Condé Nast Gold List 2026: Complete Guide to All 73 Properties
Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2026 is the editors’ annual, global “best places to stay” curation, featuring standout hotels and resorts selected by CNT’s international editorial team. It’s meant to be a definitive, experience-led shortlist of the world’s top accommodations.
Venues on this list

Chiva-Som
Hua Hin, Thailand
Chiva-Som is the Hua Hin pick when wellness is the point of the trip, not a side benefit. Book it for a quieter, recovery-led stay with serious recognition behind it; cross-shop broader beach resorts if the group wants more conventional resort energy or plans to spend most days off-property.

Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels
Pahalgam, India
Book Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels if you want a service-forward Pahalgam stay with a 2026 Condé Nast Gold List signal and an easier booking profile. It is a stronger fit for celebrations, couples, and family trips than for travelers seeking a tiny boutique hideaway or a nightlife-led base.

Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort
Weissenhaus, Germany
Book Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort if the hotel is the main event and privacy matters more than town access. Its Michelin 2 Keys, La Liste 2026 score, Condé Nast Gold List 2026 nod, and Relais & Châteaux recognition make it a strong milestone choice, especially for couples or families who want a slower Baltic-coast stay.

The Point
Saranac Lake, United States
The Point is the Adirondack splurge for travelers who want the hotel, dining, and lake setting to define the trip. Its 2026 recognition from Forbes, La Liste, Condé Nast, and Relais & Châteaux supports the premium positioning, but value depends on using the property as a full retreat rather than a simple Saranac Lake base.

Ser Casasandra
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Book Ser Casasandra if you want a quieter Holbox stay with credible recognition rather than a large-resort amenity checklist. Its Conde Nast Gold List 2026 and MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in 2025 make it a safer small-hotel choice for first-timers, especially if the goal is calm island time over loyalty perks or a business-travel setup.

Verina Astra
Sifnos, Greece
Verina Astra is the stronger fit for travelers who want a polished independent base on Sifnos and are not relying on hotel loyalty benefits. Its 2026 Conde Nast Gold List and Mr & Mrs Smith recognition make it easier to justify versus less proven small stays, but value depends on choosing a room category that matches how much time will be spent on property.

Cape Weligama
Weligama, Sri Lanka
Cape Weligama is worth booking when the trip needs a polished Weligama base with more privacy and resort comfort than a simple surf stay. It is strongest for first-timers, couples, and work-and-leisure itineraries; value-focused travelers should compare PALM Hotel Sri Lanka, Sola Boutique Hotel, or Kurulu Bay first.

Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden
Grand Hôtel Stockholm is a hotel on Södra Blasieholmshamnen in Stockholm.

Forestis Dolomites
Plose, Italy
Forestis Dolomites is a hotel in Plose near Bressanone, Italy.

The Peninsula Manila
Manila, Philippines
The Peninsula Manila is the right pick for a first Manila stay when calm Makati access and brand reassurance matter more than a new-design hotel. Its Forbes 5-Star and MICHELIN-selected credentials support the luxury case, but room value should be judged against live Makati rates. Start with a practical room tier, then upgrade only for longer stays, in-room work, or hosting.

Passalacqua
Moltrasio, Italy
Passalacqua is a hotel in Moltrasio on Lake Como.

Amangiri
Canyon Point, United States
Amangiri is a resort on Kayenta Road in Canyon Point, Utah.

Il Salviatino
Florence, Italy
Il Salviatino is a strong Florence pick for a special-occasion stay where the room, setting, and quieter hillside base matter more than instant access to the historic center. Suite-level bookings make the most sense; standard-room value is harder to justify if the trip is mostly museums, restaurants, and late nights in town.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Asheville, United States
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is the Asheville pick for travelers who want a quieter, estate-based stay rather than a downtown hotel rhythm. It is strongest for business-leisure trips, client-friendly overnights, and guests who will use the setting enough to justify the premium over more central alternatives.

Six Senses Douro Valley
Lamego, Portugal
Against Lamego's wine-country hotels, Six Senses Douro Valley is the splurge pick for travelers who want the hotel to carry the stay, including dining, downtime, and Douro atmosphere. Book it for a polished full-property experience backed by major hotel recognition; cross-shop if value or a more informal wine-estate stay matters more.

