After 2 years of extensive travel around the world, I’ve chosen my five favorite luxury resorts. These establishments stand apart for their personalized approaches, creativity, extraordinary physical attributes, impeccable standards of excellence, and extensive amenities. They are the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. I’ve only included resorts that I’ve visited in the last two years. While there are thousands of resorts I’d like to consider, I have to cross them off my list first.
Number 5: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina, USA
Located along the pristine shores of Kiawah Island, South Carolina, The Sanctuary is an exquisitely designed oceanfront hotel. It captures the spirit, history, and charm of the beautiful south. All guests enjoy onsite shopping, a spa, 12 different dining options, a club lounge, golf courses, a pool, and fitness facilities. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the most decorated resorts in the country. In addition to the many golf, tennis, and family awards, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island has been honored with the prestigious AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Stars rating.
What set it apart for me: the highly maintained grounds, the unbelievable views, and the southern charm.
Number 4: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
A 7,000 acre tropical playground with world-class toys, Casa de Campo is more like a city than a resort, but with your own personal golf cart everything is at your finger tips. Casa de Campo’s unsurpassed amenities include golf, tennis, sport shooting, an Equestrian Center, watersports, pools, a private beach, a spa, a fitness center, shops and boutiques, and programs for families, teens, and children.
What set it apart for me: the endless sporting options, spa services, and personal golf carts.
Number 3: Gallery Park Hotel, Riga, Latvia
The only one hotel in Latvia, nominated a 5-star Superior luxury boutique hotel, Gallery Park is a heaven of grandeur, hospitality, and luxury. A gourmet restaurant with signature haute cuisine, impeccable, discreet service, a jet-stream pool, sauna, Technogym, and handpicked decor from Italy and France create the perfect setting for an unforgettable and a truly luxurious experience. Guest rooms and suites are decorated with antique furniture and original works of art. All rooms feature the most cutting-edge technology, spacious bathrooms with heated floors, and luxurious amenities. Gallery Park Hotel, a member of Chateaux & Hotels Collection, was opened in 2009 and has been already awarded the Best Hotel in Latvia and is located in the heart of Riga in a 19th century historical building that is on the list of the World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
What set it apart for me: the handcrafted furniture and lavish decor fit for royalty and the signature restaurant cuisine.
Number 2: Beaver Creek Lodge, Colorado, USA
Voted one of the “Top 40 Resorts in the West” by Condé Nast Traveler, Beaver Creek Lodge is an all-suite boutique hotel nestled at the base of Colorado’s Beaver Creek Mountain. Every suite features mountain chic decor, original artwork, and upscale amenities. Onsite amenities include: skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding, scenic chairlift rides, climbing wall, tennis center, 18-hole miniature golf course, fishing, hiking tours, river tubing, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and rafting, hot air ballooning, and festivals.
What set it apart for me: the personal service, endless activities, mountain vistas, and rustic charm.
Number 1: Matangi Private Island Resort, Fiji
Situated in the North-East part of Fiji, Matangi Private Island Resort is an exclusively owned 240-acre unique horseshoe-shaped island paradise with virgin tropical rainforest and white sand beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters and fringing coral reefs. Matangi is the perfect South Pacific destination for couples seeking an exclusive Fiji private island hideaway.
Listed in Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “Top Five Most Romantic Resorts in Fiji”
Listed in Islands Magazine “Best Private Island”
As seen on The Travel Channel “Tremendous Treehouses”
What set it apart for me: the privacy, unique tree-top suites, and friendly Fijian service. 
As I explore more of the world, my list will change but these resorts have risen above the crowd as outstanding, luxurious places to stay. What are your favorite luxury resorts? Maybe I’ll add them to my list.
Bucket List Publications 
Reblogged this on Wysockiit | Adventure. Eat. Shop. Repeat. and commented:
New ideas to try on the all inclusive scale. I’m not sure I’m ready to swap out boutiques yet, but one has to start somewhere.
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This is a great list! I would love to visit the resorts you picked in Fiji and South Carolina. My favorite thus far is the Sheraton in Rio-de-Janeiro – it has it own private beach and not far from Copacabana and Ipanema beaches 🙂
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Thanks for the suggestion. I want to visit Rio soon so I’ll keep it in mind 🙂
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Great blog! Thanks! Re-posting 🙂
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Thanks for re-blogging! I appreciate your support 🙂
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Wow, wow, wow. There are no other words!
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Thanks! Which one is your favorite?
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I would have to go with the Fiji one. Can’t resist those tropical waters.
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Tropical settings are hard to beat!
