Our Pick of the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024

A cocoon of tranquillity within the heart of a bustling city, Capella Bangkok deservedly takes the top spot in the list. Its riverfront location is the core of this idyllic hotel, boasting panoramic views of the majestic Chao Phraya River from each of its 101 rooms. Guests get to see Bangkok in a way few others have, guided through the city’s latest treasures by a Capella Culturalist. Back at the hotel, an exquisite Riviera inspired dinner awaits at the hotel’s Côte restaurant by Mauro Colagreco, a three Michelin star chef.

After opening its doors in 2022, Passalacqua was crowned the winner of this prestigious list in 2023 and takes an impressive second place this year. A flawlessly restored 18th century villa on the shore of Lake Como, it’s not hard to see why this charming hotel retains such a high spot on the list. Effortlessly recapturing the spirit of the past, this historic mansion once played host to the likes of Vincenzo Bellini, Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill. Today, it welcomes discerning travellers and serves up a slice of nostalgic Italian living.

Awarded Best Beach Hotel for the second year in a row, Soneva Fushi is the ultimate Robinson Crusoe island escape, with a laidback philosophy of ‘no news, no shoes’. With only 63 villas on an island which measures a mile long, it is the sense of space that sets Soneva Fushi apart. And while each villa is exquisite, Head of Scott Dunn Private Jules Maury lets us in on her secret – “I always book one of the sunrise-side villas for my guests, for an elevated sense of privacy”.

Nihi Sumba’s exclusivity is unrivalled. Located on the remote island of Sumba in Indonesia, you simply won’t find a similar experience on any of Indonesia’s more populated islands. Well worth the short flight from Bali, this utterly idyllic bolthole thoroughly deserves its top 10 spot, with its outdoor showers, horse-riding on the beach and clifftop open-air spa. For Asia Specialist Hannah Mackie, “a visit to the Sumba Foundation is a must during your stay, giving a glimpse into the positive impact the foundation has had on the lives of the Sumbanese people.”

Having been taken over by Belmond in 2023 and undergoing an extensive renovation of both aesthetic and philosophy, Belmond Maroma is a new entry to the list this year. Set on one of the most stunning beaches in Mexico, this is a place to relax and be pampered, with a first-class spa and rooftop yoga pavilion. But it’s the property’s sustainable ethos which has earned it its place on this prestigious list, with a renewed commitment to both the planet and people, making it a responsible choice for travellers.

A beacon of excellence that has occupied its spot in the of heart of Cape Town since 1806, Belmond Mount Nelson is a new entry to the list this year and has taken the position of best hotel in Africa. Visitors flock to the Mount Nelson for its famous afternoon tea alone, which has gained legendary status over the years. For something a little more laidback, we love the option to have a picnic lunch in the extensive gardens with its large lawns and shady trees.