Somalisa Camp
Hwange, Zimbabwe
Somalisa Camp is the better choice if the trip is centered on Hwange rather than Victoria Falls. The case for booking rests on its Somalisa Concession location, service-dependent safari format, and Conde Nast Gold List (2026) recognition; compare total package cost carefully before treating it as better value than a falls-area hotel.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Sorrento, Italy
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a hotel on Piazza Tasso in Sorrento, Italy.

Bisate Lodge
Musanze, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge sits inside a forested volcanic crater at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, making it one of the strongest bases for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The stay is structured around early-morning park access, with all-inclusive dining and villa-style accommodation. Book here if the trekking experience is your priority and you want a lodge that earns its position at the top of the Rwanda market.

The Gasparilla Inn
Boca Grande, United States
The Gasparilla Inn is the safer Boca Grande choice for travelers who want a polished, heritage hotel stay rather than a large Gulf Coast resort. Its Condé Nast Gold List 2026 recognition adds confidence, especially for families planning a calmer island trip where location and ease matter more than a long amenity list.

Hermitage Bay, an SLH Hotel
Hermitage Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
Hermitage Bay is a small, secluded SLH property on Antigua's west coast, built around a wellness and pool-focused stay rather than resort-scale activity. Booking is easy outside peak windows, and January to April delivers the best combination of weather and availability. First-timers who want a quiet, contained Caribbean stay will find it fits the brief well.

The Venice Venice Hotel
Venice, United States
A strong pick for travelers who want a more selective Venice stay with serious hotel recognition, not a default points-and-resort booking. Suite-level spend works for longer stays or work-leisure trips, but standard rooms make more sense for quick overnights unless the upgrade gap is modest.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
Book The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto if the trip needs luxury-hotel reliability, a composed riverside setting and enough service infrastructure for business travel or a special occasion. It is a stronger choice than smaller Kyoto stays for operational confidence, but travellers who want ryokan intimacy or boutique design should cross-shop Hiiragiya, The Shinmonzen or Malda Kyoto.

Huka Lodge
Taupo, New Zealand
Huka Lodge is a lodge near Taupō, New Zealand.

El Questro Homestead
Durack, Australia
El Questro Homestead is worth booking if Durack is the focus of the trip and remote Kimberley setting matters more than city-style hotel convenience. Its Conde Nast Gold List 2026 recognition makes it a stronger splurge candidate, but business travelers should treat it as a retreat or leisure extension rather than a meeting-heavy base.

Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection
Berkshire, United Kingdom
Coworth Park is the Berkshire splurge to pick when the hotel needs to justify the trip, not just support it. The recognition stack is strong, including Michelin 2 Keys, Forbes 4-Star, Conde Nast Gold List, Mr & Mrs Smith, and La Liste Top Hotels 2026 at 99pts. Choose it for a polished country-estate stay; look elsewhere for a quick-value overnight.

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Kailua Kona, United States
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a resort on Maheawalu Drive in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

The Oberoi, Mumbai
Mumbai, India
The Oberoi, Mumbai is the polished Nariman Point choice for travelers who want a controlled luxury stay rather than boutique character or heritage drama. It is strongest for first-timers, business-led trips, and short stays where location, service consistency, and external hotel recognition matter more than a scene-driven atmosphere.

Kinondu Kwetu
Diani Beach, Kenya
Kinondu Kwetu is worth shortlisting if the Diani Beach trip calls for privacy and a quieter coastal stay rather than a large resort setup. It is stronger for leisure, post-safari downtime, and small retreat-style travel than for conventional business trips. Compare it with Nomad Beach Resort and Swahili Beach Resort if facilities and resort scale matter more.

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection
Meadows of Dan, United States
Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection is worth booking when the hotel is meant to be the trip, especially for families or multi-generation travelers who want space over city convenience. Its 2025 and 2026 recognition gives it stronger credibility than a typical rural resort, but travelers needing walkable restaurants, nightlife, or business-trip efficiency should cross-shop city hotels instead.

Castelfalfi
Montaione, Italy
Castelfalfi is a resort and village in Montaione, Tuscany.

Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao
Siargao Island, Philippines
Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao is a resort near General Luna on Siargao Island.

Claridge’s
London, United Kingdom
Claridge's is a hotel on Brook Street in Mayfair, London.

Hôtel Le Toiny
Toiny, St Barts
Hôtel Le Toiny is a better fit for travelers who want a quieter St Barts base with strong luxury-hotel recognition than for those prioritizing central access. Its 2026 honors, including Conde Nast Gold List, Forbes Recommended, Relais Chateaux, Virtuoso, and Star Wine List recognition, make the value case stronger when advisor benefits or upgrade potential are available.

