Fifteen best: Luxury hotels

01. Angsana Riads Collection, Morocco
In typical riad style, the properties are all built around a central courtyard, with just a handful of rooms and lovely roof terraces. You’d be hard pushed to choose a favourite: each is romantic and delightful in its own way and, best of all, guests can use the facilities of any in the collection. Service is hard to fault, riad hosts cater to all needs and there’s a choice of daily activities, from cooking classes and city tours to trekking in the Atlas Mountains. www.angsana.com

02. Banyan Tree, Maldives
The fourth Banyan Tree property to open in the Maldives consists of just six tented villas on Ethere Madivaru, an island on the edge of the remote North Ari Atoll. Extremely private, set wide apart and surrounded by jungle, each villa has three individual tents for sleeping, living and bathing, plus a private pool. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and there are deep-soak tubs and outdoor showers; the decor is colonial, with a luxury hideaway-camp feel. www.banyantree.com

03. Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India
Located just 8 km from the historic city of Jaipur, The Oberoi Rajvilas is the perfect base from which to explore one of India’s most exotic and vibrant cities. This idyllic retreat evokes princely Rajasthan with luxury villas and royal tents in a fort-like setting set on 32 acres of lush gardens, flowering trees and mesmerising fountains. It is a uniquely serene and beautiful setting, complemented by first-class butler service. www.oberoihotels.com

04. Alila Cha-am, Thailand
Lie by the poolside in private hedge-fringed enclaves, or follow a relaxing schedule of yoga, meditation and t’ai chi. The 72 bedrooms and seven villas manage industrial-chic minimalism without sacrificing warmth, thanks to piles of funky cushions and fluffy rugs. What’s more, you can simulate rainy days under your 3.5-metre rain shower or head to the Alila Spa for an energising Thai massage using a scrub made from indigenous coffee-coconut mud. www.alilahotels.com

05. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
After its grand opening in September 1963, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong quickly became recognised as one of the world’s most legendary hotels. The concept was to create a hotel firmly rooted in Eastern Culture, providing gracious service to a standard generally only experienced in Asia. The hotel’s 502 guestrooms and suites, all of which are individually furnished and decorated in exquisite materials and feature the very latest guest-orientated technology. www.mandarinoriental.com

06. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer. With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, you can be assured of a luxurious stay. www.burj-al-arab.com

07. Hermitage Bay, Antigua
Hermitage Bay is a place that you’ll probably want to keep quiet about: a charming resort hotel that combines Aman aesthetics with top calibre staff. Situated at the end of a bumpy, unmade road, its location only serves to enhance its air of seclusion. But its real selling point is that it is all-inclusive, so everything from sailing tuition to a massage and four à la carte meals a day is included in the rate, making it extremely easy you to indulge in whatever you feel like. www.hermitagebay.com

08. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A unforgettable landmark that’s a wonder to behold for all who venture through its magnificent gates. It’s almost like a fairy tale as your senses are treated to an extraordinary and unforgettable over-the-top luxury experience. This hotel aims to offer a majestic experience fit for kings and queens. The Palace boasts 302 Grand rooms and 92 super-equipped suites each combining the ultimate in luxury with state of the art technology. www.emiratespalace.com

09. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
Mauritius’ first international resort–style five-star hotel opened on 20th October 1975, it has been setting the standards for service, style and glamour on the island ever since. Now open for over thirty years, the resort welcomes generations of families back, year after year. One&Only Le Saint Géran is incredibly private. Set along miles of silver white sands on its own peninsula on the northeastern coast of Mauritius, the resort is completely concealed. www.oneandonlyresorts.com

10. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
This stunning hotel offers spacious and richly appointed rooms with private terraces, large marble bathrooms that overlook private walled courtyards, restaurants that serve traditional Rajasthani, Indian and International cuisine, one of the best spas in the world (provided by Banyan Tree), a wildlife sanctuary and breathtaking gardens. This resort offers the ultimate way to feel like a prince or princess. www.oberoihotels.com

11. Sabi Sabi, Johannesburg, South Africa
This award-winning private game reserve offers luxury accommodation, exceptional close wildlife encounters, personal service and delicious cuisine. The resort is home to elephants rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalos Highly trained rangers ensure that your safari experience ranks amongst the best in the world. You can look forward to fantastic close-up experiences with Africa’s wildlife on every game drive. www.sabisabi.com

12. Four Seasons Hotel, Alexandria, Egypt
Four Seasons rekindles the glamour and prestige of San Stefano, Egypt’s legendary Mediterranean resort. At Grand Plaza, a stately crescent hugging the Corniche, this seaside escape melds cool, classic accommodations with a multitude of restaurants and resort-like choices. Sweeping Mediterranean views with shopping amenities and a European spa. Terraced restaurants facing the sea and service that outshines anything in Alexandria. www.fourseasons.com

13. Treetops Lodge & Estate, Rotorua New Zealand
Set on 2,500 acres of wilderness game reserve that includes an 800-year-old forest, Treetops Lodge is a true nature lover’s sanctuary. The lodge’s architectural notes of stone and timber reflect the surrounding beauty. The spacious and finely decorated rooms and villas boast spa tubs, roaring fireplaces, in-room massages, plus there’s a programme of activities including trout fishing, hiking, bird watching and photo safaris. www.treetops.co.nz

14. Ritz Carlton Battery Park, New York, USA
Look out across the waterfront as Lady Liberty stands proudly over symbolic Ellis Island. Sweeping views command your attention at every turn. As one of the best hotels in New York, The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park immerses its guests in all the luxury and cultural heritage that is lower Manhattan. At the southwestern tip of Manhattan, The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park is a AAA Five Diamond Property that offers a convenient downtown location. www.ritzcarlton.com

15. Intercontinental Phoenicia, Beirut, Lebanon
This breath-taking 80,000 sq m commercial centre is built around a three-tower hotel, as well as two floors of public space counting a spacious banquet, a shopping arcade, restaurants, conference and exhibition areas, two swimming pools and a lavish spa — all conceived to serve and welcome business travellers, visitors and families seeking an unconventional quality of service. www.intercontinental.com