Looking for an incredible luxury vacation in 2022? From island retreats to eco lodges, lakeside hotels to back-to-nature beauty, here’s 10 stunning resorts that *need* to be on your bucket list this season:
1. For Barefoot Luxury: Mirihi Island, Maldives
Perfect for: Total relaxation
The Lowdown: If you’re searching for boutique island luxury in the Maldives, this area is perfect for you. Mirihi Island just 37 rooms, including 30 stunning overwater villas with private decks and expansive views from the Indian Ocean. The bedrooms are merely stunning; rooms are designed to emphasise the island's environment, becoming havens of peace and tranquillity. The Beach Villas have outdoor bathrooms with freshwater showers, ideal for cooling down following a trip to the beach. With sand covered floors throughout a lot of the area, including the two restaurants, you're encouraged to abandon their shoes at check-in and go barefoot using the powder-soft sand involving the toes. The particular dream.
Why Visit: Your accommodation provides a host of activities that encourage families to enjoy their gorgeous natural surroundings, away from technology, from sailing, fishing, pampering spa treatments for parents, Maldivian cookery lessons, a weekly beach cinema underneath the stars (showing everything from Finding Nemo to Love Actually), and barefoot beach barbecues. Don’t forget to bring one of your trusty a fishing rod from Total Fishing Tackle! Kids and fogeys will especially love browsing the hotel's telescope, it is one of the strongest in The Maldives and thru it you can see the rings of Saturn and moon of Jupiter! Oh baby.
2. For Island Magic: Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia
Perfect for: A sunshine-filled island retreat
The Lowdown: You can’t have more beautiful than Malaysia. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is really a tranquil retreat focused on one of the island’s best beaches around the north-eastern cape of Tanjung Rhu on the Andaman Sea, where UNESCO-protected mangroves showcase labyrinthine adventures between land and sea. It has 91 villas and pavilions between cliffs and rainforest, which combined with pristine beaches makes this destination a nature-lover’s dream. This is one place you don’t wish to miss.
Why Visit: The accommodation provides a number of adventurous activities which aim to showcase the very best of what Langkawi has to offer, for example its Mangrove & Eagles Safari, a venture by boat in to the Geoforest Park to visit exotic animals and Malaysia’s most well-known geological formations with a Four Seasons naturalist leading the way, along with its latest X-Jetblades offering. The resort has some exciting new initiatives happening including a newly-launched spa menu at the Geo Spa, with natural and holistic treatments and retreats exclusively created by ila. Pamper time.
3. For Natural splendor: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
Perfect for: An exotic break
The Lowdown: Nestled the most stunning location, in which the Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort captures the native spirit of Panama and nicaragua , using its distinctive “Pura Vida” philosophy. The breathtaking setting – a calming ocean with a mountainous background- could make you seem like you belong within this lush natural setting.
Featuring 153 deluxe rooms, this Costa Rica resort is made to poetically integrate your preferred necessities with charming indigenous culture. Vibrant yet stylish, the Andaz Resort in Panama and nicaragua , welcomes guests to relish within their personal style and ignite their inner creativity through our engineered amenities and accommodations.
Why Visit: They make each guest from the Panama and nicaragua , resort seem like a nearby, sharing an authentic, local knowledge about all. Spend the afternoon on their own two secluded gold sand beaches, or schedule some tee time on a championship course. Exciting destinations like Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Marina Papagayo, and Palo Verde National Park await – as well as live Latin music, tennis courts, and lush natural trails with the coastal mountains. Uncover the beauty and vibrancy of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, making a holiday to remember.
4. For any Beautiful Escape: Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
The Lowdown: Just 12 degrees north of the equator, bathed in the cooling Trade Winds, Grenada lies sleepily shrouded in a canopy of greenery. Here you will discover a place where the scent of spices, fruit and flowers intermingle to awaken your senses even before you lift up your head out of your pillow each morning. This sprawling eight acre property is located just Ten minutes in the airport on world-famous Grand Anse Beach. Owned and operated by Sir Royston Hopkin, K.C.M.G. and family, Spice Island Beach Resort is a year-round resort having a AAA Five-Diamond Rating.
