GT’s favourite luxury resorts

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Indonesia

Perched on the sandstone cliffs of Bali’s southern coastline, Alila Uluwatu shines bright with its understated modern Indonesian architecture, in-villa infinity pools, top-end eating and world-class spa.

Song Saa, Cambodia

This private island resort off the south coast of Cambodia raises the bar for five-star eco luxury with its rustic overwater villas, pristine marine park surrounds and conservationist philosophy. A real gem.

Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam

Eighteen-hole golf course? Yep. Ocean views? Tick. Superb spa? Check. Banyan Tree’s latest property along the coast of Lang Co, Vietnam, is a sparkling new addition to their resort portfolio.

Anantara Xishuangbanna, China

What makes Anantara’s Yunnan resort stand apart from the crowd? GT‘s Max Veenhuyzen puts it down to the design details. “From the grand temple-like lobby to the handsomely appointed rooms,” he says, “Anantara Xishuangbanna’s design brief presents as a luxe conjuring of colonial Asia.”

Amanzo’e, Greece

With its breathtaking Acropolis-like structure, expansive ocean views and pared-back Mediterranean design, this Hellenic gem on the Peloponnese is a winner through and through.

Mahali Mzuri, Kenya

The latest addition to Sir Richard Branson’s hotel empire, Mahalia Mzuri ticks all the boxes with its glammed-up safari tent accommodation, sweeping views over the Motorogi Conservancy and long list of luxe creature comforts (healing spa treatments and vintage champagnes, we’re looking at you).

La Mamounia, Morocco

“This one-of-a-kind property was built in 1923 and its Andalusian-Arab and Berber décor were given new lustre in a three-year renovation completed in 2009,” writes GT‘s Pat Nourse. “Padding barefoot around one of its big suites, from cool marble to timber to rug to tile, presents plenty to like.” Suite as.

Qualia, Australia

Qualia, the jewel of Hamilton Island’s resort scene, remains a clear favourite in our books with its plush private villas, reef-facing plunge pools and benchmark-setting spa and dining.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia

There’s no better place to take in the rugged, isolated coast of Kangaroo Island than from the comfort of a suite at Southern Ocean Lodge. Among the spoils, a walk-in wine cellar, fantastic produce-focused dining and some seriously comfortable bathrobes.

Point Yamu by Como, Thailand

Looking for a holistic wind-down? The Como family’s newest member in Cape Yamu, Phuket, is just the ticket with its extensive spa and wellness program, spacious villas and spectacular outlook over the Andaman Sea.

Nam Hai, Vietnam

Smack-bang on the sands of China Beach and just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed port town of Hoi An, the Nam Hai offers Vietnamese luxury at its best. Stand-alone beachfront villas, lush gardens, glistening swimming pools and a spa fit for royalty are just the beginning.

Andaz Maui, USA

Whether you’re into beachfront adventure or just plain relaxation, Andaz Maui is set to impress with its breezy ocean vistas, wide range of activities (helicopter island tour, anyone?) and gorgeously appointed villas and suites.