Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: San Francisco's Ritz Carlton

Not only is San Francisco home to some of the wealthiest residents, it is also a city that attracts the wealthiest visitors in the world. That being said, it should be no surprise to you that San Francisco would also be home to some of the most luxurious, expensive, modern, and posh hotels. If you have money to spend, your hotel choices are really quite vast— from the Fairmont to the Intercontinental, the Palace Hotel to the Four Seasons. The subject of this blog, however, will be the renowned Ritz Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton is situated in the wealthiest area of San Francisco, Nob Hill. Staying in Nob Hill allows visitors the convenience of exploring the other famous districts of San Francisco which are mostly situated near Nob Hill, including Union Square, Alamo Square, the financial district, the Embarcadero, and more. San Francisco’s public transportation system makes travel easier than ever for tourists who want to take a break from hailing cabs. But choosing to take the iconic trolley car in San Francisco means that you won’t be getting door-to-door service, so make sure to pack yourself a comfortable pair of walking shoes .

When your tired feet refuse to take you any further, you can retire back in the Ritz-Carlton for the night. The Ritz offers a variety of priced rooms, from the most luxurious presidential suites to more basic rooms. If you’re planning on spending a good part of your evening indoors, suites are the best options. The Ritz-Carlton suite features panoramic views of the San Francisco bay and Alcatraz, sites that you should definitely not miss on your vacation. It also contains a large dining room large enough to seat eight guests, a living room with a Grand piano, french doors, surround-sound speaker system, two 32-inch LCD flat screen TVs, a large foyer, and more. If you’re planning on entertaining guests while on vacation, the Ritz-Carlton suite is definitely a excellent choice.

Most Posh Hotels in the World: Amanwella Resort in Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Tangalle is located in Southern Sri Lanka and is known for its remote and deserted beaches. Historically, Tangalle has been inhabited as a fishing town, but in recent years tourists have begun to acknowledge its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling conditions, and lovely swimming temperatures.

Amanwella is a newly opened boutique resort located in the small fishing village of Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Although relatively new, the resort has already taken the lead for one of the best romantic resorts in the subcontinent, and perhaps the world. Amanwella boasts a very contemporary and modern design, minimalist but also offering an abundance of luxuriousness as well. Amanwella offers both ocean side suites and hillside suites, both with amazing views of the Indian ocean, coconut groves, and the beach. All of the suites provide large terraces with tables, upright chairs and lounge chairs. All of the suites come with the most modern amenities and comforts.

The long crescent-shaped beach offers a wide variety of possible entertainment and activities. Guests who enjoy beach lounging, swimming, and soaking up the warm sun’s rays should take advantage of the private beach. Snorkeling expeditions are also available, and highly recommended by previous resort guests. You can even hook up with a local fishing boat for the day, if you’re interested. Get yourself a tropic bathing suit, because at Amanwella, you’ll probably spend more time in a bathing suit than ever before.

If you easily get tired of being a beach bum, Amanwella offers village and nature walks. The hotel will arrange to take you to the Mulgirigala Rock Temple, 35 minutes from Tangalle, to the Bundala National Park, to the Uda Walawe National Park, or even for a walk in the neighboring villages of Tangalle. Whatever it is that you want to take from your experience, Amanwella is well equipped to providing for that.

The Resort also offers a range of spa treatments that utilize natural and local techniques. Sip on coconut juice or champagne while you rejuvenate with the spa treatments.

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: The Dalhousie Castle

Have you ever imagined that you were a Princess living in a large and looming castle? Now you can have that amazing medieval experience without having to draw your bath water from the well! Castle hotels today combine fascinating and other-worldly adventure with much of what modern luxury has to offer. Dine in front of warm open fireplaces amidst torch lights, sleep in richly decorated bedrooms, and relax in luxurious spas.

The Dalhousie Castle was built in the 13th Century and significant additions were made up until the 15th Century. Originally, the only access to the Castle was over a drawbridge which stretched over a moat and this access is still the only way to reach the Castle hotel. The Castle is about 8 miles from Edinburgh, Scotland, in the parish of Cockpen. It is situated within acres of picturesque parkland and river banks. As a guest you can enjoy access to the vast grounds surrounding the castle. And for those guests who plan on taking advantage of the lovely grounds, a light rain jacket is highly recommended, as Scotland is known for its lovely rains.

There are quite a few different types of accommodations in the castle available for guests, including the Castle Rooms, Themed Four-Poster Rooms, Suites, Lodges, and Executive rooms. All of the rooms are designed to mimic the old-worldly feel of the castle itself.

