Samokatus Hotels

Perched majestically over the medieval village of Gordes, this converted 16th-century fortress is a legendary Provencal palace offering jaw-dropping Luberon views and old-world maximalist design. Guests are pampered with extraordinary touches, including a Guerlain Spa, daily personalized gifts, a complimentary custom minibar, and classic Citroën 2CV car hires.

Set inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha offers secluded Bedouin‑style villas with private heated pools, abundant wildlife views and curated desert activities. Reviewers praise flawless service, gourmet dining and absolute privacy — a pricey but widely recommended refuge from the city.

A boutique beachfront resort on Natai/Khok Kloi beach offering private villas, ocean-view lofts and a calm, sunset-facing shoreline. Guests repeatedly praise personalized service, wellness programmes and a peaceful atmosphere; occasional isolated complaints mention slow food service or insect sightings in some villas.

Set in the bustling Jing'an district, Alila Shanghai is a spectacular urban resort transformed from the former Four Seasons. Designed as a peaceful Zen oasis, it offers spacious rooms, exceptional butler service, and outstanding dining options. However, guests should be prepared for minor room automation issues and occasional low-frequency AC noise.

An iconic, architecturally striking resort perched on a dramatic Uluwatu cliff, offering minimalist private pool villas and world-class ocean views. While the design, cliffside spa, and butler service are deeply memorable, the 17-year-old property shows visible signs of wear and can be disrupted by noisy events.

Perched atop the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is a serene sanctuary that beautifully fuses traditional Japanese minimalist aesthetics with modern luxury. Guests are welcomed into a dramatic 30-meter-high lobby featuring a rock garden, before retreating to exceptionally spacious rooms with window-side stone bathtubs overlooking the Imperial Palace and Mount Fuji. The world-class wellness center, complete with a stunning 30-meter pool and traditional onsen, offers an unmatched escape from the bustling city.

Set in a serene valley within Rajasthan's ancient Aravalli Hills, Amanbagh is a majestic, Mughal-inspired sanctuary crafted from rose-colored marble and sandstone. Guests are enveloped in legendary Aman hospitality, enjoying organic farm-to-table dining, personalized wellness, and immersive village excursions. It is an idyllic, slow-paced escape for those seeking absolute tranquility, though its remote location makes for a long journey.

Set on a lush cliffside overlooking the Ayung River, Amandari is a legendary Ubud sanctuary designed to mirror a traditional Balinese village. The resort offers unmatched personalized service, exceptional privacy in high-walled villas, and deep cultural immersion. While its heritage-rich design is deeply peaceful, travelers should note occasional mustiness in some of the older duplex suites.

Aman’s Amanyangyun is a serene luxury resort built around a relocated camphor forest and meticulously reconstructed Ming and Qing houses, creating a museum‑like park within easy reach of Shanghai. Guests consistently praise the architecture, spacious rooms and personalised staff service, while a few note occasional cleanliness glitches and airplane noise because of the nearby flight path.