Why Visit: Sprinkle an ample helping of life's greatest pleasures on your book of fondest memories. Every visit to this family-run boutique resort is really a a vacation in be treasured. Stroll just a few yards in the luxury of your suite and you are walking along the golden sands of world-famous Grand Anse Beach. Beyond are lemon, almond and sea-grape trees. Then the lush natural beauty of the Isle of Spice – Grenada.
5. For Chocolate Lovers: Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia
Perfect for: A foodie holiday
The Lowdown: For a unique hotel set high amongst the rainforest and sun-dappled cocoa groves of Saint Lucia's oldest plantation, Rabot Estate, head to St. Lucia. Boucan is a truly special place where luxury and elegance get together with the drama of massive nature and, of course, cocoa and chocolate – where you can relax and unwind, buy a calming Cocoa Juvenate spa treatment, explore your beautiful surroundings, have a tour, walk the cocoa trails and so much more.
Why Visit: For the food. Their exclusive cacao cuisine and spectacular setting has made Boucan one of Saint Lucia's most popular foodie destinations. As a guest in the hotel you'll be in prime position to savor it all, whether you're sipping a brand new Cacao Bellini at sundown within the stylish bar, or delving into our pioneering cacao cuisine menu. Inspired through the rare cocoa growing on Rabot Estate, this exclusive menu uses cocoa sometimes like a light and subtle spice, sometimes as a delicate infusion, but forever in an all natural, healthy and exciting harmony. The rooms will also be amazing; created to sit down perfectly within the stunning natural splendor of the rainforest surroundings, the Lodges at Boucan are a unique blend of Saint Lucian charm and sleek contemporary style. All rooms feature king-size four poster beds, open-sky rainforest showers and daily chocolate treats – heavenly.
6. For Italian Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como
Perfect for: Swimmers, foodies and sun-seekers
The Lowdown: With more than A century of history, the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo is situated in the heart of Lake Como, with unparalleled views of Bellagio and also the stunning Grigne mountains. This art nouveau landmark, which sits next to Villa Carlotta's famed gardens, is an authentic Art Nouveau palace that provides a warm inviting welcome and the delights of the true 5-star vacation.
Why Visit: It’s a foodie’s dream. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo did with the biggest name in modern Italian cuisine: Gualtiero Marchesi, who'll seduce you with menus which are light and filled with character – a tribute towards the flavours of the local area. You will be inspired through the romantic setting of “La Terrazza” restaurant, with no shadow of the doubt the most beautiful on Lake Como. Aside from the natural splendor of the place, your accommodation has three stunning pools. Indoor and outdoor, for guests to swim all year round, amidst the flowers or on the lake itself. Glorious.
7. For Secluded Luxury: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Perfect for: A digital detox
The Lowdown: In the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia's islands nestle like dazzling natural jewels. Song Saa Private Island lies secluded within this magnificent seascape, just 35 minutes by boat from the port of Sihanoukville. The majority of the islands remain undeveloped – deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches. Song Saa Private Island is as seductive as the name implies; the resort spans the islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve, with turtles, seahorses and exotic types of tropical fish. The accommodation features luxury Over-Water, Jungle and Ocean-View villas – a brief stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned to take dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights.
Why Visit: As a guest, you will be among a handful of lucky adventurers to see this beautiful, untouched paradise. Walk among old-growth rainforest, watch dazzling reef fish swim beneath your villa or see rare hornbills find your balcony. In this private intimate setting, you'll lose yourself in the natural world. As Cambodia's first luxury private island resort, they're committed to maintaining natural assets that make this location so unique. If you're in search of a truly private tropical island experience, where one can your investment bustling world, few places rival Cambodia's islands. The accommodation also features a large infinity edge swimming pool, spa and wellness sanctuaries positioned in the rainforest and along the shore, yoga and meditation focus on the shoreline, ideal for yoga at sunrise and water-sports for example scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and boating. Dreams.
