Favorite Hotels for 2024: A Selection Worth Noting
In the realm of travel, there's a growing trend towards immersive experiences that offer more than just a place to rest your head. Here are some extraordinary accommodations that blend history, culture, and adventure, taking guests on a journey they'll never forget.
Wilmina, Berlin, Germany
Once a 19th-century courthouse and women's prison, Wilmina in Berlin now offers a serene, Scandi-chic experience. The modern German cuisine at its onsite restaurant, Lovis, adds a touch of contemporary elegance to this historic building.
HeartSong Lodge, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dolly Parton's HeartSong Lodge in the heart of the Smoky Mountains provides a close connection with nature. Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, making for a truly memorable stay.
Albergo Diffuso Kruja, Krujë, Albania
Albergo Diffuso Kruja, Albania's first scattered hotel, is located in historic dwellings across the town. This unique setup offers guests access to Krujë's history museum, centuries-old crafts bazaar, and trips to Qafë Shtama National Park.
Hotelito by MUSA, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
MUSA, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Zihuatanejo, is the founder of Hotelito by MUSA. This eco-friendly hotel offers private mezcal tastings, surfing lessons, foraging tours, and a turtle sanctuary, making it a haven for adventure-seekers.
AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Punakha, Bhutan
Nestled in the heart of Bhutan, AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge offers river rafting and kayaking, traditional hot stone baths, and six tents and two villas that incorporate local architectural elements and decor choices.
Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, Roatán, Honduras
Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa offers easy access to the world's second largest barrier reef for water activities. The resort also uses local ingredients in its spa treatments and fair-trade crafts in its gift shop.
Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzanian Serengeti
Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers luxury safari tents with local design elements, making guests feel right at home in the heart of the Tanzanian Serengeti. The camp is at its best during the Great Migration from May through July.
Under Canvas North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley, Livingston, Montana
Under Canvas North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley is a new glamping resort that offers guided hikes and horseback rides in the surrounding Paradise Valley region.
Wild Lotus Glamping, Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Wild Lotus Glamping is one of the first glamping resorts in the Caribbean, offering starfish-shaped tents and a fish-forward restaurant.
The Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Hawaii's Big Island
After a multimillion-dollar restoration, the iconic Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, has reopened. Located on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island, it offers a tranquil retreat amidst stunning natural beauty.
Belnem House, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Belnem House is an off-the-grid boutique hotel that offers scuba and snorkeling, as well as trips to Washington-Slagbaai National Park.
Shinta Mani Mustang, Jomsom, Nepal
Shinta Mani Mustang offers all-inclusive lodge experiences amid the dramatic mountain and desert landscapes of Nepal's Lower Mustang region. Guests can embark on biking and trekking tours to centuries-old Buddhist monasteries and high-altitude Dumba Lake.
Hara House, Bright, Victoria, Australia
Hara House, a retrofit of a 1980s motel, is located amid the hiking and skiing paths of northeastern Victoria's mountainous High Country. The onsite Pepperberry restaurant serves homegrown Aussie ingredients, and bike rentals are available for guests.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge, an iconic eco-hotel, is rebounding from wildfires. Guests can enjoy walks amid the rock formations and seal colonies of nearby Flinders Chase National Park or guided tours to spot resident kangaroos and koalas.
Raffles London at the OWO, London, England
Raffles London at the OWO, located in the Whitehall neighborhood, features oak and walnut paneling, mosaic floors, and a castle-worthy central marble staircase.
Residence Douz, Douz, Tunisia
Residence Douz is a new, 50-villa retreat at the edge of the dunes. It offers hammam spa, Saharan Berber culture experiences, and trips to Jebil National Park, Matamata troglodyte cave dwellings, and Ksar Ghilane hot springs.
The Pink Palm Hotel, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
The Pink Palm Hotel, the first new hotel in more than 20 years, offers views of the harbor and Danish colonial architecture.
Kurulu Bay, Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Kurulu Bay offers a secluded cluster of contemporary treehouse suites and palm-shaded cottages overlooking Koggala Lake. The sea-to-table restaurant and yoga classes in an open-air pavilion add to the tranquil atmosphere.
The Hacienda at Armendaris, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
The Hacienda at Armendaris, part of the Ted Turner Reserves, offers exploration of the Chihuahuan desert and its conservation programs.
Pāmu PurePod, Rotorua, New Zealand
Pāmu PurePod is the newest property in this chain of luxurious, off-grid eco-cabins. Set amid the rolling hills of the Bay of Plenty region, it offers pre-ordered breakfast and dinner picnic baskets.
Our Habitas Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Our Habitas Atacama is an ecolodge that offers stargazing, yoga, and easy access to hiking, biking, and sandboarding in Chile's otherworldly landscapes.
Moon Retreat, Mleiha Desert, United Arab Emirates
Moon Retreat includes 10 geodesic dome cabins for two, each with its own plunge pool. Guests can also embark on trips to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to spot rare Arabian oryx.
