With the news that a UK couple won 148.6 million GBP (236 million USD) on the lottery I was curious to see how they’d spend it; gleaming red Ferrari, fabulous new house and luxury round-the-world travel adventure maybe?
Imagine my disappointment when a local newspaper reported that they’d flown north to Scotland for a caravan holiday on a budget airline and were snapped eating at a famous burger chain restaurant! This couple have remained down to earth despite instantly becoming the 516th richest people in the UK. They have recently splashed out on a new Audi and a lovely countryside mansion but no big travel expeditions appear to be on the horizon yet!
I allowed my mind to wander for a little while, mentally clocking up all the great things I could do with a fraction of that money; new car, set up a charity for animals and enjoy a massive holiday blowout of course! Which prompted a quick bit of research to uncover the most expensive and luxurious hotels in the world… should I win… one day;
The most expensive hotels in the world right now…
The Lanesborough Hotel, Knightsbridge, London – 879 USD per night
With one of the most desirable postcodes in the UK, The 5 Star Lanesborough epitomises elegance and luxury and overlooks Hyde Park. Enjoy traditional afternoon tea which has won the UK Tea Council Award of Excellence for 4 years running from 2009 to 2012. Opt for a suite with butler service and pretend you’re a lord or lady at Downton Manor, relax at the spa studio and make use of the opulent library bar whilst staying.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris – 996 USD per night
Located in the rue Saint-Honoré and just a few steps from the world famous Louvre lies the Mandarin Oriental. The hotel combines modern style, convenience and practicality with both art deco and Oriental details. The rooms and suites are said to be the most spacious in Paris and of course there is haute cuisine on offer at the Sur Mesure restaurant.
The Skylofts at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA – 1,000 USD per night
The Skylofts are exactly as the name suggests; chic boutique ‘lofts’ atop the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. With sweeping views over Vegas and a personal onsite service this is one luxury experience!
The Peninsula Hotel, New York, USA – 1,195 USD per night
Nestled in Midtown Manhattan, the luxury Peninsula hotel offers fantastic setting near the prime tourism spots of Times Square, the Rockefeller Center and Broadway Theatre District. With classic designs, an intimate ambiance and a personal service, this would also make the ideal setting for a luxury wedding party.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Maldives – 1,190 USD per night
The 5 star hotel on Rangali Island offers ‘barefoot luxury’ on two private tropical islands with beach and water villas set amidst miles of pristine pearly-white beaches and opportunities for snorkelling on the unspoilt coral reefs.
Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia – 921 USD per night
This five star luxury hotel has commanding views over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. The opulent rooms have private balconies and marble bathrooms with access to the rooftop terrace and a museum of contemporary art.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE – 1,713 USD per night
The iconic Burj Al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai is an instantly recognizable piece of architecture. Standing at 321 meters tall, the Burj is also the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Each suite comes equipped with rain showers, jacuzzis, butlers on call 24/7 and a fleet of Rolls Royce cars at your disposal.
St. Peters Bay, Barbados – 1,950 USD per night
The St Peters Bay residence offers classic beachfront location coupled with every mod con your heart could desire. Think a glorious stretch of powder-white beach, 160 foot long swimming pool, watch baby turtles on the beach and enjoy adventurous watersports by day and fine dining by night.
Pink Sands Resort, Bahamas – 2,000 USD per night
Set in 20 acres of lush gardens and situated right on the famous pink sand beach is the aptly names Pink Sands Boutique Resort. Set on Harbour Island there are just 25 private cottages in the tropical gardens which puts you right in the center of all the wildlife and activities such as snorkelling, swimming and fishing.
The Walden House, Cape Town, South Africa – 1,480 USD
If you want a luxury guesthouse stay within easy reach of South Africa’s finest beaches and the V&A Waterfront then the Walden House is for you. Set against a backdrop of Table Mountain the service is courteous yet unobtrusive and the rooms are luxurious and well equipped.
The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, Mauritius – 1,427 USD per night
This brand new hotel boasts island luxury whilst nestled in the Indian Ocean. Set against the Le Morne Brabant Mountains, this resort offers a tranquil beachfront setting, perfect to get away from it all. There are plenty of activities on site from kayaking to fishing and aerobic classic to personal training sessions.
The Oberoi Zahra, Cairo, Egypt – 1,031 USD per night
This luxury Nile Cruiser offers spacious accommodation coupled with fascinating culture and history spanning some five thousand years, along the way. The Oberoi Zahra cruiser travels from Luxor to Aswan and also in reverse whilst staying in well-appointed cabins with extra-large windows, en-suite bathroom and the only full-service spa facilities on the Nile.
Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy – 1,934 USD
The small Italian island of Sardinia has the most expensive hotels and resorts on earth right now! Set in the Mediterranean Sea, the Hotel Cala di Volpe offers a unique European getaway with discreet elegance assured. Inspired by traditional fishing villages the hotel has quaint archways, turrets and porticoes. By day there is a luxuriously appointed gym, watersports on the dazzling Mediterranean waters and by night there are world-class restaurants, high end boutiques and intimate concerts.
Note to self; must start playing the lottery again!
Prices are based on a one night stay in December for 2 adults and are indicative only.
