Five Hotels Worth Dropping Everything For (At Least Once)

Travel is no longer just about ticking destinations off a list, it’s about chasing experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. Around the world, certain hotels offer more than comfort and convenience; they deliver moments, emotions, and memories that feel almost cinematic. Whether it’s barefoot luxury on a remote island, old-world charm wrapped in modern elegance, or skyline views that make you pause mid-sip, some stays are destined to become highlights of your travel story. If you’re curating a bucket list that blends adventure with unforgettable hospitality, these five hotels deserve a prime spot.

Capella Bangkok Hotel

Set along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Capella Bangkok artfully blends polished luxury with riverside calm, a rare balance in a city that thrives on hustle. In 2024, it was ranked #1 in the world by The World’s 50 Best Hotels.

What stands out: 101 rooms and villas, many with private gardens and plunge pools, serene views over the river, and that rare luxe-meets-tranquil vibe. For travelers who want indulgence without losing peace, whether it’s honeymooners, solo wanderers, or city-life escapees, Capella offers a feeling of being in Bangkok while also being a world away from its chaos.

If you’re the type who wants your travel to include smooth cocktails, spa days, boat rides, and cultural immersion, all wrapped in elegant comfort, Capella Bangkok should be high on your list.

La Mamounia Resort hotel

In Marrakech, La Mamounia carries an almost legendary status, not just as a hotel, but as a symbol of refined heritage and timeless glamour. Built in 1929 and steeped in Moroccan architectural and artistic charm, it’s often regarded as one of the world’s finest hotels.

Here, you’re not just booking a room, you’re stepping into a world rich with history: ornate archways, lush gardens, elegant riads, and suites steeped in old-world luxury. The hotel sits opposite the iconic Kutubiyya Mosque, which adds a distinct local flavor to the stay. For travelers who want romance, mystery, and a deep sense of place, La Mamounia delivers one of those stays you’ll remember long after your passport stamp fades.

NIHI Sumba Hotel

If your travel dreams lean toward wild, off-the-grid, and nature-infused, NIHI Sumba in Indonesia is a retreat that hits all those notes. The resort sprawls across 567 acres of jungle and coastline on Sumba Island, far from mainstream tourism, and deeply immersed in nature’s pace.

With only 27 villas, jungle paths, wild beaches and an atmosphere that whispers “disconnect to reconnect,” it’s the kind of destination that strips away the noise of everyday life. You can surf, ride horses along the sand, explore hills and jungle trails, or simply lounge by a secluded pool. This is travel for the soul: minimal electricity, maximal calm, a detox from constant notifications. If you want true rest, reflection, or just a story to tell, NIHI Sumba is your kind of escape.

Rosewood Hong Kong Hotel

In the busy heart of Kowloon’s Victoria Dockside, Rosewood Hong Kong rises as a contemporary palace of comfort and cosmopolitan sophistication. With 413 rooms across 43 floors, its blend of luxury, art and skyline views helped it clinch top marks in 2025’s global lists of best hotels.

The value here lies in its ability to deliver both high-end indulgence and urban energy: from spectacular city and harbour views, refined suites, artistic interiors, and top-tier amenities, to easy access to the vibrant street life of Hong Kong. If you want a stay that mixes business-class hotel experience with a city’s pulse,  this one hits that sweet spot.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlolocation”:[“Monte Carlo, Monaco”, Monaco”]

For those who dream of opulence, glamour, and a dash of historic grandeur, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is a bucket-list essential. Opened in 1864, this legendary hotel sits at the heart of Monaco’s Casino Square and has hosted royals, celebrities, and the world’s elite for more than a century. Its marble halls, Belle Époque charm, modern luxury touches, and refined dining (including restaurants by global chefs) reflect its enduring legacy.

It’s not just a hotel, it’s a cultural experience: high-end spa treatments, fine dining, Mediterranean views, and the kind of red-carpet glam that turns every check-in into a moment. If you want to celebrate success, romance, or simply treat yourself to the luxe life, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo hits the note with style and history.