The 100 Best Hotels in the World in 2016

Taj Lake Palace Udaipur India
Photo: Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace

The farther, the better. That’s one big takeaway from this year’s list of best hotels in the world, as decided by Travel + Leisure readers. Among the top 20 are an industrial-chic expedition property near the southern tip of Chile (the Singular Patagonia), a fishing retreat in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, more than three hours from Auckland (Huka Lodge), and a do-everything Colorado resort that’s a five-hour drive from the nearest big airport (Gateway Canyons Resort). The remoteness of many of these properties is a testament to how intrepid and discerning our readers are — they are willing to endure overnight flights, extended drives, and multiple connections for extraordinary lodging. But it also speaks to the ability of the winners to provide such special experiences far outside of traditional travel destinations. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value. Though there are many faraway hotels in our top 100, plenty of winners were more convenient to reach. The No. 2 property, the Spectator Hotel, is in the heart of charming Charleston. Farmhouse Inn, whose signature is elegant country decor, is nestled in California wine country. Though smaller, independently owned hotels made up a large portion of the roster, some well-known brands earned kudos, too. The Peninsula Shanghai, known for its expansive rooms and jaw-dropping rooftop bar, marks its fifth consecutive year on the list. And newcomers really shook up the rankings. The Spectator and the Singular are among them, as are the elegant, old-world Casa Gangotena in Quito, Ecuador, which came in eighth, and equestrian escape at the Willcox, in Aiken, South Carolina (No. 7). Most startling may be the appearance of Indonesian surf retreat Nihiwatu, which has a cult following among the most sophisticated travelers, and makes its debut as No. 1.

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100. andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Courtesy of andBeyond

Score: 94.50

More information, andbeyond.com/kichwa-tembo-tented-camp

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99. The Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Resort at Pedregal Mexico
Courtesy of The Resort at Pedregal

Score: 94.524

More information, theresortatpedregal.com

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98. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India

Taj Lake Palace Udaipur India
Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace

Score: 94.56

More information, tajhotels.com

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97. Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Grace Cape Town South Africa
Courtesy of Cape Grace

Score: 94.59

More information, capegrace.com

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96. Inn Above Tide, Sausalito, California

Inn Above Tide Sausalito California
Grey Crawford

Score: 94.62

More information, innabovetide.com

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95. Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa

Singita Kruger National Park South Africa
Courtesy of Singita

Score: 94.65

More information, singita.com

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94. The House, St. James, Barbados

The House St James Barbados
Courtesy of The House by Elegant Hotels

Score: 94.70

More information, thehousebarbados.com

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93. River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis, Tennessee

River Inn of Harbor Town Memphis Tennessee
Courtesy of River Inn of Harbor Town

Score: 94.71

More information, riverinnmemphis.com

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92. The Knickerbocker, New York City

The Knickerbocker New York
Nicholas Koenig

Score: 94.75

More information, theknickerbocker.com

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91. The Greenwich Hotel, New York City

Greenwich Hotel New York
Courtesy of the Greenwich Hotel

Score: 94.76

More information, thegreenwichhotel.com

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90. Jade Mountain, Soufrière, St. Lucia

Jade Mountain St Lucia
Courtesy of Jade Mountain St. Lucia

Score: 94.85

More information, jademountain.com

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89. The Egerton House Hotel, London

Egerton House Hotel London England
Courtesy of the Egerton House Hotel

Score: 94.86

More information, egertonhousehotel.com

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88. The Lanesborough, London

The Lanesborough London England
Courtesy of the Lanesborough

Score: 94.87

More information, lanesborough.com

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87. Qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia

Qualia Hamilton Island Australia
Courtesy of Qualia

Score: 94.89

More information, qualia.com.au

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86. The Inn at Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Inn at Harbour Town South Carolina
Courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort / Rob Tipton

Score: 94.95

More information, seapines.com

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84. (tie) Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa
Courtesy of Madikwe Safari Lodge

Score: 94.96

More information, madikwesafarilodge.co.za

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84. (tie) La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico

La Casa Que Canta Mexico
Courtesy of La Casa Que Canta

Score: 94.96

More information, lacasaquecanta.com

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83. Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine
Courtesy of Inn by the Sea

Score: 94.97

More information, innbythesea.com

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82. Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Ocean House Rhode Island
Courtesy of Ocean House

Score: 95.03

More information, oceanhouseri.com

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81. Villa Cora, Florence, Italy

