Luxury Hotels of the World
Luxury Hotels Overseas
If you don’t fancy limiting yourself to Australia and want to see more of the World, then here are some of the most desirable, exotic and expensive places to stay.
Neckar Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean ($50,000 per night)
Neckar Island, holiday home belonging to Richard Branson, can be rented for $50,000 per night. This price will get you the whole island for you and up to 28 of your friends. You can share the infinity pool or the fresh water pool, and there are two Jacuzzi’s in case you all feel like getting in at once. The island’s private helicopter can provide transport to this idyllic hideaway and once you’re there you can sample a multitude of water sports from the island’s scenic beaches.
For more info visit www.neckerisland.virgin.com
Westin Excelsior Hotel, Rome ($30,000 per night)
The Westin Group maintain an impressive portfolio of hotels across the World, and the luxury Excelsior in Rome is a much loved Italian venue for traveling Heads of State thanks to it’s impressive surroundings and prestigious address on the Via Veneto. The Villa Cupola is the largest and grandest of the hotels suites, with it’s own sundeck and marble pool with hand painted wall murals. The suite is elegantly adorned with aging tapestries and polished wooden fittings and the impressive four-poster bed makes a stay here a very regal affair.
For more info visit www.westinrome.com
Presidential Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes ($20,000 per night)
This art-deco styled suite enjoys uninterrupted views over the Bay of Cannes. It’s the hotel to book if you want to travel with a few friends, because the wraparound balcony alone can hold 100 people, and whilst you may have to pay for your breakfast separately, your bar costs come included in the price of the room and so does the butler on hand to serve you. Relax in your own personal sauna and Turkish Bath when you’re not making use of the free limousine to take you away for the day. If you’ve got at lot more friends, there’s always the option to hire out the second penthouse suite as well and join them into one.
For more info visit www.hotel-martinez.com
Ritz, Paris ($18,500 per night)
When construction began on the Ritz in the Place Vendome in Paris back in 1688, I doubt they could have foreseen the lengthy list of famous people who would eventually be beating down the doors to stay within its hallowed walls. Chanel, Cole Porter, Winston Churchill…the list is endless. The hotel divides its accommodation into Suites and Prestigious Suites – there’s no such thing as standard accommodation here. The Imperial Suite, which is listed as a national monument itself, is created in stunning 18th century architecture and furnishings, adorned with more gold than Midas could ever have dreamed of. Luxury is expected at this hotel, and apart from the five star service you’ll receive within it’s walls, you’ll also be met at the door of your aircraft by a private limousine which will drop you off on the red carpet outside the hotel’s VIP entrance.
For more info visit www.ritzparis.com
Lanesborough Hotel, London ($15,500 per night)
Prestigious Knightsbridge in London offers the luxury Lanesborough Hotel to the wealthy and star-like for resting their tired heads. The Lanesborough is not a hotel in the true sense of the word, as it’s actually a private home with rooms rented out only to those who can afford to stay there. Alongside the fabulous views of Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, guests can expect to enjoy the comfort of antique four poster beds, fresh fruit daily and the quiet attention of a personal butler. If the idea of enjoying a period-style stay whets your appetite, then opt for the ridiculously extravagant Royal Suite which has three bedrooms, drawing room, dining room, study and kitchen, all lavishly appointed and designed. Sample traditional English Afternoon Tea before enjoying a stroll along the banks of the Serpentine or some shopping in London’s exclusive Regent Street.
For more information visit www.lanesborough.com
Altamer Resort, Anguilla ($12,500 per night)
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Anguilla boasts the famous Altamer Resort, loved by the rich and famous and well-known as the location of the Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston spilt. Altamer provides luxury accommodation in the form of three villas, so your money really does buy you privacy on this island. Each of the beachside Villas, opulently names Russian Amythest, African Sapphire and Brazilian Emerald, are at least 12,000ft of sheer luxury and extravagance. The largest, African Sapphire, boasts handmade interior decorations which include a table centerpiece made in Africa from half a million beads, and when you’ve finished admiring the artwork, there are two hot tubs, a Jacuzzi, a fabulous swimming pool and a home theatre to relax in. There are also 14 LCD televisions throughout the home, in case you can’t decide what to watch, and your own butler and staff to cater for your needs.
For more info visit www.altamer.com
Reethi Rah, One & Only Maldives ($11055 per night)
Another hotel to woo the very wealthy with a temptingly extravagant offer is the Reethi Rah, the Maldives addition to the One & Group of hotels. For a cool $1,000,000 USD, you and 200 of your closet friends can enjoy 5 days accommodation, champagne, tennis lessons, scuba diving and 200 treatments in the hotel spa to be divided equally between guests. Alternatively, if you don’t have that many friends, or if you do but you’d rather leave them all behind, $11,055 AUD will book you one night in the Grand Beach Villa with Jacuzzi, rain and jet showers, private pool and sun terrace. You can dine in the privacy of your home and enjoy a personal maid service, and if all that relaxing becomes too much, the hotel has an electric buggy service which you can make use of to get you to the spa.
