We asked some fellow travel bloggers to tell us which hotels are on their ‘Hotel Bucket List’. With so many contributors, we were thrilled with the variety. Some of the hotels were already on our RoomCritic bucket list, and some are new discoveries that have now been added!
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia, West Indies by Mel McLeod of Mel McLeod.com, and RoomCritic.com contributor
Jade Mountain is an architectural gem in St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands in the idyllic Caribbean. Designed with natural elements in mind and a splash of luxury, the sanctuaries have the most desirable of views towards the Heritage listed and unmistakable Pitons. Accessed by your own elevated walkway, the sanctuaries are perfectly positioned on the edge of a rainforest hillside. The Star, Moon, Sun and Galaxy would be the most indulgent of resort rooms with their own private infinity pools that seamlessly blend with the Caribbean sea. There is also no front wall and no floor-to-ceiling windows obstructing the sea and Piton view. Jade Mountain is still on the luxe hotel and resort wish list, but with some direct flights from New York or Miami to St. Lucia’s Hewanorra airport, makes this alluring and oh so romantic destination attainable even from as far away as Sydney.
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Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, USA by Jen Pollack Bianco at My Life’s A Trip
If there is one place in California I think everyone needs to see at least once in their life, it’s Big Sur. It’s where I go when my soul needs a reboot. From the stunning views of the Pacific to the hippie dippy vibe of the locals who work at the Big Sur Bakery, it’s a fun and easy getaway from either Los Angeles or the Bay Area. I recently took a road trip on California’s Pacific Coast Highway and spent a night at the exquisite Post Ranch Inn. Built by architect Mickey Muenning who believed in organic architecture, the Post Ranch Inn and is quite possibly the best hotel example of the indoor/outdoor living that California is known for. It’s also green- the Post Ranch Inn has solar panels that help minimize the property’s use of energy. The hotel is intimate, only 74 rooms, and private. Each of the rooms are all different, some are tree houses, others are curvy and cling to the coast with hot tubs on the deck, all have a cozy fireplace. There are infinity pools around the property, and even a human sized birds nest, if you want to read a book surrounded by views of the redwoods. The hotel’s amenities and service are top notch, the minibar is complementary and could feed a family of four with it’s fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, cheese, coconut water and snacks. Sierra Mar, the hotel’s restaurant, has a great four course $45 prix fixe that is a bargain for lunch with an optional wine pairing. The Post Ranch Inn is a great choice for a romantic getaway and even offers elopement packages for couples who want to get married. Everyone should stay here for a night – preferably with someone they love.
J.K. Place, Rome, Italy by Jen Pollack Bianco at My Life’s A Trip
I love Italy and I can never say no to Rome. I would really love to stay at the J.K. Place Rome, which opened last year. I had such a fantastic experience at the J.K. Place Capri that I’m dying to see how the intimate-mansion-converted-into-a-hotel concept translates in the Italian capital. Rome doesn’t have a great selection of boutique hotels, so it’s very exciting to have the J.K. Place located right near the Spanish Steps, which makes it perfect for exploring. Rome can also be a bit overwhelming, so the personal service could be really helpful in the Eternal City. I am dying to stay there!
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The Argos, Cappadocia, Turkey by Noel Morata at Travel Photo Discovery and A Sari-Sari Life – Hawaiian Style
The Argos in Cappadocia is a very special destination hotel that exemplifies refined elegance and care for their environment. Slowly building up from historic ruins into a unique cave hotel, the result is gorgeous with beautiful views, lounging areas and plenty of outdoor spaces to explore and relax. It was truly one of my favorite stays while I was visiting Cappadocia in Turkey.
The Caves, West End, Jamaica by Nicole Connolly from Caribbean Travel Blog
Nothing says ‘luxury’ like oceanfront accommodation and you could not get any closer to the ocean than The Caves in Jamaica.
Located on the cliff edge in West End Jamaica, The Caves offer luxurious accommodation with endless views of the azure Caribbean waters. During your stay you can be treated to a spa treatment or private dining in one of the caves.
The Caves have been designed as an artful labyrinth, with the cliff walls a veritable museums of fossilized marine life. You truly become one with nature.
The area has some of the best best snorkelling and diving conditions in the world, in case you want to leave the sanctuary of your room. Or, if you prefer to stay on the property, you could make use of the Jacuzzi, sauna or salt water swimming pool.
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Giraffe Manor, Nairobi by Carole Terwilliger Meyers at Travels with Carole
Someday I hope to make it to Africa and a stay in Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor. I’ve seen the pictures of the Rothschild giraffes there who stick their heads right in windows. It is a luxurious, historical lodging and is near to the home of Karen Blixen, who wrote “Out of Africa,” and also to Nairobi National Park.
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Dolder Grand, Zürich, Switzerland by Marysia Maciocha at My Travel Affairs
My dream choice is Dolder Grand in Zurich. I have been fortunate enough to spend a great weekend in this amazing place. It is a choice for everyone who loves pleasure and and luxury! Amazing spa for those who love to relax. High end restaurant for all expert foodies. Super extra modern design will please the most demanding gadget lovers and the view over the city and Lake Zürich will sweep you away from the first sight!
