The world’s most wow-factor hotels that should be on your 2020 bucket list
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Want to tick a destination off your bucket list this year?
If you’re stuck on narrowing down where in the world you want to visit, allow us to show you some seriously breathtaking hotels, which will make you want to book a week off work immediately.
From sleeping in a hotel made out of ice in Sweden, to having breakfast with giraffes in Kenya or soaking up the sun cliffside on the Amalfi Coast, we’ve found something for everyone.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya | Book here
The Insta-worthy moments are immense at Giraffe Manor.
This 1930s manor house is famous for its friendly neighbours – a herd of giraffes that love to stick their long necks through the windows to be fed treats.
Le Sirenuse, Italy | Book here
Couched in a cliff on the Amalfi Coast, the legendary Le Sirenuse has French windows and terraces overlooking the sea.
John Steinbeck described it as “an old family house converted into a first class hotel, spotless and cool”.
Azulik Tulum, Mexico | Book here
Located on Tulum’s coastline, Azulik Tulum is an eco treehouse hotel.
The 48 villas are purposefully devoid of electricity, but feature Mayan mosaic baths, which are filled with sacred water.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives | Book here
The original barefoot Maldives retreat, Soneva Fushi is an eco-chic jungle hideaway with luxury villas, a superb spa, open-air cinema, excellent kids’ club and butler service.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | Book here
Infinity pools don’t come much better than the one on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, which overlooks the Singapore’s skyscrapers. The hotel also has a spa, three levels of gaming floor space and more than 270 retail stores.
Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa | Book here
With 13 glass-walled suites suspended above the Kruger National Park, Lebombo Lodge ensures guests get the best views of wildlife. Expect every comfort, from fine dining to a spa.
Hotel del Coronado, USA | Book here
San Diego’s hulking great hotel, nicknamed “the Del”, has hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to the Obamas and is as famous for its turreted architecture as it is for its all-you-can-eat brunch.
Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland | Book here
Hotel Villa Honegg is Switzerland’s smallest superior five-star hotel, with a heated infinity pool with a stellar view.
The 23 rooms are secluded and luxurious, with gilded mirrors, huge bathtubs and some with 180-degree balconies.
Jade Mountain, St Lucia | Book here
Caribbean beauty meets stunning architectural design at Jade Mountain, a slick resort where rooms have just three walls to leave an open view of the world-famous Pitons. Expect whirlpool tubs, in-room infinity pools and dedicated butlers.
Hotel Plaza Athénée, France | Book here
Set in one of Paris’ most thriving fashion avenues, Hotel Plaza Athénée is the epitome of Haute Couture, luxury and art. Interiors ooze French elegance, and breakfast is served alongside Eiffel Tower views and champagne.
Bellagio Las Vegas, USA | Book here
You don’t need to stay in this fancy hotel on The Strip in Las Vegas to make the most of its show stopping nightly performances. It’s famous for its outdoor light show and dancing water fountains.
Canaves Oia, Greece | Book here
Pools don’t get much more photogenic than those at Canaves Oia in Santorini. Overlooking the big blue Aegean Sea, they range from private plunge pools to river-shaped pools – all with a dramatic ocean view.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai | Book here
Filled with water slides, excellent restaurants and sweeping sea views, Atlantis The Palm is an Instagram favourite. Its Royal Bridge Suite is a highlight, with panoramic views and elegant furniture.
Soneva Jani, Maldives | Book here
In the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani is a bucket-list hotel. The 25 overwater villas and beach reserve are connected by a winding wooden path – and each one comes with its own slide.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach, USA | Book here
Pools lined with palm trees, sunset views and a celebrity crowd make Fontainebleau Miami Beach a hot destination. It’s also featured in movies including Goldfinger and The Bodyguard.
El Fenn, Morocco | Book here
Overlooking Marrakech town and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, El Fenn is hip, yet packed with heritage. Expect a riot of colour, one of Morocco’s finest contemporary art collections, 14 gorgeous suites and a rooftop pool.
The Gritti Palace, Italy | Book here
Amidst the waterways of Venice, The Gritti Palace is opulent and stylish, with vintage chandeliers, silk sheets and waterside breakfasts overlooking the shimmering Grand Canal.
Claridge’s, England | Book here
Arguably London’s swankiest bolthole, Claridge’s features rooms designed by David Linley or Diane von Fürstenberg, a marble-floored lobby and wrought-iron lift complete with a sofa and attendant.
Icehotel, Sweden | Book here
A hotel that only lasts for a short amount of time before melting and needing to be rebuilt certainly has the wow factor, especially when it comes with exquisite ice carvings, an ice bar and fur throws to keep you toasty.
Amangiri, USA | Book here
Everyone from the Kardashians to Victoria Beckham has booked a room at this cleverly-designed hotel in the Utah desert. The pool curves around a rock formation and there’s a huge Aman spa.