These are my top 10 hotels around the world

Carefully curated for your pleasure. Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Europe.

What to listen to while you are reading this: LoveHate Thing (feat. Sam Dew) by Wale, Sam Dew

Shalom, hallo, and olá curious readers,

Turns out that my inconsistency on this platform was, in fact, good for something. I struggled a lot over the past month to come up with topics to write about. I did not want to bore you with all of the personal stuff that has been going on and wanted to move more towards article-style posts over blogposts again. Earlier this week, I came up with an idea that finally felt good: My Top 10.

Entirely coincidentally (and this is no joke), I saw one of my favorite travel journalists post an article centered around one of his top-lists - which, I must confess, did reassure me that I should follow up on the idea I had come up with. A new section as part of Shallolá will therefore be ‘My Top 10’. In these articles, I will share a list of my top-recommendations centered around travel, fashion, and whatever else I deem of importance to my readers who value luxury, self-care, and limitless discovery.

Let’s not waste any more time and jump right in: these are my top 10 hotels around the world. (FYI: I stayed at all of the properties listed and prices shown are based on party of 2)

1. Twinpalms Surin Phuket Resort - Phuket, Thailand

At risk of no one taking me seriously anymore, I want to point out that I am fully aware that I am putting a resort in Phuket at first place on my list. Anyone who has some knowledge about Thailand knows that Phuket suffers from a rather questionable image. A neon-light fever dream, ladyboy central, and swarms of tourists from all over the world on their worst behavior.

Also I was afraid that that would be the reality on the ground when I first came to Phuket. Now, if you stay in Patong, that will be your reality. However, Surin Beach offers a tranquil and hidden escape from the mass-tourism elsewhere on the island. What better place to stay at than my favorite hotel in all of the world.

The Twinpalms Surin Phuket Resort is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. SLH has for years been one of my go-to sources to find the most exclusive hotels around the world as they specialize in finding the most breathtaking boutique hotels.

My favorite detail about staying at this resort is the flower ceremony that follows your check-in. During this 1-on-1 ceremony, you choose the type of flower and the type of floral scent that you would like to enjoy in your room during your stay. My favorite is ylang-ylang. Also, get used to every staff member knowing your full name at any time - even the ones you have never seen before. You are not a number here, you are a valued guest.

The Twinpalms Surin offers just 97 rooms spread over two floors. During my stays at this hidden gem of a resort, I stayed in the Lagoon Deluxe (55sqm) and Lagoon Suite (110sqm) rooms. As the name implies, both these room types offer direct access to the lagoon that stretches along the resort’s garden from your private terrace. The Lagoon Suite consists of a living area and a separate bedroom.

Another unbeatable perk of this hotel are its restaurants and beach clubs. On site there is the Oriental Spoon restaurant where breakfast is also served. By the pool, there is the pool bar. Just a stone throw away from the resort you will find the Michellin-starred Wagyu Steakhouse. A short shuttle-ride away from the resort is the Catch Beach Club where, in addition to other things, they serve really great sushi and great cocktails. Right there you will also find The Lazy Coconut focusing on shared Mediterranean dishes. A little further along the coast, at Bang Tao Beach, there’s Kalido, also focusing on Mediterranean food. More south, at Kamala Beach, Shimmer serves a mix of Thai and Western classics.

Oh, and if you would like to spend your time at the beach, there is a beach butler at your service. And do not worry about burning your soles on the hot sand while walking the 175 meters to get there, because the hotel staff will gladly take you there in a golf cart.

Rates start at 147€ per night. https://www.twinpalmshotelsresorts.com/

Twinpalms Surin Phuket Resort

2. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa - Langkawi, Malaysia

It is no wonder that both my favorite hotels are located in Asia. When it comes to hospitality, Asia simply cannot be beat and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa proves just that. With an unbeatable panoramic view over the Strait of Malacca from one of its 4 pools and direct beach access, luxury is redefined at this oasis of peace. The spacious rooms with creme and beige accents have been designed to extend the tranquil and tropical vibe of this one of a kind island. In addition to the pools, you will find 2 restaurants, 2 bars, and a spa on the premises. During the amazing breakfast at the Seasonal Tastes restaurant you are met with yet another panoramic view of the ocean.

Another huge perk of this resort is that it offers a Private Airport Lounge at the Langkawi Airport for Suite and Villa guests and Marriott Bonvoy Members with Silver Elite or Ambassador Elite status. The airport lounge was a welcome surprise when our flight got cancelled on the way back.

Rates start at 184€ per night. https://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi

Views from the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa. Photo: marriott.com

3. Velassaru Maldives

Yup, we are staying in Asia a little longer. You might be surprised, however, to learn that only my third favorite hotel in the world is located in the Maldives. An exact reason for why I placed this resort at number 3 is hard to find. The Velassaru Maldives is, in fact, the very hotel where during my stay I found out about the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Because, of course, this resort has also been a long-time member.

