5 of the most luxurious hotels in the world

For some, the ‘perfect holiday’ involves relaxing and getting away from the stresses of modern life. For those people, staying in a luxury hotel is a great way of achieving this. Whilst this certainly isn’t a cheap holiday option, it is one of the best. If you are planning a trip to a luxury hotel for your holiday in 2011, you want to consider one of the following stunning hotels. Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai, UAE For a truly decadent experience, a stay at the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is a wise choice. Set on its own manmade island, the hotel offers a variety of duplex suites, including one and two-bedroom options and the Club Suite, which includes a full-size snooker table. However, it is the two Royal Suites on the 25th floor that could provide the most opulent stay. Featuring a private elevator, cinema and library, officials at the hotel claim these suites are “the last word in luxury”. Opened in 1991, the 321-metre building is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. Staying at the hotel also gives you the chance to travel in chauffeur-driven BMW’s and Rolls-Royce’s when going to and from the airport, although if you prefer you can make your journey by helicopter. While there are a number of open-air and indoor swimming pools, staying at the Burj Al Arab means you also have access to a private beach. Not only can you spend time soaking up the sun, but you can indulge in a range of water sports here from kayaking to parasailing. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE Alternatively, a stay in the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi could provide the luxurious hotel experience you have been longing for. There are more than 300 rooms to choose from, each decorated in Arabian regal splendour. However, you may prefer to stay in one of the numerous suites, which comprises of a separate lounge area, bedroom, terrace and bathroom. Staying in the three-bedroom Palace Suite, meanwhile, offers airport limousine transfers, a silver Jacuzzi and use of a golden laptop. Whatever room or suite you select, you can use the hotel’s many services and amenities, including the Anantara Spa and the 1.3 km sandy beach. You can also shop for designer goods in various boutiques. And as the Emirates Palace is a part of Kempinski, the oldest luxury hotel group in Europe, you can be sure your every whim will be catered for. Viceroy Hotel, Miami, USA The Viceroy Hotel in Miami, Florida can also be great for a luxury break, with each of the five-star hotel’s 162 guestrooms and suites featuring a 42-inch flatscreen TV and iPod docking station. Set within the ten-acre Icon Brickell enclave, you can also take advantage of a rental car and lifestyle assistant service during your stay. Meanwhile, the hotel’s spa and wellness centre includes a 2,500 sq ft exercise facility, while there is a private rooftop evening lounge, oversized outdoor fireplace, movie theatre and swimming pool. Hotel Suites, Dresden, Germany For a taste of luxury a little closer home, why not visit the award-winning Hotel Suites in Dresden, Germany? Here you will be able to call on the services of a chauffeur and concierge from the comfort of your suite, before dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant. After you eat, you will find attractions such as the world-famous Saxon State Opera and the 16th century Dresden Castle just a short distance away. And you could be in good company when booking in at the hotel, with jazz musician Ron Carter and architect Daniel Libeskind among the big names to have stayed there. The Ritz, Paris, France The Ritz Paris can also be a great place for a luxurious hotel stay in 2011. Built in 1898, it was the first Ritz hotel in the world – a brand that has been synonymous with decadence and top-quality service. Dining at its L’Espadon restaurant allows you to tuck into Michelin-starred cuisine, while the wine cellars offer more than 1,000 vintages to choose from. There are a wide selection of rooms and suites to stay in, including the Elton John suite, in honour of the singer who was a former guest at the hotel. Other famous names to have stayed there include Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemmingway, as well as members of royal families from across the world. No matter where you are looking to go, take the time to compare prices in order to get the most competitive deals. Staying in a luxury hotel could well cost less than you think! David Wilcox is a travel writer at Travel Supermarket. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.