Here’s the great thing about dream vacations: No matter what time of the year, it’s never too late to plan an escape to an exotic location.
You’ll have plenty of luxurious resorts to choose from in 2020. The new year brings grand openings from New York to Vietnam, although some of the places on this list date back to the early 20th century. Luxury really is timeless.
We’ve included destinations across the globe, so break out your bucket list and feel free to let your mind wander—perhaps you’ll soon follow.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in Africa
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay - Morocco
With cities on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Morocco continues to grow as a tourist destination. Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is a regal resort on the Mediterranean with white, Islamic architecture, a private beach, and indoor and outdoor pools. The Mediterranean and Thai cuisine gives visitors a mix of flavors in a distinctly Moroccan setting.
Ellerman House - South Africa
Built in 1906, The Ellerman House sits at the edge of the world and the peak of luxury. The hotel overlooks Cape Town and the South Atlantic Ocean, making for panoramic, breathtaking views. The all-inclusive package features breakfast, spirits, wine tasting, a private chef, and more. The Ellerman House made Condé Nast’s Gold List for 2019.
The Oberoi Beach Resort - Mauritius
For an exotic getaway with stunning natural wonders all around, look no further than the Oberoi Beach Resort in Mauritius. The luxury rooms come with their own perks: pavilions with floor-to-ceiling windows, garden villas with open-air dining, and villas with private pools. Adventurous travelers can go scuba diving or explore the lush jungles that surround the resort.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in Asia
Four Seasons Tokyo - Japan
The Four Seasons Tokyo does the impossible: It provides an intimate, luxurious stay in the world’s most populous city. Visitors will live the high life, relaxing in the spa, sauna, or traditional Onsen bath. The proximity to ancient and modern Tokyo keeps you close to major tourist stops as well.
Mandarin Oriental - Vietnam
Mandarin Oriental has made its name by delivering lavish experiences in the world’s most famous locales. Now, the brand is heading to Vietnam, where a 227-room hotel will open in Saigon in 2020 with six restaurants and bars and an outdoor pool.
Soneva Kiri - Thailand
With its isolated beaches and lush jungles, Soneva Kiri delivers the kind of all-encompassing escape to paradise everyone dreams of. The discovery experiences set the resort apart, with treepod dining a favorite among visitors. Thailand needs to be on your bucket list, and places like this are a big reason why.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in Australia & The South Pacific
Conrad Bora Bora Nui - French Polynesia
Bora Bora is synonymous with paradise, and for good reason. Its beachside villas and crystal-blue waters are second to none. You’ll find both at Conrad Bora Bora Nui and more: a blue lagoon foreground and volcanic background covered in jungle. Stay in an overwater villa for the complete experience.
Matangi Private Island Resort - Fiji
Have you ever wanted to stay in a treehouse overlooking the South Pacific? You do now. The Matangi Private Island Resort, located on Fiji’s Horseshoe Bar, provides that unique arboreal lodging. You’ll also enjoy the tropical gardens and cultural village tours, and leave knowing why the island was named one of the 1000 Places To See Before You Die.
Tiwi Island Retreat - Australia
Deep-sea fishermen flock to this resort, but there’s something at Tiwi Island Retreat for everyone. Take a helicopter adventure to remote swimming holes, or simply relax by the 12-meter, waterfront pool. The spacious outdoor bistro and bar makes for an ideal end to your evening.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in the Caribbean
Amanyara - Turks & Caicos
When you combine a brand like Aman and a tropical paradise like Turks and Caicos, you get one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Amanyara features a private beach nearly a mile long and unforgettable stays in open-air pavilions and villas with infinity pools. It’s just a short flight from Miami and New York, making Amanyara both accessible and remote.
Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski Dominica - Dominica
Opening in 2020, the Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinsky Dominica will raise the profile of this Caribbean island nation as a travel destination. Choose a room with a view of the Caribbean Sea or the mountains of neighboring Cabrits National Park.
Rosewood Little Dix Bar - British Virgin Islands
Rosewood Little Dix Bar is at times understated and always unforgettable. As if the 500 acres of untamed gardens weren’t enough of a natural getaway, the resort gives you access to secluded beaches. The beachfront cottages also feature outdoor garden showers.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in Europe
Blue Palace - Crete
Greece’s island of Crete is ancient, mythical, and wonderfully modern for travelers. The Blue Palace welcomes you to the Mediterranean, where you’ll find a variety of lodging options, all of which are unique to this corner of the world.
Nobu Hotel - London
You may associate England with overcast skies and dreary days, but there’s luxury there, too. Wellness and well-being will be at the forefront of your stay at the Nobu Hotel in London. The welcome includes a champagne greeting and access to otherworldly spa treatments. Grab a room with a private balcony for the full effect.
Vila Vita Parc - Portugal
The Algarve Region in Portugal continues to be a popular destination, and resorts like the Vila Vita Parc make it so. The outdoor areas that feature infinity pools and spacious gardens certainly stand out. So, too, does the swim-up Whale Pool Lounge and Bar. If staying fit on vacation is a goal of yours, you’ll love the yoga pavilion and wellness courses the resort offers.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in North America
Aman - New York
The terraced gardens of Aman New York will welcome visitors to Manhattan in style, starting in 2020. The luxury hotel is in the heart of the action but exists as an oasis in the sky. It’s the perfect place to take in all that New York City has to offer.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo - Costa Rica
Escape to the rainforests of Central America, where you’ll feel like the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo was made especially for you. It’s secluded in the best way, with jungle all around and four beaches nearby to dip your toes in the ocean.
Viceroy Los Cabos - Mexico
You can explore the resort city of San José del Cabo before returning to the stunning property at Viceroy Los Cabos, surrounded entirely by water. White beaches are plentiful, as are adventures ranging from surfing, fishing, and hiking to oceanside yoga.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in South America
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas - El Peru
This self-described “fairytale hideaway” brings luxury to the Andes. Settle in for a mountain retreat in the beautiful, remote Belmond Palacia Nazarenas. The stay itself is a treat, but so is the luxury train that travels between Cusco and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The Singular Patagonia - Chile
The brilliant snow-capped mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for the Singular Patagonia. The floor-to-ceiling windows at this historic resort, which was established in 1940, are the only things separating you from the edge of the Southern Hemisphere.
JW Marriott Hotel Rio De Janeiro - Brazil
Hey, it’s Rio. Why not live it up at a swanky hotel? The JW Marriott sits right on Copacabana Beach, and if that wasn’t enough, it has a rooftop bar and private pool. Explore the famous Brazilian culture, then retire to your own slice of Rio.
