Some luxury hotels complement their destination. Others become a reason to travel there in their own right.
From a Maldivian island rich with experiences on land and beneath the waves to a celebrated Dubai address where the impossible seems possible, these exceptional properties go beyond five-star hospitality. Each offers something truly distinctive, combining remarkable settings with experiences that elevate them far above the ordinary.
Where adventure meets barefoot luxury
Amilla, Maldives
The Maldives is renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, but Amilla proves there's far more to discover beyond the shoreline.
Surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers access to some of the Indian Ocean's most remarkable marine experiences. Guests can explore the resort's own Blue Hole, a natural underwater wonder teeming with marine life, or venture to nearby Hanifaru Bay, one of the world's most celebrated locations for manta ray encounters. During the season, witnessing dozens of these graceful creatures glide through the water is an unforgettable experience.
Turtle
What makes Amilla particularly exceptional is the breadth of experiences available beyond the ocean. Guests can challenge themselves on the football pitch or pickleball courts, unleash their creativity at The Clay Studio, enjoy movie nights in the private cinema, or escape to a secluded sandbank for a picnic surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. Amilla delivers the best of both worlds, combining extraordinary marine adventures with a surprising variety of land-based experiences, ensuring every day feels entirely different from the last.
Alpine glamour at its finest
Fouquet's Courchevel
Nestled at the foot of the famous Bellecôte slope in Courchevel 1850, Fouquet's Courchevel blends the warmth of a traditional mountain chalet with the sophistication of a contemporary five-star retreat.
Penthouse
Inside, rich timber, natural stone and luxurious textures create an atmosphere of understated elegance, while attentive service ensures every detail is taken care of. The dedicated ski team prepares equipment each day, even warming boots before guests head onto the slopes, allowing skiers to focus solely on enjoying one of the world's most prestigious ski destinations.
Off the mountain, the experience is equally rewarding. French classics are served beside a crackling fire at Fouquet's restaurant, while the luxurious Spa Diane Barrière offers a tranquil sanctuary complete with treatment rooms, hammam and Jacuzzi. Families are equally well catered for thanks to the children's club, cinema room and nearby ski school. For those seeking the complete luxury ski experience, few addresses balance alpine authenticity and contemporary glamour quite so effortlessly.
A world away, just a short flight from home
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Marrakech is one of those rare destinations that feels utterly different from everyday life, yet remains surprisingly accessible from the United Kingdom.
Set within beautifully landscaped gardens just outside the city's vibrant centre, Mandarin Oriental provides a peaceful retreat where guests can immerse themselves in Moroccan culture before returning to an atmosphere of complete serenity. The resort's standout feature is undoubtedly its collection of exquisite Mandarin Villas. Offering exceptional privacy, generous indoor and outdoor living space and luxurious private pools, they create an experience that feels more like a private residence than a hotel stay.
Combining year-round sunshine, fascinating culture and one of the most luxurious villa experiences in Morocco, Mandarin Oriental rewards travellers with the feeling of having discovered an entirely different world just a few hours from home.
Redefining luxury in Dubai
Atlantis The Royal
Few hotels have generated as much excitement as Atlantis The Royal. Rising dramatically above Dubai's coastline, this architectural masterpiece has quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about luxury resorts in the world. Everything here is designed to impress. From the moment guests enter the striking lobby, it's clear this is luxury on an entirely different scale. Accommodation ranges from elegant rooms and suites to extraordinary penthouses, all showcasing spectacular views and meticulous attention to detail.
Cloud 22 Atlantis The Royal
The dining scene is a destination in itself. With 16 world-class restaurants, including concepts from globally renowned chefs, guests can embark on a culinary journey without ever leaving the resort. Meanwhile, Cloud 22 has become one of Dubai's most coveted addresses, combining a spectacular sky-high infinity pool, vibrant atmosphere and unrivalled views across the city and Arabian Gulf.
Yet what truly sets Atlantis The Royal apart is its ability to continually surprise. Whether relaxing at AWAKEN Spa, experiencing the thrills of Aquaventure World or enjoying an unforgettable evening of dining and nightlife, every corner of the resort feels designed to push the boundaries of luxury. This is not simply a hotel stay. It's a destination dedicated to redefining expectations.
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