For more info visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Australian Luxury Hotels
Dotted across Australia’s dynamic landscape are a collection of luxury hotels which are exclusive and expensive enough to attract celebrities and the wealthy alike. Whether your fantasy hotel is on a private island surrounded only by reef diving in the azure blue seas, or the chance to rest your head in an elite and luxurious tent constructed beneath the bright stars of the Australian outback, there will be something to suit your taste, although maybe not your budget. Here is a collection of some of the most lavish and desirable hotels and resorts that Australia has to offer.
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania (Premium Suite $2550 per night)
The Saffire Freycinet hotel and spa retreat calls itself ‘The Jewel of Tasmania’ and frankly it’s not hard to see why they have such a high opinion of themselves. Situated on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula, this luxury hotel enjoys not only the fabulous views across Oyster Bay, but also delights in the fresh seafood caught on it’s doorstep. This luxury hotel boasts a fabulous Spa with an exhausting array of exclusive and luxurious treatments. Each sumptuously appointed suite is designed to the highest standard and the Premium Suite comes complete with a King Bed, a private courtyard with plunge pool, free spa treatment and dinner cooked for you by your own chef in your private dining room.
For more information contact www.puretasmania.com.au
El Quatro Homestead, The Kimberly (Chamberlain Suite $2250 per night)
For unparalleled views and exclusive privacy nothing can beat the luxurious surroundings of the Homestead. With access to the rugged Kimberly Wilderness Park, it’s a must see destination for every discerning traveler. Its cliff-top situation provides limitless views of the Chamberlain River and surrounding gorges, and provides a perfect setting for some evening al fresco dining experiences, surrounded only by tropical landscapes and a clear sky dotted with stars. Spend your days in the hotel spa enjoying a lavish treatment, or lounge in the free-form pool in the grounds. In the evening retire to your magnificently appointed bedroom and enjoy the privacy of your private verandah.
For more information visit www.elquestrohomestead.com.au
Longitude 131, Ayers Rock ($2450 per night)
Deep in the heart of the Australian Wilderness and only a stone’s throw from the legendary Ayers Rock, Longitude 131 is a unique and exclusive resort of luxury tented accommodation set out under the stars of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. With just 15 extravagantly appointed tents on the resort you can be assured of your privacy, and can join your fellow guests for a sumptuous meal served at the Longitude 131 dining table under the open night sky. The tents themselves are as well appointed as any modern hotel room, complete with King beds and complimentary iPod connectivity and the main resort itself has an outdoor pool to cool down in on a hot Outback afternoon.
For more information visit www.longitude131.com.au
Bedarra Island, Mission Beach ($3250 per two night minimum stay)
Located on the wondrous Great Barrier Reef is Bedarra Island, a small yet perfect idyll with all the luxury and tranquility you’d expect from such an exclusive resort. In fact, this resort is so dedicated to the art of serenity and relaxation amid these beautiful surroundings that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in. Relax in the Spa or indulge in exotic diving trips, catamaran sailings or hop aboard the hotel’s speedboat to do some island hopping. With a small selection of luxury island villas to choose from, the Pavilion Villa is the choice for the wealthy. Created from more glass than timber, this visually pleasing villa is sited high above Wedgerock Bay. Guests can relax in the plunge pool overlooking the sea while they await the sunset canapés served every evening.
For more information visit www.bedarraisland.au.com
Orpheus Island Resort, Cairns ($3000 per night)
If the thought of a private island retreat on the Great Barrier Reef is exactly what you need, then Orpheus Island might be the perfect destination for you. It’s un-spoilt surroundings situated off the North-East shores of Australia enjoy sandy white beaches and tropical palms as well as the perfectly blue waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. The resort, which lies 15 miles off the mainland, comprises a pool, restaurant and it’s own postal service. It even has the luxury of a 32 ft catamaran which will take you off to dive the nearby reefs. All rooms are well-appointed with exquisite décor and elegant finishings, but the Nautilus Suite offers a private spa to ensure you make the most of your relaxation time. If you stay here you’ll be rubbing shoulders with celebrities who love the isolation of this resort – so isolated in fact that the only way to reach the island is by private seaplane, with this personalized service arranged for you by the hotel.
For more information visit www.orpheus.com.au
Hayman, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland ($2950 per night)
This 5 star resort, and winner of the Australian Tourism Awards and National Travel Industry Awards, offers unrivalled excellence in both hospitality and luxury. This fabulous hotel indulges its guests with deservedly opulent accommodation and surroundings, spoils visitors with its tailored and dedicated facilities and tempts patrons with its vast array of experiences in the Spa and Sea. For those of you who want luxury away from home, a night in the exclusive English Penthouse will leave you wanting to stay for longer. Antique furniture and accessories compliment the undoubtedly English floral interior design, while the list of in-room facilities is too lengthy to mention. This is the epitome of luxury in a truly understated fashion.
