The luxury hotels every traveller dreams of photographing

What makes a hotel truly great? Is it the service, the décor, the history? The truth is, it’s all those things and more. But in the world of luxury, it often boils down to something less tangible: the memories a place creates.

For years the word “luxe” was synonymous with old money and addresses so intimidating travellers didn’t even want to step inside. But over time the dress codes have loosened and the crockery has been downgraded (a smidge) to attract a younger, cooler crowd through their doors. Has it worked? Yes – and unbelievably so. 

Take Claridge’s in London, for example. Rewind a few decades and entrance to the hotel felt practically under lock and key. Nowadays, it’s an open invitation to anyone who wants to take a peek at its famous checkered lobby and annual Christmas tree – a small moment of London magic that visitors return to year after year, and one that many carry home as part of their own travel memories.

While luxury is subjective, there is a quintessential grading system that all five-star hotels and resorts abide by (thank the Swiss for this). It often features amenities like 24/7 butler service, private infinity pools, Michelin-starred dining and high-end design. Or, if you can afford it, totally bespoke experiences from beginning to end, where you can choose everything from your room’s colour palette to the sheets and pillows spread across your bed – with an eye-wateringly high price tag to match.

However, some are simply better than the rest. Beyond all the fineries lies a world of luxury that thrives beyond star ratings. Some of the globe’s best hotels continue to think outside the box and favour guest experience over material extravagance or trend-setting quirks. True luxury is something that reflects a lifestyle – and the places that do it best curate an atmosphere guests remember long after they’ve checked out. 

Next to the likes of The Ritz, Hotel Plaza Athénée is the pinnacle of Parisian luxury, immortalised in fashion shoots and countless coffee table books. Famously located on Avenue Montaigne, its red awnings and geranium-filled balconies have also featured in Hollywood films and TV shows like Sex and the City, and most recently, Emily in Paris. In short, it’s an icon in its own right – a place many travellers recognise instantly, even before they arrive. But beyond the aesthetic, the hotel’s appeal lies in how it makes guests feel. François Delahaye, general manager and COO at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, says the defining reason to stay is “to experience the feeling of being truly seen and cared for”. As he explains, “It’s an invitation to experience a world where every detail is felt, seen and experienced – creating sincere and genuine connections with the guests who stay here.”

For neighbouring Hotel Le Bristol, luxury is woven into the locale. Luca Allegri, president and managing director, says a stay at the hotel “is to experience the art of French hospitality at its absolute finest”. Having been at the helm of some of the most famous hotels, from The Connaught in London to the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Allegri argues that Le Bristol Paris is more than just a hotel – it’s a vision. Guided by the dedication of its two owning families (the Jammets from 1925 to 1978, and the Oetkers since 1978), Le Bristol Paris “continues to honour its heritage while seamlessly embracing modernity and comfort”. Ultimately, it’s designed to feel like a home away from home – a place where guests return not just for the rooms, but for the familiarity and the memories they associate with it.

Over in Italy, on the Argentario coast, iconography plays a huge part in the luxury experience at Hotel Il Pellicano. A starlet magnet, it still pays homage to the country’s greatest pastime and pop culture export: La Dolce Vita. Owner and CEO Marie-Louise Sció says the hotel’s success is not just because of its legendary cult status but because “Hotel Il Pellicano has always felt like a home rather than a hotel”. The property has been part of her family since 1979, when her father acquired it from British aviator Michael Graham and his wife, American socialite Patsy Daszel. “It began as a private house for friends, and that spirit of warmth, intimacy and ease is still very much alive today,” Sció says. “It combines natural beauty with timeless style and an effortless elegance that never tries too hard. The real reason to stay, though, is how it makes you feel. It’s not about excess or spectacle, but about feeling well looked after – and leaving with a genuine connection to the place.”

That idea of connection continues further south on the Amalfi Coast at Il San Pietro di Positano. Owned by the Cinque family, the hotel’s dramatic cliffside location is famed for its unrivalled panoramic views, retro-style rooms and suites, as well as its three-Michelin-key status. Pair that with Michelin-starred dining and exquisite Mediterranean gardens, and Il San Pietro paints the picture of one of the most exclusive and romantic escapes in Europe. But what makes it so special? “There is no single defining feature that makes Il San Pietro unique,” says general manager Andrea Zana. “It’s in our fabric. The hotel’s almost unrepeatable convergence of extraordinary nature, enlightened vision and a form of hospitality that feels instinctively right and never imposed is what makes us stand out most. Here, luxury lies in the art of simplicity.”

Luxury isn’t just about being stationary in a flash hotel, though. In recent years, the resurgence of high-end train travel has rocketed in interest across the globe, driven by a revival of nostalgic glamour and slower-paced journeys. From Rovos Rail in Africa to the recently launched La Dolce Vita Express in Europe, travellers are increasingly drawn to experiences that prioritise immersion and reflection over fast-paced “tick box” itineraries.

Perhaps the most famous train journey of them all is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which has also garnered the most Instagram attention over the years. The key to its monumental success is all about “stepping into a time capsule”, says general manager Pascal Deyrolle. Deyrolle began his career on the train as a cabin steward before rising to the top job in 2014. For him, the slow rhythmic jolt of the train is part of its magic. “Our train invites guests to disconnect, savour life’s pleasures and appreciate the beauty of the world – from stunning landscapes and historic craftsmanship to exquisite cuisine,” he says. “My tip is to enjoy being present and truly embrace the journey.”

And yes, the champagne is on tap, of course.