Villa Cora Florence Italy
Andrea Getuli

Score: 95.04

More information, villacora.it

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80. Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail, Colorado

Sonnenalp Hotel Vail Colorado
Courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

Score: 95.04

More information, sonnenalp.com

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79. Le Bristol, Paris

Le Bristol Paris France
Courtesy of Le Bristol

Score: 95.06

More information, lebristolparis.com

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78. The Leela Palace New Delhi, India

The Leela Palace New Delhi India
Courtesy of the Leela Palaces

Score: 95.06

More information: theleela.com

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77. Tu Tu'tun Lodge, Gold Beach, Oregon

Tu Tutun Lodge Oregon
Courtesy of Tu Tu'tun Lodge

Score: 95.06

More information: tututun.com

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76. Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

Gleneagles Hotel Scotland
Courtesy of the Gleneagles Hotel

Score: 95.08

More information, gleneagles.com

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75. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa

Saxon Hotel Villas Spa Johannesburg South Africa
Courtesy of Saxon Hotels, Villas and Spa

Score: 95.09

More information, saxon.co

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74. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Sacred Valley, Peru

Tambo del Inka Peru
Courtesy of Tambo del Inka

Score: 95.11

More information, starwoodhotels.com

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73. The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia

The Cloister Sea Island Georgia
Courtesy of the Cloister at Sea Island

Score: 95.16

More information, seaisland.com

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72. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Four-Seasons-Tented-Camp-Golden-Triangle-Chiang-Rai-Thailand
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Score: 95.17

More information, fourseasons.com/goldentriangle

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71. The Goring, London

The Goring London England
Courtesy of the Goring

Score: 95.19

More information, thegoring.com

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70. La Residence, Franschhoek, South Africa

La Residence Franschhoek South Africa
Courtesy of La Residence Franschhoek

Score: 95.27

More information, theroyalportfolio.com

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69. La Réserve Paris Hotel, Spa & Apartments, Paris

La Reserve Paris France
Courtesy of La Réserve Paris Hotel, Spa, and Apartments

Score: 95.29

More information, lareserve-paris.com

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68. The Milestone Hotel, London

The Milestone Hotel London England
Courtesy of the Milestone Hotel

Score: 95.32

More information, milestonehotel.com

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67. The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida

Biltmore Hotel Florida
Courtesy of the Biltmore Hotel

Score: 95.32

More information, biltmorehotel.com

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66. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Thailand
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Score: 95.33

More information fourseasons.com/chiangmai

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65. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers New Zealand
Courtesy of the Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Score: 95.33

More information, capekidnappers.com

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64. The Surrey, New York City

The Surrey New York
Courtesy of the Surrey

Score: 95.37

More information, thesurrey.com

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63. Curtain Bluff, St. John's, Antigua

Curtain Bluff Resort Antigua
Courtesy of Curtain Bluff

Score: 95.40

More information, curtainbluff.com

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62. Inn at Hastings Park, Lexington, Massachusetts

Inn at Hastings Park Massachusetts
Michael J. Lee Photography

Score: 95.40

More information, innathastingspark.com

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61. Winvian Farm, Morris, Connecticut

Winvian Farm Connecticut
Courtesy of Winvian Farm

Score: 95.41

More information, winvian.com/cottages

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60. Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Lion Sands Game Reserve South Africa
Courtesy of Lion Sands Game Reserve

Score: 95.42

More information, lionsands.com

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59. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India

The Oberoi Rajvilas India
Michelle Chaplow

Score: 95.45

More information, oberoihotels.com

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58. J.K. Place Capri, Italy

JK Place Capri Italy
Courtesy of J.K. Place Capri

Score: 95.46

More information, jkcapri.com

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57. Zamas Hotel, Tulum, Mexico

ZAMAS Hotel Tulum Mexico
Courtesy of ZAMAS

Score: 95.49

More information, zamas.com

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56. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

Chanler at Cliff Walk Rhode Island
Courtesy of the Chanler at Cliff Walk

Score: 95.51

More information, thechanler.com

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55. Acqualina, Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Acqualina Miami Florida
Courtesy of Acqualina

Score: 95.53

More information, acqualinaresort.com

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54. Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi, Italy

Hotel Santa Caterina Amalfi Italy
Genius Loci

Score: 95.57

More information, hotelsantacaterina.it

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53. Brewery Gulch Inn, Mendocino, California

