Rising above the pristine sands of Grace Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos is a modernist's dream in a traditionalist's world. Recently honored in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler awards, it offers a 'high-rise luxury' experience that is new to the island. From the palatial bathrooms with Diptyque scents to the prime cuts at BLT Steak, it’s a stay defined by polished service and staggering views. While it may feel a bit like a luxury city hotel on vacation, the private catamaran sails and the convenience of a compact, intimate footprint make it a top-tier base for exploring Providenciales.

In a city of historic landmarks, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square stands out for its blend of French elegance and Center City energy. From the welcome cocktail on arrival to the seamless free upgrade to a suite, every detail felt curated. Whether you're exploring the incredible food scene on Sansom Street or retreating to the buttery pastries at Chez Colette, the hotel offers a sophisticated base just steps from Rittenhouse Square

Steps from Nijo Castle, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO has officially arrived on the world stage, ranking No. 46 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Staying in one of the rare Onsen Suites—a 1,100-square-foot sanctuary with a private, outdoor hot spring bath—was the ultimate luxury. Far more intimate than the public thermal baths, it turned the winter chill into a distant memory. With a resourceful concierge who expertly mapped our temple tours and a breakfast that is as delicious as it is beautiful, the Mitsui is the new gold standard for Kyoto luxury.

Positioned perfectly on the Midosuji boulevard, The St. Regis Osaka is the ultimate gateway to the city. After a midnight arrival and a 'dirt cheap' cash upgrade to the Matsu Suite, we were treated to the most stunning, unobstructed city views in Osaka. While the breakfast buffet is intimate, the made-to-order menu and the refined Italian vibes of La Veduta set a high bar for the morning. Despite some experimental misses at the St. Regis Bar, the hotel’s location remains unbeatable—offering seamless subway access and better proximity to the South's shopping districts than the Ritz or Four Seasons. It is a masterclass in urban luxury.

Waking up to the Gateway of India right outside our window at The Taj Mahal Palace was a dream realized, but the reality of the stay was a mixed bag. While it officially debuted at No. 38 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, it struggled to compete with the seamless service of other Top 50 icons we've visited. The impeccable hygiene and Sea Lounge breakfast are the best in the city, but the experience was dampened by strict 11 AM alcohol rules (even poolside at Aquarius) and a loud, uninspired visit to the Harbour Bar. From the dated gym to the nickel-and-diming at checkout, the 'Palace' shows its age in ways that history alone can't hide

In the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s proves why it’s a permanent fixture on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. From the seamless pre-arrival communication to our stunning Claridge’s Room, every detail was handled with effortless grace. Through the Art of Dining package and the brilliant Dante NYC crossover, we experienced the very best of London’s culinary scene. While its sister, The Connaught, offers a cozy, historic charm, we found Claridge’s bright, open Art Deco lobby and its unbeatable proximity to Bond Street made it the superior Mayfair base. Whether you're in the buzzy Claridge’s Bar or the hidden Fumoir, this is the gold standard of London luxury.

To stay at Cap Maison St. Lucia is to enter a world where the word 'no' doesn't exist. From our sprawling Two-Bedroom Villa Suite to the Michelin-caliber flavors at The Cliff at Cap, this is a resort designed for the traveler who wants to settle in and savor the island. While icons like Jade Mountain offer stunning views, Cap Maison provides the best cost-benefit on the island, offering an all-inclusive value that is second to none. Whether we were enjoying a private boat day with unlimited Champagne or letting the hours melt away by the pool, the staff handled every detail—from private transfers to local hiking guides—with effortless grace.

There are luxury resorts, and then there is Orpheus Island Lodge. Accessible only by a breathtaking private helicopter flight over the turquoise patchwork of the Great Barrier Reef, this is an island where the 'real world' simply ceases to exist.

Our stay in the Beachfront Suite was defined by total immersion: waking up to the Coral Sea, exploring 1,100 species of marine life on guided scuba dives, and taking the helm of our own motorized dinghy to find a deserted bay for a chef-prepared Champagne picnic. With a maximum of just 28 guests, the experience is hyper-personalized. Between the unlimited gourmet meals that change daily, the sunset shark feedings at the jetty, and a staff whose reef knowledge is as deep as the ocean itself, Orpheus isn't just a getaway—it’s a masterclass in secluded, all-inclusive sovereignty.

In the heart of Sydney’s historic Sandstone Precinct, Capella Sydney is redefining the meaning of an urban sanctuary. So understated that many locals don’t even realize it's there, this beautifully restored 1912 landmark has officially arrived on the global stage—debuting at No. 12 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list and being named the Best Hotel in Oceania for 2025. It trades flashy harbor views for deep-seated heritage and quiet luxury. From the Michelin-worthy flavors of Brasserie 1930 to the guest-only 'Afternoon Swill' in the Living Room, every moment is curated by the hotel’s expert Culturists. Located just steps from Circular Quay, it offers the rare combination of city-center access and a total, hushed seclusion that feels like your own private discovery.

If you’re looking for the ultimate intersection of Balinese soul and Parisian chic, look no further than Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. We traded the jungle for the sea, checking into a private villa sanctuary where the mornings began in our own infinity-edge plunge pool and ended with the sound of the Indian Ocean.

The highlight of the season? The breathtaking Dioriviera takeover. Between shopping the exclusive capsule collection at the Dior pop-up and sipping monogrammed lattes at the Dior Café, we experienced a level of coastal glamour that only the Four Seasons can execute. From the heritage-rich architecture of our villa to the high-fashion energy of the Sundara Beach Club, it was a stay defined by 'quiet luxury' and very loud style.

From the dramatic suspension bridge entrance to our private garden suite with its own plunge pool, Four Seasons Sayan is the definition of Balinese bliss. We spent our days alternating between world-class dining at Ayung Terrace and using the resort's convenient complimentary shuttle to dive into the artisan shops and bustling streets of Ubud center. It’s the ultimate ‘best of both worlds’ escapeIt All Begins Here

Perched elegantly on the edge of the Seine, Cheval Blanc Paris isn’t just a hotel—it’s a love letter to French art de vivre. Imagine waking up to the sun hitting the Pont-Neuf, spending your afternoon enveloped in the serenity of the Dior Spa, and ending the evening with the three-Michelin-starred alchemy of Chef Arnaud Donckele at Plénitude. In a city defined by its history, Cheval Blanc has managed to create something entirely new: a sanctuary of modern couture luxury that feels like home, only much, much more glamorous.

It All Begins Here