Old World luxury hospitality — characterized by rigid service and cookie-cutter opulence — is being dismantled. The days of identical high-end hotels have given way to something far more personal.
Luxury service is no longer about following a script; it’s about leaning into bespoke, hyper-local immersion. It’s the difference between a concierge booking a generic tour and a property opening doors to a private world deeply rooted in its destination’s heritage, flavors and essence.
From ancient wellness rituals in the Himalayas to helicopter rides and fondue in the Alps, these new Star Award-winning hotels are no longer just places to stay — they are gateways to culture.
Six Senses Bhutan
Start your day at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel with an early meditation ceremony with a lama (or monk). In the afternoon, break for local tea — like butterfly pea, St. John’s wort or chamomile — followed by a game of archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Then toast the evening with alfresco sunset cocktails at Nimnub Point as you watch the sun sink behind the Himalayas.
Mii amo, Sedona
Everything at Five-Star Mii amo revolves around the surrounding red rocks, whether that’s physical activities, like hiking or biking the 400 miles of trails, or more meditative pursuits, like walking a labyrinth or making candles scented like the earthy desert. For the best of both, try the vortex hike to Boynton Canyon, where a guide will lead a meditation and discuss the area’s powerful energy vortex.
One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Explore Montenegro’s varied landscapes with the help of this Five-Star hotel. Choices range from a three-hour boat tour of charming coastal UNESCO towns combined with a panoramic cable car ride to an epic 12-hour expedition of the country’s most picturesque lakes, bays, cliffs and forests. Snorkelers and kayakers should try the Blue Cave excursion, which includes a stop at secret submarine tunnels.
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, Japan
Embrace nature at this Five-Star retreat inside Nikko National Park. Walk through wetlands, climb up icy mountains or try snow cycling. To appreciate more of the culture, visit the park’s UNESCO-listed Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples or try Nikko carving (a traditional wood craft) or a local fire ceremony. Then at the end of the day, soak in the hotel’s hot spring onsen.
Rosewood Doha
Master the ancient art of falconry at this Five-Star hotel. A practice introduced by the Bedouins and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, falconry honors Qatar’s national bird and offers a hands-on connection to the region’s storied past. For more grounded activities, Rosewood Doha also organizes special dinners in the desert or strolls through the maze-like, century-old Souq Waqif.
Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol, Cadiz, Spain
At this Four-Star hotel, get to know Andalucia’s terrain with a horseback ride through the cork-oak-covered Los Alcornocales park or the golden beaches of Tarifa. Otherwise, hit the water to sail along the coast or go farther out to spot dolphins passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. The Fairmont also will arrange a visit to Castellar de la Frontera to explore the whitewashed village and enjoy a private flamenco performance.
THE DOLLI at Acropolis, Athens
Overlooking the Acropolis, this Four-Star hotel lets you explore without the crowds. Sign up for an exclusive after-hours Acropolis Museum tour or private excursions through the ancient citadel. And if you’re feeling inspired by the athletes in the Winter Games, THE DOLLI can plan a workout at Athens’ marble-filled Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the Olympics.
Park Hyatt Marrakech
Of course, this Four-Star hotel can set you up with souk (market) strolls, Moroccan cooking classes and visits to institutions like the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden. But a unique way to see the city is in a vintage sidecar with a personalized itinerary that could roam through the labyrinthine medina, vast desert or grand Atlas Mountains.
Lizard Island Resort, Cairns, Australia
As the only all-inclusive resort in Australia on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island gives you prime access to the world’s largest coral reef. Dive in with snorkel, scuba, stand-up paddleboard or glass-bottomed kayak tours. When you want to dry off, try the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel’s land-based activities, like birdwatching outings and scenic hikes, both led by naturalists.
The Torridon, Scotland
Along Upper Loch Torridon, the family-owned manor’s 58 bucolic acres in the Scottish Highlands beg for exploration. Kayak among the seals and otters; go fly fishing for brown trout; or try gorge scrambling, where you crawl over rocks and swim under waterfalls. Plus, trails with seascapes and mountain vistas thread through the Four-Star hotel’s grounds, making walking and biking equally attractive activities.
The Chateau at Nemacolin, Farmington, Pennsylvania
Encompassing more than 2,200 acres in the rustic Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin seems made for outdoor adventurists. Jump into high-adrenaline activities like whitewater rafting, skiing, zip lining or Jeep off-roading. For a leisurely change of pace, try backwoods horseback rides, ax throwing and wildlife tours of the resort’s 200 animals. Afterward, you’ll retire to a newly renovated room at the Five-Star Chateau.
Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich
The city’s oldest luxury hotel curates only-in-Switzerland experiences. The Five-Star Mandarin Oriental can arrange a hike and farm experience in the Alps, where you can drive a tractor or milk cows. For a taste of local fare, ride a helicopter to towering Jungfrau mountain for a warming meal of fondue. Or take a watchmaking workshop to learn about fine Swiss craftsmanship.
Last week, we revealed our 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. Click here to see the list of winners.