Brewery Gulch Inn California
Courtesy of Brewery Gulch Inn

Score: 95.59

More information: brewerygulchinn.com

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52. Fogo Island Inn, Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada

Fogo Island Inn Newfoundland Canada
Courtesy of Fogo Island Inn

Score: 95.6

More information: fogoislandinn.ca

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51. The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam

The Nam Hai Vietnam
Courtesy of The Nam Hai

Score: 95.63

More information, ghmhotels.com/en/nam-hai

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50. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, California

Rancho Valencia Resort Spa California
Rouse Photograpy

Score: 95.69

More information, ranchovalencia.com

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49. Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida

Gasparilla Inn Florida
Courtesy of Gasparilla Inn

Score: 95.76

More information, the-gasparilla-inn.com

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48. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, San José del Cabo, Mexico

Las Ventanas al Paraiso Mexico
Courtesy of Rosewood

Score: 95.81

More information: rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos

54 of 100

47. Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

Ashford Castle Ireland
Courtesy of Ashford Castle

Score: 95.84

More information, ashfordcastle.com

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46. The Lodge and Cottages at Primland, Meadows of Dan, Virginia

The Lodge and Cottages at Primland Virginia
Courtesy of Primland

Score: 95.87

More information, primland.com

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45. Lodge at Sea Island, Sea Island, Georgia

Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club Georgia
Courtesy of Lodge at Sea Island

Score: 95.90

More information, seaisland.com

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44. Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Nayara Hotel Spa Gardens Costa Rica
Courtesy of Nayara Hotel

Score: 95.91

More information, arenalnayara.com

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43. 41, London

41 London England
Courtesy of 41

Score: 95.93

More information, 41hotel.com

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42. Katikies Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Katikies Hotel Santorini Greece
Courtesy of Katikies Hotel

Score: 95.95

More information: katikies.com

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37. (tie) Rosewood Sand Hill, Menlo Park, California

Rosewood Sand Hill California
Blake Marvin

Score: 96.00

More information: rosewoodhotels.com

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37. (tie) Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland

Beau-Rivage Palace Switzerland
Courtesy of Beau-Rivage Palace

Score: 96.00

More information: brp.ch

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37. (tie) Alpina Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland

Alpina Gstaad Switzerland
Courtesy of Alpina Gstaad

Score: 96.00

More information, thealpinagstaad.ch

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37. (tie) 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai, Thailand

137 Pillars House Chiang Mai Thailand
Courtesy of 137 Pillars House

Score: 96.00

More information, snhcollection.com/137pillarshouse

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37. (tie) Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany

Brenners Park Hotel Spa Germany
Courtesy of Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa

Score: 96.00

More information, brenners.com

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36. Tongabezi Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia

Tongabezi Lodge Zambia
Courtesy of Tongabezi Lodge

Score: 96.2

More information, tongabezi.com

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35. The St. Regis Bali Resort, Nusa Dua, Indonesia

The St Regis Bali Resort Indonesia
Courtesy of The St. Regis Bali Resort

Score: 96.22

More information, stregisbali.com

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34. XV Beacon, Boston, Massachusetts

XV Beacon Boston Massachusetts
Kristin Teig

Sore: 96.27

More information, xvbeacon.com

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33. Kamalame Cay, Kamalame Cay, Andros Island, Bahamas

Kamalame Cay Andros Island Bahamas
Michael Paniccia

Score: 96.3

More information, kamalame.com

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31. (Tie) Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Nayara Springs Costa Rica
Courtesy of Nayara Springs

Score: 96.36

More information, arenalnayara.com

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31. (Tie) Sol y Luna, Urubamba, Peru

Sol y Luna Peru
Courtesy of Sol y Luna

Score: 96.36

More information, hotelsolyluna.com

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30. Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Rosewood Mayakoba Mexico
Courtesy of Rosewood

Score: 96.39

More information, rosewoodhotels.com

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29. Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp Botswana
Dana Allen

Score: 96.50

More information, wilderness-safaris.com

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28. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, India

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Ranthambhore India
Courtesy of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts

Score: 96.63

More information, oberoihotels.com

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27. Weekapaug Inn, Westerly, Rhode Island

Weekapaug Inn Rhode Island
Courtesy of Weekapaug Inn

Score: 96.67

More information, weekapauginn.com

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26. Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlands, North Carolina

Old Edwards Inn Spa North Carolina
Courtesy of Old Edwards Inn

Score: 96.67

More information, oldedwardsinn.com

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25. Wequassett Resort & Golf Club, Chatham, Massachusetts

