Years ago, a popular TV show was Lifestyles of The Rich & Famous. Hosted by Robin Leach, the show ran from 1984 to 1995. From Wikipedia:
Lifestyles was one of the first shows to feature the lives of the wealthy. Later shows such as VH1’s “The Fabulous Life of…” continued this trend. The show was largely intended to be an insight into the opulent residences and the glamorous lifestyles of those it profiled. However, many of the geographic areas it covered were ideal destinations for vacations, and in his on-camera appearances, Leach indirectly made references to resorts and tourist attractions. David Greenspan (aka David Perry), who was the voice-over narrator for most of the segments during the bulk of the show’s run and could be heard whenever Leach did not appear on camera, made more direct references to such resorts and such tourist attractions during his tenure as the show’s voice-over narrator.
I admittedly wasn’t a huge fan of the show – even back then, I really didn’t care of I stayed at a Holiday Inn instead of a Fairmont (full disclosure: I don’t think I even knew what a Fairmont hotel WAS in 1984 through 1995 LOLOL); my thoughts about hotels was the same then as it is now…as long as it’s clean, safe, well maintained and convenient, I’m good.
I fully realize that I’m something of a rarity, especially in the world of travel geeks. So when a website that specializes in high-end hotels recently produced a list of the most expensive luxury hotels in the world, I knew that even though *I* didn’t care, many of y’all might.
Luxury-Hotels.com touts itself as a leading website for luxury hotels, resorts and boutique hotels. An affiliate of Booking.com, the online travel company says they have access to book more than 10,000 4- and 5-star hotels across 130 countries.
They compared prices at luxury hotels around the world based on the cheapest available double room during August 2021. Only hotels with a minimum of 10 guest rooms were taken into account.
The results:
As I perused the results of their survey, I noticed a few things:
- 4 of the top 20 (and 3 of the top 5) are in the U.S.
- 4 are in Italy
- 3 are in the Maldives
- 2 are in Fiji
- 3 of the top 20 are Aman Resorts
- 3 are Four Seasons Resorts
Here’s the list:
- The Brando (French Polynesia) $4,818
“The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture.” - Amangiri (Utah, USA) $4,298
“Amangiri blends into untouched red-rock country, claiming 600 acres of the vast and majestic Colorado Plateau, the original Wild West. In this desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, the modernist Suites of Amangiri and the tented Pavilions of Camp Sarika offer an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings.” - Anantara Maia Seychelles $4,059
“Embrace restorative luxury in private villas edging porcelain sands framed by thirty acres of forest. Exotic tropical delights of Seychelles resorts are in abundance here where the resort blends seamlessly with the landscape.” - Brush Creek Ranch (Wyoming, USA) $3,869
“Time seems to stand still at Brush Creek Ranch, a collection of all-inclusive guest ranches in Wyoming. It’s a place where beautiful sunsets and starlit night skies instill wonder. Immerse yourself in over 30,000 secluded acres, and pause from life’s everyday demands. Reconnect, Relax, and Rejoice in unbridled luxury.” - The Ranch at Rock Creek (Montana, USA) $3,600
“Nestled in one of Montana’s most pristine valleys, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers year-round unique vacations on an authentic 19th century homestead. We balance Western adventure with lavish all-inclusive amenities. Start the day with inspired Ranch cuisine, then learn to fly fish on a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Experience awe-inspiring views from The Top of the World on horseback and drift off in a bespoke glamping tent under the Big Sky. For those looking for the most exclusive way to experience ranch life, find out about private travel with us.” - Le Dune (Italy) $3,321
“The Resort & SPA Le Dune is immersed in the luxuriant green of the north coast of Sardinia, at Badesi Marina, between sand dunes and centuries old juniper trees. It boasts five 4 star hotels, two of which are 4 star superior grade.” - Nimmo Bay Resort (Canada) $3,100
“Awaken your senses at our intimate family-owned wilderness resort in the heart of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, on the wild shores of the Pacific Ocean, far from the everyday.” - Kokomo Private Island (Fiji) $2,975
“Kokomo Private Island fuses unscripted luxury with the bounty of space and the generosity of time to do as much (or as little) as your holiday heart desires. Cradled by the Great Astrolabe Reef, our stunning unspoiled and naturally immaculate island is more than a backdrop, it’s your home for as long as you choose to linger.” - Amanzoe (Greece) $2,972
“Scattered with Unesco-protected ruins, the beach-fringed Peloponnese has been at the heart of Greek culture for millennia. Amanzoe rests on its east coast, a modern-day Acropolis from which 360-degree views encompass olive groves and Aegean blue. Pavilions and villas with private pools open onto fragrant gardens, and speedboats await at the beach to zip between nearby islands.” - The Nautilus (Maldives) $2,875
“Whether you want to celebrate a special birthday in the tropics, cheer for a personal achievement or simply unite with family and loved ones just to celebrate life itself, The Nautilus is able to create totally bespoke celebrations to cater to your every whim.” - Caruso (Italy) $2791
“A heavenly retreat between sea and sky. Set on a cliff edge 1,000ft above sea level, Caruso is your private balcony over the Amalfi Coast. This former 11th-century palace boasts all the worldly luxuries anyone could desire. Marbled hallways lead to rooms brimming with antiques and paintings by old masters. Cascading down the mountain, past lemon groves and olive vines, is Ravello, the mesmerizing ‘city of music’. Paradise, found.” - Amanyara (Turks & Caicos) $2731
