookery lessons and so much more this elegant hotel has on offer. And of course, the most beautiful tropical garden you wish was yours.
Read my full review
Where
Kúpeľná 6, 059 85 Vysoké Tatry-Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia
Reason
Ambience, Service, Location, Spa, Food
The instant I walked into the Grand Hotel Kempinski, I felt like a stepped into a fairy-tale.
Set on the shores of Štrbské Pleso lake overlooking the breath-taking High Tatra Mountains, packed with timeless elegance, luxury and romance. Magical place offering spectacular views from just about every room in the hotel.
The best feature of this hotel is undoubtedly their Zion Spa. Luxurious interior and calming ambience while soaking up the views, you will not want to leave.
High quality food, great local cuisine with modern twist and impeccable service with very helpful staff willing to meet your every need.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, short break to recharge batteries or a hiking/skiing trip, look no further. The Grand Hotel Kempinski has it all.
Reason
Ambience, Service, Location, Spa, Food
The instant I walked into the Grand Hotel Kempinski, I felt like a stepped into a fairy-tale.
Set on the shores of Štrbské Pleso lake overlooking the breath-taking High Tatra Mountains, packed with timeless elegance, luxury and romance. Magical place offering spectacular views from just about every room in the hotel.
The best feature of this hotel is undoubtedly their Zion Spa. Luxurious interior and calming ambience while soaking up the views, you will not want to leave.
High quality food, great local cuisine with modern twist and impeccable service with very helpful staff willing to meet your every need.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, short break to recharge batteries or a hiking/skiing trip, look no further. The Grand Hotel Kempinski has it all.
Read my full review
Where
Carretera Es
Capdellá-Galilea, km 1.7, 07196 Es Capdellá, Calvía, Mallorca
Reason
Ambience, Service, Location, Spa, Food
This is, without a doubt, my favourite hotel I have ever stayed in.
The new luxury is space, being away from everyone. Far away from touristy resorts and crowded beaches, this elegant hotel is surrounded by acres of stunning flora, immaculate gardens, charming courtyards and La Sierra de Tramontana mountains.
Beautiful gardens full of almond, olive, lemon and bergamot trees, with the scent of lavender and roses drifting all around the grounds, I cannot think of a better place to switch off and lose yourself in a good book.
Castell Son Claret makes a fantastic choice for those looking for something contemporary yet elegant and sophisticated. The food is outstanding and service second to none from arrival to the departure, absolutely perfect in every way and that’s why Castell Son Claret stands out, in the best of ways. It is classed as one of the leading hotels in the world for a reason.
Reason
Ambience, Service, Location, Spa, Food
This is, without a doubt, my favourite hotel I have ever stayed in.
The new luxury is space, being away from everyone. Far away from touristy resorts and crowded beaches, this elegant hotel is surrounded by acres of stunning flora, immaculate gardens, charming courtyards and La Sierra de Tramontana mountains.
Beautiful gardens full of almond, olive, lemon and bergamot trees, with the scent of lavender and roses drifting all around the grounds, I cannot think of a better place to switch off and lose yourself in a good book.
Castell Son Claret makes a fantastic choice for those looking for something contemporary yet elegant and sophisticated. The food is outstanding and service second to none from arrival to the departure, absolutely perfect in every way and that’s why Castell Son Claret stands out, in the best of ways. It is classed as one of the leading hotels in the world for a reason.
Read my full review
Each
and every single one of them made my stay truly unforgettable and therefore, if you have the chance to go, don't think twice! I know I will most certainly return.
Hope this will help deciding on your next luxury retreat.
If it does, please let me know, I would love to hear from you.
4 comments
Each one is so beautiful! Love them all :)
Thank you Tina!
Thank you very much, really appreciate your feedback.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.. Alex Mirza
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