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Claridges, London, England by Malin Lundberg Müller at Haute Compass
I am no stranger to luxury accommodation however there is one place in London I would very much like to tick off my “wanted accommodation list” namely the Claridge’s hotel. I would love to spend a couple of days in the five star Art-Deco luxury where stars, socialites & European Royalty have all made Claridge’s an important part of London’s history. Apparently there is a statement from Old Hollywood star Spencer Tracey who once said “Not that I intend to die, but when I do, I don’t want to go to heaven, I want to go to Claridge’s”! It must be really something that Mayfair hotel!
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Poseidon Resort, Fiji by Amar Hussain at Gap Year Escape
I’ve slept in many weird and wonderful places over the years and have even been to 2000ft below in a submarine. However, a dream would be to actually sleep under the sea.
Not yet open, but a long time in the making, there will be a 5* luxury underwater hotel located 40ft under the sea off a private island in Fiji. It’ll have the usual fine dining, spa treatments and amenities you would expect from a 5* resort but it’ll be hard to find a view from your suite to match it anywhere else in the world. To top it all off, one of the activities is using your own personal luxury submarine to explore the ocean floor. I just need $15,000 for a weeks stay…
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The Point, Adirondack Mountains, USA by Billie Frank of Santa Fe Travelers
The Point, a Forbes Five-Star resort located in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains, has long been a dream destination of mine. And while I’m dreaming, I’d love to stay in the Boat House, their most secluded and popular room. It’s right on the lake and enjoys stunning views of the water right out the window. I can imagine the sleek wooden boats that once lived here in a bygone era. The Point’s signature look is rustic luxury echoing the days when NYC’s wealthy retreated to this region for respite from the summer heat. This former “great camp”, built in the early 1930s for William Avery Rockefeller (yes one of those Rockefellers) is so exclusive they won’t give you the exact location until after you’ve paid your deposit. It is small, exclusive and offers a peaceful escape from 21st century life. The guests are well-heeled and often includes A-List names. The all-inclusive rates (starting at $1,660 per room) include everything including meals. all beverages and tips. If you get hungry between meals, food available 24-hours a day. Wednesday and Saturday dinners are black-tie and you never know who you may meet there. Sign me up for the Boat house. I’ll pay for the reservation as soon as I win the lottery.
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Hotel Splendido, Portofino, Italy by Cacinda Maloney at PointsandTravel.com
Just the sound of its name – Portofino, blows me away into dream land. The famous Hotel Splendido has been on the bucket list for what seems like forever. Winding your way down to Portofino from Santa Margherita, and then looking up into the sky, you will see it there, standing in its majesty peering back at you in all its splendor. The Presidential and Ava Gardner Suites are what take you back in time. Portofino living doesn’t get any more luxurious than this. With four terraces (the Presidential) or the entire top floor of the Splendido Mare (Ava Garder), you will be in Heaven.
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Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Iceland by Andrea Anastasakis at Rear View Mirror
It’s easy to understand why Iceland is on so many travel bucket lists when incredible locations like the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss Waterfall and countless other stunning natural landscapes are located a short drive from one another. Not to mention Iceland is one of the top locations in the world to see the Northern Lights. The Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel would be a dream hotel to use as a base to discover this dream destination. It’s located directly on Iceland’s ring road, not far from Reykjavik and all of the country’s sights, plus the ultra-modern hotel is a cool destination in itself. Floor to ceiling windows look over the lava fields and in the heated outdoor pool you can bath in the midnight sun. The hotel’s restaurant would present a great opportunity to try modern nordic cuisine.
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Black Pearl, Reykjavik, Iceland by Agata Mieczko at nullnfull.com
I normally never consider a hotel as a main point of my stay. Rather, if I go to a place it is landscape and outdoor activities that brings me there. But here we are, I have my dream journey to Iceland and found this hotel: Black Pearl – Reykjavik Finest Apartments. I think this is simply marvelous! It seams to me as an essence of Icelandic interior design in a perfect location with amazing view. I can’t imagine any better way to stay in Reykjavik and if I ever go there this will be my first choice.
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North Island, Seychelles by Paul Johnson at A Luxury Travel Blog
I would love to visit North Island in the Seychelles where there are just 11 villas, each with its own butler, for a week (or two!) of total relaxation. With a maximum of 22 guests at any one time, and a staff of over 100, you are sure to be well looked after! You mostly don’t see a soul whilst you’re there but, despite the solitude, there is lots to see and do, whether it be snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving, going on a sunset cruise or simply admiring the resident turtles.
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Hotel Fasano, Rio by Brenton Bleechmore at RoomCritic
The beautiful people, the sand, surf, laid back, easygoing lifestyle and of course the beautifully romantic sound of Astrid Gilberto’s The Girl From Ipanema have, for as long as I can remember been luring me to Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro. The hotel that epitomises everything this glamorous city has to offer is the Philippe Starck designed Hotel Fasano. This is the top of my hotel bucket list. The loft style, Deluxe Oceanfront Suites are simple and elegant, there are plenty of things I’d give away for a week lounging on one of the balconies.
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We would love to see find out your dream hotel destinations! Where are you dying to visit? If you have been to to a bucket list hotel, please add #roomcritic and the hotel name tag to your Instagram pictures, Twitter and Facebook posts to share with us and our followers.
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All those hotels look fantastic – to save making a very difficult choice I have decided to stay at all of them for a week 🙂
We recently stayed at the Ion Adventure Hotel in Iceland and can honestly say it was one of the best hotels we have stayed in to date. Beautiful settings, with snow cascading down whilst relaxing in the outdoor hot tub after a day of exploring – what more could you ask for.