When Sir Richard Branson first visited the 74-acre piece of land now known as Necker Island, it was completely uninhabited. He negotiated a purchase price of $180,000, transformed it into an über-luxe resort, and now, 36 years later, charges $62,000 per night to rent the 15-room property. The island, ... More

The moment guests step foot into lobby of New Orleans’ Windsor Court hotel, they’re transported to what seems like a bygone era—a place where well-dressed Southern bells gather for high tea at noon, travelers sip pre-dinner martinis and throaty jazz singers croon songs by request. Inspired by England’s Windsor ... More

Famous for its historic mansions and extensive coastline, Newport, Rhode Island is the summer playground for New Englanders and tourists alike, and no hotel better exemplifies its charm than The Chanler at Cliff Walk. Situated on an oceanfront property overlooking Easton’s Beach, this boutique hotel offers 20 ... More

The entrance to Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas is extraordinary to say the least—and that’s exactly what the property’s developer had in mind when it was built five years ago. The beachfront hotel’s 96 rooms, spa and restaurant are only accessible via a 1,000 foot-long tunnel carved into ... More

Nestled beneath the slopes of Utah’s famous mountains, Montage Deer Valley is coveted by skiers and snowboarders—as well as those of us who skip directly to the après ski activities. Indeed, if hitting the slopes isn’t on your agenda, you're welcome to unwind at Spa Montage, the ... More

Just steps away from Athens’ historic Syntagma Square, Greek tradition and modern design collide at the 79-room New Hotel. The property—built in 1958—was previously home to the Olympic Palace Hotel but underwent a much-needed makeover in 2011 when it re-opened under its current name. The hotel’s designers took ... More

On the edge of a lush Sorrento, Italy cliff is a stunning three-building hotel belonging to the Fiorentino family, who celebrates 180 years of ownership in 2014. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, situated on the same coast that attracted artists, writers and philosophers during the winter months at ... More

There's a lot going on at the 11-year-old, 95-room Hotel Unique in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The six-story boat-shaped (some say it's more like a watermelon) hotel designed by Oscar Niemeyer protégé Ruy Ohtake features not only some of the most stylish accommodations in the city but also a ... More

Since its opening in 1996, Ayana Resort and Spa has hosted a wide range of guests, from Saudi royalty to Tyra Banks and her top models. The ultra-private hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean is home to an award-winning spa—and the world's largest Aquatonic seawater pool. With 290 rooms ... More

Seamlessly tying together the new world with the old, The Augustine is one of the most elegant hotels in central Europe. For one, the 13th-century Augustinian St. Thomas Monastery is part of the seven-building complex, making the meticulously-renovated property a tranquil and welcome respite from the Czech Republic's ... More