If staying in the castle makes you feel like a Prince or Princess, the Aqueous Spa will reinforce that idea. At the Dalhousie Castle Hotel’s Aqueous Spa, guests can receive a wide variety of spa treatments. Consider going for the Skin Resonance treatment or a nutritional wrap, either one will leave you feeling relaxed.

The Castle also has a variety of fine dining options, from private dining to large banquets. At the Castle’s Dungeon restaurant you will enjoy old Scottish Castle favorites such as Venison and Grouse. Not in the mood for that? The Orangery is another dining option at the Castle and serves both Scottish and Continental food. Either way, you’re taken care of.

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Cambridge Beaches Resort in Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the most iconographic luxury and relaxation vacation destinations in popular culture. And for this reason it obviously must be featured on this blog. A blog on the most decadent hotels in the world can never be complete without at least one entry featuring a hotel in the world-famous Bermuda.

The pink sand beaches of Bermuda are one of the most famous attributes of the island country. Visitors flock to Bermuda’s lovely beaches each year seeking relaxation and calm. If you plan on spending many hours at the beach, like many visitors to Bermuda’s bewitching sands, its a good idea to bring along a beach bag filled with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, water and a beach towel.

Cambridge Beaches Resort lies on a 24 acre peninsula on the Western end of Bermuda looking over the Atlantic Ocean and the Mangrove Bay. Within a short walk is the charming small town of Somerset where you will find a ferry stop and beautiful winding roads to explore. The property itself of Cambridge Beaches Resort is very private, secluded and idyllic. Guests have access to the Resort’s private beaches which often host private romantic dinners, snorkeling expeditions, and many other adventures.

At the Cambridge Beaches Resort in Bermuda you will get to choose between accommodations in your own private and unique cottage, a Hotel suite, or a quaint private room. All cottages accommodate four guests, with two bedrooms with private bathrooms and patios. Other cottages come with romantic fireplaces, dining rooms, and gardens.

If activity is what you long for in Bermuda, Cambridge Beaches Resort is the place for you! The Resort will organize all kinds of outdoor adventures, sight-seeing, and nature exploration trips. Whether you enjoy golf, tennis, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, or sailing, the Resort will accommodate your desires.

But for those of you that seek relaxation, calm, and pampering, Cambridge Beaches Resort has got that too. The Ocean Spa at the Resort offers all kinds of treatments, from facials to foot massages and more.

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Ariaú Amazon Towers in Brazil

Brazil is a tourist’s paradise, with amazing sandy beaches, rocky shores, and breathtaking Amazon wildlife. Any trip to Brazil could not be complete without a trip to the Amazon Rainforest which stretches through nine countries. Scientists have found the greatest diversity of animal and plant life in the world in the Amazon, and Brazil alone is known to contain around four million different animal and plant species. In fact, new species are being discovered nearly everyday in the rich rainforest.

Before heading out for a trip into the depths of the rainforest, make sure that you have adequate protection. The Amazon rainforest is known for its plant and animal diversity and that includes insects! Insect populations in the Amazon are bustling, so don’t get caught without insect-shield clothing , good tough boots, and bug repellent.

Now that you’ve got sufficient protection for a trip into the Amazon, you’ll need a place to rest your tired feet for the night. The Amazon in Brazil is generally not known for five star hotels and spectacular hospitality, but the Ariaú Amazon Towers is luxurious enough to be mentioned here.

The Ariaú Amazon Towers is very unique because it is built in the treetops of the Amazon rainforest. The individual towers that makeup the hotel are connected by 8 kilometers of walkway suspended in the air. These walkways give guests a very special view of the Amazon; a view that usually only its many animals are privy to. The hotel also contains several observation towers within the 8 kilometers of walkway where guests can sit for long periods of time and simply enjoy the breathtaking views of nature.

Highly recommended are the The Ariaú Amazon Towers tour packages which generally encompass four days of sightseeing and accommodation. The packages include guided hikes, canoe rides, nighttime observations, fishing, alligator spotting, trekking, and tours of local villages. If you choose not to take advantage of the package offerings, be sure to use the knowledgeable staff at The Ariaú Amazon Towers to assist you in organizing guided tours and hikes of the Amazon!

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World

The Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, is one of the most charming and relaxing vacation spots in the world. Its popularity intensified during the 18th and 19th centuries as British aristocrats began to visit the Côte d’Azur as refuge from the cold English winters. Today tourists from all of the world flock to the French Riviera for beautiful scenery, delightful swimming coasts, and relaxation.

