Five of the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels

This Arabian-style domed palace sprawls along the white sands of its own private bay, waiting to welcome guests in a five-star style worthy of royalty. When you’re not enjoying the temperature controlled pools or the many sports facilities at the hotel, you can relax in your elegantly decorated room, taking in the view from your balcony or terrace. Foodies will love the variety offered across the nine restaurants, including one with a Michelin star. And unlike many luxury hotels, children are carefully considered at the Emirates Palace – they have their own pool area with flumes, an outdoor play zone, and a kids’ club.

Epitomising the very height of old-style Bahamian glamour, this hotel sits at the sweet spot where two of the best beaches on the island meet. Guests benefit from an exclusive hotel feel, while also having access to all the exciting facilities on the vast Atlantis resort. The adults-only Cove Pool, which has an outdoor gaming pavilion, day beds and private cabanas, the largest casino in the Caribbean and the fine dining options, including a Nobu restaurant, are all highlights. The young and young at heart will also love the 141-acre water park and amazing aquarium that Atlantis is famous for.

This 14th-century Venetian palace on the water-front sits just moments from St Mark’s Square, the towering Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Every corner of this beautiful hotel is decorated in luxurious style, with pink marble, gold leaf and Murano glass adding to the palatial feel, and guests are also surrounded by an impressive private collection of art and antiques. Don’t miss dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, La Terazza, where you’ll dine over incredible views across the Grand Canal. Choose a room or suite with a lagoon view to make the most of the unique location – and if you really want to push the boat out, the Signature Suites are jaw-droppingly lavish spaces adorned with priceless paintings, the finest furnishings, sumptuous silk drapes and marble bathrooms.

In a city full of incredible five-star hotels, it’s difficult to single out the most luxurious, but this iconic Italy-inspired hotel deserves to take the top spot. While everyone knows about its magical dancing fountains and impressive casino, the Bellagio still has many surprises to discover, including a beautiful conservatory and botanical gardens, a fine art gallery and a magnificent lobby complete with colourful flower-strewn ceiling and huge golden horse sculpture. This hotel also has five inviting pools, and lucky ticket holders can see the mesmerising Cirque Du Soleil ‘O’ show, a stunning acrobatic display set in and around the water.

This world famous hotel – the first in the Caribbean to become a member of The Leading Hotels of the World – sets the standard for luxury on this heavenly island. With just 69 suites, it has an exclusive feel, and service is flawless thanks to staff outnumbering guests at a ratio of three to one. Surrounded by tropical gardens, with the fine sandy beach just steps away and three sparkling pools to choose from, you’ll feel you’ve been transported to a paradise within paradise. Keen to make the most of its prime beachside spot, the Royal Palm boasts its own boat house offering a range of watersports and excursions. And a visit to the Clarins Spa, built around a pool and cascading waterfalls, will leave you in a state of complete bliss for the remainder of your holiday.