Condé Nast Best Resorts 2025: The Complete List

COMO Uma Ubud is a better bet for a calm, vetted Ubud resort stay than for a restaurant-led trip. The outside recognition is strong, including MICHELIN Guide hotel selection and major travel awards, but dining specifics are not the reason to book. Value-seekers should compare it with Amandari, Mandapa, Adiwana Suweta before paying for a longer stay.

Wilderness DumaTau is a strong Linyanti choice for travelers who want a serious Botswana safari base rather than a resort-style family holiday. It suits returning safari guests, multigenerational groups, older children comfortable with structured days, with 2025 Conde Nast Best Resorts #2 recognition adding a clear trust signal.

Book Alila Jabal Akhdar for a quiet mountain-resort stay where the hotel is the destination. It makes more sense for couples, retreat-style trips, travelers who value service structure over city convenience; cross-shop Muscat if beach access, dining variety, or easier logistics matter more.

Waldorf Astoria Park City is worth booking when the trip calls for a polished resort base near the mountain rather than a downtown Park City stay. It is harder to justify for guests who plan to spend most nights around Main Street, but its 2025 Conde Nast and 2026 Forbes recognition make it a credible luxury choice for ski-season comfort.

Maroma is the splurge choice in Riviera Maya for travelers who want an award-backed resort stay and plan to spend real time on property. Value depends heavily on room selection: start with the lowest category that delivers the beach-resort experience, then upgrade only for clear gains in view, outdoor space, or privacy.

For Trancoso travelers who want Quadrado access and a design-led hotel rather than a large resort, Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa is a strong luxury pick. Its Conde Nast, Virtuoso, MICHELIN Guide hotel recognition make the premium easier to justify, especially for couples and return visitors comparing boutique stays.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is the safer Khao Lak pick for travelers who want a full resort setup, especially pool, spa, low-effort holiday logistics. Choose it over smaller peers if facilities matter more than privacy; compare carefully if the trip is built around quiet design or a more intimate beach-hotel mood.

Paws Up is worth booking when the trip is built around a Montana resort stay rather than a quick overnight. Its strongest case is for special occasions, family gatherings, retreat-style travel where space and setting matter more than city convenience. Recognition from MICHELIN Guide Hotels 2 Keys, Forbes 4-Star, La Liste Top Hotels, other hotel lists supports the splurge positioning.

Baoase Luxury Resort is the splurge choice in Willemstad for travelers who want the hotel to anchor the trip. It makes the strongest case for couples and wellness-focused stays built around privacy, beach time, a slower resort rhythm, while Avila Beach Hotel or BijBlauw may suit travelers who want easier city movement.

Book Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve when the resort is the trip: quiet Krabi pacing, strong luxury recognition, a stay better suited to couples or milestone travel than nonstop sightseeing. It is easiest to justify when rates sit close to Banyan Tree Krabi or Rayavadee; if the gap is wide, save it for a clearer occasion.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the right Whistler pick when the hotel needs to carry the trip, not just provide a bed near the mountain. Its Michelin 2 Keys, Forbes Recommended status, resort-scale setting justify the premium for spa, ski, family-focused stays; value hunters who mainly want village access should compare Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites and Sundial Boutique Hotel.

A strong choice for a calm Red Sea resort stay if space, quiet, a polished beach-hotel rhythm matter more than nightlife access. Room upgrades are worth considering for longer stays or families, but couples on short trips should be careful not to overbuy the category.

Open-air valley setting is the reason to book Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, not a long checklist of resort facilities. It is strongest for couples or return Bali travelers who want privacy near Payangan and are willing to plan well ahead for the right room category.

Against Shimla's more heritage-led stays, Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas is the stronger choice when the mountain setting matters more than town access. Book it for a quiet resort-paced trip with Himalayan atmosphere; cross-shop Chapslee for heritage character and Amaya for a smaller design retreat.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha is the right call when the brief is formal luxury, Corniche access, dependable service rather than apartment-style space or a trendier social scene. Booking can be difficult, so plan ahead for business weeks and peak Doha travel periods. Choose room upgrades only when the view, extra space, or in-room time will genuinely matter.

Book Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel if you want a calmer Puerto Ayora base with resort-style comfort and credible 2025 awards recognition. It is more practical than a remote lodge for travelers who want town access, excursions, downtime by the water, but Pikaia Lodge or Galapagos Safari Camp make more sense if the hotel itself is meant to be the main event.

Lizard Island is worth booking when seclusion, reef access, a self-contained luxury stay matter more than mainland flexibility. It is a stronger choice for special-occasion leisure than business travel, the value case depends on treating the island setting as the main reason to go.