What I needed to wrap my head around coming to the Maldives for the first time is that the island is the resort and the resort is the island. Meaning, if you book a week to spend here (we stayed 9 days), you spend all of those days on this island and at this resort. Do not get me wrong: this place is what dreams are made of. From the moment you disembark the ferry and step onto the jetty, the staff awaits you with floral necklaces before escorting you to your spacious villa. With five restaurants and two bars, there is a whole lot for your tastebuds to explore here.

Relaxation is a must here and thus Velassaru would be nowhere without a spa. Not convinced yet? What about a spa treatment at an overwater bungalow? You know, the kind you see in every picture of the Maldives. You want it and you know it.

If you are up for a little more adventure, Velassaru is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Diving, snorkling, kayaking, and Catamaran sailing are not to be missed. It is here that I saw the most impressive aquatic life of any place I have ever visited.

Rates start at 257€ per night. https://www.velassaru.com/

Velassaru Maldives. Photo: booking.com

4. The Hotel Roanoake, Curio Collection by Hilton - Roanoake, Virginia, USA

I love Miami, New York is always fun, and San Francisco is always inspiring - but the very best hotel (if you would ask me) you will find in Virginia - of all places. Upon driving up to the entrance of The Hotel Roanoake, a sense of exclusivity and - most of all - class will dawn on you that you have not felt in most other places in the world. The Hotel Roanoake is iconic because it is a step back in time. Since 1882 guests with an eye for design and quality customer service have been coming to this hotel.

Do not be afraid, because while the hotel pays homage to its history through its design inside and out, you will enjoy all the good that modern life has to offer here, too. Before visiting the spa, make sure to take your time enjoying breakfast in The Regency Room where you will feel as if you are dining with Lady Bridgerton or have been invited to Downton Abbey (yes, I assure you we are still in the United States). Enjoy a world-class cocktail at the 1882 at The Pine Room. Both The Regency Room and The Pine Room pride themselves in being inspired by the renowned southern cuisine and hospitality.

Rates start at 218€ per night. https://www.hotelroanoke.com/

The Hotel Roanoake

5. Hotel Das Innsbruck - Innsbruck, Austria

For our first stop in Europe, we are headed to Austria. In the capital of the Alps, Hotel Das Innsbruck is awaiting you. Right from the moment you step inside, there is no denying that the interior designer of this hotel deserves a raise. Not only the lobby, but especially the rooms have been designed with such care that even if you would just stay inside one of those for your entire stay, you would have the time of your life. I absolutely loved the modern wooden accents in the rooms that fit so wonderfully with the outside world.

The pillows at Das Innsbruck are by far some of the best I have ever rested my head on - and I love the embroidered customization. In the morning, start your day with a great breakfast in the sun room. If a great night of sleep is not enough relaxation for you, make your way down to the breathtaking spa. The Golden Pool and Finnish Sauna, which are available 24/7 on request (!), offer nothing short of a magical experience that you will leave feeling at least 10-years younger. End the day by dining at The Zirbenstube restaurant and be captivated by the Swiss stone pine-wood panelling on the walls and ceiling.

Rates start at €146 per night. https://www.hotelinnsbruck.com/

Wooden accents and embroidered pillows at the Das Innsbruck.

6. Sam & Blondi - Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is my favorite city in the world and a former home of mine. One of the many reasons to love the city is its architecture. Beyond Bauhaus, the city has so much more breathtaking architecture on offer and Sam & Blondi is a shining example of that. In the bright yellow 1930s building on Shenkin Street just 45 rooms make up this exclusive boutique hotel.

The name behind the hotel might have you wonder: who are Sam and Blondi? In the words of the hotel, Sam and Blondi are the two contrasting personalities who perfectly compliment each other. Opposites who attract. They form the couple that, according to the hotel’s storyline, lives in each one of us. I absolutely love the story behind the name, because to me it so directly hints at the core of what Tel Aviv is: contrasts that so perfectly complement each other.

If you have the chance, try and get the middle room on the top floor that has a balcony overlooking the street. The balcony is one of the many reasons why I love staying here so much. When inside your room, make sure to notice the wooden floors that look like you are walking on cubes. Oh, and the blue of the bed frame is my favorite color.

Rates start at 155€ per night. https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/tel-aviv/sam-and-blondi

Sam and Blondi. Photo: booking.com

7. 10 Karaköy - Istanbul, Türkiye

Just a short hop across the Mediterranean from Tel Aviv, you arrive in the city that is also known as ‘the meeting point of the world’: Istanbul. There is no city like Istanbul and to make your visit (whether it is the first or the one hundredth) even more memorable, there is one hotel I highly recommend you stay at: 10 Karaköy.

Whenever I come to Istanbul, I always prefer to stay in the Beyoglu district on the European side. It provides easy access to the old town, Sultanahmet, where you will find many of the most iconic landmarks (like the Blue Mosque) without being in the middle of it. At the same time, getting to the Anatolian side is also a piece of cake. Beyoglu is filled with amazing restaurants, interesting museums, and stunning views over the Bosphorus.

