Our Top Picks
- Top Honoree: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Italy, takes the top spot with its 5,000-acre historic estate.
- Aegean Excellence: Grace Hotel, an Auberge Resort in Santorini, secures the second position for its iconic caldera views.
- Tropical Zenith: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi ranks third, offering the pinnacle of overwater villa seclusion.
- Methodology Focus: Rankings are based on the T+L reader survey, evaluating service, food, and sense of place.
The 2022 World's Best Awards identifies Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Italy, as the number one best hotels in the world, followed by Grace Hotel and Waldorf Astoria Maldives. These award winning resorts represent the pinnacle of global hospitality.
Methodology: How the Best Hotels in the World are Ranked
The journey to identifying the world-class hotel service that defines the industry begins with the voices of those who experience it: the travelers. The 2022 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards rankings were determined by a reader survey developed in association with the research firm M&RR. This collaboration ensures that the data is both quantitative and qualitative, capturing the nuances of what makes a stay truly unforgettable.
To achieve a coveted spot on this list, properties are meticulously scored across five core metrics:
- Facilities: The design, architecture, and physical amenities.
- Location: The property’s relationship with its surroundings.
- Service: The presence of personalized concierge and intuitive care.
- Food: Culinary excellence, from Michelin-starred dining to local authenticity.
- Value: The overall worth of the experience relative to the investment.
This comprehensive framework serves as a luxury travel planning guide using world's best awards, allowing discerning travelers to understand exactly why a property earns its status. A bespoke guest experience is no longer just about high thread counts; it is about the emotional resonance of the stay.
| Rank | Property | Location | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco | Tuscany, Italy | 99.25 |
| 2 | Grace Hotel | Santorini, Greece | 99.22 |
| 3 | Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | South Malé Atoll, Maldives | 99.11 |
| 4 | Pickering House Inn | Wolfeboro, New Hampshire | 98.95 |
| 5 | One&Only Reethi Rah | North Malé Atoll, Maldives | 98.93 |
The World's Top 3: Excellence in Italy, Greece, and Maldives
The narrative of excellence in 2022 is largely shaped by a return to the serene landscapes of Europe and the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean. Leading the charge is Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, located in Tuscany, Italy, which was named the top hotel in the world. Situated within the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Val d'Orcia, this 800-year-old estate offers a profound sense of place. Guest experiences here are deeply tied to the land; think truffle hunting in the woods and private tastings of Brunello di Montalcino from the estate’s own winery.
Score: 99.25 Key Feature: A 5,000-acre private estate with dedicated butlers for every villa.
In the second position, we find a sanctuary carved into the cliffs of Santorini. Grace Hotel in Santorini and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi were ranked as the second and third best hotels in the world, respectively. Grace Hotel, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is widely considered one of the most romantic hotels in the world for an anniversary trip. Its cobalt-blue infinity pool seems to spill directly into the Aegean, while the minimalist white-on-white architecture allows the natural beauty of Greece to take center stage.
Score: 99.22 Key Feature: Sweeping views of Skaros Rock and private plunge pools in almost every suite.
Completing the top three is the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. This resort redefines the tropical dream by spanning across three interconnected islands. It provides an escape that feels entirely personal, offering everything from overwater villas to "Ithaafushi — The Private Island," a completely autonomous retreat for those seeking absolute privacy. The world-class hotel service here is characterized by the presence of a personal concierge for every guest, ensuring that every desire, from sunrise yoga to a private dinner under the stars, is anticipated with grace.
Score: 99.11 Key Feature: Eleven distinct dining venues, including the spectacular Terra, where guests dine in bamboo nests among the treetops.
The Remaining Global Elite: Urban Resorts and Remote Havens
The diversity of the 2022 rankings demonstrates that top luxury hotels can thrive both in the heart of a bustling metropolis and in the most secluded corners of the earth. When comparing world's best safari lodges versus tropical resorts, the 2022 list highlights properties that bridges the gap between rugged adventure and refined elegance.
Remote Havens and Wellness Retreats
Take, for example, the andBeyond Bateleur Camp in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. It captures the essence of a bygone era with its tented suites and vintage aesthetics, while maintaining a perfect balance with the environment. Similarly, Capella Ubud in Bali (Ranked #7, Score 98.87) offers a unique tented camp experience nestled in the rainforest. These are not merely hotels; they are wellness retreats that offer a spiritual connection to the land.
Vertical Sophistication: Urban Resorts
On the other side of the spectrum, urban resorts like Rosewood Hong Kong (Ranked #10, Score 98.67) and The Lowell in New York (Ranked #8, Score 98.80) showcase how boutique hospitality can be scaled within a vertical environment. Rosewood Hong Kong, situated on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, is a masterclass in modern luxury, featuring butler-serviced floors and an extensive art collection that rivals galleries.
Score: 98.67 Key Feature: The Manor Club, a private executive lounge that feels more like a sophisticated residential home than a hotel facility.
In Paris, the Hôtel de Crillon (Ranked #9, Score 98.78) serves as a historic flagship that proved the timelessness of French grandeur. After its extensive renovation, it has emerged as a beacon of Michelin-starred dining and haute couture service, proving that heritage properties can lead the current global rankings through constant evolution.
Planning Your Stay: High-End Service Features to Look For
Choosing among the best hotels in the world requires an understanding of the nuances that separate the great from the truly exceptional. When looking at high-end service features of the best hotels in the world, the focus has shifted from opulence for opulence’s sake to "intuitive luxury."
If you are currently engaged in luxury travel planning, consider these tips for booking the world's best award winning hotels. First, look for a personalized concierge who reaches out before your arrival. This initial touchpoint allows the staff to tailor your stay—stocking the minibar with your favorite vintage, arranging specific spa treatments, or curating local excursions that align with your interests.
"True luxury is not just about what is provided, but what is anticipated. It is the staff knowing you prefer sparkling water with lime before you ever have to ask." — Emma Chen
Furthermore, pay attention to five-star amenities that offer a deep connection to the local culture. Whether it is a UNESCO-listed locations setting or the presence of hand-crafted local linens, these details create a lasting memory. The pinnacle of hospitality today is the ability to offer a seamless, bespoke guest experience that feels entirely effortless to the traveler.
FAQ
What is the number one hotel in the world right now?
According to the 2022 World's Best Awards, the title of the number one hotel in the world belongs to Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, an exquisite estate located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy.
How much does it cost to stay at the world's best hotel?
The cost of staying at a top-ranked property like Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco varies significantly by season and room type. Generally, rates for a standard room can start around 1,500 to 2,000 USD per night, while multi-bedroom villas with private pools and dedicated staff can exceed 15,000 USD per night during peak summer months.
Where are the most luxurious hotels in the world located?
The 2022 rankings show a strong concentration of luxury in Europe (specifically Italy, Greece, and France) and the Maldives. However, top-tier hospitality is globally distributed, with outstanding urban retreats in New York and Hong Kong, as well as remote lodge experiences in Kenya and Bali.
How are the world's best hotels ranked?
The rankings are derived from the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards survey, where hundreds of thousands of readers vote on their experiences. Properties are rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. The survey is conducted in partnership with the research firm M&RR to ensure data integrity.
Which hotel brand is considered the most luxurious?
While several brands appear on the list, the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand had a particularly strong showing in 2022, securing both the #1 spot (Castiglion del Bosco) and the #10 spot (Rosewood Hong Kong). Other brands frequently recognized for world-class hotel service include Auberge Resorts Collection, One&Only, and Capella.