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
Payangan, Indonesia
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.

Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa
Trancoso, Brazil
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, and MICHELIN Guide hotel recognition make the premium easier to justify, especially for couples and return visitors comparing boutique stays.

Suján Sher Bagh
Ranthambhore, India
Suján Sher Bagh is worth booking for a high-touch Ranthambhore stay where privacy, safari-country atmosphere, and serious hotel recognition matter more than city convenience. It is strongest for couples, families, or executive retreats with fixed dates; business travelers needing fast logistics or loyalty-program certainty should compare carefully before committing.

Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
Miami, United States
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is the Coconut Grove pick for travelers who want atmosphere, recognized hotel standards, and a stay that suits a celebration more than a corporate routine. Compare it with The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove for classic polish, Mr. C for a lighter Grove feel, and Loews Coral Gables for a more business-friendly setup.

Bvlgari Resort and Residences Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bvlgari Resort and Residences Dubai is a resort on Jumeirah Bay Island in Dubai.

Beaverbrook Surrey
Leatherhead, United Kingdom
Beaverbrook Surrey is a hotel on Reigate Road in Leatherhead.

Il Pellicano
Porto Ercole, Italy
Il Pellicano is a hotel in Porto Ercole, Tuscany.

Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô
Sông Cầu, Vietnam
A strong pick for travelers who want a quiet Phú Yên coastal stay rather than a busy resort-town base. Choose it over Anantara Quy Nhon Villas for a more removed feel, but cross-shop Six Senses Ninh Van Bay if brand predictability matters more.

The Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, United States
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a hotel on Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

Mount Gahinga Lodge
Kisoro, Uganda
Mount Gahinga Lodge is a strong Kisoro pick for first-time gorilla-trekking travelers who want a calm lodge base rather than a resort-heavy stay. The 2026 Conde Nast Gold List recognition adds credibility, but the main reason to choose it is fit: quiet atmosphere, southwest Uganda access, and a practical base for nature-led itineraries.

Sterrekopje Healing Farm
Franschhoek, South Africa
Book Sterrekopje Healing Farm if the Franschhoek trip is about restoration, privacy, and a farm-style base rather than a restaurant-led itinerary. Its 2026 Conde Nast Gold List and Mr & Mrs Smith recognition give it credible luxury backing, but dining-focused travelers should cross-shop village and estate hotels with easier access to Franschhoek's restaurant circuit.

Hôtel Lily of the Valley
La Croix-Valmer, France
Hôtel Lily of the Valley is a hotel in La Croix-Valmer on the French Riviera.

Badrutt's Palace Hotel
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Badrutt's Palace is a hotel on Via Serlas in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
A strong Ras al Khaimah pick for travelers who want a private beach-resort stay more than a restaurant-led hotel. Choose it over larger nearby resorts when villa-style privacy, polished service signals, and a quieter Al Hamra base matter; compare Waldorf, Sofitel, Mövenpick, and InterContinental if value or broader resort energy is the priority.

Coral Sands Inn & Cottages, Harbour Island
Dunmore Town, Bahamas
Coral Sands Inn & Cottages puts you on Harbour Island's pink sand beach at a price point below the island's top resorts. Book direct for the best flexibility, and aim for six to eight weeks ahead if you are travelling December through April. A practical, beach-front choice for couples or families who want cottage-style space without a full-resort structure.

Raffles Doha
Doha, Qatar
Raffles Doha is a hotel in Lusail's Marina District near Doha.

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Athens, Greece
Four Seasons Astir Palace is a hotel in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera.

Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Park Hyatt Sydney is worth booking when the hotel itself needs to carry the occasion: harbour setting, luxury-service expectations, and strong 2025–2026 recognition make it a safer splurge than most Rocks-area alternatives. It is less compelling for value-led travellers who only need a base near Circular Quay.

Maçakızı
Bodrum, Turkey
Maçakızı is Bodrum's most credentialed dining address, ranked #96 on the World's 50 Best Hotels list in 2025, with chef Aret Sahakyan delivering technique-led Aegean cuisine from a hillside perch above Türkbükü bay. The wine list spans Turkish and European regions and the champagne selection is serious. At ₺₺₺₺ with near-impossible summer availability, book 4–6 weeks out in peak season.

