The best luxury hotels to visit in 2018

Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Paris

My hotel recommendations for 2018 include three that have been ‘reborn’. First is fantastic for a springtime city break. Hotel de Crillon in Paris, part of the Rosewood Hotels collection, has long been a historic hotel legend and following a three-year, €100 million renovation it’s once again giving top hotels in the city a run for their money. The location, on Place de la Concorde, has always been the heart of Paris, but the new spa, indoor swimming pool and the Grands Appartements, styled by Karl Lagerfeld, are also big successes.

The Datai, Langkawi

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Currently closed for a refurbishment – the most substantial since it opened over two decades ago – the resort has promised enhancements including a new nature centre when it reopens in July 2018. A brilliant idea as it’s well worth finding out more about the jungle wildlife that’s literally on the doorstep and taking a tour with the resort’s resident naturalist. But, the peace, quiet and beautiful beach are reason alone to visit.

Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

More than ever, luxury travellers are actively seeking out unique, experiential holidays. One destination that definitely delivers on that front is Wilderness Safaris’ Mombo Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Newly rebuilt and with luxuries including private plunge pools, it has blended luxury living, responsible travel and conservation to perfection. There’s some of the best safari action to be had in Africa here and for those who yearn to get more involved with the wildlife there are many unique activities. My favourite: tracking leopards.

Silversands Resort, Grenada

If it’s turquoise waters and powdery white sand that you are in need of, I recommend the Caribbean time and time again. So I was very excited to hear about the brand new Silversands Resort on the island of Grenada. It’s the first major luxury hotel to open along the gorgeous Grand Anse Beach in more than twenty years. The supremely sumptuous suites are eye-catching and the sea views incredible, while the staggering 100-metre beachfront swimming pool is a real showstopper. Beach-lovers will find it hard to tear themselves away.

The Middle House, Shanghai

Anyone looking for an unusual city break should keep an eye on The Middle House in Shanghai, opening later this year. We reviewed its sister property, The Upper House in Hong Kong, and to quote our reviewer it is "something revolutionary on the hotel scene". I’m looking forward to seeing if its Shanghai counterpart can perform a similar feat.

LuxuryBARED.com is a members-only travel review and booking website focussing on high-end hotels, ultra-luxury cruise lines and airlines.