If nothing but the best will do when it comes to accommodation for your next holiday – and you're prepared to push that budget out for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience – look no further than the top 100 hotels ranking from Elite Traveler. From a tropical island paradise to expansive continental villas, the listing of the most luxurious hotels and resorts to lay your head around the globe has something to suit even the most discerning of travellers.

Bringing Parisian chic to the heart of the Big Apple, the hotel's name pays homage to the famed Baccarat crystal, manufactured in France since the 18th century. Each guest is gifted with a Baccarat crystal decanter as a memento of their stay, which is made all the more memorable thanks to opulent rooms blending contemporary and classic styles and hotel facilities including a cabana-lined heated indoor pool, on-site spa and a curated art collection sourced directly from France's capital. Read more in our New York City guide.

You'll find a nod to this hotel's East Asia origins in everything from the Chinese artwork to interiors decor. But still, there's no mistaking the fact that this opulent building is located in the beating heart of NYC, being just a few steps from Central Park, and offering sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. The three-bedroom suite 5000 is the hotel's most exclusive accommodation offering, boasting a coveted art collection, a Swarovski crystal wall and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Spread over 25 floors the hotel exudes contemporary glamour, and offers generously oversized rooms. Located opposite Carnegie Hall, a curated soundtrack from the iconic concert venue plays from the property's top floor saltwater pool, while the hotel also provides hard-to-access special tickets and backstage previews of shows. Further relaxation comes in the form of an on-site spa, while Central Park is located just a block away.

Sitting on a five-mile-long island off the coast of Georgia, the hotel is where Southern hospitality and Mediterranean-style design meet. Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience in the Georgian Room restaurant, feasting on delicacies such as grilled octopus and truffle soup, before relaxing in the Georgian Room lounge in front of a roaring fire with a glass of vintage port in hand – the hotel has an extensive list to choose from. Keen golfers will also be in their element as there are three world-class courses on the island to practise their swing.

The sister property of the Wynn – winner of the most Forbes five-star awards in the world – the upscale Encore features a stunning 829-square-foot three-bedroom Duplex Suite as one of its many highlights boasting a 16-person dining table, billiard room, fitness room and massage room. The hotel currently plays host to shows including LE RÊVE The Dream – an acrobatic fantasy show performed in an incredible aqua theatre in-the-round – and guests can enjoy it from an underwater deck as well as getting a scuba training session from the show's diving team.

The only five-star ski-in, ski-out resort in town with direct access to Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell continues to make its mark with seasoned skiers. Hotel concierges help map out the perfect ski trails so guests can make the most of their time on the slopes, and summer activities include biking, fly fishing and stargazing. Dogs are welcome, and the hotel even offers a puppy jet lag kit and a special pet menu to make sure your four-legged friends feel right at home. No visit to The Little Nell would be complete without sampling the famous Wagyu double cheeseburger and truffle fries at the on-site Ajax Tavern.

This suite-only hotel is home to the world-renowned Canyon Ranch Spa featuring a salt grotto, wave room, Finnish sauna and hydro spa. The 8,000-square-foot, four-bedroom Chairman Suite boasts its own gym, sauna and a private pool on your balcony – with careful planting to ensure guest's privacy – making for the ultimate Vegas experience.

The ultimate in West Coast glamour, the hotel's modern Art Deco decor fits in seamlessly with the bright lights, big city feel of Beverly Hills. The 3,215-square-foot Presidential Penthouse Suite, lined with Noir Saint Laurent marble, is a Hollywood icon in and of itself. Hotel guests simply need to drop their personal concierge a text to arrange to have a Rolls-Royce Phantom take them on a designer shopping spree along the famed Rodeo Drive. Explore more of this US state with our guide to the 50 must-visit California attractions.

Made up of six 16th- to 18th-century mansions, the property underwent a recent $3.5 million (£2.7m) renovation to its 37 rooms, suites, restaurants, courtyards and gardens. Colonial-style rustic decor is matched with modern amenities, and on-site facilities include two restaurants – Restaurante del Parque (contemporary Mexican cuisine) and Andanza (fine-dining) – as well as The Blue Bar, which specialises in tequila. Away from the hotel, guests can take an art class or gallery tour of the city with local artist Jose Luis Arias. Explore more of this amazing country with our guide to 30 unmissable things to do in Mexico.

Guests are pampered at this luxurious hotel from start to finish, arriving at the hotel to a welcome margarita, while a butler is on hand to take care of their every whim, from organising golf excursions with PGA pros to private yacht charters for a spot of snorkelling in Chileno Bay. Fine-dining options include the traditionally Mexican El Restaurante, the seafood-driven Sea Grill and the Asian-inspired Arbol. The wine cellar La Cava and the Tequila & Ceviche Bar are also ideal spots for an end-of-day tipple.

