9 best hotels in the world

No. 9 Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India. Score: 95.76 Built on the former hunting grounds of maharajas, the Oberoi Udaivilas sits gracefully on its own island near Udaipur. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by a car and driver, guided onto a private boat, then ferried across Lake Pichola and into the gardens and fountains of the Udaivilas estate. Book one of nine Premier rooms for a private pool, terrace, and views of wildlife including peacocks, spotted deer, and wild boar. Then wander through the on-site Bada Mahal, an 18th-century former palace with delicate frescoes. Come back to the lakeside property a second time to receive traditional mirror-work coasters or jewelry boxes - departure gifts given to repeat visitors.

No. 8 Londolozi Game Reserve, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa. Score: 95.80 Five family-run lodges on 42,000 acres of South African wilderness make up this Kruger camp known for its frequent leopard sightings. All 32 rooms and 12 spacious suites have access to the destination’s five restaurants and bars, but we recommend booking Villa No. 1 in the newly built Pioneer Camp. Set among 500-year-old ebony trees along the Sand River, it’s the perfect secluded spot to get away from it all. After you’ve had your fill of traditional game drives, visit a local village, women’s cooperative, and school on the property’s Four Pillars of Hope tour.

No. 7 Singita Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa. Score: 95.82 Singita Sabi Sand game reserve comprises two lodges with interiors by emerging African designers: Boulders, a stylish rustic property built into the landscape, and Ebony, a lodge that puts more of a vintage spin on safari. Spend an indulgent night indoors - well-stocked wine cellars and private outdoor showers come standard - or embrace your adventurous side with a mountain-bike ride through the bush or a photography-focused safari. For once-in-a-lifetime views of elephants bathing in the Sand River, book Ebony Lodge’s Suite 1.

No. 6 The Langham, Chicago. Score: 96.00 Located in the landmark Mies van der Rohe IBM building, The Langham, Chicago offers guests expansive views of the Chicago River and city skyline from floor-to-ceiling windows. Opened in July 2013, it’s already a local favourite thanks to detail-oriented service - everyone from the receptionist to the porter gets to know guests by name. And don’t forget to pack your bathing suit: the pool at the Chuan Spa is a welcome oasis in the Windy City.

No. 5 Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Score: 96.20 A Victorian oceanfront hotel renovated to the tune of $146 million, this 1868 property is as grand as ever. Croquet lawns nod to old-world glamour, while 49 light-filled guest rooms and 22 private villas feature modern bathrooms and custom-made furnishings. Consider visiting in the off season - moody skies, long walks on the private beach, and cozy treatments at the hotel spa make for a romantic stay. We recommend requesting the Grand Deluxe Room 301 for its ocean views, freestanding tub, and blue-tiled fireplace.

No. 4 Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia. Score: 96.27 At Southern Ocean Lodge, each of the 21 suites is outfitted with limestone floors, works by local artists, and an outdoor terrace. Don’t look for an AC switch - it’s unnecessary here: the lodge was built to take advantage of natural weather patterns on Kangaroo Island. Book the glass-walled Osprey Pavilion suite for a private plunge pool and hand-carved granite bath, or try your luck fishing Hanson Bay. Chef Tim Bourke will incorporate your catch into a dish along with local produce.

No. 3 Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. Score: 96.91 Once an apartment complex during Hungarian Communist rule, this 179-room hotel is now one of the Four Seasons’ grandest properties. The luxury brand gave new life to the 1906 Art Nouveau structure with a $125 million restoration, and ever since, the hotel lobby has wowed visitors with its stained-glass windows, mosaic tiles, and custom-made crystal chandelier. Opt for a Danube-facing room, and plan your visit during summer to check out the nearby Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle.

No. 2 Nayara Springs, La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Score: 97.00 At Nayara Springs, each of the 16 villas comes with its own plunge pool, drawing on mineral-rich spring waters from Arenal Volcano next door. Venetian mirrors, hand-loomed rugs, and hammocks add to the easy-breezy vibe at this secluded jungle retreat, complete with a spa and yoga or Pilates offered daily. Get to know your neighbours - namely howler monkeys and blue morpho butterflies - on a tour with one of the local guides. It’s just one of the experiences that your personal host can coordinate.

No. 1 Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana. Score: 97.44 A luxurious mountain retreat, Triple Creek Ranch knows how to pamper its guests (adults only). Itineraries are tailored to fit your preference of activities, among them scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, wine tastings, cattle drives, and helicopter tours above Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks. When you’re ready to come indoors, upscale log cabins set a romantic mood with wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs, and locally woven woolens. And staffers are on hand to welcome you with fresh-baked cookies, or recommend a bottle from the 2,000-strong wine cellar. Don’t be surprised if you feel one stay wasn’t enough; approximately half of all visitors are repeat guests.