^{Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi}

A lot of hotels claim the word “luxury.” There are luxury boutique hotels, affordable luxury hotels, even luxury hostels. But true luxury hotels — we’re talking about the best hotels in the world — are distinguished by a few special things.

The décor is exquisite. The dining is memorable. The amenities are plush. And most importantly, the service is absolutely impeccable. The best luxury hotels will do anything to anticipate and satisfy a guest’s desires. Staff are intuitive, but never presume; they’re observant and discreet; they know how to make every guest feel important.¹ These six hotels have lifted luxury to new heights.

Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia

You’d expect the best hotel in the world to be in a major metropolis, like Paris or Shanghai. But according to Travel+Leisure readers, it’s on a tiny island in Indonesia.² At Nihi, luxury doesn’t mean gilded bathroom fixtures. It’s all about comfort on the edge of wildness, in a place guests call paradise on earth. Guests stay in private villas — one is a tree house — with dedicated staff who make every wish come true. You may surf the legendary wave Occy’s Left, learn to spearfish or embark on a “spa safari”: a sunrise hike, followed by “a fleet of staff bearing cold towels and fresh coconuts,” then spa treatments in a private cliffside room.³

La Réserve, Paris

Guests of La Réserve use words like “perfect,” “superb” and “magnifique” to describe this lovely luxury hotel in Paris. Once you stay here, they say, you’re spoiled for anywhere else.⁴ La Réserve emphasizes “the subtle luxury of refined simplicity.”

You may find your favorite flowers waiting for you when you arrive, or a gift if you’re celebrating a special occasion. “For long stays, there is also the possibility of decorating the apartment with original works of art according to your tastes, of setting up a fitness or home cinema area, of enhancing it with a personalized library,” the hotel suggests.⁵

A dedicated housekeeper serves your breakfast and handles your daily shopping, laundry, and ironing. Enjoy afternoon tea in the dining room, or in your own apartment. The press of an iPad button summons your personal butler. La Réserve is also home to a wine library, an elegant bar (called simply Le Bar) and the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gabriel.

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai

The Burj Al Arab proudly calls itself “the most luxurious hotel in the world,” and it’s hard to disagree. Arrive in one of the hotel’s chauffeured Rolls-Royces, by helicopter, or, if you’re trying to save a little cash, in a BMW 7 Series. Each floor in the sail-shaped tower has its own, private reception, and check-in is conducted in your suite. Every guest enjoys the services of a personal butler. For fun, you can charter a luxury yacht; venture on a desert safari; take a Lamborghini out for a joyride; or savor some spectacularly expensive seafood at Nathan Outlaw.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

If, like Corduroy in the children’s book, you’ve always wanted to live in a palace, then you must stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Rajasthan, India. Built as a royal residence, the sandstone palace overlooks Jodhpur, the Blue City. In the queenly Maharani Suite, guests can bathe in a tub carved from pink marble; other suites are furnished in Art Deco style. Peacocks stroll the exquisite gardens, musicians strum sitars, and staff shower guests with rose petals when they arrive.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

An even more palatial experience can be enjoyed at Emirates Palace, an enormous luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi. Every surface is covered with marble or gold, and even the cappuccino is served with gold flakes on top. The rooms are sumptuously decorated in Arabian style. The three-bedroom Palace Suite will take your breath away with soaring ceilings, a private terrace and sea views.

At check-in, guests are greeted with a cold drink, a cold towel and a rose. A butler in formal attire hangs your clothes and helps you plan your stay. The spa is modeled on a Moroccan hammam, with two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, and an ice cave. Suite guests enjoy access to the “legendarily discreet” Palace Lounges, supplied with gourmet food and beverages and any services they require.

Baccarat Hotel and Residences, New York City

If you like glitz and glamour, it’s nearly impossible to beat the Baccarat Hotel. This modern palace literally shines, with a façade of glittering Baccarat crystals. Outside each door hangs a unique piece of curated art, “which can make you feel a bit like you are sleeping in a posh museum rather than a New York City hotel,” Forbes Travel Guide notes. Baths are furnished with expensive La Mer products, and when you’re thirsty, just hit the Champagne call button. For the most opulent experience, opt for the Baccarat Suite, which (as of this writing) costs more than $16,000 per night.

If you’re staying at a luxury hotel this year — or even a hotel that’s pretty nice — make sure you protect your trip investment with travel insurance. A plan with trip cancellation/interruption benefits can reimburse your prepaid trip costs, if you have to cancel the trip for a covered reason. Get a quote for your next trip!

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