This impressive resort is surrounded by one of the last untouched rainforests on Earth, and can only be accessed by seaplane or a 30-minute boat ride from the closest town, Tofino. Luxury safari-like tent accommodation and lake activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming mean that guests can truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. For an unforgettable experience, the hotel can organise a bespoke helicopter adventure with a private guide to kayak, hike or explore untouched beaches. Enjoy more of this country with our guide to 27 of Canada's most adorable towns.

The Shore Club is the first and only hotel built on Long Bay Beach – just minutes from downtown Grace Bay, ranked the number one beach in the world by TripAdvisor users in 2016 – and its three-mile stretch of beach that is almost completely private. The 8,800-square-foot, two-storey six-bedroom Private Villa features calming whitewashed interiors, offers direct beach access and comes complete with a private chef and butler. The Shore Club’s private yacht, Privé, is also available to guests for a day, or even an overnight excursion.

First opened in 1908, this hotel is grand by name and grand by design, attracting the rich and famous for over a century. Its high vantage point means guests enjoy spectacular views from Nice to Monaco, and will also love getting lost in the property's 17-acre manicured Mediterranean garden. As well as two on-site restaurants, Le Cap and La Véranda, serving Mediterranean dishes and boasting a wine list of 600 bottles, the hotel is also famed for Club Dauphin, where the sky disappears into the enormous heated seawater infinity pool.

An Art Deco landmark in Paris’ Golden Triangle – located between three of the city's most famous boulevards: the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Avenue Montaigne, and the Avenue George V – guests are greeted by plush interiors accented with jewel-coloured fabrics, huge artwork and stunning floral arrangements. The hotel’s three restaurants, La Galerie, L’Orangerie and Le Cinq, boast five Michelin stars between them, and after an indulgent meal guests can unwind in the hotel's newly opened spa. Explore more of the city, with our complete Paris guide.

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée has received the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage) label – awarded to French firms for 'the excellence of their traditional and industrial know-how' by the French state. The hotel's famed courtyard featuring ‘Plaza-red’ parasols exudes Parisian style, while the best of the French capital's gastronomy can be sampled at one of the five on-site restaurants. Wine buffs will also love the hotel's wine cellar tour hosted by master sommelier Gérard Margeon, where guests can sample some of the 35,000 bottles on offer including Grandes Marques champagne.

Famed fashion designer Coco Chanel set up home here for more than three decades, and the hotel boasts the world’s first and only Chanel spa, utilising products from the eponymous brand. Many of the hotel's spaces are named after famous guests – including Bar Hemingway (a tribute to novelist Ernest Hemingway) – and guests can also make the most of the hotel's well-tended gardens and terraces, a fitness centre and two-Michelin-starred restaurants.

This 16th century palace in Venice honours its past with Rococo-style decor and Old Masters frescoes, and is admired the world over. The hotel – which is still home to the Count and Countess Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga, who live on the fifth floor – offers excellent views of the Grand Canal and these can be enjoyed from the dizzying heights of the rooftop terrace or from the private garden. Guests can also take advantage of the Aman’s private box at Teatro La Fenice opera house to watch favourites such as Verdi’s La Traviata.

Set among 11 acres of luxury private gardens, the hotel is divided between the 15th-century Palazzo Della Gherardesca (home to the main hotel with 79 rooms and suites) and a former 16th-century convent (boasting 37 rooms and suites). Guests can enjoy the finest Italian cuisine at the Michelin-starred Il Palagio and Al Fresco restaurants, or brush up on their culinary knowledge by spending a day at Fattoria San Michele – an organic farm in nearby Tuscany with 135 acres of vineyards and 98 acres of olive groves – to learn how the best Italian produce is grown.

Housed in a former noble residence, this 15th-century palazzo stands on the Grand Canal and offers sweeping views over this watery city. The hotel's interiors offer a glimpse of classic Venetian style at its best with antiques, objets d’art, restored paintings and frescoes adorning the walls. Dining options include the romantic Club del Doge and the more informal Gritti Terrace – an ideal spot for a long lunch followed by moreish Negroni cocktails. The palace's beautiful Riva Aquariva boat offers a fantastic way to explore Venice's extensive waterways.

Despite being located just moments away from iconic Rome landmarks including the Villa Medici and the Spanish Steps, this recently renovated hotel still offers a private sanctuary in the middle of the city. Gold, marble, Murano glass, antiques and frescoes create an opulent feel, which is carried through to the hotel's 98 rooms and two on-site restaurants. The spa is also an ideal place to rest weary bones after a day of sightseeing at nearby attractions including the Pantheon, Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica.

