We sourced 10 of the best hotels in the world that will have you booking your next flight ASAP.

It’s been a while between travels for us. You know, global pandemic and all.

We couldn’t be more ready to start conjuring up a dream vacation or two, and these luxurious, best of the best hotels scattered across the globe are peaking our excitement levels to the extreme.

Exquisite views, exotic jungle hideaways, romantic African safari lodges and clifftop retreats to live out our movie dreams. Yep, we could get used to staying at some of these on the regular- but given the money situation, we’ll stick to a treat yourself moment for now.

Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor as we showcase 10 of the best hotels in the world (in no particular order)

1. Mahali Mzuri, Kenya

This place takes glamping to a whole new level.

Sir Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri sits in the majestic Maasai Mara, blending twelve opulent tents with a classic safari camp for front row seats to nature. You’ll be waking to sights of rolling plains and grazing wildlife before spending your day with experienced tour guides spotting all kinds of local animals on a game drive, and finishing up with a meal of flavourful spices in pan-African style under the stars.

It’s simply a must to add to your travel bucket list.

• Location: Motorogi Conservancy Masai Mara, Kenya
• Book now

2. Capella, Bangkok

The Capella is sophistication, grace and urban style with panoramic views of the dazzling Chao Phraya River.

Sink into the cloud-like beds and relish in the calm, private oasis feel of it all with luxuriously appointed rooms boasting tasteful decor. If you’re a sucker for fine cuisine you won’t be disappointed here either, with four dining venues at your disposal serving up authentic Thai recipes in the most gorgeous of settings.

• Location: Charoen Krung Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok
• Book now

3. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Greece

Looking to live out your Mamma Mia dreams? We know just the place.

A hotel positioned on a clifftop is a no-brainer to feature as one of the best hotels in the world. The retreat in Santorini is the definition of the word paradise, tucked away on the quieter side of the island in true white-washed greek style. You’ll find unobstructed views of the turquoise Aegean waters and a mix of indoor and outdoor lifestyle with heated plunge pools, private balconies and interior matching the seaside splendour.

• Location: Santorini, Greece
• Book now

4. The Oberoi Udaivilas, India

The Oberoi Udaivilas find its place easily among the splendid palaces of Udaipur.

A few nights here is as close as you’ll get to living like royalty, with huge bedchambers, ornate carvings, lavish landscaped gardens and marble bathrooms. The views looks out across Lake Pichola to the spectacular City Palace, and you’ll spend your day exploring shaded courtyards, posh fountains and private pools before retiring back to your room and ordering your very own butler service.

• Location: Udaipur, India
• Book now

5. Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Peru

Minimalistic luxury in one of the world’s most exotic locations.

Found on the stunning Paracas Peninsula, you’ll be sitting between sparkling blue waters on one side and desert on the other. The resort doesn’t need grand interior to impress, rather it takes a more simple approach of clean lines and bamboo-clad beach style to make you feel right at home. You won’t be short on daytime activities either with options for kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing, or a spa stop if you’re in no mood to be moving.

• Location: Paracas, Peru
• Book now

6. Mandarin Oriental, Milan

Housed in four elegant 18th Century buildings, Mandarin Oriental brings charm and understated luxury to the streets of Italy.

The rooms, designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio, are a fusion of Italian design and Oriental influence with dark oak floors, chic and quirky decor and spacious living. Guests are quick to rave about the stellar service, and you can also find delicious Italian dining at the highly-acclaimed Seta, run by chef Antonio Guida.

• Location: Milano, Italy
• Book now

7. Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Ah Maldives, we’ve especially been dreaming of a visit to your tropical shores.

Of course, the Maldives had to make our 10 best hotels in the world – Soneva Fushi is a stunning little island hideaway that you’ve probably envied in Insta posts on more than one occasion, and for good reason. Sixty-three luxury beachfront villas and eight retreats sitting atop the bluest of waters, it’s everything you’d expect from an epic trip to the Maldives with snorkelling, sunset cruises and beach dining. You’d have to drag us out of here.

• Location: Kunfunadhoo Island, Eydhafushi, Maldives
• Book now

8. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, South Africa

Intimate, exclusive, breathtaking – your romantic getaway is just begging to be set at the Phinda Vlei Lodge.

Sporting just six secluded suites overlooking grassy meadow and wetlands, you and that special someone will definitely be feeling the love in an old-world luxurious space sprinkled with curated antiques, bold fabrics and a golden style ensuite you’ll absolutely die over. Top it all off with serene African bush surroundings and you’ll be in bliss.

Relax in your own private lap pool, take on a safari with their incredible guides or spend your afternoon escaping in the guest library.

• Location: KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
• Book now

9. Halekulani Okinawa, Japan

“No seriously, this year I’m going to travel to Japan,” I say for the fourth year in a row (I know you’ve done it too). Well, this coastline hotel might just be the extra little push our empty Japan travel promises need.

Set up in front of the blue sea – yes, Japan’s beaches are quite spectacular – Halekulani Okinawa is classically elegant in a way only the Japanese could make it. Booking a villa will see you diving into your own private, heated pool and revelling over balcony views and marble soaking tubs. Your dining experience will also be top-notch with four restaurants and one bar serving out all kinds of cuisine.

• Location: Okinawa, Japan
• Book now

10. Nayara Gardens, Costa Rica

Rounding out our list of the 10 best hotels in the world – Nayara Gardens is everything your ideal vacation needs in a truly dreamy rainforest setting.

You’ll be enveloped in complete peace and quiet with striking green tropical surroundings, plush furnishings and a view out to the Arenal Volcano. Take a morning zip-line among the tree canopies or raft down the Sarapiqui River, then recover in the evening by sinking into private hot springs pools secluded in the rainforest. Yeah, we could get used to that.

• Location: Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
• Book now

Feature Image: Grace Hotel, Greece| aubergeresorts

Want more travel inspiration? Visit SoWhereNext.com.au