8. For Eco Luxury: Butterfly House Bahia, Brazil
Perfect for: Untouched natural beauty
The Lowdown: Butterfly House is an extravagance eco-resort in Bahia, Brazil, 250km south of Salvador. Located on the Maraú Peninsula, Butterfly House advantages of pristine white-sand beaches, multi-coloured coral reefs and a gentle ever-present ocean breeze. Freshwater lakes, World Heritage-listed rainforests and local indigenous tribes are only a few of the other local attractions. The entire area is part of a protected conservation area, which means zero development, no high-rise buildings – just mile upon mile of untouched natural beauty.
Why Visit: Boasting eight beautifully appointed villas, a palm-enshrouded pool, gastronomic restaurant, family playroom and acres of tropical gardens sprinkled with hammocks and bamboo recliners, it is the ultimate refuge for travelers seeking luxury and adventure. Fifteen kilometres in the nearest village, Butterfly House benefits from being splendidly remote. As soon as you arrive, you are completely immersed in nature. From the grass-thatched roofs right down to the ethically-sourced bathroom products is designed using the environment in mind – and with without any carbon footprint, Butterfly Home is a shining illustration of eco-luxury in South America. You must visit.
9. For Mauritian Magic: Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius
The Lowdown: After a comprehensive six-month renovation, Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius, has reopened on 1 November 2022. Drawing inspiration from Le Touessrok's rich background and the chic style found throughout Mauritius, the hotel welcomes guests with Shangri-La's renowned Asian hospitality. Nestled along the untouched eastern coast of the verdant island nation, Trou d’Eau Douce Bay’s tranquil, uncrowded world-class beaches are located.
Why Visit: The resort provides an unrivalled standard of privacy and personalisation within an atmosphere of refined island luxury. All the rooms and suite incorporates indigenous island touches, set from the backdrop of a dramatic tropical landscape. Though the resort is an ideal place to go for lounging on idyllic beaches and succumbing to pampering spa days, it also provides everything needed to help keep the more active world traveller entertained as well. Just off the resort’s pristine shore, there are two paradisiacal islands – Ilot Mangénie, that is open exclusively to Shangri-La’s guests featuring a hot beach club and on-island butlers, and Ile aux Cerfs, which holds an amazing 18-hole championship golf course.
10. For Modern Luxury: Canopy By Hilton Reykjavik, Iceland
Perfect for: An easy weekend break
The Lowdown: Set across six connected houses, Canopy Reykjavik is a new hotel that’s going to make waves in 2022, and joins a neighbourhood rich with history, colour and life. Hilton Worldwide's new hotel brand redefines the lifestyle hotel category; Canopy Reykjavik may be the first hotel globally to open in the brand’s portfolio, which launched in October 2022. There’s plenty to find out at this Reykjavik hotel such as local art, a lush courtyard and evening tastings of local beverages and spirits. Dining is an experience here, with a menu of Icelandic fish, dry-aged meats and native, organic dishes prepared by award-winning chefs. Yes, please.
Why Visit: Dedicated to an incredible stay, Canopy focuses on five essential aspects of the guest experience. Included in this are an energising and comfortable stick with open and friendly staff, more included value with complimentary breakfast delivered to the room in order to go, and a thoughtfully themed welcome gift from the neighbourhood, to make guests feel instantly at home. Rooms and suites are styled in shades of ocean and volcanic rock and also have all of the comforts you crave. The Just-Right Rooms possess a 48-inch TV, mini-refrigerator, bedding designed exclusively for Canopy for comfier, better sleep – and the WiFi is on the house. Suites offer even more space to extend in a living room; possess a Canopy Breakfast Bag delivered to your living space featuring fruit, yogurt and juice. Perfection.