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club Massachusetts
Courtesy of Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Score: 96.68

More information, wequassett.com

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22. (tie) The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur India
Courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Score: 96.76

More information, oberoihotels.com

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22. (tie) The Opposite House, Beijing, China

The Opposite House Beijing China
Michael Weber

Score: 96.76

More information, theoppositehouse.com

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22. (tie) Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana

Triple Creek Ranch Montana
Courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch

Score: 96.76

More information, triplecreekranch.com

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21. Château du Sureau, Oakhurst, California

Chateau du Sureau California
Courtesy of Château du Sureau

Score: 96.77

More information, chateausureau.com

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20. The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

The Brando French Polynesia
Courtesy of The Brando

Score: 96.8

More information, thebrando.com

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19. Manoir Hovey, North Hatley, Quebec

Manoir Hovey Quebec Canada
Courtesy of Manoir Hovey

Score: 96.93

More information, manoirhovey.com

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18. Singita Sabi Sand, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Singita Sabi Sand South Africa
Courtesy of Singita Sabi Sand

Score: 96.95

More information, singita.com

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17. Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina

Cavas Wine Lodge Argentina
Courtesy of Cavas Wine Lodge

Score: 96.99

More information, cavaswinelodge.com

85 of 100

16. Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, Gateway, Colorado

Gateway Canyons Resort Colorado
Courtesy of Gateway Canyons Resort

Score: 97.00

More information, gatewaycanyons.com

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15. Hotel Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resort, Casole d'Elsa, Italy

Castello di Casole Italy
Courtesy of Hotel Castello di Casole

Score: 97.01

More information, castellodicasole.com

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14. The Peninsula Shanghai, China

The Peninsula Shanghai China
Courtesy of Peninsula

Score: 97.01

More information, shanghai.peninsula.com

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13. Londolozi, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Londolozi Sabi Sand Game Reserve South Africa
Courtesy of Londolozi

Score: 97.06

More information: londolozi.com

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12. Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, California

Farmhouse Inn California
Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn

Score: 97.07

More information, farmhouseinn.com

90 of 100

11. Singita Grumeti, Serengeti National Park Area, Tanzania

Singita Grumeti Serengeti Tanzania
Courtesy of Singita

Score: 97.11

More information, singita.com

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10. The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories, Chile

The Singular Patagonia Chile
Courtesy of Singular Patagonia

Score: 97.14

More information, thesingular.com

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9. Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

Twin Farms Vermont
Courtesy of Twin Farms

Score: 97.19

More information, twinfarms.com

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8. Casa Gangotena, Quito, Ecuador

Casa Gangotena Ecuador
Courtesy of Casa Gangotena

Score: 97.2

More information, casagangotena.com

Book a trip to Quito.

94 of 100

7. The Willcox, Aiken, South Carolina

The Willcox South Carolina
Courtesy of The Willcox

Score: 97.25

More information, thewillcox.com

95 of 100

6. The Lodge at Glendorn, Bradford, Pennsylvania

The Lodge at Glendorn Pennsylvania
Courtesy of The Lodge at Glendorn

Score: 97.38

More information, glendorn.com

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4. (tie) Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Montage Kapalua Bay Maui Hawaii
Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay

Score: 97.39

More information, montagehotels.com/kapaluabay

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4. (tie) Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia

Southern Ocean Lodge Kangaroo Island Australia
Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge

Score: 97.39

More information, southernoceanlodge.com.au

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3. Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand

Huka Lodge New Zealand
Courtesy of Huka Lodge

Score: 97.65

More information, hukalodge.co.nz

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2. The Spectator, Charleston, South Carolina

The Spectator Charleston South Carolina
Courtesy of The Spectator

Score: 97.78

More information, thespectatorhotel.com

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1. Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia

Nihiwatu Subma Indonesia
Courtesy of Nihiwatu

Score: 98.35

An extraordinary surf break attracted Nihiwatu’s founders to the plot that became this resort. Villas take inspiration from traditional Sumbanese homes, with thatched roofs and ikat accents. The island’s exceptional seafood is a focus in Nihiwatu’s three restaurants. Guests can fish, ride horses, or trek to the spa, but what really sets Nihiwatu apart is its strong connection with Sumba, Indonesia and its people, who make up 90 percent of the staff. “I would return here again and again,” wrote one T+L reader.

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