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Rosewood Beijing, China -

One of the capital's plushest hotels, Rosewood Beijing stands as a landmark of elegance and sophistication. It often hosts local and international celebrities.

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The Langham, USA -

Langham's sky-scraping rooms and suites feature fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows that afford exclusive skyline vistas of Chicago. Guests can expect a discreet and bespoke service.  

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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, United Arab Emirates - The five dramatically sculptured towers of Abu Dhabi's Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel property house 382 beautifully appointed rooms and suites.

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Royal Mansour, Morocco - Known as the Marrakesh Palace, Royal Mansour is often voted as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It comprises a collection of 53 independent riads—a traditional Moroccan house.

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The Mulia, Indonesia - The stylish Mulia all-suite hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali, sits on a secluded white sand beach and is known for its iconic oceanfront Oasis Pool—Bali’s longest beachfront infinity pool.

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Fours Seasons Resort, USA - Lapped by the warm Pacific Ocean, the resort, sited in Maui, Hawaii, offers 383 luxury accommodation units, including 75 suites, with garden or sea views. Water-sports are, naturally, favored activity options.

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Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Italy -

Hugging Lake Como, this is one of the oldest and most elegant hotels in the region. The hotel is famed for its spa facility.

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The Hay-Adams, USA -

Some of the top-floor rooms and suites at the iconic Hay overlook the White House—the most stately views afforded by any hotel in the capital.

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Fogo Island Inn, Canada -

Fogo Island Inn sits on an island, off an island, off the coast of Newfoundland. This really is the place to get away from it all!

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Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam - Nestled in the heart of Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve near Danang City, this luxurious resort is not far from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue.

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Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, USA -

Looming large over Sunny Isles Beach in Florida, this landmark resort features an impressive 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) spa facility, among other top-notch guest amenities.

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Hotel Bristol, Poland - Situated on the celebrated Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace, this splendid early 20th-century property is one of Warsaw's finest hotels.

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St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia - A favorite celebrity hangout, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the ultimate South Pacific splurge.

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Amangiri Resort, USA -

Appearing as if hewn out of bedrock, this desert resort in Utah is a triumph of minimalism and understated luxury. It's quite simply one of the funkiest bolt-holes ever conceived.

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Lebua at State Tower, Thailand - Opulent suites, breathtaking views, fine dining, and iconic rooftop bars define one of Bangkok's most exclusive hotel properties.  

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The Nines, USA -

Housed in the Portland's historic Meier & Frank building, The Nines features a centerpiece atrium imaginatively furnished with colorful and attractive decor—the coolest hangout in town!

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Jade Mountain, St. Lucia -

Enjoying a truly magnificent setting overlooking a sweeping bay and a landscape of mesmerizing peaks, this scenic resort makes the most of St. Lucia's jaw-dropping Caribbean location.

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Palace Hotel, USA -

The original 1875 San Francisco property was rebuilt in 1909 in the wake of the great earthquake, though it's still possible to discern surviving late 19th-century architecture.

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The Beekman, USA - A Thompson Hotel set near the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, The Beekman opened in 2016 within a building that was once known as Temple Court, one of Manhattan's original skyscrapers.

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Curtain Bluff, Antigua - This intimate Caribbean getaway ranks among the best inclusive resorts and tennis centers in the world.

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J.K. Place Firenze, Italy -

Overlooking Piazza di Santa Maria Novella in the center of Florence, this hotel combines decor from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s to create a delightful combination of period furnishings and fittings.

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Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, USA -

Located one hour north by road from San Francisco, this clifftop retreat is applauded for its two championship golf courses, and one of the Bay Area's most sumptuous spa facilities.

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Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla -

Fringed by sparkling white sand lapped by the Caribbean Sea, Frangipani Beach Resort is an exclusive boutique property where privacy and discretion are the bywords.

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Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Indonesia -

River-view villas within a canopy of swaying palm characterize the accommodation options at this lush jungle retreat.

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Montage Beverly Hills, USA - Location, location, location! Situated in the heart of one of the country's most exclusive neighborhoods, Montage Beverly Hills is regularly voted LA's swankiest hotel.

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The Milestone Hotel, England - This lovely boutique property sits in the heart of London opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, and is not far from the famous Royal Albert Hall.

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Le Meurice, France - The epitome of 18th-century spendor, this Paris landmark counts Dalí, Warhol, and Bob Dylan among its many VIP guests. The city's Tuileries Garden is effectively the front lawn! 

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ARIA Sky Suites, USA - Stylish in the extreme, the ARIA in Vegas offers the ultimate in discerning guest service. Comprising Deluxe Rooms, Tower Suites, and super cool Sky Suites, this is more than a hotel stay; it's a privileged lifestyle experience.

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The Lanesborough, England - One of London's grandest residences, The Lanesborough celebrates Regency-era luxury in an enviable location. The unparalleled customer service includes Michelin-starred dining.

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp, Thailand - Located near Chiang Rai, a stay here is all about observing, playing, and connecting with elephants in their natural environment.

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Ocean House, USA -

The stunning oceanfront setting and wonderfully nostalgic late 19th-century New England ambiance help underline the authentic splendor of this Rhode Island seaside escape.

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The Leela Palace, India - Udaipur’s magnificent palaces and forts are exemplified by this outstanding property, which sits on the banks of the majestic Lake Pichola.

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The Oberoi Udaivilas, India - Located in Udaipur, this hotel is known for its opulent rooms, including the Kohinoor Suite (named after one of the largest cut diamonds in the world) which features gold domed ceilings, mirror mosaics, and hand-carved marble privacy screens.

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Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Thailand - This beachfront resort in Hua Hin is styled as a Thai village and surrounded by lagoon-filled gardens. 

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Carmel Valley Ranch, USA -

As upscale country retreats go, Carmel Valley in California is in a league of its own. Besides its golf and spa options, the destination is renowned for its restaurant, which prides itself on using fresh, organically grown produce.

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Taj Lake Palace, India - One of India's most iconic hotel properties, the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur seemingly floats on water. The intricate wooden lattice and araish-work ceilings found in rooms are a celebrated design signature.

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Meadowood Napa Valley, USA -

Hidden away in St. Helena, this upscale retreat is noted for its spa and wellness facilities. The restaurant is an exclusive fine dining venue.

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Six Senses Laamu, Olhuveli Island, Maldives - Maldives Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, set deep in the Indian Ocean. This is the place to escape just about everything!

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The St Regis New York, USA -

Gilt-edge furnishings, marble flourishes, and a tangible sense of timeless luxury help define one of the Big Apple's signature hotel properties.

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The Leela Palace, India - New Delhi's hotel of choice for discerning guests seeking unparalleled luxury in captivating environs.

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Singita Grumeti, Tanzania - The Great Migration is one the most dramatic wildlife transits ever witnessed. And if you want see it for yourself, then Singita Grumeti in Tanzania is where to stay to catch this incredible event.

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Cavallo Point Lodge, USA -

Attention! Fort Baker, a former US Army post, is now Cavallo Point Lodge. The guest lodgings were formerly officers' residences, all now restored to impeccably high standards.

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Turtle Island Resort, Fiji -

Considered the most exclusive of Fiji's resorts, this private island playground is one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world.

See also: Have a quirky stay: the world's most unusual hotels.

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