Hotels, Resorts & Spas 2022

Our annual roundup of the best hotels, resorts and spas is here to inspire your travels.

By Samantha Coles |  December 8 2021

What a difference a year makes. Or, in the Covid-19 era, what a difference a few years makes.

Our annual Hotels, Resorts and Spas guide was in a different place last year. Compiling a travel focused supplement in the midst of a pandemic is no easy feat, but we aimed to spark inspiration and look at travel in a different way — namely, staying local and exploring all that is within easy reach.

Now, that has a renewed importance too. In the face of climate change, lessening our impact on the environment by championing staycations and choosing more sustainable hotels is paramount.

At the time of writing, the COP26 climate change conference was taking place in Glasgow, Scotland. Over 190 world leaders met to discuss climate change and seek ways to tackle the critical problem. The main objectives are to “secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach,” with countries pledging to cut methane emissions, phase out coal and restrict deforestation.

While the event has been tinged with the kind of controversy one can only expect from such a crucial and seemingly insurmountable battle, it is a topic that cannot be taken too lightly and trickles down into everyday life — challenging brands and individuals to think differently.

Take ‘The Whisky Smugglers’ — two brothers from New Zealand who took on a wild swimming excursion through a treacherous whirlpool in Scotland to raise funds for a conservation charity. Oh, and they undertook this challenge with bottles of whisky strapped to them, which will be blended and sold as a limited-edition expression.

Elsewhere in this issue, you can find our expert reviews on some of the world’s finest hotels. In the BVI, Richard Branson’s Necker Island is now back (and more sustainable) than ever, following a string of disasters. Idle Rocks is an idyllic spot, located in a charming fishing village in Cornwall, England. Many flock here for the sea air and even better seafood — head chef (and Cornwall native) Dorian Janmaat joined the hotel after eight years at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Expect seriously local produce and a menu that celebrates all things seaside.

Prefer to take to the high seas? Dardanella is a 121-ft explorer yacht, built by prestigious Dutch shipyard Vitters. What makes her unique, though, is that she has a dedicated on-board wellness practitioner who creates bespoke programs that harness the healing powers of the ocean. Or, if you’re looking to reconnect with family and friends after a long stint spent apart, VistaJet’s ‘Surprise Reunion’ package brings loved ones together with a fun itinerary that begins long before takeoff.

Samantha Coles
Editor
samantha.coles@elitetraveler.com

Read the digital issue here

Discover

Yachts

Explore some of the most incredible locations while harnessing the healing powers of the ocean with Dardanella’s onboard wellness practitioner.

Spirits

Discover the whisky-loving duo highlighting the vulnerability of the oceans, and uncover perhaps the most exclusive whisky club in the world.

Aviation

Everything you need to know about VistaJet’s latest partnership with event planners Sharky & George — ‘The Surprise Reunion’ connects families in the skies for the most unforgettable vacation.

Men’s Watches

Roberta Naas checks out world-time watches (a must for international high fliers) and selects a few of her favorites.

Women’s Watches

Roberta Naas examines today’s finest watchmakers who are introducing colorful pieces to their collections.

Destination Style

From where to stay, what to do, where to eat and even what to wear, we explore the best of Amsterdam.

Beauty

We take a closer look at one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare: chlorophyll.

Americas

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Four Seasons Los Cabos

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hotel del Coronado

Kachi Lodge

The Liming Bequia

Necker Island

Noelle Nashville

Sea Island

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Aquagrand

Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah

Baden-Baden

The Biltmore London

Chalech S

Chenot Palace Weggis

Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé

Clinique La Prairie

Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay

InterContinental Edinburgh the George, an IHG Hotel

The Mandrake

The Hari

The Idle Rocks

The Samling Hotel

Villa Orsula

SO/ Sotogrande

Asia-Pacific

Baglioni Resort Maldives

North Island

Rosewood Hong Kong

Velaa Private Island

Seychelles

Read the digital issue here