5 Top Luxury Hotels Worldwide

PHOTO: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas. (Courtesy of Belmond)

I don’t know about you but when I travel I want to do it in style!  A vacation should be all about luxury; after all, most of us do not live in luxury in the “real world.” We want to see things that we don't normally see, experience things that we have never experienced before, and live like the super rich if only for a few days.

To that end, here are my top five picks of luxury hotels around the globe. These are some of the most unique and best in the world and after reading about them I’m sure you will be wanting to book a ticket to one of these fabulous destinations.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

This hotel, located near Machu Picchu is actually a former palace. Palacio Nazarenas is set near the main square in Peru, and has some incredible amenities. For starters, choose any one of their 55 suites that have been enriched with oxygen to make the air pure and reinvigorate your body. The beautiful courtyard pool is a perfect way to relax in a semi-private environment. The surroundings are lush and beautiful. You can see the mountains from your room and are just steps away from the nearest health spa. With so much to offer, it might be hard to get out and sightsee. This former palace certainly knows how to deliver!

Jumby Bay

Located on St. John's, Antigua, Jumby Bay is one of the premier private destinations in the Caribbean. It is located a mere six minutes by boat from the coast of Antigua and yet it seems like you are miles away from the crowded Caribbean tourist scene. The resort staff returns home to the mainland each night leaving just the residents and overnight staff at the resort. There are 40 guest rooms and suites that are finally appointed and you will be attended to in every way. This is true luxury beach living at its finest.

Oberoi Vanyavilas

This is a premier luxury hotel located in Ranthambhore, India. Oberoi Vanyavilas offers luxury tents, which are a throwback to the ancient caravan days, but don't let those tents for you. The rooms are definitely appointed well, they have a spa located on site, and the natural scenery is breathtaking. Spend some time meandering around the torch-lit pathways at night and listen to the serenade of local frogs and other aquatic life.

During the day, you might spot some wildlife near the watering hole as the hotel borders the tiger reserve; that is always a treat. The food is fantastic and the staff is very attentive. With so much see and do on-site, the Oberoi Vanyavilas is like a mini vacation in and of itself.

Wildflower Hall

Travel to the Himalayas for the exclusive Wildflower Hall. They offer many rooms and suites with their signature premier suite being the Lord Kitchener Suite. It's a large room measuring in at 1450 square feet. It boasts a canopied four-poster bed in its master bedroom, a twin guest bedroom, walking workrooms, and two bathrooms appointed with Spanish marble.

The open fireplace will keep you toasty on those cold nights and the panoramic view of the Himalayas will keep you mesmerized while you are there. Be sure to visit the on-site spa and restaurant as they serve some of the most decadent food in the area. Finally appointed, great staff, this hotel is the jewel of the Himalayas!

Olare Mara Kempinski

Sitting on the plains of Kenya, Olare Mara Kempinski has much to offer in the way of wildlife and sightseeing. They offer tents and suites, which are finely appointed and offer spectacular views of the plains. There's no telling what type of wildlife you will see here as elephants, zebra, giraffe, lions, and other sorts of wildlife call this plain home. Grab your meal from the local restaurant and eat by the pool near the bar, or on the private deck with views that stretch out over the Mara Plains. This resort is all about engaging you with the beautiful wildlife that inhabits the area. Olare Kempinski is a luxury treat!

All of these properties are luxurious yet unique in their own right. Here, I have given you an offering in the mountains, the tropics of the Caribbean, jungles of Indonesia, plains of Kenya, and a former Palace. They are all richly appointed and will make you feel like a king or queen while you are away.