The World’s 9 Resorts to Visit Before You Die
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With everything going on in the world, we wouldn’t blame you for embracing a bit of escapism. And what better way to escape than to check into a beautifully designed resort in a far-flung destination? Here at AD, we’re constantly scouring the globe for the best new hotels to book, the year’s hottest destinations, and, yes, the world’s best-designed resorts.
But what exactly defines superlative design when it comes to resorts? If you ask us, the best-designed resorts aren’t just about the bells and whistles but about a real sense of place. Whether we’re traveling in Europe, the Caribbean, or Asia, we want to feel immersed in the destination. That’s where these resorts excel. From a Bali resort where you can sleep in a bamboo treehouse surrounded by the jungle to a medieval castle in the Italian countryside, these resorts draw inspiration from their surroundings and transform them into inspiring spaces.
Some occupy historic buildings, while others were built from the ground up. Regardless, the architects and interior designers behind them channeled the destinations they’re in with bespoke furnishings, antiques, and sumptuous textiles. Some have enviable art collections, while others boast beautifully landscaped gardens. Read on for the nine resorts you must visit.
1/9Bambu Indah (Bali)
Nestled in the verdant jungle just outside of Ubud in, Bali, Indonesia, Bambu Indah embraces the natural landscape. Founded by Canadian jeweler John Hardy and his wife, Cynthia, the resort has been expanded over the years, with bamboo treehouses designed by John’s daughter Elora Hardy mixed in with the original suites made of repurposed Javanese bridal huts. Elora’s architecture firm, Ibuku, is known for creating incredible structures out of bamboo and their work is on full display here. If you’re seeking direct contact with nature, in an enchanted jungle where you can swim in the stream, eat fresh fruit and vegetables just picked from the garden, cycle through Bali’s rice terraces, and sleep in a bamboo treehouse that’s open to the elements, this is the place for you. BambuIndah.com; from $270 per night.
Martin Harvey2/9The Oberoi Udaivilas (India)
Udaipur, India, may be more under-the-radar than nearby Jaipur, but the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Mewar has been a retreat for royalty for centuries. Fittingly, this opulent resort built on the maharana’s former hunting grounds was inspired by the city’s palaces, forts, temples, and gardens. It’s an elegant ode to Rajasthani art and architecture, with majestic domes (the one in the lobby is painted with 18 karat gold leaf), gleaming marble, reflecting pools, mirrored mosaics, brass doors, and hand-painted wall murals. With more than 50 acres of gardens designed by AD100 alum Bill Bensley to explore, canopied pavilions where you can practice yoga overlooking Lake Pichola, a serene spa, pools, and restaurants serving excellent Indian and international cuisine, this resort makes it hard to leave. Oberoihotels.com; from $409 per night.
3/9Joali Maldives
Set on a private island in the Raa Atoll, this luxurious five-star resort has a sleek, modern design inspired by biophilic principals. It’s also the first and only art immersive resort in the Maldives, with artist-designed structures like the Manta Treehouse by South African artist Porky Hefer, where you can enjoy a private breakfast or just relax and read a book. Whether you choose to stay in an overwater villa or beach bungalow, the suites are downright palatial and are done up in soft colors with furnishings made of wood, bamboo, or rattan. In addition to great design, the resort also has sustainability measures in place, such as a glass water bottling plant certified by EarthCheck and a coral reef restoration program. Joali.com; from $2,037 per night.
4/9Gleneagles (Scotland)
Spread out over 850 acres in rural Scotland, Gleneagles dubs itself the Glorious Playground—and it’s easy to see why. Opened in 1924, it’s essentially a massive country house where city folk can engage in rural pursuits like golf, riding, tennis, and falconry. In 2015, it was purchased by Sharan Pasricha, the founder of Ennismore, who tapped David Collins Studio and Goddard Littlefair for an ambitious six-year renovation project aimed at bringing this member of the Leading Hotels of the World into the modern era while preserving its rich history. AIME, Ennismore’s internal design agency, also contributed to the revamped accommodations. The design expertly toes the line between classic yet of-the-moment, with 1920s-inspired furnishings incorporating luxe materials like velvet, tweed, cashmere, and brass. Gleneagles.com; from $509 per night.
PHILIP VILE5/9Reschio Hotel (Italy)
Deep in the countryside of Umbria, Italy’s green heart, this resort on a massive estate is not only owned by a count, it was designed by him too. Count Benedikt Bolza’s father originally purchased the property and began rewilding it and fixing up the ramshackle houses. Thirty years later, Benedikt transformed the 11th-century castle into one of Italy’s most luxurious country resorts, sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces from the famed antiques fair in Parma and creating bespoke furnishings of his own design. The greenhouse-like Palm Court might be the most beautiful spot on the property, but it has stiff competition from the oval pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrella pines. Really, though, the entire resort is easy on the eyes and a feast for the senses. Reschio.com; from $1,082 per night.
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6/9Puente Romano, Marbella (Spain)
If an Andalusian getaway right on the sea is what you are in the mood for, there are plenty of options in the region. But one is perhaps lo mejor de lo mejor (the best of the best). Puente Romano, Marbella is near all the high-end luxury shopping that the Spanish city is now known for, but if that's not on your itinerary, all the better. The resort includes a spa, five pools, easy access to the beach, as well as multiple high-end restaurants (including COYA and Nobu).
7/9Cali Mykonos (Greece)
For decades, Mykonos has been known for its lively (sometimes too lively) nightlife. Yet, there’s so much more to the famous Greek island. With its omnipresent whitewashed homes, alleyways, and chapels, Mykonos has always packed in the charm. But now the island is proving itself to be a design destination too. On the southeast tip of the island, far from the noise and parties of the island‘s western end, Cali Mykonos is an aesthetics dream come true. Designed by STFN Labs, this sustainably minded hotel is a sanctuary for those who are seeking a renewal of their soul, with a side of delicious food.
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8/9Domaine Des Etangs (France)
The 13th-century castle of Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection, is located in the charming village of Massignac. When you arrive, if you think you're entering a fairy tale, you're not that far off. Guests of the resort are free to roam the 2,500 acres of land. What's more, each small home that guests stay in (if you’re not staying in the main hotel), comes with an all-electric vehicle to get you to and fro.
9/9Le Sereno St. Barths
On the ritzy Caribbean island of St. Barthelemy, this intimate member of the Leading Hotels of the World is a haven of tranquility. Designed by Christian Liaigre, the resort occupies a prime stretch of beach on the Grand Cul de Sac. The vibe is understated island chic, with rooms and suites done up in exotic and sustainable wood and stone, with furnishings designed by Liaigre himself and the occasional pop of color for a bit of pizzazz. The most photogenic part of the property, though, is no doubt the pool and sundeck fringed by palm trees overlooking the beach. SerenoHotels.com; from $2,765 per night.