The Château Eza is likely the most favored hotel destination in the entire French Riviera. Situated about 400 meters from the sea below, the Château Eza is perched on the cliff-side of Eza. Accommodations at the Château Eza are beyond luxurious and guests are sure to be satisfied in any of the Château’s rooms; however, the Château’s Suite is by far the most desirable of all with its private patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and incredibly relaxing Jacuzzi on the outdoor patio. This grand Suite, once the home of Prince William of Sweden, is definitely the gem of the Château Eza.

Château Eza offers all of its guests access to its private beach located near Monaco. At this beach guests can lounge on comfortable beach mattresses or lounge chairs, dine on gourmet fare late in the evening, and enjoy the decadent Mediterranean waters. Near to the hotel between Nice and San Remo, guests can enjoy access to a golf course with astonishing views of the Alps and the Sea. If golf is a pastime you enjoy, consider picking up a pair of comfortable golf shoes .

For those guests who would rather spend their time exploring the Mediterranean Sea rather than the cliff-tops above, the Château Eza will organize boating adventures of all sorts—from exciting kayak explorations to large luxury yacht and crew rentals.

The restaurant at Château Eza is Michelin-starred and serves gourmet French and Mediterranean fare.

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Fisher Island, Florida

This week will take us to one of America’s most favorite beach spots: South Florida. Three miles off the coast from Miami lies the very remote and extremely secluded Fisher’s Island. Fisher’s Island was created in 1905 and measures a tiny .3 square miles. Those wishing to travel to the Island can only arrive via boat or helicopter, so tourists are few and far between, lending beach goers a nice break from the crowds of Miami.

Fisher Island Hotel and Resort is located within an even more private enclave of the already very secluded Island. Needless to say, the beaches of Fisher Island Hotel and Resort are private and sparsely visited. Accommodations at the Hotel and Resort are varied, and guests have the option of renting private residences with up to three bedrooms, courtyard villas, junior suites, or simple guestrooms.

Guests of Fisher Island Hotel and Resort have access to the large and fully equipped 22,000 square foot Spa, Salon, and Fitness Center. Additionally, the renowned Fisher Island Marina is state of the art, with an array of yachts and sail boats for rent. Guests interested in fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the open water should not pass up the opportunity for adventure on the Florida coast.

For those who plan on spending time walking through the blue waters on the coast of Fisher Island, a sturdy and sleek pair of water shoes is a must. Never cut your foot on a rock in the ocean again with a pair of great water shoes. For those guests more interested in land activities, Fisher Island Hotel and Resort boasts an amazing 9 hole golf course with a large club house. Don’t worry if your golf game is in need of a little help—Fisher Island Hotel and Resort also offers a range of golf instruction courses. The Resort also contains 18 tennis courts with grass, hard, and clay play surfaces.

But for those guests who just want to relax—Fisher Island and Resort’s private beach is just what the doctor ordered.

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Amalfi Coast

After wandering the bustling streets of Rome, Milan, and Naples, the small-cliff perched Italian town of Amalfi beckons. Amalfi is arguably the most beautiful of all the Amalfi Coast cities, located on the West Coast of Italy. Amalfi is known for its high jagged cliffs that overlook the blue seas below. Amalfi is also known for its vast citrus groves with overlarge lemons and oranges which are squeezed to make the world-famous digestive alcohol called Limoncello.

The Hotel Santa Catarina is a five star luxury hotel situated on a sea cliff in Amalfi. Specializing in weddings and honeymoons, the Santa Catarina is by far one of the most desirable spots in all of the Amalfi Coast, if not the whole of Southern Italy. Hotel Santa Catarina boasts multiple Honeymoon suites, one of which is immersed in a lemon grove and also contains a large terrace and Jacuzzi pool that overlooks the sea. The Chalet Giulietta & Romeo suite is another favorite for honeymooning couples due to its large terrace and private garden.

While intensely romantic, Hotel Santa Catarina is not a place exclusively meant for honeymooners. The hotel is perfect for families, couples, or friends who absolutely love the outdoors and the feel of the sea. The Hotel has a private beach on the Amalfi Coast. The sea and pool area are decked out with comfortable lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and fluffy towels for guests. There is nothing quite like swimming in the sea of the Amalfi Coast and it is an experience not to be missed. Make sure your swimming suit is up to the latest fashion before heading out to the coast for a swim.

With two delicious restaurants, one specializing in authentic Mediterranean cuisine and the other in fish and pizza, you are ensured to have a delightful culinary experience at the Hotel Santa Catarina. The hotel also boasts a large and well-stocked wine cellar containing both Italian and International wines.