Sitting on the banks of the River Maigue in Limerick, Adare Manor is the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven and there are references to this noble's family throughout this Neo-Gothic property including wood carvings featuring the family crest. The hotel is set within 840 acres of lush parkland and, after a hearty walk, guests can treat themselves to a champagne afternoon tea at The Gallery, before rounding off their day at the Tack Room – which boasts a whiskey collection of over 100 rare bottles originating from Ireland to Canada.

First opened in 1913, the fairy tale-like Gstaad Palace is often dusted in a casing of snow come winter, giving it an even more magical quality. Guests will receive a warm welcome from the third generation of the Scherz family – who manage the hotel – and be captivated by amazing views over the Swiss Alps. On-site facilities include pools, a spa and a choice of eight bars and eateries including La Fromagerie where taste buds will be tingled by a heady combination of truffle and champagne cheese fondue.

Housed in a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus strait linking Europe and Asia, this hotel sits right on the waterfront – guests can even arrive by the hotel’s luxury boat transfer – and boasts amenities including a cabana-lined pool, four separate dining options, spa and private rooftop terrace in the exclusive Palace Roof Suite. For more marvels in the city, read our guide to the 6 things Istanbul does better than elsewhere.

Everyone from iconic German actress Marlene Dietrich to singing legend Michael Jackson has enjoyed a stay at this hotel, which features a three-floor spa, four restaurants (famed for its signature currywurst), boutique shopping arcade and wine store. Luxury limousine and concierge services make guests' stays in the German capital even more memorable. Make the most of your visit with our guide to Berlin.

Towering above the Mediterranean Sea at 44 stories high, the hotel's blue glass and exposed steel facade make it clearly visible against the Barcelona skyline. Contemporary suites offer incredible views over the city and guests can take advantage of the hotel's five restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Enoteca. Explore more of the city with our guide to Barcelona.

Set in the whitewashed village of Oia – a firm favourite with visitors to the island – the hotel's network of cottages are built high into the cliff and overlooking the Caldera and Aegean Sea. On-site the Mikrasia Restaurant's rooftop location means it offers the perfect place to perch and take in the breathtaking views as the sun goes down, while sampling the best in Greek fare. Continue your island hopping adventure with our guide to 7 Greek islands you've probably never heard of.

Claridge's has welcomed kings and queens, heads of state and Hollywood’s elite since it opened its doors in 1856 and guests continue to be charmed by this quintessentially British institution. Each suite in this Art Deco hotel has its own individual design flavour with Viscount Linley, Guy Oliver and Diane von Furstenberg among the many who have helped to shaped them. Facilities include a reading room, Michelin-starred dining and on-site health club. And of course no visit to Claridge's would be complete without indulging in a spot of its famed afternoon tea. Explore more of the city with our guide to London.

Dating back to 1906, and housed in a Grade II-listed building, the Ritz forms an integral part of the capital's history, and is the only hotel in the world to receive a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales. The Ritz played host to Second World War meetings between Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle and President Eisenhower, who no-doubt discussed strategies among the hotel's ornate interiors featuring decorative chandeliers, antiques and plush fabrics. On-site guests can dine at the Michelin star Ritz Restaurant, drink in the Rivoli Bar or try their luck at the neighbouring The Ritz Club Casino.

Located on a secluded stretch on Bali’s east coast, a stay in one of the resort's stilted thatched pool villas is bound to be restorative. Head along the network of walkways joining the villas and do anything from spending the day on the resort's own volcanic black-sand beach to taking a dip in the three-tiered, ocean-facing infinity pool or relaxing with Balinese spa treatments in the massage pavilion. And as if that wasn't enough, the resort also offers yoga sessions, mangosteen cocktails and a number of traditional jukung-style outriggers for guests to charter.

Set amid the temples and gardens of the city’s historic West Lake district, it's hard to imagine this luxury pagoda-style hotel is a modern creation. Guests can take a stroll in the hotel’s manicured gardens – complete with willow trees, bamboo forest and greenery – before choosing from a menu that includes Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine at the lantern-lined Jin Sha restaurant. Find out more about this amazing country by reading 8 things you probably didn't know about China.

Set amid white sand beaches, sparkling lagoons and palm tree groves, the private resort offers a true island paradise and its exclusive setting is emphasised by the fact that guests will need to take a seaplane or luxury yacht to reach it. Thatched villas come with private pools, shaded cabanas, hammocks and stunning views. Guests can choose from four on-site dining options serving up everything from fusion to Middle Eastern cuisine as well as taking advantage of a garden-enclosed spa, tennis courts, 12 beaches and an artists' studio.

Sympathetic to its natural surroundings, the resort fashions its thatched villas out of natural materials, but doesn't skimp on luxury. Living areas opening up onto terraces, freeform pools, wine cellars and even water slides make for expansive accommodation to remember. And when it comes to the range of activities on offer, guests are spoiled for choice with the hotel home to the Maldives’ only glass-blowing studio, a state-of-the-art observatory and tree house dining at Fresh in the Garden by Sobah.