Located just a stone throw away from the Galata Bridge, Taksim Square, Istanbul Modern, and the bustling Galataport rivershore lies the 10 Karaköy hotel. This 5-star boutique hotel with just 71 rooms is a true feast for the eyes and the epitome of Turkish hospitality. At check-in, you are asked to take a seat (a detail I always appreciate), breakfast is abundant at Brasserie Ten, and a cocktail or two is always a good idea at the hotel’s Seagull rooftop terrace overlooking the Golden Horn and the old city.

The rooms at the 10 Karaköy are the real showstoppers. Characterized by their high ceilings and decorated with luxury furniture, the rooms offer an enchanting oasis in a city of 16 million people. The Signature Rooms feature the original ceilings of this neo-classical building while the Penthouse and Rooftop Terrace Suite offer a terrace with stunning views over the city. My room at 10 Karaköy was by far one of the most stunning I have ever stayed in and one that I actually use as inspiration in designing our own bedroom.

If you are as much as a fan of Turkish music as I am, check out the ‘meyhane’ called Bahane - a modern twist on a traditional Turkish bar that as the night proceeds is filled with music. You come here to eat *and* enjoy a fun party. For the ultimate exclusive experience, the hotel offers The Secret Dining Enroute. In this exclusive room that was inspired by the original Orient Express between Paris and Istanbul, guests can enjoy an exclusive dinner party with up to 38 people sitting at the single wooden table.

Rates start at 117€ per night. https://www.10karakoy.com/

10 Karaköy Istanbul.

8. The Hoxton, Shoreditch - London, England

You will never ever find me saying that a hotel does not matter when staying in a city. If anywhere, it absolutely matters in a city. Especially in a mega-city like London. Why? Because if anything, during your visit you will walk a whole lot, do 3-days worth of activities in just one day, and usually get up earlier and go to bed later than you normally would. A top-notch place to stay is therefore paramount. Or at least, that is my philosophy. The Hoxton in the Shoreditch neighborhood of London offers the ideal hide-out in the most fun part of town.

What has got me hooked on this hotel is the interior design. This is the place for creatives to meet up and for new ideas to flow. It is rustic, it is modern, it is British (though also so American?), and it is playful. Soak in some sun on the rooftop terrace or link up with the original souls down at the bar. If you are in for some me-time, grab a book from the shelf in the lobby and make yourself at home on one of the leather couches. Also a great place for people watching.

I am sold on the dark interior of the room with black walls, a dark blue bed frame, and man, that circular mirror is a must-have for any bedroom. Anyone would understand if you opt to spend the day inside.

Rates start at 263€ per night. https://thehoxton.com/london/shoreditch/

The Hoxton, Shoreditch. Photo: booking.com

9. Grand Copthorne Waterfront - Singapore

When it comes to the best of the best, Singapore cannot be overlooked. A favorite destination of mine for as long as I can remember, no one knows luxury like the Singaporeans do. Whether we are talking in the sky or on the ground, the Singaporean standard will have anyone feel like a millionaire. The breakfast of millionaires you find at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront hotel in Robertson Quay right along the Singapore River.

Food Capital, the open-kitchen restaurant of the hotel, is a feast for the eyes in and of itself. If the centre circular buffet does not satisfy your appetite just yet, there is plenty other food to find at any of the other stations. Next indulge in Shanghainese cuisine at Grand Shanghai Restaurant inspired by the 1930s when the Chinese metropolis was known as ‘the Paris of the east’.

Of course you cannot miss out on a meal by the river shore, outside on Riverside Terrace. Singapore is the epitome of a multicultural country and you can find some of the best Asian food right here in the city. For a touch of India you can even stay at the hotel and dine at Sansara which specializes in North Indian food. If you need some relaxation afterward, head to the pool or go play some tennis.

After having explored all that Singapore has to offer, enjoy a great night sleep in one of the modern and spacious rooms. For the best views, book one overlooking the river.

Rates start at 144€ per night. https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/grand-copthorne-waterfront/

Food Capital at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront in Singapore. Photo: booking.com

10. Majestique of Naxos - Naxos, Greece

For the final favorite of this list we go back to Europe and zoom in on the destination of dreams for many: Greece. On the stunning island of Naxos in the Cyclades awaits a small-scale boutique hotel that will make your jaw drop. With rooms designed to look like caves with arches and predominantly white interior, it is here that you will live your true Aegean dream. The pool on the rooftop offers a welcome way to cool down as you are met with a slight breeze coming from the nearby coastline. This is what I imagined Greece to be like.

My recommendation: get a deluxe room and enjoy a private jacuzzi.

Rates start at €52 per night. https://www.majestiqueofnaxosboutiquehotel.com

The Majestique of Naxos, rooftop and deluxe room.

There you go: my top 10 hotels around the world. It has been a joy jotting down this list for you and I am excited to share many more of my top 10s with you, soon. For now, do yourself a favor and start booking your dream trip to any of these hotels. Before you leave, though, please make sure you are subscribed to keep up to date with everything that is coming your way here on Shallolá. I would be eternally grateful.

Stay curious,

L.