September 2023 was a big month in the travel world, with the first-ever edition of the World’s 50 Best Hotels. Any traveller worth their salt knows that where you stay can make or break your holiday. Off the back of this much awaited list, our in-the-know travel designers pick their favourite hotels, from celebrity-favoured secluded stays to palatial properties fit for royalty.
Coming in at #9 on the list, this sprawling 15th-century Medici palace is home to Florence’s largest private garden, filled with fountains and statues. Plus, there’s a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on the premises!
In the foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya, tucked within oak forests and overlooking the glittering lights of the valleys, this is the most luxurious address in Mussoorie. Yoga sessions with mountain views and therapeutic spa treatments promise a rejuvenating holiday for the whole family.
A trailblazer in sustainable luxury, this discreet 72-villa resort in a northern Maldivian atoll offers barefoot luxury in the most pristine island setting. Overwater and beachfront villas, eco-friendly opulence, clear turquoise waters and lush greenery – this is truly a haven of tranquility.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the French Riviera, this glamourous chateau from the 1800s is the epitome of elegance. Playing host to everyone from the Kennedys to the Kardashians, this is the chicest spot in Antibes.