Home to crystal waters, white sands and lush vegetation, the Noonu Atoll is the perfect setting for this private resort. The teak-furnished villas feature the design trademark of the award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar, whose deft touch can also be seen in the restaurant Tavaru and cocoon-like wine cellar. Guests can spend an active day exploring the surrounding waters in Velaa’s state-of-the-art semi-submarine, or aiming for a hole-in-one at a golf course designed by José María Olazábal, or simply kick back and relax with a variety of treatments at Spa My Blend by Clarins.

Sitting 2,000 feet above the city and made entirely of Italian marble, no expense was spared to create this exclusive palace-hotel. Spread over 34 acres of land, five-star luxury comes in the form of canopied beds, marble bathrooms with Jacuzzis and private pools, a Jiva Spa, and restaurants Adaa and Celeste. Take in more breathtaking Indian landmarks by reading our guide to 40 of India's most beautiful places.

Nestled beneath the foothills of the Franschhoek Mountains, and surrounded with a 30-acre estate teaming flowers, herbs, fruit trees and more, nature lovers will be truly in their element at this resort-hotel. Individually designed guestrooms take inspiration from grand residences including everything from the Maharaja’s palace to the Palace of Versailles. Must try on-site activities include a tasting in La Residence’s private cellar, or a tour of the surrounding area at the wheel of the hotel's complimentary vehicle.

This family owned 60,000-acre private conservancy is available for exclusive use only, and guests arrive in style thanks to a 45-minute private flight from Kenya's capital Nairobi. All seven residences at the Conservancy feature the highest quality furnishings and fittings and offer exceptional views over the surrounding area. Beyond the on-site accommodation, guests will also be dazzled by waterfalls, sculpted gardens, open-air dining, swimming pools and a spa and steam room. For an experience to remember guests can spend the day tracking endangered rhinos on foot, led by expert guides.

Open since 2017, the white coral-esque structure of this island hotel – designed by Milan-based practice Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel – continues to make a lasting impression. As well as stunning guest accommodation the hotel also offers up an impressive list of amenities including six gourmet restaurants, private beach, manicured gardens, mosaic-design outdoor swimming pool, an 18,300-square-foot spa, beauty salon with hairdressers and barbers, and Bulgari’s first-ever Marina and Yacht Club. See more with our guide to Dubai.

Built on stilts to minimise their environmental impact, each private villa at Awasi Iguazú comes complete with a private patio affording views to the surrounding Atlantic Forest – one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world. Amazing guest experiences off-site include a visit to the world’s largest waterfalls – located just outside the resort – as well as a visit to see artisans from the Guarani tribe at work.

This remote resort is set on an island off northeast Bora Bora’s cerulean lagoon, offering sun, sea and sand at its most idyllic. Teak-fitted overwater bungalows feature glass floor panels for an up-close view of the marine life below and a network of walkways leads to landscaped gardens, a freeform infinity pool, restaurants and a waterside spa. And as if that wasn't impressive enough, guests can join the resort’s marine biologist to take part in a series of new conservation initiatives, including a coral-grafting programme.

This 91-room hotel was renowned French designer Philippe Starck’s first project in the country, and schemes are inspired by the Bossa Nova – a music style that blended samba and jazz – era of the 1950s and 1960s. One of the property's standout pieces of accommodation is the one-bedroom Deluxe Oceanfront Suite which comes complete with a loft-style living room, marble bathroom and private balcony overlooking the sparkling ocean. Elsewhere in the hotel guests can enjoy views of Ipanema Beach from the Pool Bar deck or feast on a pasta tasting menu that celebrates dishes from a range of regions.

Originally home to the Forestry Office of the Imperial Household, before being transformed into a hotel in the 1940s, this moat-side hotel now owes its cutting-edge Japanese design to a three-year rebuild ending in 2012. Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to on-site amenities which include 10 restaurants and bars, an Evian Spa (the first in Japan) blending the best of Alpine and Asian wellness traditions and a collection of 1,000 artworks to marvel at. Explore more of the city with our complete Tokyo guide.

The Reverie Saigon is located on the top floors of the iconic Times Square Building, and centres on Italian design at its most opulent. Each suite has been created by a different Italian design house from the Designer Suite by Giorgetti which reflects the timeless quality of the 120-year-old design institution, to a cosy pied-à-terre by Visionnaire. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as the two-storey The Spa at The Reverie Saigon and the Italian cuisine of chef Enrico De Martino at mosaic-clad R&J (Romeo & Juliet).

Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, this colonial-era hotel impresses guests with its colourful Victorian-inspired decor, three-Michelin-star dining experience and standout accommodation including the 3,600-square-foot cottage, featuring a wood fireplace, chef’s kitchen, media room and private garden.

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