THETOP 10 MOST LUXURIOUS HOTELS INTHE
WORLD
Samantha Krahenbuhl

1. EMIRATES PALACE,ABU DHABI
This hotel cost roughly $3 billion to build, which makes
sense when you look at the accompanying photo; the
hotel is gorgeous. It has 394 rooms and suites, 40
meeting/conference rooms, has direct access to a white
sandy beach right on the Persian Gulf, and is decorated
with marble imported from 13 countries and over 1,000
crystal chandeliers.The beach offers a 6-km cycling/
jogging path, two outdoor pools, watersports, tennis
courts, cricket, a rugby pitch, and outdoor soccer fields.
Basically, this place is built to the nines. Did I mention that
it boasts the most impressive marina development in the
Middle East? Royalty and celebrities alike have spent many
a day enjoying the amenities of this beautiful pleasure
fortress.

2. MARDAN PALACE HOTEL,
ANTALYA
This hotel, built by Russian billionaire Telman
Ismailov, was constructed in 2009 and cost
roughly $1.65 billion to build.The Mardan
Palace boasts the largest swimming pool in the
Mediterranean (built to fit 1,000 guests),
within which is a sunken aquarium containing
around 2,500 fish. Basically, it’s is generally
regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels
in Europe.The hotel boasts 560 rooms and
suites, a 12,000 sq ft spa, and it’s own beach
containing around 9,000 tons of imported
sand from Egypt.The hotel additionally as 10
separate dining venues, 17 bars, and has 24/7
personal butler service.

3.THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR, ROME
The Westin Excelsior Hotel opened in 1906 and was constructed by the Actiengesellschaft für Hotelunternehmungen, based
inLucerne, Switzerland. Fun fact: in 1944, the hotel became the temporary headquarters of General Mark Clark after the U.S.
Army entered Rome during WWII.The hotel, despite its lavishness, is surprisingly affordable, with the exception of the
facility’s piece de resistance: theVilla La Cupola Suite, which was recently “refreshed” with a $7 million renovation.The suite
itself spans two floors, making it the largest suite in Italy.Though its furnished in a more esoteric fashion, it’s very modernized
with new age gadgets and technology, it’s own private fitness room, sauna, steam, bath, and jacuzzi, as well as a formal dining
room.

4. BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL, DUBAI
Located in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab has been known
to be called “the world’s only 7-star hotel”. It is the
third tallest hotel in the world and is built to
resemble a billowing sail. It’s stunning architecture
and scenery in Dubai makes it one of the most
photographed hotels in the world. Every room in
the hotel is a luxurious suite, spanning two floors
and includes state-of-the-art everything and
spectacular views.The hotel itself stands on an
artificial island, and is connected to the mainland by
a private curving bridge. Beyond the unique and
over-the-top amenities, such as the floating tennis
courts and helipad, the hotel offers many futuristic
dining spots and nightlife options.The guest-care is
incredibly intensive. Upscale extras include in-suite
check-in, 24/7 personal on call butlers, and a
chauffeur driven Rolls Royce fleet, all catering to an
extremely well-heeledVIP clientele that often
includes royalty.

5.THE PLAZA HOTEL,
MANHATTAN
Everyone knows about The Plaza Hotel, and if you don’t know about it, go watch Home Alone 2.The movie doesn’t
actually do it enough justice.The Big Apple has many legendary hotels, but The Plaza is absolutely the top choice if you’re
looking for an upscale visit to NewYork City.The Royal Plaza Suite, the premier room in the complex, offers the most
fantastic view of Manhattan, overlooking Central Park in Midtown East.The suite is 3-bedrooms and 3-bathrooms, and is
styled in the most opulent old-world charm with a formal dining table, Baby Grand Piano, a library, gymnasium, full
kitchen, and a butler’s pantry – though, if you’re visiting Manhattan, I don’t know what you’d need that for. Butler service
is also included. Built in 1907, the iconic structure was designated as a NationalHistoric Landmark in 1969.

6.ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND
Originally built as a tribute to the legendary lost
city,Atlantis Paradise Island is a 141-acre resort
and water park, now virtually renowned as being
the premier destination in the Bahamas.The
resort itself touts The Beach Tower,The Coral
Towers, and The Royal Towers which contain the
“Bridge Suite” which 12-ft. ceilings and full
length windows and includes a grand piano, twin
entertainment centers, a formal dining room
with a 22-karat gold chandelier, whirlpool tubs,
and more.The Harborside Resort section
contains 392 villas and features a harbor-front,
pool area, a fitness facility, and much, much
more.This is a place that you could pretty much
live in for the rest of your life, obviously
excluding hurricane season.

7. PALMS, LASVEGAS
The Palms Casino and Resort in LasVegas is famous for high-roller living.The hotel itself has 653 rooms and suites, and
includes a nearly 100,000 sq ft casino, recording studio, 2,500-seat concert hall and Michelin-started restaurant.The resort is
actually located off the strip, which is perfect for it you want to get away from some of the more nefarious parts of theVegas
experience.What makes the resort so famous, though, is the Hefner SkyVilla, which makes for cavorting in the city of sin
that much more fun.The villa holds up to 250 people for a get-together, and boasts a massive rooftop jacuzzi hanging out
over The Strip.A private glass elevator, rotating bed, gym, sauna/steam room, media room, full bar and more makes these
swanky digs a spot to fulfill the fantasy of living in the style the world’s most famous playboy is accustomed to. (Did anyone
say bachelor or bachelorette party?)

8.THE BOULDERS, SCOTTSDALE
The Boulders Golf and Spa resort is one of the
most prestigious golf and spa resorts in the
United States, and really brings you into balance
with mother nature. Between the swanky decor
and the breathtaking views of 12-million-year-old
rock formations, there’s not really many resorts
that can compete with this beautiful area.The
resort spans over 1,300 acres of the beautifully
serene Sonoran Desert, promising for ultimate
rejuvenation.The compound’s massive spa and
two golf courses promise for a perfect retreat
from urban hustle and bustle. PR rep Deborah
Bridges says,“Our clientele is among the
wealthiest in the world, but we’re not allowed to
talk about who ourVIP guests are until they’re
dead.” That says it all.

9. CUISINART GOLF RESORT &
SPA,ANGUILLA
Brought to you by the same folks that created the famous food processor, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, was built to look
similar to the Greek island of Mykonos, and was originally built as a tropical playground for the resort’s owner, but later
expanded to include guests. Luxury guest rooms and Moorish inspired villas dot the massive grounds cresting Anguilla’s
world class beaches.TheirVenus Spa & Fitness complex has been rejuvenated to the tune of ten million dollars, and they have
just acquired a $50 million dollar Greg Norman designed golf course next door.This luxe hideaway is very popular for
celebrities seeking barefoot luxury at its finest away from the spotlight.

10. SECRETS MARQUIS, LOS
CABOS
This resort was originally inspired to be a
celestial island for two angels seeking paradise
on earth, at least that’s how the story goes.That
should give you all the indication you need to
know that this place is worth visiting.The
spectacular lobby opens into a spectacular oasis,
ebbing and flowing like Eden itself. Beautiful
sculptures and waterfalls adorn the landscape,
with serene infinity pools and a lovely spa.VIPs
love this place, as I’m sure you can imagine.
Luxurious rooms boast balconies where you
can often spot migrating whales, and there are
also private villas with personal dipping pools.
This is where many foreign dignitaries are
staying for the G20 conference in Cabos.