The World's 50 Best Hotels list was revealed at an exciting awards ceremony in London. The list comprises top-rated hotels from 35 different locations across six continents around the world. This highly anticipated list marks 50 Best's first venture into the travel industry and its first global ranking since the introduction of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009. The ceremony, held at the historic Guildhall, brought together travel enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate excellence in the hospitality sector. The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list celebrates exceptional hotel experiences that will inspire and shape the preferences of consumers, travellers, and hoteliers.
The top spot in the first-ever World's 50 Best Hotels list was awarded to Passalacqua, a luxury boutique hotel situated on the shores of Lake Como. The hotel, which first opened its doors in June 2022, is housed in an 18th-century villa and boasts stunning terraced gardens leading down to the water. The De Santis family has created a remarkable 24-room property that exudes the feeling of a private home.
Coming in second place was Rosewood Hong Kong. The hotel's 65-storey tower, which became an unmistakable feature of the city's skyline, opened in 2019. Rosewood Hotel Group's seventh location in Asia delivers a signature luxe hospitality experience with a stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Recently, it has been named The Best Hotel in Asia for the year 2023.
Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River has been ranked as the third-best hotel. It is an urban retreat with modern design, perfect for unwinding and having fun. Located on the banks of the River of Kings, the hotel has 299 contemporary rooms and suites spread over multiple floors. The hotel features a beautiful pool area surrounded by palm trees and lush Mediterranean gardens. Additionally, it has an incredible wellness centre with a spa-inspired by ancient Thai rituals, perfect for relaxation. The hotel is a prominent player in Bangkok's new-wave hotel scene, with a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
The Upper House, another hotel in Hong Kong, secured its place at number 4 on The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023. This cutting-edge hotel floating above Victoria Harbour is the result of the collaboration between renowned Asian designer André Fu and British designer Thomas Heatherwick. The hotel's exterior is of brutalist design, while Japan's torii gates are the inspiration behind the hotel's red-toned wooden lift. Fu's design philosophy is grounded in an 'upward journey', ensuring a seamless flow throughout the space as it travels between the floors. The hotel is a visually stunning masterpiece showcasing creativity and architectural brilliance.
Snatching the fifth spot on the list was Tokyo-based Aman Tokyo. Although it is located in the heart of the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, the hotel's sleek, serene, and unwaveringly luxurious atmosphere belies its location. In 2014, the hotel became Aman's first urban outpost, spanning smoothly across the top six floors of a shiny 38-story skyscraper in the bustling financial district of Otemachi. As visitors arrive at the 33rd-floor lobby, the transition from the city to an escape is instantaneous. The lobby has an airy feel, with a cathedral-high ceiling of crafted white washi paper, abstract seasonal floral and rock displays on reflective waters, and an epic sweep of iconic Tokyo views.
Several hotels in Asia were named in the list, including Soneva Fushi in the Maldives at number 6, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Capella Bangkok at numbers 10 and 11, respectively, Raffles Singapore at number 17, Capella Singapore at number 28, Park Hyatt Kyoto at number 30, and Soneva Jani at number 36.
Amangalla in Sri Lanka, Hoshinoya Tokyo, and Desa Potato Head in Indonesia ranked numbers 38, 39, and 40, respectively. Bangkok's The Siam took the 42nd spot, while Dubai's Atlantis The Royal was ranked number 44. Last but not least, The Oberoi Amarvilas, offering a view of the Taj Mahal, came in at number 45.
Several hotels received individual awards in 2023. Singita Lodges at Kruger National Park in South Africa, ranked at number 15, received the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award. Gleneagles in Scotland, ranked at number 32, won the Art of Hospitality Award. The Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah, USA, which is not yet on the list, received the Lavazza One To Watch Award. Capella Bangkok, ranked at number 11, won the Nikka Best New Hotel Award. Soneva Fushi, ranked at number 7, was awarded the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award. Finally, The Newt in the UK, ranked at number 37, was given the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award.
For his pioneering work in barefoot luxury and philanthropy, Sonu Shivdasani of Soneva was honoured with SevenRooms Icon Award 2023.
Be a part of the grand ceremony on October 17, 2023, as Singapore plays host to the most eagerly awaited event of the year - the unveiling of The World's 50 Best Bars 2023, which will be streamed live on YouTube. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to witness the world's most exceptional bars come together in one place.