The World's Ten Most Extraordinary Hotels

Set on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, Rosewood Hong Kong fuses contemporary art, an international lifestyle and impeccable service into one landmark address, with sweeping views of the city skyline and its famous harbour.

Environment & architecture. Interiors are elegant and artful, layered with fine stone, natural timber, refined furniture and curated works. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws the harbour indoors — a busy port and cityscape by day, a glittering nightscape after dark.

Service & stay. A house devoted to personalisation, from arrival and housekeeping to dining, with an emphasis on detail and discretion. Guests enjoy destination restaurants, characterful lounges, wellness facilities and generous private quarters.

A hotel that skilfully combines city hotel and resort, set along the Chao Phraya and defined by open space, natural light and fluid modern lines.

Environment & architecture. Generous courtyards, water features, greenery and layered public spaces exploit the riverside setting, so that even in central Bangkok the hotel feels relaxed and resort-like. Rooms are modern and warm — some with river views — and the pool merges with the waterfront, a favourite place to unwind.

Service & stay. The Four Seasons brand is known for meticulous service and high-quality stays, with a choice of restaurants, spa treatments, fitness facilities and private events.

On the shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua is one of Europe's most charming boutique hotels, admired for its historic villa, garden and unmistakably Italian way of life. In place of city bustle: still water, classical architecture, manicured gardens and leisurely living.

Environment & architecture. Once a historic Italian villa, the building keeps its classical palazzo character, with frescoes, antique furniture, decorative art and elegant proportions. From the garden down to the shore, distant mountains, calm water and historic buildings compose a scene worthy of cinema.

Service & stay. The house emphasises privacy, refinement and personal service, with Italian cuisine served in elegant rooms and quiet corners of the garden, pool and private spaces.

A standard-bearer of modern Japanese luxury, Aman Tokyo fuses traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary city life for a calm, restrained and supremely refined stay — a tranquil space even in Tokyo's busy commercial heart.

Environment & architecture. Interiors use abundant natural wood, stone, washi paper and soft light. The soaring lobby, inspired by traditional architecture and nature, is visually arresting, while rooms are simple and warm — some looking over the Tokyo skyline and, on clear days, toward Mount Fuji.

Service & stay. Aman prizes privacy, calm and personal experience, with a fine spa, indoor pool, fitness facilities and refined dining.

If there is one place that answers the call to leave the city behind and embrace nature, Bora Bora is it — and the Four Seasons sits at the edge of a clear blue lagoon, known for its overwater villas, private sea views and tropical island scenery.

Environment & architecture. The signature overwater villas rise from the lagoon, timber architecture folded into the island setting; some have private terraces over the water. The sea shifts through every shade of blue, and Mount Otemanu forms an unmistakable backdrop — a view felt from the room, the pool and the private deck.

Service & stay. Private villa stays, island dining, spa treatments and a rich programme of sea activities — snorkelling, kayaking and lagoon cruises among them.