The hotel industry is always abuzz with new openings and renovations. But the best hotels are those that rise above the rest to dazzle and delight travelers. Whether with design, food or service, they’re truly memorable and worth the price of admission.
The best hotels aren’t just luxurious, they’re also highly regarded for their spas and other wellness features. Some, like the Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, have enchanted mango trees and hidden reflection ponds, while others, such as Park Lane New York, are just a stone’s throw from Central Park with views for days.
Many of the hotels named to Michelin’s 2023 guide have a sense of place that makes it easy for guests to fall in love. The secluded Badian Island Wellness Resort in the Philippines, for example, is an oasis of neatly landscaped gardens and private beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters. It has 42 suites to choose from, including Badian and Garden Villas, all with terraces or patios, which open onto lush tropical gardens.
While the hotel is a short boat ride from the main city of Cebu, it feels far removed from the hustle and bustle. “There’s a lot of peace and serenity here,” says one guest, who also praises the property’s single restaurant, The Living Room. It serves up a mix of Asian and Western dishes, including roasted duck breast with caramelized bananas, and there’s a great selection of wines.
Another favored property is the Park Hyatt New York, which has a more playful aesthetic than its old-school peers in Manhattan. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel occupying most of the top floors (35 to 54) of a skyscraper has stunning park and city views from every room. The interiors are adorned with sculptural art and Deco-mod furniture, and rooms offer organic mattresses and Le Labo hinoki bath amenities. The rooftop bar and restaurant, Two E, is a great spot for people-watching; Broadway’s biggest stars often sing their hearts out.
While a few of the hotel’s 175 rooms have fold-down desks, most are designed for relaxing, which is easy to do given the hotel’s zen-like vibe and location on Fifth Avenue near Central Park. The posh space, which is a go-to for celebrities and fashion icons, includes the restaurant K’Far by chef Michael Solomonov, where white tablecloths and flowers set the scene for fancy French and Italian dishes like lobster linguine and Ligurian crustacean ragu with scallops. The hotel also has a large spa, with a stunning indoor pool that plays music from Carnegie Hall through underwater speakers to create a soothing soundtrack.