For those dreaming of the ultimate luxury getaway, the definitive guide has arrived. Condé Nast Traveller has unveiled its prestigious annual Gold List for 2024, a curated collection of the world's most exceptional hotels as chosen by its global editors. This year marks the 32nd edition of the list, celebrating properties that define the pinnacle of hospitality, from urban icons to remote retreats.
British Excellence on the Global Stage
While the list spans far-flung destinations, British hospitality shines through with three standout entries. In the heart of London's Mayfair, the legendary Claridge's continues to enchant. Its Art Deco grandeur and history as a haunt for royalty and celebrities, coupled with its acclaimed dining and world-class spa, justify actor Spencer Tracy's famous quip about preferring it to heaven.
In the Surrey Hills, the Beaverbrook estate offers a 470-acre blend of historic grandeur and modern finesse. Dating back to 1866, this country house hotel boasts a stunning stained-glass spa ceiling, a lauded Japanese restaurant, and an Instagram-famous summer dining experience set beneath hot air balloons.
Meanwhile, in Berkshire, Coworth Park (part of The Dorchester Collection) provides a Georgian escape less than 20 minutes from Heathrow. Set within 240 acres of parkland, it combines historic charm with contemporary style, anchored by its Michelin-starred restaurant, Woven by Adam Smith.
A World of Unforgettable Escapes
The global selection is remarkably diverse, offering something for every luxury traveller. For culinary pilgrims, Akelarre in San Sebastián, Spain, is a must. Perched above the Bay of Biscay, its hotel complements Pedro Subijana's legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
In Switzerland, the iconic Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz celebrates an impressive 130 years. Fresh from a modern update with its new Serlas Wing, it remains synonymous with dazzling service and a stunning alpine setting.
Sun-seekers are directed to the Coral Sands hotel on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, situated directly on a famous pink-sand beach, or to the Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Athenian Riviera, a private peninsula resort just 30 minutes from Athens.
Wellness, Wilderness and Cultural Immersion
The list strongly features destinations dedicated to wellbeing and connection with nature. In Italy's Dolomites, Forestis is built on a historic sanatorium site, offering Celtic wellness rituals and 'forest cuisine' with panoramic UNESCO views. For a truly open-air experience, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali presents an adults-only, 'no walls, no doors' concept deep in the rainforest.
Cultural enthusiasts can find a perfect base at Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco, Peru—a 16th-century colonial manor for exploring Machu Picchu—or at the opulent Samode Palace in Jaipur, India, a 19th-century fort-palace showcasing Rajput and Mughal artistry.
From the sacred forest setting of Kinondo Kwetu in Kenya (whose name means 'our home' in Swahili) to the volcanic landscapes and thatched bungalows of Kona Village in Hawaii, the 2024 Gold List proves that exceptional hospitality exists in countless forms, always promising an unforgettable experience.