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What fabulous places! You’ve seen some great places in the world. Thanks for sharing them with all of us!
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Do you have a favorite luxury hotel or resort?
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Love this list! Your photos are gorgeous and I love the “what set it apart” for you – easy to zone in on what I’d like, too!
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I always try to think about what makes it unique. I’m blessed to be able to travel regularly but I want to remember every place with great detail; focusing on what sets it apart really helps with that. 🙂
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Good technique!
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These are indeed gorgeous resorts! Though there are plenty here in Asia too. I’ll wait for your reviews on these resorts. 🙂
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I look forward to visiting Asia. I might make it my entire 2015 bucket list focus 🙂
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Only been to Casa de Campo. The other 4 sound like a great Bucket List!
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What did you think of Casa de Campo? Were you able to do any of their amazing activities?
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one can dream…thank you!
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These look great. I regret not getting to Beaver Creek when I lived in Colorado.
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It is an incredible property. You should still include it on your list 🙂
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Something to look forward to!
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Any resort on Bora Bora with overwater bungalows. We stayed at Intercontinental Le Moana. The Pacific Resort on Aitutaki was nice as well.
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I haven’t been to Bora Bora yet. It’s on my life list but it hasn’t made it to a yearly list yet. I guess 2015 should really include it. 🙂
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Awesome!
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Awww. Haven’t yet tried the line, “I’m a travel blogger” to see if I get Carte Blanche. In the meanwhile I’ll dream about your top 5.
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What a list! We’ve just booked our trip to Fiji… so perhaps I’ll try Matangi. 😉 I’ve been to some of these places, but not necessarily these resorts. I’ve missed chatting with you, Leslie… you are one busy gal these days!
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Things have been a little busy lately. Between trips and moving, I’ve had very little time to just be. Not that I’m complaining, but I’ve slacked off on communication lately. I’ll work on that 😉
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A lot of exciting thing going on for you; I’m happy that it’s all turning out so well! Just wanted you to know that I miss Lesley. 😉
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Wowww!!!
Beautiful resorts! 😀
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Matangi would do it for me!
With some pretty good hotels on offer despite the screwed-up governments, the Victoria Falls is one of those spectacles one simply HAS to see for oneself. No pictures or videos can do it justice.
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I’ll put it on my 2015 list 🙂
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They all look amazing…especially the last one in Fiji
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some great looking and nice places we have a few of these.. love the photos..
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I will add these to my travelling to do list – thanks for the recommendations! http://www.stilettosandstatutes.com
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Each place seemed like an ideal vacation spot. Your posts have lead me to consider places I had never thought of, great job.
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Amankila. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced Aman.
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Wahoo! I’ve been to Beaver Creek! I had a friend treat me to an all-day spa experience while my husband was riding 100K in a mountain bike race. Personally, I think I got the better end of the dealio. Wonder if I can get hubby to find a mountain bike race in Fiji next!
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Gateway Canyons, Gateway CO. St. Thomas Ritz-Carlton. The Lodge at Koele, Lana’i HI.
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I’ve heard about Gateway Canyons, Gateway CO. I’m adding it to my 2015 list. 🙂
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In addition to seeing the great outdoors when you are there visit the classic car museum.
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Fabulous resorts!! Thanks for the review on them. I’m going to put these on my list of places to visit 🙂 ~Sophia
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Wow! Those are gorgeous! I’m so jealous of your life! 🙂
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Reblogged this to my BLOG ♥ FRANCE blog. Can’t imagine what it was like to be in all those places. At least I have my list should I win the lottery!
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Ashamed to say that despite quite a bit of traveling, I’ve never been to a resort (!!) These will be on my bucketlist 🙂
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I have been to matangi resort as well and can easily say it’s my favorite place on this earth that I have been to thus far!!!!! I miss it everyday since being home…… It’s amazing in every way!!!! Great #1 choice!!!
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wow……tempting……….! Also, inviting u to Grand Dragon Ladakh, India http://www.thegranddragonladakh.com/
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Olala! Great looking and nice places! Good tip! Cheers!
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Someday, someday, someday. I’m determined someday will be soon!
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Very proud to see The Sanctuary made the list. It makes a Charleston girl proud : )
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Man, you have been to a lot of nice places. Keep up the good posts. Scott
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Great photos and info on these resorts. Thanx for sharing.
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They all look wonderful.
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Wow! Phenomenal looking places.
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Fiji has the name of my wife and me, written all over it. That hammock is practically whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Such a beautiful place.
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I can help you out with a hammock !
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A great list which I will bear in mind when I’m rich enough to afford a luxury holiday. It’ll be a little while off yet however…
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