Book Inn at Perry Cabin for a polished St. Michaels waterfront stay, especially for families or couples who want the hotel to anchor the weekend. It is more of a plan-ahead resort choice than a quick overnight base, with Forbes, MICHELIN Guide, Preferred Hotels, Virtuoso, Conde Nast recognition supporting the splurge.

Book The Singular Patagonia if you want Puerto Natales convenience without giving up a serious luxury-hotel feel. It is a stronger fit for first-timers using town as an arrival, recovery, or excursion base than for travelers who need to sleep inside Torres del Paine every night.

Nayara Bocas del Toro is worth shortlisting for a luxury private-island Panama stay, especially for couples who want the resort to be the trip's main focus. Its MICHELIN Guide Hotels 2 Keys, Leading Hotels of the World membership, Condé Nast recognition, Virtuoso status make booking-channel strategy important, especially for upgrades and included-value perks.

Mashpi Lodge is the right Pichincha choice when the hotel is meant to define the trip, not just support it. Choose it for a nature-led, service-dependent lodge stay with strong design recognition; choose Casa Gangotena, Carlota, or Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars if city access, business logistics, or a lighter Quito base matter more.

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection is the stronger San Pedro choice for travelers who want resort polish, Marriott loyalty upside, an occasion-ready Ambergris Caye base. It is less compelling for budget-first trips or food-led stays, where Pedro's Inn, San Pedro Holiday Hotel, or a separate restaurant plan may make more sense.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is the practical pick for travellers who want a recognised Sabi Sand safari with less booking friction. Its 2025 World Luxury Hotel Awards wins and Conde Nast Best Resorts placement support the value case, but cross-shop Earth Lodge, Singita, Lion Sands if design, polish, or a more specific lodge mood matters more.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is worth booking when Matauri Bay is the focus of the trip, not a quick stop. Its Michelin 2 Keys, Forbes Recommended status, Virtuoso partnership, 2025 resort recognition make it a serious luxury choice for travelers who value a destination lodge setting over easy town access.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is worth booking when the trip is about a remote, high-recognition wilderness stay rather than a convenient Tofino base. Michelin 3 Keys, La Liste Top Hotels 2026 recognition, major resort awards make it a serious splurge; Wickaninnish Inn or Long Beach Lodge Resort will suit travelers who want easier town and beach access.

Book The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes if the hotel is a real part of the trip, not just a place to sleep near the parks. It is a stronger fit for resort-minded families, couples, business travelers than for travelers chasing the easiest International Drive logistics.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler is the luxury pick for travellers who want resort polish, upgrade potential, a calmer Blackcomb base rather than a village-core stay. It is easier to justify when direct-booking benefits or advisor-style perks improve the total value; compare it with Fairmont Chateau Whistler for classic resort scale and Sundial Boutique Hotel for central convenience.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is the premium, hard-to-book choice for travelers who want a full-service mountain resort rather than a simple Tahoe room. Its 2025–2026 recognition from AAA, Forbes, MICHELIN, La Liste, Condé Nast, Virtuoso, Star Wine List supports the splurge, especially for peak ski or summer resort stays.

Book Nayara Springs for an adults-focused Arenal celebration where privacy, room quality, resort calm matter more than a packed activity schedule. It is easier to justify for anniversaries or couples' trips than for travelers who plan to spend most days off property.

Book Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth if the trip calls for a polished resort stay with strong luxury-hotel credentials and a calmer rhythm. It is harder to justify if the plan is to spend every day off property, but for a return St. Barts guest who wants fewer logistics and more resort depth, it makes sense.

Lolebezi is the right kind of shortlist pick for a special-occasion safari stay in Jeki, especially if destination setting matters more than city-hotel convenience. Conde Nast Best Resorts #31 (2025) gives it a credible luxury signal, while easy booking makes it less stressful than harder-to-secure safari options.

Four Seasons Vail is worth booking for families who want a polished, full-service luxury base in Vail with fewer trip-planning headaches. The case is strongest for ski season, school holidays, multi-generation stays where service depth and in-town convenience justify the splurge. Cross-shop Sonnenalp Hotel for Alpine character and Grand Hyatt Vail for a larger resort-style alternative.

Mission Pacific Beach Resort works if the priority is a polished Oceanside beach base with strong location value. Recognition from Conde Nast, Forbes, Virtuoso gives it credible luxury signals, but the sharper decision is whether walkability and coastal access matter more than a quieter resort setting.

