Last month, I began going over some of the best hotels located around the world. I spoke about resorts in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, but I didn’t talk about any great resorts from the western world. This time around, I’m choosing to focus on destinations in the UK, Central America, and The United States.
The Connaught — London
Some hotels have magic in their bones. The smell of a candle in the lobby, the hum of a low-lit bar, and the sight of old oak bannisters are all part of the magic that makes The Connaught feel like home. The hotel’s original lifts are still functional, and its solid walls make it feel like everything is well-equipped to handle whatever the world throws at it.
The setting is also just right: Mount Street is immaculate, and it’s immediately separated from the hustle and bustle of London’s West End by a line of shiny black taxis. This hotel is a haven for those who want to escape the city.
There’s also a buzzing atmosphere in the hotel’s various spaces, such as the Red Room, which is a hidden speakeasy. For those who want to experience the hotel’s elevated Michelin dining, there’s also a corner that’s dedicated to late-night snacks.
The rooms at the hotel are all equipped with wall-to-wall marble bathrooms, and some of the beds are so high that they require steps to get in. This is a very London-centric establishment. Everything is impeccable, and I can’t think of a better place to stay.
One&Only Palmilla — Baja California Sur, Mexico
The staff at One&Only Palmilla is made up of third-generation employees, and it feels like you’re staying in a home away from home. They’re knowledgeable about all of the tequilas and mezcals that are available, and they’re also happy to help set up your yoga mat.
The rooms at One&Only Palmilla are also equipped with hand-embroidered textiles, and they’re all spacious and bright. This hotel is the first of its kind in the area and has a significant advantage over the other luxury establishments in Cabo. There are plenty of new five-star hotels in the area, but Palmilla has a real advantage.
The hotel’s location on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches is also an advantage. During the ’50s, Hollywood’s elite flocked to this area, and today, a new generation of A-listers continues to follow suit. The hotel’s consistent innovation and dedication to luxury have allowed it to maintain its position as one of the region’s top hotels.
Montage Kapalua Bay — Maui, Hawaii
Even if you live in Maui, you can still feel like you’re escaping from the island’s regular life when you visit the resort community of Kapalua. The area’s beaches are incredibly clean and the roads are lined with Cook pines.
This exclusive community is home to two luxurious hotels, and both of them are within walking distance of two marine reserves. The 466-room Ritz-Carlton is a great place to stay, but the smaller of the two hotels, the Montage, is a league above.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Cane & Canoe, serves up a variety of food and drinks, and it has a full chef’s table experience. If you’re craving a taste of the local cuisine, the resort also has room service and a variety of other services.
The hotel features eight hales, which are outdoor treatment rooms that are surrounded by bamboo gardens. They’re also equipped with an infinity pool and a variety of other amenities, making the resort a travel destination in itself.