If I could spend my days travelling the world, hopping on one plane to the next, exploring the delights of 5-star luxury hotels of the world, I would. However, sadly at the age of almost twenty four with a full time career in tow, a side business and a travel blog, it doesn’t seem to be that feasible. Fortunately I do get to experience some of the most fantastic hotels of the world, albeit it isn’t full time. You swing some roundabouts right? In that time, there has been a few hotels that I have truly fallen in love with and I feel like they deserve a special recognition.
These hotels have made the cut because each of them has shown a personal take on luxury but also they know how to treat they guests like the kings or queens within the hotel, no request is too large or small for them. They have provided some of the best amenities, dining options, views and personalised service, therefore defining the ‘deluxe 5-star’ name.
Bovey Castle
I had always wanted to stay in a castle, it was one of those bucket list moments that I wanted to fulfil once in my life at least. Little did I know it would happen so early in my life, but that was all thanks to my wonderful girls that took me away as my 23rd birthday. Bovey Castle was a special experience, not only because it was a castle turned into a luxury hotel but it resided on an extensive amount of land that was utterly beautiful. The fine dining restaurant was to die for, the junior suites were absolute perfection including the Mulberry pillows which completely won me over. I can’t forget to include the gorgeous views across the grounds from the bedrooms too. So stunning!
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
If you know the Rosewood brand, the hotels in the collection are already stunning in itself. Adding the Middle East into the mix and you just will just find your luxury hotel oozes ultimate luxury. This is one of the reasons Rosewood Abu Dhabi stole my heart for me. They literally weight on you hand and foot, I don’t think I had to even lift a finger. Our luggage was brought to us, we were brought everything we could possibly want to our door, including different guides of what to do in Abu Dhabi and drinking water. I was able to bask out in the sun whilst sleeping on the outdoor 4 poster beds and relax in the extensive spa. By evening typically I ended up in one of their various fine dining restaurants or out on take a perch outside whilst having a drink and overlooking the gorgeous marina view.
Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon
If I can help it, I try and stay at one Four Seasons Hotel wherever I travel to because frankly it is one of my favourite hotel brands. You always know what to expect, but each hotel has their own little surprises that make your stay extra special. I remember taking two steps into Four Seasons Lisbon before all the front of house spotted who it was an completely smothered me in the warmest welcome, I don’t think i’ve ever felt so special walking into a hotel before. That’s definitely what more luxury hotel’s need to catch on to. Not only are the rooms gorgeous at Four Seasons Lisbon, I had a a whole corridor (read mini runway) and a room for a closet with a pink marble bathroom, plus the most stunning panorama views of Lisbon from the balcony. Did I mention their fantastic Varanda restaurant? Be sure to have breakfast out on the terrace too, it is a completely surreal experience.
Castello Del Nero
Tuscany was a destination that I really wanted to visit after being glued to ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ (a must watch film by the way). I wanted to experience authentic Tuscany with vineyards, gorgeous views and eating some of the best pasta known to man. I have to say, Castello Del Nero brought that vision to life. I thought I was in an actual movie, if that’s even possible?! Every step I took, my jaw just dropped – I was living the Italian dream! A morning swim in their outdoor pool makes for the perfect start to the day, followed by a long stroll alongside the vineyards before having a boozy lunch on the terrace in the sun and spending the afternoon in San Gimignano before heading back and enjoying dinner in their Michelin starred restaurant La Torre.
Four Seasons Hampshire
Another of the Four Seasons has made the final cut and quite rightly so. I think Four Seasons Hampshire has been my favourite luxury hotel in the UK I have stayed at to date. Not only does the property exude character but it has some of the best features including an equestrian centre, an extensive spa, acres of land and countryside to explore, a hotel dog, divine food and drink offerings at Wild Carrot and some of the most gorgeous rooms in an old Manor House style. It’s so quintessentially British, you will never want to return back to the city and you’ll demand you’re allowed to move into the property whilst stabling your horses in the equestrian centre and going shooting clay pigeons over the weekend. I think it’s time I wake up from my country bumpkin dream…
If you’re planning a trip away soon, I would definitely recommend visiting one of the above luxury hotels because I guarantee you won’t regret it and you will be leaving with memories to last a lifetime.
Until next time….
