I have had the luxury of staying in several jaw-droppingly beautiful hotels this year all around the world, each one offering its own unique take on comfort, culture, and design. From cliffside resorts overlooking the Indian Ocean to boutique hideaways tucked into historic towns, every property left me with memories as unforgettable as the destinations themselves. There are my six favorite hotels from 2025 so far.
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Bali, Indonesia
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Starting off strong with what is possibly the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at in my entire life, The Apurva Kempinski Bali feels like stepping into a modern palace perched above the ocean. From the grand open-air lobby framed with intricate and traditional Indonesian design to infinity pools cascading down its side, every single detail here is meant to impress. The suites are luxurious sanctuaries with sweeping sea views, and the dining options range from traditional Indonesian flavors to inventive fine dining. What sets it apart most is the sheer sense of scale—it is incredibly massive, and the design and atmosphere have elevated it to my favorite hotel of the year (and possibly ever).
Nestled in the heart of Suzhou’s historic district, the Pan Pacific Suzhou blends luxury with traditional Chinese architecture. Walking into the property feels like entering a private garden, with pavilions, koi ponds, and bridges weaving through landscaped courtyards. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering serene views of either the gardens or the city. Its prime location makes it easy to explore Suzhou’s famous canals and classical gardens, while still returning to a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. This hotel captures the city’s spirit of elegance and tranquility wholly.
Perched dramatically on the caldera cliffs, Stella Rocca A Mare offers the kind of Santorini experience that feels pulled straight from a postcard. The hotel’s whitewashed walls, cave-style rooms, and private balconies look out over endless Aegean blue making the sunsets from here truly unforgettable. The atmosphere is intimate and boutique-like, with personalized service and a focus on relaxation. Each room is unique, but they all offer the luxury of a private plunge pool where you can unwind and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets the island has to offer.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is less a place to stay and more a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Entirely built from ice and snow each winter, the hotel feels like stepping into an art installation with every suite being uniquely sculpted by artists—from shimmering ice beds to frozen wall carvings. This was my second visit to the hotel, and it still managed to surpass my expectations yet again. Guests bundle up in thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides for an unforgettable (and shockingly warm) night’s sleep, while hotel activities include dog sledding, Northern Lights hunting, and ice sculpting workshops. It’s surreal, magical, and surprisingly cozy for a hotel made of ice.
Tucked into the misty hills of Jiufen, Daybreak Hotel is a boutique gem with some of the best views over the town’s lantern-lit streets and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel mixes modern comforts with Jiufen’s old-world charm, offering stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the dramatic scenery. Its location makes exploring Jiufen’s teahouses and winding alleyways effortless, yet it also feels like a quiet retreat away from the crowds. Waking up here in the midst of lush green mountains that look down toward a sparkling sea view is nothing short of magical.
For a more cultural stay, the hanok Airbnb I stayed in at Gyeongju deserves a mention. This style of traditional Korean home is built with wooden beams, tiled roofs, and ondol floor heating, immersing you in centuries-old design. Staying here gave me a deep sense of tranquility and its interior has been recently updated. The hanok was located close to several of Gyeongju’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, so it allowed for an experience that felt grounding while still giving me the ability to enjoy modern comforts.
