5 Best Luxury Hotels in the World: The Ultimate Guide

Here are the 5 best luxury hotels in the world in 2025. From overwater villas in the Maldives to legendary city hotels, explore the most exclusive stays and book your dream getaway.

2/19/20255 min read

black and silver SLR camera on table
black and silver SLR camera on table

Luxury hotels offer more than just a place to stay—they create unforgettable moments in the world’s most stunning destinations. Whether it’s waking up in an overwater villa in the Maldives, enjoying Michelin-starred dining in Paris, or unwinding in a private infinity pool overlooking the Dubai skyline, these hotels redefine indulgence.

As travel continues to evolve, 2025 brings a new level of luxury, blending world-class service with breathtaking design and exclusivity. If you’re looking for an extraordinary getaway, these five hotels set the gold standard.

The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in the World (2025 Edition)

The Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE

An architectural icon, the Burj Al Arab is the epitome of extravagance. Often called the world's only "seven-star" hotel, it offers all-suite accommodation, gold-plated interiors, and round-the-clock butler service. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private infinity pool, chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces, and helicopter transfers from the hotel’s helipad.

Dining is an event at the Burj Al Arab. Al Muntaha, perched 200 meters above the shores of the Arabian Gulf, serves up exquisite French cuisine and panoramic views. Or maybe you prefer SAL, a beautiful beach club offering beachfront Mediterranean dining in a chic, relaxed setting. Every element of this hotel is designed to make guests feel like royalty.

The Royal Suite takes luxury to another level with a rotating bed, a 24-karat gold-plated iPad, and a private cinema. The opulence extends to the Talise Spa, where guests can indulge in exclusive treatments while gazing out over the city skyline.

A stay at the Burj Al Arab is an invitation to experience the pinnacle of Dubai’s luxury scene. It’s an unforgettable destination for those who want nothing less than the best.

The Ritz Paris – France

A symbol of Parisian elegance, The Ritz Paris has been the preferred retreat for royalty, celebrities, and literary icons for over a century. Located in the heart of Place Vendôme, this legendary hotel exudes old-world charm with its crystal chandeliers, grand salons, and historic suites dedicated to icons like Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway.

Guests can experience Michelin-starred dining at L’Espadon or sip expertly crafted cocktails at Bar Hemingway, one of the most celebrated hotel bars in the world. The Ritz Club & Spa offers an exclusive CHANEL beauty experience, allowing guests to indulge in treatments inspired by the legendary fashion house.

Each suite at The Ritz Paris tells a story of timeless luxury, with plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, and views over the city’s rooftops. Whether staying in a signature suite or a deluxe room, the experience is one of unparalleled refinement.

For those seeking the perfect mix of history, glamour, and five-star service, The Ritz Paris remains an essential destination in 2025.

Soneva Jani – Maldives

A paradise in the Indian Ocean, Soneva Jani is the ultimate escape for those seeking barefoot luxury. Overwater villas stretch across a crystal-clear lagoon, each featuring private pools, waterslides, and retractable roofs for stargazing. Sustainability meets sophistication in this eco-luxury resort.

Dining options include treetop restaurants, overwater sushi bars, and private beach dinners under the stars. The resort’s commitment to sustainability ensures that every element, from the organic gardens to the solar-powered villas, aligns with nature.

Soneva Jani’s experiences go beyond relaxation. Guests can enjoy an open-air cinema, a private observatory, snorkelling with manta rays, or a sunset dolphin cruise. The personalized butler service ensures that every stay is seamless and stress-free.

For travellers seeking a blend of luxury and tranquillity, Soneva Jani offers an unparalleled retreat in the heart of the Maldives.

The Plaza Hotel – New York City, USA

A New York icon, The Plaza Hotel has defined luxury since 1907. Overlooking Central Park, this legendary hotel combines old-world elegance with modern sophistication. The grand lobby, adorned with crystal chandeliers and marble columns, sets the tone for an opulent stay.

The hotel’s suites offer a glimpse into classic New York luxury, with richly decorated interiors, gilded mirrors, and lavish bathrooms. The Royal Suite features a grand piano, a private library, and floor-to-ceiling views of Fifth Avenue.

Dining at The Plaza is just as iconic. The Palm Court serves its famous afternoon tea, while The Champagne Bar offers an intimate setting for evening cocktails. High-end boutiques within the hotel cater to guests looking for luxury shopping without leaving the property.

For visitors seeking the ultimate Manhattan experience, The Plaza remains the gold standard of luxury in the city that never sleeps.

The Oberoi Udaivilas – Udaipur, India

Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a masterpiece of Indian luxury. Designed to resemble a grand palace, the hotel features domed pavilions, intricate frescoes, and lush courtyards, evoking the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

Guests can arrive by boat, gliding across the lake to the hotel’s stunning entrance. Inside, each suite boasts handcrafted furniture, private plunge pools, and expansive views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Dining at Udaivilas is a regal experience, with traditional Rajasthani cuisine served in candlelit courtyards. The spa, offering Ayurvedic treatments and yoga sessions, enhances the sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.

For travelers seeking a fairy-tale retreat, The Oberoi Udaivilas delivers an experience that is as magical as it is luxurious.

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These five luxury hotels offer the finest hospitality experiences in the world, blending elegance, exclusivity, and impeccable service. Whether you dream of a city escape, a beachfront paradise, or a historic retreat, each of these properties sets the standard for indulgence in 2025.

For those ready to experience the pinnacle of luxury travel, these destinations offer unforgettable moments in the most breathtaking settings on earth.

Ready to book your dream stay? Click on the links to explore exclusive deals and VIP upgrades for these luxury hotels!

These exceptional properties belong to some of the top luxury hotel brands renowned for impeccable service and design. Seasonal Booking Strategies for Luxury Hotels & Resorts: How to Get the Best Value.