My Top 5 Dream Hotels & Resorts

The winter weather in Seattle combined with working from home full-time is driving me a bit stir crazy. I am trying to hold out until my next trip in March but keeping my wanderlust at bay is no easy feat. In this digital world, photos of beautiful beaches and luxurious high-rises are thrown at me everyday from every app imaginable. And I’m not complaining at all. In fact, I love seeing content from properties and destinations around the world because it fuels my drive to one day make a visit. Seeing photos from friends helps me identify incredible cities and experiences that I might not have otherwise known existed. This week’s post is a nod to the top 5 hotel and resort properties that live on my “must stay here before I die” bucket list. Of course, there are plenty more than 5 hotels on this list but these 5 are my ultimate dream hotels and resorts right now. 

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Fairmont Banff Springs

Kicking off this list is none other than Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada. I saw a video tour of this property in 2015 and I fell in love. Even though this hotel likely features the least expensive per-night rates out of the resorts on this list, it can still be rather pricey to stay here during peak season. 

The Fairmont Banff Springs is truly stunning. The resort opened to the public over 130 years ago, and its staff has been providing top-tier, high quality service to guests ever since. The hotel itself resembles a castle nestled among an alpine forest and the property is situated in Banff National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The outer facade of the hotel isn’t even the best part, though it is pretty stunning. Where this hotel really stands out is in its wide array of organized onsite activities available for guests to enjoy. From outdoor winter recreation activities to bowling, this resort has so much to choose from for the entire family. Whether you visit for a romantic getaway or a family reunion, a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs is sure to be memorable and exciting.

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Aman Tokyo

All of the Aman properties are stunningly designed and feature superior service, but Aman Tokyo is at the top of my list of Aman properties to visit. The seamless integration of traditional Japanese design into the accommodations and common spaces of this hotel is truly beautiful, and provides a nice contrast to the modern Tokyo below (the hotel is located on the 33rd floor of The Otemachi Tower). Aman Tokyo occupies the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower, and each accommodation features gorgeous views of the Tokyo skyline and the Imperial Gardens. 

Part of the Aman ethos is a keen focus on wellness and rejuvenation. Aman Tokyo features the largest hotel spa in all of Tokyo, which is one of the main reasons this hotel is one of my dream properties. Relaxing at the spa is perhaps one of my most favorite vacation activities, and to relax at Aman Tokyo’s spa would be absolutely heavenly. 

My boyfriend and I had plans to visit Tokyo later this month but our flights were canceled due to continued travel restrictions in place in Japan. When we can safely travel to Japan from the United States, this hotel will be at the very top of our list for places to stay during our visit. 

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FORESTIS Dolomites

It is no surprise that this boutique Italian mountain retreat made it on my list. FORESTIS Dolomites has been on my radar for a while and I am dying to stay in the enchanting Penthouse suite. The accommodations at this retreat all feature breathtaking views of the Dolomites, and the Penthouse suite even features a private pool and lounge chairs (see image above). 

There is one restaurant and a bar at this cozy retreat and the cuisine looks exquisite. All ingredients are locally sourced and authentic to the region. Executive Chef Roland Lamprecht knows what he’s doing when it comes to delicious food. At FORESTIS, every dish is a work of art. 

The Spa at FORESTIS offers comprehensive treatments and a wide array of amenities to utilize including an indoor/outdoor pool hybrid, saunas, silence rooms, Wyda room, fitness room, and individual treatment rooms for spa services. There is also an abundance of activities at FORESTIS such as snowshoe hiking, skiing, biking, Wyda, and more. 

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One&Only Mandarina, Mexico

White sand beaches and a lush rainforest surround this luxury retreat located along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico. Accommodations include canopy-style treehouses and spacious villas overlooking gorgeous rainforest or ocean scenery. 

This property is romantic and exudes casual luxury. There are six pools and a secluded beach where guests can unwind. The dining options onsite are unique and derived from the flavors and cuisine of the region. Chef Enrique Olvera is known world-wide for his culinary expertise. Any visit to One&Only Mandarina, Mexico will surely awaken and rejuvenate the mind, body, and senses.

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Giraffe Manor

Located just outside of Nairobi, Kenya, is the magical Giraffe Manor. I saw a television special about this hotel when I was a child and it made a lasting impression…and not just because of the giraffes. The Safari Collection owns this luxury resort and one of the reasons I love this group of hotels so deeply is because of their strong commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. Fewer than 100,000 giraffes remain in the wild. Conservation efforts to protect this incredible species is critical in order to prevent extinction. Giraffe Manor and The Safari Collection do an inspiring job of showing guests the beauty of giraffes up close, and emphasizing the need to act quickly to protect this stunning species. 

For each guest that stays at Giraffe Manor, The Safari Collection donates $10 to The African Fund For Endangered Wildlife. Another option to give back to local and regional wildlife is through the hotel’s Giraffe Manor Sponsorship Programme. You can foster one of the Rothschild’s giraffes that roam Giraffe Manor’s grounds, and 50% of the fostering fee goes directly to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to help giraffe conservation efforts all over the continent. The other 50% of the fostering fee is donated to other impactful conservation and community programs

The accommodations at Giraffe Manor are cozy and inviting, and part of the guest experience onsite involves learning about and interacting with the resident giraffes that roam the grounds of the property. One of the most iconic activities guests experience during their stay is the giraffe breakfast, where guests can enjoy their morning meal while giraffes poke their necks through the open windows in the dining room. An unforgettable experience, I’m sure!

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Though there are many more hotels and resorts on my bucket list, these were my top 5! Have you been to any of these stunning properties? Do you have dreams of visiting one day? Let me know! I would love to hear about your dream vacation properties. Leave me a comment sharing your top vacation spot!