A few hotels stand out among the rest when it comes to experiencing luxury at its finest. Adding stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique features to these places make them more than just a bed and a shower. The following hotels are among the most beautiful and exclusive in the world, whether you want to sleep under the sea or indulge in a royal retreat.
These iconic hotels are explored in depth in this guide, sharing their unique features, locations, and why they are so special.
TL;DR (Summary)
Looking for an unforgettable vacation? Here are ten of the most beautiful hotels around the world:
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The Muraka – An underwater villa in the Maldives offering a 180-degree view of marine life.
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Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Dubai’s iconic “seven-star” hotel shaped like a sail.
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Soneva Jani – A luxurious eco-resort with overwater villas and stargazing opportunities in the Maldives.
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Jade Mountain Resort – Romantic open-air suites with Caribbean Sea views in Saint Lucia.
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The Oberoi Udaivilas – A majestic palace-like resort in Udaipur, India, set along Lake Pichola.
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Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – A luxurious desert camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan, with glass-roofed tents.
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Song Saa Private Island – A sustainable private island resort in Cambodia.
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Giraffe Manor – A charming mansion in Kenya where guests breakfast with giraffes.
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Oniria – A hidden luxury gem in Bali, Indonesia, blending bamboo villas and jungle views.
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Icehotel – A temporary frozen wonderland built from ice and snow in Sweden.
1. The Muraka – Maldives
Location: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
When I first heard of The Muraka, I thought it was a dream. It’s the first underwater hotel villa in the world, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. You can wake up surrounded by marine life in your submerged master bedroom, which sits 16 feet beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean. Imagine a 180-degree panoramic view of coral gardens and tropical fish swimming by—right from your bed.
Above the waves, you’ll find elegant living spaces, a private infinity pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and unparalleled views of the ocean. Staying here feels like being in another world, truly a surreal and exclusive experience. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, The Muraka is undoubtedly worth the splurge.
Key Features:
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Underwater villa with panoramic ocean views
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Private infinity pool and beach access
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Fully private residence with exceptional service
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Exclusive to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Rates: Starting at $50,000 per night
Rating: 5/5 on most travel platforms
2. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – UAE
Location: Dubai, UAE
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is often dubbed the world’s most luxurious hotel. Shaped like a billowing sail, it stands proudly on its private island in the heart of Dubai. What truly sets it apart are the duplex suites that feature lavish gold-accented interiors, a private beach, and some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf.
Staying at the Burj Al Arab means indulging in the most extravagant luxuries. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated to helicopter transfers, personal butlers, and a choice of world-class restaurants. Everything about this hotel screams opulence.
Key Features:
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A private island with exclusive access
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Luxurious duplex suites with gold and marble interiors
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Personal butlers and private beach access
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Iconic sail-shaped structure
Rates: Starting at $2,500 per night
Rating: 5/5 on most travel platforms
3. Soneva Jani – Maldives
Location: Medhufaru Island, Maldives
For those seeking an unforgettable tropical retreat, Soneva Jani offers the perfect escape. This stunning resort is located on a private island surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. Each overwater villa comes with retractable roofs for stargazing, as well as slides that drop straight into the crystal-clear water below.
But it’s not just about luxury—Soneva Jani also promotes sustainability, ensuring that your stay is as environmentally friendly as it is indulgent. Whether you’re dining on fresh seafood or enjoying the resort’s spa treatments, Soneva Jani seamlessly blends barefoot luxury with eco-conscious design.
Key Features:
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Overwater villas with slides into the sea
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Private stargazing decks and retractable roofs
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Eco-friendly practices and sustainability initiatives
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Stunning turquoise lagoon and beach access
Rates: Starting at $3,500 per night
Rating: 4.8/5 on most travel platforms
4. Jade Mountain Resort – Saint Lucia
Location: Saint Lucia
Set in a paradise-like location with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Pitons, Jade Mountain Resort offers the perfect retreat for couples and honeymooners. Each suite, known as a “sanctuary,” features an infinity pool and a design that’s wide open to nature, with one wall of each room completely missing. The result is a seamless connection to the breathtaking surroundings.
If you’re looking for serenity and romance, Jade Mountain is one of the most picturesque places on Earth, with its dramatic vistas and tranquil atmosphere.
Key Features:
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Open-air suites with infinity pools
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Stunning views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea
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Designed for couples and romantic getaways
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Sustainable practices and wellness offerings
Rates: Starting at $1,500 per night
Rating: 5/5 on most travel platforms
5. The Oberoi Udaivilas – India
Location: Udaipur, India
The Oberoi Udaivilas feels like stepping into a royal palace. This lavish resort sits along the shores of Lake Pichola and is designed to resemble the palaces of Rajasthan, complete with ornate domes, intricately carved columns, and grand courtyards. With its reflective pools, lush gardens, and breathtaking lake views, it’s one of the most regal hotels on the planet.