For more information visit www.hayman.com.au
Sir Stamford, Circular Quay, Sydney ($360 per night)
Although the rooms in this hotel don’t seem as pricy as those in far flung corners of Australia, this hotel is nonetheless awarded a superb write up in travel magazines for it’s dedication to old-fashioned luxury and timeless appeal. Situated in the heart of Sydney, the Sir Stamford is home to one of Australia’s largest collections of fine art and every room is graced with antique ornaments in keeping with it’s fashion and appeal. Rooms in this fabulous hotel are large and expansive, with the King beds occupying very little floor space. Each room also has it’s own private balcony which affords wonderful views of the Sydney skyline. Everywhere you look there are open fires and crystal chandeliers, but the hotel doesn’t do without it’s modern facilities, catering for the Australian sun-worshipper with a dedicated sun-deck and swimming pool.
For more information visit www.stamford.com.au
Sebel Reef House, Cairns ($329 per night)
While the out of pocket expense to stay in this luxury hotel many seem much more reasonable, there is no arguing the quality of the experience which is guaranteed to be priceless. With it’s idyllic beachfront location this is one superb hotel which is worth a visit, even if only to enjoy the Spa and take in the sea air. The hotel enjoys an award winning restaurant and a private bar as well as an incredible courtyard swimming pool. Accommodation wise, choose from a stay in the opulent Reef Suite, or for a romantic getaway with your partner, spend a night in a Verandah Spa room which boasts a fabulous private double spa bath on the balcony as well as a draped King bed.
For more information see www.reefhouse.com.au
Park Hyatt, Sydney ($1045 per night)
The Park Hyatt in Sydney, one of the Hyatt chain of hotels, is a luxury waterfront building which is edged by a wooden boardwalk and overlooks the Sydney Opera House. It’s stunning views across Sydney Harbor can be enjoyed from the rooftop pool, unless you’d prefer to indulge yourself in the 5 star spa, of course. Dining at the Park Hyatt is an experience in itself, with the option of sitting at the private and ultra exclusive ‘Chef’s Table’. This price is based on an Opera Suite which enjoys views from two private balconies of some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, but if you want to splash out on a more expensive trip, contact the hotel about their Suites which are so exclusive that you just can’t book them online!
For more information see sydney.park.hyatt.com
Hilton, Sydney ($3230 per night)
The Hilton in Sydney recently claimed the title of the ‘most expensive hotel stay’ in the World, by charging a whopping $1,000,000 for it’s Luxury package. For that kind of money you could follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman or Bill Clinton, be chauffeur driven in a brand new Bentley Continental GTC, with the keys for another GTC handed over for your personal use, be given a gift of Australia’s largest diamond which is uniquely pear shaped and weighs in at an impressive 12.16 carats, enjoy two nights accommodation in the Master Suite with a personal check-in service from your personal host, take unlimited spa treatments, make use of a private tailor service, have three executive floors of the hotel booked for a private party for you and 100 of your closest friends with free canapés and champagne, sample a private club booked for after hours partying and leave with a goody bag of Dom Perignon to continue the party when you get home again. However, if you can’t quite afford the Million Dollars you’d need to part with for this ultimate package, then content yourself with one of the hotel’s King Master Suites. At $3230 per night, with dinner and breakfast thrown in too, you can still enjoy the luxury of this elegantly furnished suite, at a price which is still in a league of it’s own.
For more information visit www.hiltonsydney.com.au
Lizard Island Resort, Australia ($3750 per night)
Lizard Island is another exclusive resort set by the Great Barrier Reef, and like the Hilton Sydney, it also boasts a ridiculously impressive price tag for a 3 day package at a reported $454,000. But also like the Hilton Sydney, it’s possible to spend a little less and still enjoy a fabulous stay in this luxury hotel. For $3750 per night you can enjoy a romantic evening in one of the resorts Pavilion Villas with it’s cliff-top views and private plunge pool. For additional costs you can include the luxury of a welcome bottle of champagne as well as food and beverages included for the duration of your stay, 2 complimentary spa treatments, private dinners, a picnic on a secluded beach, a personal motorboat tour and just about anything else you could possible want.
For more information visit www.lizardisland.au.com
Qualia, Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef ($1700 per night)
Try out one of the beach side pavilions at the Qualia on Hamilton Island for size. Constructed so that they are all completely South West facing and gazing out onto the glassy blue waters, these pavilions are decked in polished wood floors, stone bathrooms, plunge pools and private sun deck, and can only be booked to guests over 16 years old. Situated in the heart of Great Barrier Reef waters, just off the Queensland mainland, Hamilton Island boasts it’s own airport so arriving and departing are easy, unless you can’t bear to leave the place behind, of course. The resort itself includes all those extra luxuries that you’d expect from a hotel of this standard, with several pools, a spa and world class dining all available for you, and what could be better than a romantic sunset meal, a late night dip in the pool and a walk back to your own villa on the white sandy shores of one of the most exclusive islands in the world?
