We all fantasize about hopping on a plane to a remote hotel in an exotic location — the vacation dream. But many of these getaways remained relatively obscure in terms of their popularity. We've rounded up a list of the seven most luxurious stays in the world. It may just be time to break the piggy bank and hitch a ride to one of these picturesque paradises.
Whether an animal sanctuary or a remote island villa, each of these seven exquisite locales will have you daydreaming in no time flat. For example, stationed on the property nearby a giraffe sanctuary, the massive animals at Giraffe Manor frequently dip their long necks into open windows and eat pellets out of the hands of hotel guests. That means that actual giraffes will likely join you for breakfast!
Or if your tastes are more for the lavish, New York's most expensive hotel room may be more up to your liking. It'll run you $45,000 a night, but the room includes an on-demand Rolls-Royce chauffeur, a personal butler, and a luxe $65,000 bed that is literally woven with 22-karat gold.
But don't just take my word for it, check out our full list of the swankiest spots in the world below.
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1. Stay stateside at Chicago's 52-story landmark skyscraper.
"Occupying the first 13 floors of a 52-story landmark skyscraper, The Langham boasts 268 guest rooms and 48 suites," writes US News. "Accommodations are outfitted with soaking tubs and rain showers, 55-inch LCD TVs and Chuan Spa toiletries."
This Chicago boutique hotel will run you upwards of $500 a night baseline, but that includes a 55-inch LCD and rain showers, for those of us who weren't paying attention.
2. Take up residence in a palace fit for kings.
As the Silver Spoon points out in its review of the hotel, the Oberoi, Udaivilas in Udaipur, India is consistently a contender for one of the most luxurious digs in the world, running anywhere from $400-$7,500 (USD) a night.
"Its main feature is the shared infinity edge pool looking out to Lake Pichola perfect for watching the sunset, maybe drinking a glass of wine, and listening to the birds as the sun goes down," they write.
3. Let a giraffe be the first to say hello in the morning.
Truthfully, this is my pick for number one. Stationed on the property near a giraffe sanctuary, the massive animals at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya ($1,100/night) frequently dip their long necks into open windows and eat pellets out of the hands of hotel guests.
“Come morning, the pacing giants are active again,” Forbes writes. “Just be careful as you enjoy your breakfast of eggs, fresh fruit, and Kenyan coffee, as they will poke their neck through the window and perhaps whack you hard on the head.”
What's not to love?
4. Stop in for a night at the most expensive hotel in New York City, complete with a butler.
The penthouse of The Ty Warner Penthouse on top of the Four Seasons Hotel New York — designed by architects Ieoh Ming Pei (designer of the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum) and Peter Marino (designer of boutique retail spaces for designers like Louis Vuitton) — will run you a modest $45,000 a night, making it New York City's most expensive hotel room.
What does nearly $50,000 a night get you? An on-demand Rolls-Royce chauffeur, a personal butler, and a luxe $65,000 bed that is literally woven with 22-karat gold.
“Most of our guests who come to the penthouse are repeat customers,” says asset manager Linda Aslanian. “Sometimes they stay for one week, and sometimes they feel so comfortable that they stay for a whole month.” Before taxes, a full month in the penthouse (before taxes) would amount to more than $1.3 million.
5. Ride a water slide right into crystal clear island ocean.
As MailOnline pointed out earlier this month, TripAdvisor awarded the Gili Lankanfushi in The Maldives ($1,400/night) its number one spot for nicest hotels in the world — it's not difficult to understand why.
The hotel is situated "on a tiny coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties stretching across the crystal water out to each of the 45 overwater villas," writes MailOnline. "The hotel operates a 'no news, no shoes' policy, so visitors have no choice but to enjoy the uninterrupted ocean views, private butler service and robes – poor them." (Seriously.)
6. Get a taste of Art Nouveau at the Hotel Gresham Palace.
"If you only had a spark of interest in architecture, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest, Hungary (starting at $400/night) could turn it into a flame at first glance," writes Kiwi Collection. "Your first taste of Art Nouveau is the iron gate entrance complete with a glass peacock motif. The towering lobby features a breathtaking glass domed ceiling with an ultra modern crystal chandelier. Marbled walls and mosaics with hyperbolas and parabolas in the windows abound along with decorative, plant-like moldings and lighting."
There are 179 rooms, so it's probably safe to assume you won't have any trouble booking your dream vacation here.
7. Find your sanctuary at fan-favorite The Place.
As the Samui Times points out, this luxurious Thailand island getaway won TripAdvisor's 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards for its romantic allure.
The Place, Koh Tao website boasts Instagram-worthy shots of beachside hideaways and infinity pools overlooking the ocean. Modern and natural furnishes create a natural vibe, and villas boast large balconies and plunge pools. The good news? It'll only run you about $260 dollars, making this the most affordable luxury stay on our list.
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