Our Favorite Bucket List Hotels Around the World
There are some hotels that are just special — whether it’s because the hotel is a castle, on a private island, or has an underwater hotel, these are some of the most memorable and bucket-list-worthy hotels Yahoo Travel editors have stayed at recently. Here’s why you should put them on your must-see list, too.
Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland
Every nook and cranny of this Irish castle has been lovingly restored to amazing splendor. The grounds and gardens are beautiful, and there’s even a a falconry school. (Photo: Insight Vacations)
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Wolgan Valley, Australia
The resort sits on Australia’s Great Dividing Range, amid a 7,000-acre reserve nestled between two national parks, the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park, within the scenic Blue Mountains area. The never-ending acreage inhabited by kangaroos, wallaroos, wombats, unusual plants, and more. The rooms are luxurious with just the right amount of rustic. (Photo: Emirates)
Fowl Cay Resort, The Exumas, Bahamas
Set on a pristine 50-acre private island in the Bahamas, Fowl Cay Resort is a classic favorite for boating, diving, fishing, and relaxing — the island is tucked away in the quiet center of the Exumas chain of islands in the Bahamas. Though life on the cay is laid-back and beachy, the staff is attentive to your every need and the villas feel contemporary. (Photo: Fowl Cay Resort/Facebook)
Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek, South Africa
Le Quartier Fran?ais is a little piece of Provence in the winelands of South Africa. It’s a collection of small white-washed buildings accented in blues and pinks, and dotted with private gardens and whimsical nooks. Most of the staff has been working here for ages and they’ll make you feel like part of the family they’ve created, chatting over breakfast, shuttling you to Franschhoek’s world-class wine farms, or directing you to their favorite shops in the charming little village down the block. The onsite restaurant, The Tasting Room, is a destination dining experience. (Photo: Le Quartier Francais)
Ritz Carlton, Kyoto, Japan
Open since February 2014, this luxury escape offers everything you would expect from a Ritz-Carlton property. But beyond the first-class accommodations, walking into this hotel transports you to a different world — mixing modern flare with centuries old tradition. (Photo: Ritz Carlton)
Qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia
Walking into the open-air main reception area, you are hit with a view that will literally take your breath away. This is where guests sit upon arrival to have a complimentary drink and chat with a staff member about the layout of the property and what to expect. And the people who work at Qualia are just as amazing as the scenery. Qualia prides itself on providing “intuitive” service, and that’s how it feels. Your every need is effortlessly and pleasantly met. (Photo: Qualia)
Four Seasons Resort, Lanai, Hawaii
Lanai is a 90,000 acre island where visitors can experience Hawaii as it was intended to be — no stoplights, no chain stores, only 30 miles of paved roads for a completely secluded escape. The island’s diverse landscapes offer up a range of activities from horseback riding, hiking, and tours in the green upcountry lands, to ocean sports and cultural discovery in heritage sites and learning programs with Hawaiian elders. The new Four Seaons Resort Lanai offers luxury, comfort, and elegance, a Signature Jack Nicklaus golf course featuring ocean vistas on ever hole, and a newly built and landscaped pool area featuring an adults pool. (Photo: Four Seasons)
Jade Mountain, Souferie, St. Lucia
This uber-romantic hotel sits high atop the hills of Saint Lucia. Each suite has only three walls — the fourth is completely missing so rooms are open to spectacular sweeping views of the island’s famous Piton mountains — and a private infinity pool appearing to cascade off the edge. Plus, there is 24-hour service and no televisions, radios, or phones in the rooms (though free Wi-Fi can be provided upon request), and it’s adults-only. Guests have access to two soft sand beaches as well as adventure excursions and boutique shopping. (Photo: Jade Mountain)
Castaway Island Resort, Qualito Island, Fiji
The ferry out to the resort on Castaway Island is only by boat, seaplane, or helicopter. As you glide through the crystal clear water, Castaway emerges with dense trees and a pristine beach. Stepping of the boat feels like stepping onto an oasis — a perfect piece of happiness somewhere in the south pacific. Castaway Island consists of 174 acres of land owned privately by the resort. The only lodgings on this island are the hut-looking bures, many of which are located directly on the beach. In fact if the tide is high enough, waves will actually splash against your door. (Photo: Castaway Island)
Hacienda Venecia, Manizales, Colombia
Hacienda Venecia has a postcard-perfect mountain setting. With its bamboo architecture, hammocks facing the countryside, and peacocks roaming the lawn, Hacienda Venecia has the look and feel of a place stuck in time. But it’s also part of a major trend in Colombia: a coffee farm in the country’s famous coffee-growing region for 100 years, only in the last seven years has it opened itself as a B&B to visitors. (Photo: Hacienda Venecia)
Villa Caletas, Jaco, Costa Rica
Near the tiny surf town of Jaco, Villa Caletas sits atop a mountain. It has beautiful rooms, lush grounds, and a private beach, but thanks to its location, it’s all a bout the views of the ocean and verdant Costa Rica below. And don’t miss the wildlife — monkeys and iguanas galore! (Photo: Villa Caletas)
There are some hotels that are just special — whether it’s because the hotel is a castle, on a private island, or has an underwater hotel, these are some of the most memorable and bucket-list-worthy hotels Yahoo Travel editors have stayed at recently. Here’s why you should put them on your must-see list, too.
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