Just when you think you’ve seen the world’s ultimate hotel, another arrives to rival it.
Fortunately, private jet lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler have updated their annual guide of the world’s Top 100 – with some brand new additions to the list.
Released this week, the latest run-down compiles the globe’s most extraordinary venues in a definitive chart, covering everywhere from Australia to China, Morocco and Canada.
So, with your bucket list at the ready, read on to learn all about the hottest picks for 2018…
1) One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo, Mexico
Stunning: Set among the stunning natural geography of the Baja Peninsula, One&Only Palmilla is considered top luxury
One of Mexico’s ultimate retreats, this casually strolled onto the list with understandable swagger.
Situated in the very chic Los Cabos, the One&Only Palmilla features the area’s only swimmable beaches and offers remarkable views of the San José del Cabo and the Sea of Cortez.
Set among the stunning natural geography of the Baja Peninsula, it also boasts a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, no less.
2) Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada
Stylish design: Erected on stilts, each of the hotel’s 29 guest rooms offers spectacular views out onto the dramatic landscape
While Fogo Island Inn’s spectacular suspended build may be the star of the show, each of the hotel’s 29 guest rooms offers spectacular views out onto the dramatic landscapes surrounding the hotel.
But be prepared for the time of year you choose to go.
As the site explains, ‘there are seven distinct seasons on Fogo Island: warm summers, snowy winters, a spectacular pack ice season, hopeful spring, trap berth inspired by the traditional fishery, and the world’s best berry picking in the early fall’.
3) Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, Four Seasons, Hangzhou, China
Traditional meets modern: Traditional Chinese architecture is blended with 5-star amenities at China’s Hotel Hangzhou
Sitting in tranquil gardens on the shores of the West Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage site – the Four Seasons at Hangzhou is remarkable.
Together, it blends traditional Chinese architecture with all the luxuries expected from one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands.
Outside, it’s surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens featuring bamboo forest, a meandering lagoon, pathways and secluded glades.
4) La Réserve Paris, Paris, France
Location, location, location: La Réserve Paris is mid-way between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne
With stunning views over the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais and the world-famous Panthéon, it’s easy to see why this beautiful French hotel makes the grade.
Not least because it also happens to boast a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gabriel, which is a dazzling place to eat-and-be-seen.
‘Michel Reybier’s highly distinctive urban mansion has all the elegance of a 19 century private apartment, where ultra-personalized services can be enjoyed in complete simplicity and discretion’, the official website states.
5) Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, France
Glamour: Located in the city centre on Avenue Hoche, it’s sandwiched between the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe
With two restaurants, its own art gallery and a 99-seat cinema, Le Royal Monceau is also putting in a big claim for the best hotel in Paris.
Located in the city centre on the prestigious Avenue Hoche, it’s sandwiched between the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, making it perfectly positioned.
But, perhaps unsurprisingly, it’ll cost you serious cash to stay here – a simple studio room, measuring 36 sqm (388 sq ft), starts from €850 (£756) per night.
6) Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy
Stunning view: The newly-opened Hotel Eden possesses unmatched vistas across the world-renowned Rome skyline
Having closed for just under 18 months, Hotel Eden reopened back in April 2017.
Not wanting to waste the opportunity, it burst back onto the scene with 98 new rooms and suites, unmatched views across the Rome skyline and Europe’s first spa to offer treatments from award-winning skin-care pioneer Sonya Dakar.
Located in the heart of the old city, it’s just a short stroll from the legendary Spanish Steps and picturesque Villa Borghese. Naturally, it has welcomed royalty, dignitaries and numerous celebrities.
7) Qualia in Whitsundays, Australia
Rich pickings: The Beach Houses cost between $5,000 (£2,908) and $6,000 (£3,908) AUD per night in summer
A favourite with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, Qualia’s airy open interior overlooks the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Located on the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday’s, the resort has 60 pavillions to stay in, categorised into the Leeward Pavillions, Windward Pavillions and Beach Houses.
The most expensive of them are the Beach Houses, costing between $5,000 (£2,908) and $6,000 (£3,908) AUD per night during the peak holiday season in Summer.
8) The Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
Dramatic: Hand-crafted by over 1,500 artisans, the prestigious address is one of the world’s ultimate hotels
A luxurious sanctuary in the ancient medina of Marrakech, the Royal Mansour is arguably one of the world’s most glamorous – and discreet – hotels.
Staff navigate one kilometre’s worth of tunnels snaking beneath the lavish property so that service is unrivalled, intuitive and barely seen by guests.
Hand-crafted by over 1,500 artisans, the prestigious address was said to have a limitless budget – and it has a number of spectacular details, including a series of restaurants headed up by a three-Michelin-starred chef and 53 individual three-story riads.
As if this wasn’t enough, the hotel is also the city’s highest point (other than the tower of the Koutoubia mosque), offering unrivalled views across Marrakech.
9) Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort, Dibba-Musandam, Oman
Wow-factor: The Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort is frequented by Arab royalty – thanks in part to its own exclusive beach
With its own private beach, a live-in guest-experience manager and its own Omani dhow cruise boat, the Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort is easily one of the country’s most luxurious hotels.
The 82 villas vary in size from one to four bedrooms, but each has its own private infinity pool and traditional Arab summerhouse in the grounds. The largest and most exotic Private Reserve is mainly the domain of Arab royalty. It sleeps eight adults and two children.
Oh – and it also has its own marina, which is rather impressive.
10) Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore: Set amidst 15 acres of lush greenery, it’s consistently voted as one of the best hotels in the world
As the original Shangri-La Hotel, the Singapore outpost recently had a major makeover and is the perfect hotel to offer guests a peaceful getaway from the buzz of the city’s centre.
Set amidst 15 acres of lush greenery, it’s consistently voted as one of the best hotels in the world.
With luxurious guestrooms and suites in three distinctive wings, and serviced apartments and residences in four-storey villas, it’s sheer luxury.