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is worth choosing when the hotel is part of the Orlando plan, not just a place to sleep between parks. It is more resort-minded than Rosen Centre Hotel or Rosen Plaza Hotel, less formal than The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, strongest for celebrations, family trips, or business stays that benefit from a calmer Grande Lakes base.

A practical Clearwater Beach pick for families who want a central Gulf base, recognizable Hyatt service, fewer daily logistics. The Condé Nast 2025 resort ranking gives it credibility, but the real reason to book is convenience: choose it over more atmosphere-driven peers when beach access and group ease matter most.

Londolozi Game Reserve is the right call for a serious Greater Kruger safari stay where the lodge experience matters as much as the game drives. Its Michelin 3 Keys recognition, Relais & Châteaux award, Virtuoso Luxury Hotel Partner status make it a high-confidence choice, but it suits travellers who can build the itinerary around the reserve rather than squeeze it into a short stopover.

Book andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Lodges if the trip is centered on a private-reserve safari rather than resort nightlife or dining variety. Its 2025 recognition from Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure gives the price a stronger quality signal, while easy booking means value-seekers can compare dates before committing.

The Sanderling Resort is the safer Duck choice for travelers who want a recognized coastal resort rather than a rental-style stay. Its 2025 Conde Nast resort ranking and Michelin hotel selection give it useful credibility, but the fit is clearest for beach-focused leisure trips, couples, travelers who want downtime built into the hotel itself.

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa works if service consistency, spa access, Marriott loyalty value matter more than finding the lowest beach rate. Its Forbes Recommended and Conde Nast recognition support the splurge, but value-focused travelers should compare Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort, Opal Sands before committing.

The Brando is worth it for travelers who want a private-island stay where the resort is the trip, not a base for exploring Tahiti. Choose it for privacy, major-occasion travel, slow days; pick Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, Te Moana Tahiti Resort, or a Moorea resort if logistics and value matter more.

Choose Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal if service depth, privacy, a polished resort rhythm matter more than nightlife access. Its Michelin 2 Keys, Forbes 5-Star, AAA 5 Diamond, La Liste 99-point recognition make the premium easier to defend for milestone trips, but value-focused travelers should cross-shop livelier Cabo options before committing.

Choose The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort when the trip is about a polished coastal resort stay, not downtown Charleston convenience. Its recognition profile is strong, the setting makes sense for occasions, golf weekends, spa time, travelers who will use the property rather than just sleep there.

COMO Uma Punakha works for a slower, repeat-visit Bhutan itinerary centered on Punakha rather than a fast multi-region circuit. Its external recognition is strong, but without verified room-category detail, the smart move is to book the category that meets the practical needs of the trip rather than paying up automatically.

JOALI Maldives is the Raa Atoll pick for a high-budget celebration or family trip where villa privacy and resort polish matter more than value. Its awards profile is strong, including Forbes 5-Star 2026 and La Liste Top Hotels 2026 at 97 points, but families should book for calm, space, a luxury island rhythm rather than nonstop entertainment.

Sani Resort is the safe Halkidiki pick for a special-occasion resort stay where ease, polish, broad appeal matter. It makes the strongest value case outside peak summer, especially for guests who will use the full resort setting rather than treating the hotel as a sleeping base.

A strong Incline Village pick for travelers who want a full-service Lake Tahoe resort with spa, casino, north-shore access in one place. The value case is strongest on shoulder-season or midweek dates; compare against The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and Edgewood Tahoe for a more luxury-led stay, or Basecamp Tahoe South for a simpler base.

Twin Farms is the Barnard splurge for travelers who want privacy, countryside space, a stay built around the property rather than the town. It works well for a high-end Vermont reset or small executive retreat, but it is not the practical choice for frequent off-property meetings or value-led travel.

Book Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui for a high-privacy, special-occasion stay where the hillside setting and resort polish are the point. Choose Bophut alternatives instead if walkability, value, or easy off-property dining matter more than seclusion.

Alila Villas Uluwatu is a strong pick for a quiet, special-occasion Bali stay where privacy, wellness, resort time matter more than nightlife access. Recognition from La Liste, Forbes, Virtuoso, Conde Nast, MICHELIN supports the splurge case, but booking difficulty is hard, so compare dates against Bvlgari Resort Bali, The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Hidden Hills Villas before locking the trip.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the practical Miramar Beach pick for families, golf groups, travelers who want a larger resort setup rather than a small boutique stay. Book it for convenience, activity range, an easier reservation path; choose a smaller coastal hotel if atmosphere and quiet design matter more.