For more information visit www.qualia.com.au
More Luxury Hotels & Holidays
Exclusive and Extravagant Places to Holiday in Australia
Dotted across Australia’s dynamic landscape are a collection of luxury hotels which are exclusive and expensive enough to attract celebrities and the wealthy alike. Whether your fantasy hotel is on a private island surrounded only by reef diving in the azure blue seas, or the chance to rest your head in an elite and luxurious tent constructed beneath the bright stars of the Australian outback, there will be something to suit your taste, although in some cases, perhaps not your budget. Here is a collection of some of the most lavish and desirable hotels and resorts that Australia has to offer.
Crown Towers, Melbourne, Australia ($27,500 per night)
Overlooking the Yarra River in Melbourne, this high-rise building houses on its uppermost floors, the most expensive luxury hotel rooms in Australia. At $27,500 per night, these private penthouses, which are occupied by invitation only, offer private gaming rooms, a private entrance and personal staff as part of their service. With views over Melbourne from this lavish hotel, the Crown Towers is the place to stay if you have the money to spend.
For more info visit www.crowntowers.com.au
Lizard Island Resort, Australia ($3750 per night)
Lizard Island is another exclusive resort set by the Great Barrier Reef, and like the Hilton Sydney, it also boasts a ridiculously impressive price tag for a 3 day package at a reported $454,000. But also like the Hilton Sydney, it’s possible to spend a little less and still enjoy a fabulous stay in this luxury hotel. For $3750 per night you can enjoy a romantic evening in one of the resorts Pavilion Villas with it’s cliff-top views and private plunge pool. For additional costs you can include the luxury of a welcome bottle of champagne as well as food and beverages included for the duration of your stay, 2 complimentary spa treatments, private dinners, a picnic on a secluded beach, a personal motorboat tour and just about anything else you could possible want.
For more information visit www.lizardisland.au.com
Bedarra Island, Mission Beach ($3250 per two night minimum stay)
Located on the wondrous Great Barrier Reef is Bedarra Island, a small yet perfect idyll with all the luxury and tranquility you’d expect from such an exclusive resort. In fact, this resort is so dedicated to the art of serenity and relaxation amid these beautiful surroundings that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in. Relax in the Spa or indulge in exotic diving trips, catamaran sailings or hop aboard the hotel’s speedboat to do some island hopping. With a small selection of luxury island villas to choose from, the Pavilion Villa is the choice for the wealthy. Created from more glass than timber, this visually pleasing villa is sited high above Wedgerock Bay. Guests can relax in the plunge pool overlooking the sea while they await the sunset canapés served every evening.
For more information visit www.bedarraisland.au.com
Hilton, Sydney ($3230 per night)
The Hilton in Sydney recently claimed the title of the ‘most expensive hotel stay’ in the World, by charging a whopping $1,000,000 for it’s Luxury package. For that kind of money you could follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman or Bill Clinton, be chauffeur driven in a brand new Bentley Continental GTC, with the keys for another GTC handed over for your personal use, be given a gift of Australia’s largest diamond which is uniquely pear shaped and weighs in at an impressive 12.16 carats, enjoy two nights accommodation in the Master Suite with a personal check-in service from your personal host, take unlimited spa treatments, make use of a private tailor service, have three executive floors of the hotel booked for a private party for you and 100 of your closest friends with free canapés and champagne, sample a private club booked for after hours partying and leave with a goody bag of Dom Perignon to continue the party when you get home again. However, if you can’t quite afford the Million Dollars you’d need to part with for this ultimate package, then content yourself with one of the hotel’s King Master Suites. At $3230 per night, with dinner and breakfast thrown in too, you can still enjoy the luxury of this elegantly furnished suite, at a price which is still in a league of it’s own.
For more information visit www.hiltonsydney.com.au/
Orpheus Island Resort, Cairns ($3000 per night)
If the thought of a private island retreat on the Great Barrier Reef is exactly what you need, then Orpheus Island might be the perfect destination for you. It’s un-spoilt surroundings situated off the North-East shores of Australia enjoy sandy white beaches and tropical palms as well as the perfectly blue waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. The resort, which lies 15 miles off the mainland, comprises a pool, restaurant and it’s own postal service. It even has the luxury of a 32 ft catamaran which will take you off to dive the nearby reefs. All rooms are well-appointed with exquisite décor and elegant finishing’s, but the Nautilus Suite offers a private spa to ensure you make the most of your relaxation time. If you stay here you’ll be rubbing shoulders with celebrities who love the isolation of this resort – so isolated in fact that the only way to reach the island is by private seaplane, with this personalized service arranged for you by the hotel.
