Ultra-luxury hotels for the indulgent traveller

Looking forward to a far-flung escape is often made that much more special when the resort is extravagant and one-of-a-kind. For those fond of travelling in style, we’ve found the most luxurious places around the world for an unforgettable holiday.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Maldives

Tucked away on Vommuli Island in the Maldives, you’ll find a sublime private retreat – St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Start your holiday flying high with a seaplane transfer to this 5-star luxury resort, landing on crystalline Indian Ocean before being shown to your villa that sits on the sea. Take full advantage of the warm, tropical climate with a leisurely canoe expedition or spend the afternoon unwinding with a ‘salute to the sun’ flow class in the yoga studio. For those interested in improving their holistic wellness, the resort offers a range of treatments including sessions with an Ayurvedic (a form of natural medicine) specialist or an acupuncturist, an invigorating Balinese or Thai massage, herbal body scrubs, facials and manicures – and the spa has glass floors to watch the marine life swim by while you’re being pampered.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée – Dorchester Collection, France

Located in Paris’ Avenue Montaigne – considered haute couture heaven – Hôtel Plaza Athénée is immersed in the French capital’s finest culture and is the epitome of Parisian chic. From featuring in the final episode of Sex and the City (as the hotel in which Carrie stays while in Paris) to hosting famous guests such as Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and the Ford family, The Plaza is world-famous for luring anyone who is anyone through its doors. Highlights include exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower and twice-daily housekeeping, not to mention a restaurant serving up Michelin Star gastronomic delights – and a dining hall that has crystals and chandeliers dripping from the ceiling. Freshen up before dinner at the rejuvenating on-site Dior Institut spa.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, USA

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is located in the town Kailua-Kona on the west coast of Hawaii Big Island. Framed by white sand beaches, palm trees and black lava rock from the nearby Hualālai volcano, it’s a tropical escape with a view worth savouring. The relaxed spirit that encapsulates Hawaii spirit also permeates the resort, so once you arrive you won’t want to leave. For those who love a hit of golf, take on the 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus signature course which flows around 6.5km of well-manicured fairways. Or spend the day snorkeling aqua lagoons full of colourful fish. In the evening, visit the adults-only Palm Grove infinity pool to watch the kaleidoscopic sunset. Then head to the bar and let the resort’s mixologists make you their signature cocktail ‘Waimea Burro’, which is a blend of Absolut Elyx, lychee purée, cucumber, lemon juice and ginger beer.

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, The UK

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is located in Great Milton, a village in Oxfordshire. It’s an institution that has become one of the country’s most cherished manor house hotels, balancing just the right amount of Oxfordshire heritage with a French flair. On arrival, you’ll notice immaculate lawns, rows of lavender and expansive orchards. The grounds not only serve as a visual feast but everything grown (that is edible) provides the on-site Michelin Star restaurant (and the Raymond Blanc Cookery School) with ingredients for their à la carte menu. No matter the time of year, you’ll find plenty here to indulge in; whether that’s ordering an in-room spa treatment and massage, cuddling up by the fireplace in winter or strolling through the serene Japanese zen garden in summer.

Andronis Luxury Suites, Greece

Located in a traditional village on the Cyclades island of Santorini, Andronis Luxury Suites is a luxury retreat so decadent that it mostly attracts honeymooners embarking on the holiday-of-a-lifetime. The resort gently cascades down the side of the volcanic island’s caldera, giving you unbeatable views of the Aegean Sea. This romantic setting is at its most seductive at dusk when the pastel pink and orange sky harmonises with the white-washed architecture and the crystalline infinity pool. For people seeking an especially secluded getaway, you can request a suite that has its own private pool. Wake up to fresh breakfasts made using only bio-organic ingredients before indulging with a remedial massage on your terrace while enjoying the warm sun and Aegean Sea breeze.