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

Truly luxurious accommodations are hard to come by in South Africa’s subtropical dry sand forest, but the lodging at Phinda Private Game Reserve is a lavish exception. The property—owned by andBeyond, a company that specializes in high-end experiential travel and safaris—has just six lodges spread out ... 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

When the chic SLS Beverly Hills opened its doors in 2008, it aimed to combine the luxury of a five-star property with the trendiness of a boutique hotel. Entrepreneur Sam Nazarian, the developer behind the SLS, accomplished just that—and then some. With the help of an all-star team ... More

A decade ago, an 85-million Euro renovation transformed the Palais Coburg, built between 1840 and 1845 in classicist style atop a former bastion, into a property that boasts both a rich history and modern luxuries. Today the intimate hotel offers 35 totally individual suites, multiple salon halls, six ... More

Kyoto has long been considered a tranquil alternative to hyper-stimulated Tokyo, but now the imperial city is taking on a new identity among travelers: a luxury destination that fuses ancient tradition with modern flair. The "old-meets-new" concept is quickly gaining traction throughout Kyoto. A number of companies are restoring historic merchant ... More

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It's not surprising that the Wedgewood Hotel in Downtown Vancouver has the refinement of Old Europe: The property's owner, Eleni Skalbania, was born and raised in Greece before opening the family-run boutique hotel in British Columbia 25 years ago. Skalbania lends her personal touch to each of Wedgewood's ... More

The majestic Gstaad Palace—located in the heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Alps—has the air of an ancient Swiss castle. And while it doesn’t quite date back to the 13th century, the hotel does boast a rich 100-year history. Out of Gstaad Palace’s 104 rooms, we were curious to find ... More