TripAdvisor's top hotel of 2015 has been revealed - and it will give you a serious case of wanderlust
- Posted by
- Deborah Cicurel
- Published
In a move that would give even the most seasoned traveller a severe case of wanderlust, TripAdvisor have announced their Top 10 Hotels of 2015 – and the top spot looks like the stuff of dreams.
Gili Lankanfushi, in the Maldives, is situated on a tiny coral island, with 45 floating water villas in a sparkling blue lagoon for you to dream the day away in.
Each luxury thatched villa has a private overwater sundeck, a rooftop terrace and an open-air private bathroom for an opportunity to become really at one with nature. There is also the chance to scuba dive, snorkel, windsurf or kick back at the resort’s jungle cinema – if you can tear yourself away from your private villa.
Best of all, the resort forces you to relax and switch off from at-home stresses with its “No News, No Shoes” rule, in which you are encouraged to forget about your day-to-day life, and just concentrate on your truly spectacular surroundings. There is even a "Mr Friday" available - AKA a personal butler - to cater to your every whim, whether unpacking your suitcase, booking you an excursion or entertaining your children while you swan off for dinner for two.
Not convinced yet? One of the overwater villas even doubles as a spa suite - so if you're really in need of some rest and relaxation, you can enjoy your own couple's treatment room, private gym and steam room, and even a wooden jet bath on the terrace overlooking the lagoon.
The most decadent of all accommodation options, however, has to be the Private Reserve, apparently the largest overwater villa in the world. With astounding views of the Indian Ocean, two enormous master suites, a private couple’s spa with sauna and steam room, an air conditioned gym and a private cinema, the attention to detail is second to none. That's without even mentioning the water slide leading into the private lagoon swimming area, which looks like it was built from the stuff of our childhood dreams.
Unsurprisingly, Gili Lankanfushi boasts glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with compliments ranging from "heaven on earth" to insisting that the pictures on the website "don't do the reality justice". How this is possible we're not entirely sure, because all the pictures look overwhelmingly wonderful to us.
Gili Lankanfushi came in at the top spot, but the rest of TripAdvisor's Top 10 List looks wonderful too...
2. Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
With breathtaking views, a luxurious spa and the undivided attention of staff, this Central American luxury hotel gives you all you need for a relaxing, eye-opening trip, surrounded by lush forests, tropical gardens and the imposing Arenal Volcano.
3. Shinta Mani Club Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Just minutes from the imposing temples of Angkor Wat, this boutique hotel offers superbly designed rooms, delicious eating options and a well-stocked spa to kick back in when you're not exploring the treasures of Siem Reap.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary
Boasting lavish bedrooms, a decadent spa and a beautifully imposing entrance, this hotel leaves an indelible impression on even the most well-travelled of guests.
5. Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco, Peru
Set in a tranquil plaza behind the main square of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former palace and convent is one of Peru's most exclusive hotels, and offers visitors the chance to dip into a range of activities including salsa dancing, cookery classes and yoga.
6. Cocoa Island by COMO, Cocoa Island
With 33 overwater suites, this Maldives haven offers the white sands, clear waters and relaxing surroundings you'd expect, along with a host of other activities including aquatherapy, fish feeding and guided snorkelling.
From approx £2,161 for three nights.
7. Hotel Alpin Spa Tuxerhof, Tux, Austria
With hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities on your doorstep, and a luxe update on the traditional mountain resort interiors, this hotel is the perfect place to work hard and play hard.
From approx £1660 for a seven night stay.
8. Al Maha Resort & Spa, Murqquab, United Arab Emirates
Exciting desert activities, extravagant suite options and myriad fine dining options all work to make this a must-visit resort for honeymooners and families alike.
9. Hotel Estalagem St Hubertus, Gramado, Brazil
Located in beautiful Gramado, this hotel combines a beautiful setting and great service with a games room, library and billiard room to serve as your cosy home away from home.
10. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Urubamba, Peru
Another Peruvian hotel found its way into TripAdvisor's Top 10, making us want to visit the South American country even more - and we wouldn't mind staying at this charming resort, with its own private train station to Machu Picchu, great dining options and a therapeutic spa for when you just want to relax after a long day of sightseeing.