Forbes Travel Guide reveals 2020 Star Awards: Our pick of the top 30 hotels
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Want to know the best hotels to visit? Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 2020 Star Ratings – anonymously inspecting hotels, restaurants and spas around the world and highlighting standouts.
The publication’s annual round-up is the world's only global, independent rating organisation for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas – so receiving a star rating is super prestigious.
A total of 432 five-star distinctions were awarded to hotels, restaurants and spas. You can view the full Forbes Travel Guide 2020 Star Ratings list here.
The top-ranking was obtained for the first time in destinations including Bora Bora, Cambodia, Cape Town, Ireland, the Maldives and Monte Carlo.
From Switzerland to the Seychelles, here are 30 of our favourite hotels from the five-star winners.
Belmond La Residence d'Angkor, Cambodia | Book here
With a pool surrounded by stalk-skinny palm trees and tropical greenery, this hotel is a peaceful haven in the heart of Siem Reap. Its 59 suites all have outside space, and blend traditional Khmer style with sleek, contemporary style.
Ashford Castle, Ireland | Book here
Gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers and priceless antiques await at this sumptuous hotel, nestled on the shore of Lough Corrib in County Mayo. The 83 rooms and suites are impeccable, elegant and individually designed.
Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives | Book here
Your jaw will drop as you step inside your villa at this elegant Maldivian resort. Some have cathedral-like roofs - and all of them ooze with space, privacy and luxury.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Switzerland | Book here
Admire snow-capped mountains and the lake from the comfort of this traditional hotel, located in the centre of St Moritz. Food is Michelin-starred and there’s even an underground King’s Club, the oldest nightclub in Switzerland.
Bulgari Resort and Residences Dubai, UAE | Book here
If you find yourself on Jumeirah Bay Island with a big budget, book a room at this elegant, Italian-style hotel, which has a swanky spa and serene outdoor pool. Rooms come with private balconies and designer touches.
Crown Towers Perth, Australia | Book here
This plush pad in Perth boasts exceptional city skyline views, an immense spa modelled on Roman baths and spacious suites with white marble bathrooms. The Epicurean restaurant delivers a brilliant buffet experience.
Dolphin Island, Fiji | Book here
For a private island getaway with luxury in spades, Dolphin Island has just four rooms, with tropical-modern interiors, pristine beaches and a romantic sleep-out boudoir.
Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa, Maldives | Book here
With a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, an island spa that you access by boat, lavish water villas and top-notch service, what’s not to like at this Maldivian resort?
Fregate Island Private, Seychelles | Book here
With just 16 secluded villas tucked away on this private island, this hotel describes itself as “a mini Galapagos in the Seychelles”. Expect to spot the resident Giant Aldabra Tortoises that roam free here.
Hotel Il Pellicano, Italy | Book here
A night in this Mediterranean resort would upgrade any trip to Tuscany. Perched on a cliff overlooking a private cove, it is dripping with bijou style, from the bespoke headboards to the beautifully framed photos.
Okada Manila, Philippines | Book here
This space age-style hotel in the heart of Manila occupies 44 hectares of picturesque oceanfront. The inside is just as futuristic - with brightly coloured rooms and a lobby featuring psychedelic chandeliers.
Montage Los Cabos, Mexico | Book here
This sumptuous spa hotel is located on a beautiful stretch of sand overlooking the cobalt-blue Santa Maria Bay. Minimal, modern design is featured throughout, and the two restaurants serve modern Mexican cuisine.
One&Only Cape Town, South Africa | Book here
This boutique hotel has a prime position overlooking Table Mountain, a stone’s throw from the popular V&A Waterfront. There are three restaurants, including Nobu for Japanese dishes with South African flavours.
Rosewood London, England | Book here
Behind bustling High Holborn, this elegant retreat blends luxurious interiors with fun touches - think cages of fake birds and models of a bulldog and bear. There’s also a serene spa and superb cocktail bar.
Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, Canada | Book here
In the heart of the city, this hotel brims with elegance and international flair. Its 202 rooms feature Asian-inspired geometric patterns.
The Brando, French Polynesia | Book here
Super chic, Marlon Brando’s private atoll has been transformed into a luxury beach resort with beachfront villas and activities ranging from paddle boarding to deep sea fishing.
The Oberoi Mauritius, Mauritius | Book here
With mountain vistas, top-notch restaurants, a holistic spa and stellar service, this is one of the most romantic hotels in Mauritius. Rooms - named after plants in the garden - have four-poster beds and wall-to-wall windows.
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, USA | Book here
Set on a clifftop above the dramatic Pacific coast, this is the only oceanfront resort in the San Francisco Bay Area. It also has two 18-hole championship golf courses and a large spa.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives | Book here
There are infinity pools galore at this luxury resort, which also boats a great restaurant, excellent spa and a string of activities including golf, tennis and watersports.
Wynn Las Vegas, USA | Book here
This striking hotel was responsible for ushering in high standards in Las Vegas and it’s now synonymous with luxury and sophistication on The Strip. Expect bold colours, impeccable service and knockout rooms.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo, Japan | Book here
Packed with every facility you could imagine, this sprawling hotel has a homely feel despite its vast size. Rooms are spacious, the garden features a cascading waterfall and there are more than 30 places to eat and drink on site.
The Berkeley, England | Book here
This Hyde Park hotel is as coveted now as it was when it first opened its doors in 1897. Don’t miss a drink in The Blue Bar – designed by the late David Collins it has blue walls and serves colourful cocktails (try Naked in the Rain or a Kryptonite).
The St. Regis Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Book here
Fancy splashing in your private infinity pool by the sea, gazing at Bora Bora’s iconic peak, Mount Otemanu, with a cocktail in hand? That’s what’s in store at this luxury resort with thatch-roof bungalows, a gorgeous spa and four excellent restaurants.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam | Book here
Expect polished hardwood floors, cream walls and splashes of colour from Vietnamese silk cushions at this former railway hotel in Hanoi’s French quarter.
San Ysidro Ranch, USA | Book here
Standing at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains in Santa Barbara, this magical hotel dates back to 1893. President JFK and his wife Jackie even chose this little slice of paradise as their honeymoon spot.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco | Book here
You’ll probably recognise this landmark palace on Casino Square – two Bond movies have been filmed here, and it’s a magnet for silver screen stars. Add to that a three-Michelin-starred restaurant with the world’s largest wine cellar and unprecedented levels of luxury and you have one of the world’s top hotels.
Hotel Lutetia, France | Book here
Perk up a Paris trip with a stay in this uber-chic, historic hotel located on Paris’s Left Bank. Inside you’ll find Art Nouveau and Deco features, plus a marble-clad subterranean wellbeing area.
Ocean House, USA | Book here
Once a summer retreat for the rich and famous, this Victorian Rhode Island luxury hotel has been meticulously renovated and brought up to date. There’s now a world-class spa and 57 delightful rooms and suites.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico | Book here
Nudged beside a desert cliff, just metres from the sea, this plush hotel is as dramatic on the outside as it is inside. Rooms open to a scenic terrace with a plunge pool – and those mesmerising ocean views.
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Italy | Book here
On the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast, this sprawling property is a romantic bolthole packed with Italian charm. Dating back to the 11th century, it features marble hallways, vaulted ceilings and 50 bedrooms and suites, most with sea views.