La Réserve Paris
Paris, France
La Réserve Paris is a hotel and spa near the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The Lowell
New York City, United States
The Lowell is a hotel on East 63rd Street in New York City's Upper East Side.

Cempedak Island
Bintan Regency, Indonesia
Book Cempedak Island for a privacy-first Bintan escape, especially if the occasion calls for quiet and separation rather than a conventional resort circuit. The Conde Nast Gold List 2026 recognition gives it credibility, but cross-shop larger nearby resorts if you need clearer amenity depth, loyalty benefits, or more flexible facilities.

Inkaterra La Casona
Cusco, Peru
Inkaterra La Casona is the Cusco pick for a quiet, special-occasion stay near Plaza Nazarenas, backed by Michelin 2 Keys, La Liste Top Hotels 2026 recognition, Condé Nast Gold List 2026, and a Relais & Châteaux Award. It suits couples and smaller families who value location and atmosphere over resort-style facilities.

Al Moudira Hotel
Luxor, Egypt
Book Al Moudira Hotel if the stay itself matters as much as the Luxor itinerary. Its 2025 Michelin 2 Keys and 2026 recognition from La Liste, Condé Nast, and Relais & Châteaux make it a serious choice for travelers comparing service depth and atmosphere, though riverfront convenience seekers should cross-shop larger hotels or Nile cruise options.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Punta de Mita, Mexico
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is the safest luxury pick in Punta de Mita for travelers who want polished resort depth, strong service confidence, and a stay that works for couples, families, and mixed groups. It is less about bargain value and more about paying for certainty in a competitive beach-resort market with serious luxury alternatives.

Sussurro
Nhamabue, Mozambique
Sussurro is worth booking for a quiet, design-led Mozambique coast stay where the setting is the main event. It suits couples and special-occasion travelers better than business guests or points-driven hotel loyalists, with Conde Nast Gold List 2026 recognition adding a credible trust signal.

Grand Hotel Son Net
Mallorca, Spain
Grand Hotel Son Net is a hotel in Puigpunyent, Mallorca.

Capella Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Capella Singapore is a hotel on The Knolls on Sentosa Island.

The Happy House
Phaplu, Nepal
The Happy House works if the goal is a remote Phaplu stay with Himalayan setting and serious recognition, including Conde Nast Gold List 2026. It is a weaker match for travelers who need clear loyalty-program value, city-hotel logistics, or a dining-led stay with named menus and published pricing.

Wickaninnish Inn
Tofino, Canada
Wickaninnish Inn is a hotel on Osprey Lane in Tofino.

The Nautilus Maldives
Thiladhoo, Maldives
The Nautilus Maldives is worth shortlisting for a milestone family trip where privacy, ease, and luxury-hotel recognition matter more than a busy resort scene. It is a stronger fit for villa-led downtime than for travelers who need extensive publicly detailed dining, room, or activity information before choosing.

Posada Ayana
José Ignacio, Uruguay
Posada Ayana is a strong José Ignacio pick for travelers who want a quieter boutique base with serious editorial recognition, not a points-led hotel strategy. Book it for a design-conscious coastal stay; compare Bahia Vik José Ignacio for a bigger beach-hotel feel and LUZ Culinary Wine Lodge if food and wine drive the trip.

Raya Heritage
Chiang Mai, Thailand
A quiet Mae Rim base for travelers who want Chiang Mai to feel slower and more retreat-focused. Raya Heritage makes sense for couples and design-led stays, especially when direct or benefits-bearing booking channels add value; city-center travelers should compare 137 Pillars House, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel first.

Samode Palace
Samode, India
Samode Palace is worth booking for a slower Rajasthan palace stay where atmosphere and service rhythm matter more than city convenience. Cross-shop Jaipur hotels if the trip depends on meetings, dining variety, or loyalty benefits; choose this if the hotel itself is the point.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Book The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi for a polished Saadiyat beach stay with a major luxury-hotel framework behind it. It makes more sense for resort-focused couples and families than for business-heavy trips, where Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is the cleaner alternative.

Our Habitas Alula
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Our Habitas Alula is the right AlUla choice for a special-occasion desert stay where setting matters more than chain-loyalty mechanics. Its Ashar Valley location and luxury-hotel recognition make it a strong pick for couples, while business travelers should choose it only when the trip is built around AlUla rather than quick access.

