Over the last couple of years the GTspirit Team stayed in hundreds of different hotels and resorts all over the world. Based on our experience we share our top 10 favorite hotels and resorts for 2015 with you. As with the cars we write about, we only looked for the best of the best and the Top 10 only includes hotels where we stayed during the last 12 months! Enjoy our Top 10 Luxury Hotels & Resorts 2015!
This year we have 8 new hotels in our Top 10 and two hotels you might recognize from our Top 10 Luxury Hotels & Resorts 2014.
10. Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa – Manama, Bahrain
The Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a wonderful alternative for the busy beach hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Located directly on the beaches of Zallaq and a stones throw away from the Bahrain International Circuit the Sofitel Zallaq Resort Hotel has several restaurants, a large Spa, outdoor pool and various sport activities including tennis, squash and sailing. The luxurious rooms and suites all offer balconies with sea view.
9. Lefay Resort – Lake Garda, Italy
This Summer we spent a relaxing couple of days at the Lefay Resort located above Gargnano at Lake Garda. The resort is centered around a huge Spa and set in 11 hectares of lush gardens with olive trees and woods overlooking the lake. Two large outdoor pools and a whirlpool offer scenic views of the lake and the nearby mountains. The rooms are spacious and well equipped, all offering equally spectacular views of the lake. The Lefay Resort in the most sustainable way with various initiatives to reduce the C02 footprint. For those seeking ultimate privacy and luxury check out the 600 m2 Royal Pool & Spa Suite with private pool!
8. Palais Hansen Kempinski – Vienna, Austria
The Palais Hansen Kempinski surprised us last year as one of the nicest city hotels we have stayed in. Best described as Classic luxury meets modern comfort, the Palais Hansen Kempinski hotel is the ideal place for a weekend in Vienna. The 19th century Neorenaissance building has been extensively renovated and has many of the city’s major sites in walking distance. It has two restaurants, two bars and a small Spa for relaxation after a long day. The rooms ticked all the boxes of what we appreciate away from home!
7. Grand Tirolia – Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel has attracted jetset for decades and the Grand Tirolia Hotel is an excellent place to stay. The rooms are finished in typical Austrian Alpine style with a chic-modern touch. Grand Tirolia will keep you entertained with Golf, Wellness and of course the nearby mountains. We enjoyed the Spa with indoor- and outdoor pool and room with large balcony with mountain views.
6. Castello di Casole, Tuscany, Italy
Founded in the year 998, the castle at the heart of Castello di Casole offers one of the most unique places to stay in Italy. Surrounded by private grounds as far as the eye can see the Castello di Casole is an all-suite hotel with only 41 suits and a handful private villas dotting the estate. Set at the top of a hill spectacular sunsets are guaranteed and several activities like learning how to make the best pizza will keep you entertained. From Castello di Casole you can easily head out to explore the ancient cities of Sienna and Florence or just take in stunning Tuscany!
5. Shangri-La at The Shard – London, United Kingdom
The brand new Shangi-La at The Shard was one of the most anticipated new hotels in Europe. Located in the 310 meter tall Shard skyscraper the Shangri-La offers spectacular views of London. The rooms are well equipped and even come with a set of binoculars to explore London from above. The Shangri-La at the Shard provides Asian hospitality and various bars and restaurants. We particularly enjoyed the pool on the 52nd floor and the amazing views of London from everywhere in the building.
4. The Dylan – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Dylan in Amsterdam scored extremely high on our list due to its unique character. No room is the same, yet all of them are beautiful and make you want to stay longer than intended. The private courtyard is a welcome oasis in a bustling city. Located directly on the Keizersgracht canal in several linked 16th and 17th century mansions it is in the hottest part of Amsterdam. Let the friendly staff surprise you with excellent personal service, something very hard to find in Amsterdam and rent a few bicycles or a boat to explore the city like the Dutch.
3. Miramonti – Meran, Italy
We revisited the Miramonti hotel in Meran and it still maintains a top 3 spot in our Top 10. This South Tyrolean hotel is a little hidden gem located 800 meters above the village of Meran with stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The hotel has only 30 rooms and the service is very personal. The Miramonti is ideal for a weekend getaway, Summer holiday or even a skiing trip. The service will make you feel at home and the views will make you want to stay. The reason it outranks all but two other hotels in our Top 10 is that its also very affordable.
2. Ventana Inn – Big Sur, California
The Ventana Inn rocked in to our Top 3 this year with spacious rooms set in small wooden bungalows and cottages surrounded by over 243 acres of forrest and nature. Many of the rooms and resort areas feature jaw dropping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a Spa and two outdoor swimming pools it is a good place to unwind and explore the Pacific Coast and its many State Parks. Executive Chef Paul Corsentino uses locally and sustainably sourced ingredients at the Restaurant at Ventana.
1. Six Senses Resort – Yao Noi, Thailand
Last 12 Months we haven’t visited any hotel that could match the style and perfection of the Six Senses Resort at Yao Noi. Located on a small island off the coast of Phuket in Thailand, the Six Senses Yao Noi will spoil your idea of a great holiday forever. From the speed boat shuttle from airport to the private pool villas and the butler to the restaurants, everything is executed at the highest level but with an environmental touch. The resort is build like a small village on a seaside hill, there is a ‘town square’ with a library, bar, restaurant and shop where you can get free ice cream around the clock. At night you can enjoy the outdoor cinema on the beach or special activities like wine tastings at the hilltop pool and restaurant. If you can opt for a sea view villa, with views to special rock formations that you won’t find anywhere else.
We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts 2015 and look forward to hear your own experience if you stayed in any of the hotels in our top 10. Also let us know about your favorite hotels or your experiences if you stayed in any of the hotels from our Top 10 in the comments below or via email!