For more information visit www.orpheus.com.au
Hayman, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland ($2950 per night)
This 5 star resort, and winner of the Australian Tourism Awards and National Travel Industry Awards, offers unrivalled excellence in both hospitality and luxury. This fabulous hotel indulges its guests with deservedly opulent accommodation and surroundings, spoils visitors with its tailored and dedicated facilities and tempts patrons with its vast array of experiences in the Spa and Sea. For those of you who want luxury away from home, a night in the exclusive English Penthouse will leave you wanting to stay for longer. Antique furniture and accessories compliment the undoubtedly English floral interior design, while the list of in-room facilities is too lengthy to mention. This is the epitome of luxury in a truly understated fashion.
For more information visit www.hayman.com.au
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania (Premium Suite $2550 per night)
The Saffire Freycinet hotel and spa retreat calls itself ‘The Jewel of Tasmania’ and frankly it’s not hard to see why they have such a high opinion of themselves. Situated on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula, this luxury hotel enjoys not only the fabulous views across Oyster Bay, but also delights in the fresh seafood caught on it’s doorstep. This luxury hotel boasts a fabulous Spa with an exhausting array of exclusive and luxurious treatments. Each sumptuously appointed suite is designed to the highest standard and the Premium Suite comes complete with a King Bed, a private courtyard with plunge pool, free spa treatment and dinner cooked for you by your own chef in your private dining room.
For more information contact www.puretasmania.com.au
Longitude 131, Ayers Rock ($2450 per night)
Deep in the heart of the Australian Wilderness and only a stone’s throw from the legendary Ayers Rock, Longitude 131 is a unique and exclusive resort of luxury tented accommodation set out under the stars of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. With just 15 extravagantly appointed tents on the resort you can be assured of your privacy, and can join your fellow guests for a sumptuous meal served at the Longitude 131 dining table under the open night sky. The tents themselves are as well appointed as any modern hotel room, complete with King beds and complimentary iPod connectivity and the main resort itself has an outdoor pool to cool down in on a hot Outback afternoon.
For more information visit www.longitude131.com.au
El Quatro Homestead, The Kimberly (Chamberlain Suite $2250 per night)
For unparalleled views and exclusive privacy nothing can beat the luxurious surroundings of the Homestead. With access to the rugged Kimberly Wilderness Park, it’s a must see destination for every discerning traveler. Its cliff-top situation provides limitless views of the Chamberlain River and surrounding gorges, and provides a perfect setting for some evening al fresco dining experiences, surrounded only by tropical landscapes and a clear sky dotted with stars. Spend your days in the hotel spa enjoying a lavish treatment, or lounge in the free-form pool in the grounds. In the evening retire to your magnificently appointed bedroom and enjoy the privacy of your private verandah.
For more information visit www.elquestrohomestead.com.au
If you don’t fancy limiting yourself to Australia and want to see more of the World, then here are some of the most desirable, exotic and expensive places to stay.
Neckar Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean ($50,000 per night)
Neckar Island, holiday home belonging to Richard Branson, can be rented for $50,000 per night. This price will get you the whole island for you and up to 28 of your friends. You can share the infinity pool or the fresh water pool, and there are two Jacuzzi’s in case you all feel like getting in at once. The island’s private helicopter can provide transport to this idyllic hideaway and once you’re there you can sample a multitude of water sports from the island’s scenic beaches.
For more info visit www.neckerisland.virgin.com
Westin Excelsior Hotel, Rome ($30,000 per night)
The Westin Group maintain an impressive portfolio of hotels across the World, and the luxury Excelsior in Rome is a much loved Italian venue for traveling Heads of State thanks to it’s impressive surroundings and prestigious address on the Via Veneto. The Villa Cupola is the largest and grandest of the hotels suites, with it’s own sundeck and marble pool with hand painted wall murals. The suite is elegantly adorned with aging tapestries and polished wooden fittings and the impressive four-poster bed makes a stay here a very regal affair.
For more info visit www.westinrome.com
Presidential Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes ($20,000 per night)
This art-deco styled suite enjoys uninterrupted views over the Bay of Cannes. It’s the hotel to book if you want to travel with a few friends, because the wraparound balcony alone can hold 100 people, and whilst you may have to pay for your breakfast separately, your bar costs come included in the price of the room and so does the butler on hand to serve you. Relax in your own personal sauna and Turkish Bath when you’re not making use of the free limousine to take you away for the day. If you’ve got at lot more friends, there’s always the option to hire out the second penthouse suite as well and join them into one.
For more info visit www.hotel-martinez.com
Ritz, Paris ($18,500 per night)
When construction began on the Ritz in the Place Vendome in Paris back in 1688, I doubt they could have foreseen the lengthy list of famous people who would eventually be beating down the doors to stay within its hallowed walls. Chanel, Cole Porter, Winston Churchill…the list is endless. The hotel divides its accommodation into Suites and Prestigious Suites – there’s no such thing as standard accommodation here. The Imperial Suite, which is listed as a national monument itself, is created in stunning 18th century architecture and furnishings, adorned with more gold than Midas could ever have dreamed of. Luxury is expected at this hotel, and apart from the five star service you’ll receive within it’s walls, you’ll also be met at the door of your aircraft by a private limousine which will drop you off on the red carpet outside the hotel’s VIP entrance.