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is a strong special-occasion choice if Admiralty access, formal luxury, and major hotel recognition matter. The location is the main value argument; choose The Upper House for a quieter design-led stay, or Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong for a more heritage-heavy Central comparison.

Refugia Chiloé
Chiloé, Chile
Refugia Chiloé is the stronger call for travelers who want Chiloé itself to define the trip, with a quiet island setting rather than a resort-hub feel. Its recognition, including Michelin 2 Keys in 2025, La Liste Top Hotels 2026, and Condé Nast Gold List 2026, makes it a serious hotel choice, but not the obvious pick for points-driven travelers.

Sheldon Chalet
Denali Park, United States
Sheldon Chalet works for a major Alaska celebration where the remote Denali setting is the point of the trip. It is less suitable for travelers prioritizing loyalty points, restaurant choice, or conventional hotel value. Book early and compare the total trip cost against other Alaska wilderness lodges before committing.

Akelarre
San Sebastián, Spain
Akelarre is the right San Sebastián choice when the restaurant is the reason for the stay, not an add-on. Book it for a controlled special-occasion night with serious hospitality recognition; choose a city-center hotel instead if walking access, pintxos flexibility, or family logistics matter more.
Overview
The Condé Nast Gold List 2026 recognizes 73 hotels and resorts across 43 countries and 72 cities. Akelarre in San Sebastián tops this year's selections, followed by Posada Ayana in José Ignacio and Suján Sher Bagh in Ranthambhore. The list underwent a complete refresh from 2025, with all 73 properties appearing as new entrants while 50 previous selections dropped out.
This edition represents a wholesale shift in Condé Nast's hotel selections, with zero properties retained from the previous year's Gold List. The 2026 roster spans from Mount Gahinga Lodge in Uganda to Wickaninnish Inn in coastal Canada, covering 43 different countries. Notable geographic inclusions range from established luxury markets like St. Moritz (Badrutt's Palace Hotel) and Hong Kong (Island Shangri-La) to more remote destinations including Australia's Durack region (El Questro Homestead) and Mexico's Isla Holbox (Ser Casasandra). Spain claims two spots in the top 10 with Akelarre and Grand Hotel Son Net. The previous year's leader, The Lodge at Bodega Bay, did not return.
The Condé Nast Gold List for 2026 includes 73 properties spanning 43 countries; and it's an entirely new lineup. Every single hotel is a fresh addition compared to last year's selections, which saw 50 properties drop off. Akelarre in San Sebastián leads the rankings, replacing The Lodge at Bodega Bay from 2025. The geographic spread runs from Uganda's gorilla country to remote Australian ranches, with representation across 72 cities. If you're tracking Condé Nast's evolving standards, this year marks a notable departure from previous picks.
Quick Facts
- Total Properties
- 73 hotels
- Countries Represented
- 43
- Cities Covered
- 72
- Top-Ranked Property
- Akelarre (San Sebastián)
- New Entrants
- 73 (100% turnover)
- Properties Retained
- 0 from 2025
- Properties Dropped
- 50 from 2025
About This Edition
The 2026 Gold List differs fundamentally from its predecessor: none of the previous year's hotels made the cut. This complete turnover brought 73 new properties into the fold while dropping all 50 from 2025, including previously recognized names like The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad and Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Geographically, the list favors diversity over concentration. Spain appears twice in the top 10 (Akelarre in San Sebastián, Grand Hotel Son Net in Mallorca), but most countries claim single entries. The selections range from established luxury destinations; St. Moritz's Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Hong Kong's Island Shangri-La; to less-covered territories including José Ignacio, Uruguay (Posada Ayana) and Kisoro, Uganda (Mount Gahinga Lodge). This year's top pick, Akelarre, represents a shift from the California coast (where The Lodge at Bodega Bay led in 2025) to Spain's Basque Country. Other top-tier selections include wilderness-focused properties like Suján Sher Bagh near India's Ranthambhore National Park and El Questro Homestead in Australia's remote Kimberley region. The roster of 72 cities across 43 countries suggests Condé Nast prioritized geographic breadth in this edition's curation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hotels are on the Condé Nast Gold List 2026?
What is the top hotel on the Condé Nast Gold List 2026?
How many properties from the 2025 Gold List returned in 2026?
Which countries appear most frequently in the top 10?
What types of properties made the 2026 Gold List?
How many of these have you visited?
Find out on Pearl and keep score across every place in Conde Nast Gold List 2026.