“Basking on the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, Amanyara’s lush tropical pavilions overlook half a mile of white sand and the turquoise waters of North West Point Marine National Park. It is a retreat for all ages, with restorative wellness retreats and endless possibilities for discovery above and below the waves.” - Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii, USA) $2715
“On the southeastern coast of the pristine island of Lanai, our five-diamond Resort sits just a moment away from many of the most scenic spots, best reached by foot or 4-by-4, and where the Hawaii found in vintage postcards comes vibrantly to life. Spend your days lounging by our lagoon-style pools, strolling our botanical gardens, reconnecting body and spirit at Hawanawana Spa, and savouring Japanese cuisine at cliff-side NOBU LANAI. From the rugged uplands to the aquatic sanctuary of Hulopoe Bay, the opportunities for adventure – and relaxation – are endless.” - Four Seasons Maldives $2704
“Welcome to one of the world’s most beautiful islands: a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve wilderness where iridescent blues, jungle greens and dazzling whites meet innovation, conservation and wellness with equal, vibrant intensity. Soar through the skies in our Flying Triggerfish seaplane; swim with the country’s largest known population of manta rays; rehabilitate sea turtles in our Marine Discovery Centre; connect to the buzz of Blu Beach Club, and discover the life-changing benefits of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy at The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat – named “Most Meaningful Experience” in the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2020. Committed to conservation, transparency and planetary well-being, Landaa Giraavaru partnered with The NOW Force For Good Alliance and EarthCheck on Earth Day 2020 as part of its ongoing pledge to advance sustainability in all of its forms.” - Le Sirenuse (Italy) $2549
“Le Sirenuse is a wonderful place from which to enjoy the simple pleasures of Positano and the spectacular Amalfi Coast. John Steinbeck, who visited in 1953, wrote ‘Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.'” - Joali (Maldives) $2525
“Can you feel it? A heightened awareness, a shimmering sense of awakening. As the soft ocean breeze strokes your skin and ivory sands caress your toes, you feel more alive than ever. Incredible artworks unfold across the landscape, taking you on an inspiring journey of discovery. Seemingly ordinary moments set the stage for transformation, opening the door to new perspectives and everlasting memories. In this paradise of abundance, amid lush coconut palms and sparkling waters, everything makes perfect sense. The joy of our island emerges from within, from its inherent nature, spreading its wings each day. Let your joy, too, take flight in this magical realm.” - Turtle Island (Fiji) $2499
“Experience pure indulgence, relaxation and romance at one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. This truly all-inclusive island is home to only 14 couples at a time. The breathtaking panoramas of the renowned Blue Lagoon and neighboring Yasawa and Fiji Islands can be seen from your spacious Fijian villa. Gentle winds carry the scent of tropical flowers through the resort and the warm, azure waters at our 12 private beaches beckon you to relax on your vacation. The cuisine, prepared with fresh seafood from local waters and fruits and vegetables grown on the island, is a culinary delight. The paradise of Turtle Island resort offers a cultural experience where you embrace as family our gentle, engaging, noble hosts.” - Four Seasons Bora Bora $2410
“Just-enhanced overwater bungalow suites, beachfront villa estates and underwater adventures welcome you at this sand-fringed idyll in the shadow of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu. Toast sunsets from your private plunge pool, marvel at the Tahitian night sky, or simply lose yourself in our lagoon, where the waters teem with exotic reef fish and colourful corals.” - Villa del Parco (Italy) $2367
“Part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, Villa del Parco is a magnificent, wonderfully intimate 5-star hotel set in the gardens of Forte Village Resort, just moments away from the enchanting Acquaforte Spa and its famous treatments. Villa del Parco offers stunning bedrooms in a central building, sumptuous bungalows and magnificent villas in the peaceful, fragrant surroundings of a centuries-old garden and suites overlooking the spectacular Mediterranean.” - Shinta Mani Wild (Cambodia) $2345
“Welcome to Shinta Mani Wild – a radical new fusion of world-class design, all-inclusive hospitality and conservation, where your stay makes a real difference in protecting unique and endangered species.”
About the survey:
The survey was conducted in July 2021. For each hotel the cheapest available rate for a double room during August was recorded, based on rates provided by leading hotel booking websites. Safari lodges were not included. For the purposes of the survey, three-night stays were used as a point of comparison. Please note that cheaper rates may be available for stays of four nights or more, or on other booking websites.
Of course, this is just one company’s take on the most expensive hotels in the world. Wealthy Gorilla has their own list, as do Travel Top List, Expert World Travel, etc. Even Trip Advisor has its own list of the Top 25 Hotels In The World (although they admittedly aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones). So as the good blog says, Your Mileage May Vary. But it’s still fun to see what’s out there.
As for using points to stay at any of the hotels? No can do. None of them have a loyalty program.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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