For more info visit www.ritzparis.com
Lanesborough Hotel, London ($15,500 per night)
Prestigious Knightsbridge in London offers the luxury Lanesborough Hotel to the wealthy and star-like for resting their tired heads. The Lanesborough is not a hotel in the true sense of the word, as it’s actually a private home with rooms rented out only to those who can afford to stay there. Alongside the fabulous views of Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, guests can expect to enjoy the comfort of antique four poster beds, fresh fruit daily and the quiet attention of a personal butler. If the idea of enjoying a period-style stay whets your appetite, then opt for the ridiculously extravagant Royal Suite which has three bedrooms, drawing room, dining room, study and kitchen, all lavishly appointed and designed. Sample traditional English Afternoon Tea before enjoying a stroll along the banks of the Serpentine or some shopping in London’s exclusive Regent Street.
For more information visit www.lanesborough.com
Altamer Resort, Anguilla ($12,500 per night)
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Anguilla boasts the famous Altamer Resort, loved by the rich and famous and well-known as the location of the Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston spilt. Altamer provides luxury accommodation in the form of three villas, so your money really does buy you privacy on this island. Each of the beachside Villas, opulently names Russian Amythest, African Sapphire and Brazilian Emerald, are at least 12,000ft of sheer luxury and extravagance. The largest, African Sapphire, boasts handmade interior decorations which include a table centerpiece made in Africa from half a million beads, and when you’ve finished admiring the artwork, there are two hot tubs, a Jacuzzi, a fabulous swimming pool and a home theatre to relax in. There are also 14 LCD televisions throughout the home, in case you can’t decide what to watch, and your own butler and staff to cater for your needs.
For more info visit www.altamer.com
Reethi Rah, One & Only Maldives ($11055 per night)
Another hotel to woo the very wealthy with a temptingly extravagant offer is the Reethi Rah, the Maldives addition to the One & Group of hotels. For a cool $1,000,000 USD, you and 200 of your closet friends can enjoy 5 days accommodation, champagne, tennis lessons, scuba diving and 200 treatments in the hotel spa to be divided equally between guests. Alternatively, if you don’t have that many friends, or if you do but you’d rather leave them all behind, $11,055 AUD will book you one night in the Grand Beach Villa with Jacuzzi, rain and jet showers, private pool and sun terrace. You can dine in the privacy of your home and enjoy a personal maid service, and if all that relaxing becomes too much, the hotel has an electric buggy service which you can make use of to get you to the spa.
For more info visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Exclusive and Extravagant Places to Holiday in Australia
Dotted across Australia’s dynamic landscape are a collection of luxury hotels which are exclusive and expensive enough to attract celebrities and the wealthy alike. Whether your fantasy hotel is on a private island surrounded only by reef diving in the azure blue seas, or the chance to rest your head in an elite and luxurious tent constructed beneath the bright stars of the Australian outback, there will be something to suit your taste, although in some cases, perhaps not your budget. Here is a collection of some of the most lavish and desirable hotels and resorts that Australia has to offer.
Crown Towers, Melbourne, Australia ($27,500 per night)
Overlooking the Yarra River in Melbourne, this high-rise building houses on its uppermost floors, the most expensive luxury hotel rooms in Australia. At $27,500 per night, these private penthouses, which are occupied by invitation only, offer private gaming rooms, a private entrance and personal staff as part of their service. With views over Melbourne from this lavish hotel, the Crown Towers is the place to stay if you have the money to spend.
For more info visit www.crowntowers.com.au
Lizard Island Resort, Australia ($3750 per night)
Lizard Island is another exclusive resort set by the Great Barrier Reef, and like the Hilton Sydney, it also boasts a ridiculously impressive price tag for a 3 day package at a reported $454,000. But also like the Hilton Sydney, it’s possible to spend a little less and still enjoy a fabulous stay in this luxury hotel. For $3750 per night you can enjoy a romantic evening in one of the resorts Pavilion Villas with it’s cliff-top views and private plunge pool. For additional costs you can include the luxury of a welcome bottle of champagne as well as food and beverages included for the duration of your stay, 2 complimentary spa treatments, private dinners, a picnic on a secluded beach, a personal motorboat tour and just about anything else you could possible want.
For more information visit www.lizardisland.au.com
Bedarra Island, Mission Beach ($3250 per two night minimum stay)
Located on the wondrous Great Barrier Reef is Bedarra Island, a small yet perfect idyll with all the luxury and tranquility you’d expect from such an exclusive resort. In fact, this resort is so dedicated to the art of serenity and relaxation amid these beautiful surroundings that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in. Relax in the Spa or indulge in exotic diving trips, catamaran sailings or hop aboard the hotel’s speedboat to do some island hopping. With a small selection of luxury island villas to choose from, the Pavilion Villa is the choice for the wealthy. Created from more glass than timber, this visually pleasing villa is sited high above Wedgerock Bay. Guests can relax in the plunge pool overlooking the sea while they await the sunset canapés served every evening.