Every inch of The Oberoi Udaivilas exudes luxury, from its royal suites to its impeccable service. It’s an ideal place for those looking to immerse themselves in India’s rich heritage while enjoying modern comforts.
Key Features:
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Palace-like architecture and regal interiors
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Located on the shores of Lake Pichola
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Royal suites with private pools and expansive views
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Renowned for its world-class service
Rates: Starting at $750 per night
Rating: 4.9/5 on most travel platforms
6. Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – Jordan
Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
For a truly unique experience, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp offers the perfect mix of adventure and luxury in the desert of Wadi Rum. This “glamping” experience offers dome tents with glass roofs, allowing you to sleep under the stars while staying cozy and comfortable in the air-conditioned tents. Each tent features a private bathroom and a luxurious bed, providing a truly upscale experience in the heart of the desert.
It’s a place where you can explore the stunning desert landscape during the day and relax in your luxurious tent under the stars at night.
Key Features:
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Luxury tents with glass roofs for stargazing
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Located in the stunning Wadi Rum desert
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Private bathrooms and air-conditioning
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Unique desert adventures and excursions
Rates: Starting at $200 per night
Rating: 4.7/5 on most travel platforms
7. Song Saa Private Island – Cambodia
Location: Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia
Song Saa Private Island is an eco-conscious resort that spans two islands, offering an exclusive and serene escape. The resort is set in a pristine, natural environment where jungle meets ocean, and its villas are built from sustainable materials. Here, guests can enjoy coral reef snorkeling, yoga decks, and outdoor bathtubs—all while surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal-clear waters.
Song Saa is the perfect choice for those seeking an intimate, sustainable getaway that feels like a private paradise.
Key Features:
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Eco-conscious design and sustainable practices
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Overwater villas and jungle retreats
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Coral reefs, yoga decks, and outdoor bathtubs
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Immersed in nature, with breathtaking ocean views
Rates: Starting at $1,200 per night
Rating: 4.8/5 on most travel platforms
8. Giraffe Manor – Kenya
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
At Giraffe Manor, guests can share their breakfast with a giraffe. Yes, you read that correctly! This charming mansion is set on a wildlife sanctuary where Rothschild giraffes are free to roam and interact with visitors. The unique experience of having these gentle giants peek into your window is what makes this hotel truly special.
Not only is it a dream come true for animal lovers, but the colonial-style architecture and stunning grounds make Giraffe Manor a true gem in Nairobi.
Key Features:
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Historic mansion with wildlife sanctuary
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Daily visits from Rothschild giraffes
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Colonial-style architecture and stunning grounds
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Ideal for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts
Rates: Starting at $1,000 per night
Rating: 4.9/5 on most travel platforms
9. Oniria – Indonesia
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Oniria is a hidden gem nestled in the jungle-clad hills of Bali. This luxury resort offers beautifully hand-crafted bamboo villas that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. With rice terraces, infinity pools, and panoramic jungle views, Oniria offers rustic luxury at its finest. If you’re looking for serenity away from the tourist crowds, Oniria provides the perfect escape.
Key Features:
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Handcrafted bamboo villas blending with nature
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Infinity pools and stunning jungle views
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Secluded, off-the-beaten-path location
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A peaceful and serene retreat
Rates: Starting at $300 per night
Rating: 4.8/5 on most travel platforms
10. Icehotel – Sweden
Location: Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Icehotel is a seasonal marvel that’s entirely made from ice and snow. Each winter, the hotel is sculpted into an artistic masterpiece with ice beds, chandeliers, and even ice furniture. Though the temperature inside is chilly, guests stay warm under reindeer hides. The hotel’s uniqueness lies in its ever-changing design, which melts away each spring, making it a fleeting experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Key Features:
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Entirely made from ice and snow
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Sculpted furniture, beds, and chandeliers
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Once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Northern Lights
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A unique, ephemeral hotel that changes every year
Rates: Starting at $500 per night
Rating: 4.5/5 on most travel platforms
Final Thoughts
Each of these ten hotels offers a unique experience, whether it’s sleeping beneath the sea, surrounded by wildlife, or staying in a palace fit for royalty. From the tropical Maldives to the chilly winters of Sweden, these hotels are bound to make any trip unforgettable. If you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or serenity, you’ll find it in one of these spectacular destinations.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