For more information visit www.bedarraisland.au.com
Hilton, Sydney ($3230 per night)
The Hilton in Sydney recently claimed the title of the ‘most expensive hotel stay’ in the World, by charging a whopping $1,000,000 for it’s Luxury package. For that kind of money you could follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman or Bill Clinton, be chauffeur driven in a brand new Bentley Continental GTC, with the keys for another GTC handed over for your personal use, be given a gift of Australia’s largest diamond which is uniquely pear shaped and weighs in at an impressive 12.16 carats, enjoy two nights accommodation in the Master Suite with a personal check-in service from your personal host, take unlimited spa treatments, make use of a private tailor service, have three executive floors of the hotel booked for a private party for you and 100 of your closest friends with free canapés and champagne, sample a private club booked for after hours partying and leave with a goody bag of Dom Perignon to continue the party when you get home again. However, if you can’t quite afford the Million Dollars you’d need to part with for this ultimate package, then content yourself with one of the hotel’s King Master Suites. At $3230 per night, with dinner and breakfast thrown in too, you can still enjoy the luxury of this elegantly furnished suite, at a price which is still in a league of it’s own.
For more information visit www.hiltonsydney.com.au/
Orpheus Island Resort, Cairns ($3000 per night)
If the thought of a private island retreat on the Great Barrier Reef is exactly what you need, then Orpheus Island might be the perfect destination for you. It’s un-spoilt surroundings situated off the North-East shores of Australia enjoy sandy white beaches and tropical palms as well as the perfectly blue waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. The resort, which lies 15 miles off the mainland, comprises a pool, restaurant and it’s own postal service. It even has the luxury of a 32 ft catamaran which will take you off to dive the nearby reefs. All rooms are well-appointed with exquisite décor and elegant finishing’s, but the Nautilus Suite offers a private spa to ensure you make the most of your relaxation time. If you stay here you’ll be rubbing shoulders with celebrities who love the isolation of this resort – so isolated in fact that the only way to reach the island is by private seaplane, with this personalized service arranged for you by the hotel.
For more information visit www.orpheus.com.au
Hayman, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland ($2950 per night)
This 5 star resort, and winner of the Australian Tourism Awards and National Travel Industry Awards, offers unrivalled excellence in both hospitality and luxury. This fabulous hotel indulges its guests with deservedly opulent accommodation and surroundings, spoils visitors with its tailored and dedicated facilities and tempts patrons with its vast array of experiences in the Spa and Sea. For those of you who want luxury away from home, a night in the exclusive English Penthouse will leave you wanting to stay for longer. Antique furniture and accessories compliment the undoubtedly English floral interior design, while the list of in-room facilities is too lengthy to mention. This is the epitome of luxury in a truly understated fashion.
For more information visit www.hayman.com.au
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania (Premium Suite $2550 per night)
The Saffire Freycinet hotel and spa retreat calls itself ‘The Jewel of Tasmania’ and frankly it’s not hard to see why they have such a high opinion of themselves. Situated on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula, this luxury hotel enjoys not only the fabulous views across Oyster Bay, but also delights in the fresh seafood caught on it’s doorstep. This luxury hotel boasts a fabulous Spa with an exhausting array of exclusive and luxurious treatments. Each sumptuously appointed suite is designed to the highest standard and the Premium Suite comes complete with a King Bed, a private courtyard with plunge pool, free spa treatment and dinner cooked for you by your own chef in your private dining room.
For more information contact www.puretasmania.com.au
Longitude 131, Ayers Rock ($2450 per night)
Deep in the heart of the Australian Wilderness and only a stone’s throw from the legendary Ayers Rock, Longitude 131 is a unique and exclusive resort of luxury tented accommodation set out under the stars of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. With just 15 extravagantly appointed tents on the resort you can be assured of your privacy, and can join your fellow guests for a sumptuous meal served at the Longitude 131 dining table under the open night sky. The tents themselves are as well appointed as any modern hotel room, complete with King beds and complimentary iPod connectivity and the main resort itself has an outdoor pool to cool down in on a hot Outback afternoon.
For more information visit www.longitude131.com.au
El Quatro Homestead, The Kimberly (Chamberlain Suite $2250 per night)
For unparalleled views and exclusive privacy nothing can beat the luxurious surroundings of the Homestead. With access to the rugged Kimberly Wilderness Park, it’s a must see destination for every discerning traveler. Its cliff-top situation provides limitless views of the Chamberlain River and surrounding gorges, and provides a perfect setting for some evening al fresco dining experiences, surrounded only by tropical landscapes and a clear sky dotted with stars. Spend your days in the hotel spa enjoying a lavish treatment, or lounge in the free-form pool in the grounds. In the evening retire to your magnificently appointed bedroom and enjoy the privacy of your private verandah.
For more information visit www.elquestrohomestead.com.au
If you don’t fancy limiting yourself to Australia and want to see more of the World, then here are some of the most desirable, exotic and expensive places to stay.
Neckar Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean ($50,000 per night)
Neckar Island, holiday home belonging to Richard Branson, can be rented for $50,000 per night. This price will get you the whole island for you and up to 28 of your friends. You can share the infinity pool or the fresh water pool, and there are two Jacuzzi’s in case you all feel like getting in at once. The island’s private helicopter can provide transport to this idyllic hideaway and once you’re there you can sample a multitude of water sports from the island’s scenic beaches.
For more info visit www.neckerisland.virgin.com
Westin Excelsior Hotel, Rome ($30,000 per night)
The Westin Group maintain an impressive portfolio of hotels across the World, and the luxury Excelsior in Rome is a much loved Italian venue for traveling Heads of State thanks to it’s impressive surroundings and prestigious address on the Via Veneto. The Villa Cupola is the largest and grandest of the hotels suites, with it’s own sundeck and marble pool with hand painted wall murals. The suite is elegantly adorned with aging tapestries and polished wooden fittings and the impressive four-poster bed makes a stay here a very regal affair.
For more info visit www.westinrome.com
Presidential Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes ($20,000 per night)
This art-deco styled suite enjoys uninterrupted views over the Bay of Cannes. It’s the hotel to book if you want to travel with a few friends, because the wraparound balcony alone can hold 100 people, and whilst you may have to pay for your breakfast separately, your bar costs come included in the price of the room and so does the butler on hand to serve you. Relax in your own personal sauna and Turkish Bath when you’re not making use of the free limousine to take you away for the day. If you’ve got at lot more friends, there’s always the option to hire out the second penthouse suite as well and join them into one.
For more info visit www.hotel-martinez.com
Ritz, Paris ($18,500 per night)
When construction began on the Ritz in the Place Vendome in Paris back in 1688, I doubt they could have foreseen the lengthy list of famous people who would eventually be beating down the doors to stay within its hallowed walls. Chanel, Cole Porter, Winston Churchill…the list is endless. The hotel divides its accommodation into Suites and Prestigious Suites – there’s no such thing as standard accommodation here. The Imperial Suite, which is listed as a national monument itself, is created in stunning 18th century architecture and furnishings, adorned with more gold than Midas could ever have dreamed of. Luxury is expected at this hotel, and apart from the five star service you’ll receive within it’s walls, you’ll also be met at the door of your aircraft by a private limousine which will drop you off on the red carpet outside the hotel’s VIP entrance.
For more info visit www.ritzparis.com
Lanesborough Hotel, London ($15,500 per night)
Prestigious Knightsbridge in London offers the luxury Lanesborough Hotel to the wealthy and star-like for resting their tired heads. The Lanesborough is not a hotel in the true sense of the word, as it’s actually a private home with rooms rented out only to those who can afford to stay there. Alongside the fabulous views of Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, guests can expect to enjoy the comfort of antique four poster beds, fresh fruit daily and the quiet attention of a personal butler. If the idea of enjoying a period-style stay whets your appetite, then opt for the ridiculously extravagant Royal Suite which has three bedrooms, drawing room, dining room, study and kitchen, all lavishly appointed and designed. Sample traditional English Afternoon Tea before enjoying a stroll along the banks of the Serpentine or some shopping in London’s exclusive Regent Street.
For more information visit www.lanesborough.com
Altamer Resort, Anguilla ($12,500 per night)
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Anguilla boasts the famous Altamer Resort, loved by the rich and famous and well-known as the location of the Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston spilt. Altamer provides luxury accommodation in the form of three villas, so your money really does buy you privacy on this island. Each of the beachside Villas, opulently names Russian Amythest, African Sapphire and Brazilian Emerald, are at least 12,000ft of sheer luxury and extravagance. The largest, African Sapphire, boasts handmade interior decorations which include a table centerpiece made in Africa from half a million beads, and when you’ve finished admiring the artwork, there are two hot tubs, a Jacuzzi, a fabulous swimming pool and a home theatre to relax in. There are also 14 LCD televisions throughout the home, in case you can’t decide what to watch, and your own butler and staff to cater for your needs.
For more info visit www.altamer.com
Reethi Rah, One & Only Maldives ($11055 per night)
Another hotel to woo the very wealthy with a temptingly extravagant offer is the Reethi Rah, the Maldives addition to the One & Group of hotels. For a cool $1,000,000 USD, you and 200 of your closet friends can enjoy 5 days accommodation, champagne, tennis lessons, scuba diving and 200 treatments in the hotel spa to be divided equally between guests. Alternatively, if you don’t have that many friends, or if you do but you’d rather leave them all behind, $11,055 AUD will book you one night in the Grand Beach Villa with Jacuzzi, rain and jet showers, private pool and sun terrace. You can dine in the privacy of your home and enjoy a personal maid service, and if all that relaxing becomes too much, the hotel has an electric buggy service which you can make use of to get you to the spa.
For more info visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com