
Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts in the world
With an unshakeable credo and corporate philosophy of un-wavering commitment to service, The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most famous brands in the world of luxury travel and has been recognized with countless awards for being the gold standard of hospitality. The first Ritz-Carlton in America — The Ritz-Carlton, Boston — opened in 1927, playing host to jazz great Cole Porter, playwright Tennessee Williams, Winston Churchill and the like in its early Gilded Age days. Bolstered by the reputation of its European big sisters — The Ritz Paris and The Carlton in London, both managed by hotel legend Cesar Ritz — the hotel helped Americans first experience the meaning of luxury and style in travel and dining, and then came to define it. Today, the Ritz-Carlton Company is a subsidiary of the Marriott Hotel Group and operates more than 100 properties across the globe. Here's my selection of the 10 best Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts that most impressed me during all my years of traveling.
There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Ritz-Carlton hotel in the comments section.
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The architecturally renowned Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg is the most elegant hotel in Germany's most prosperous city, which is home to Volkswagen's worldwide headquarters. Adjacent to the Volkswagen factory, the hotel demands that you swot up on pioneering architecture before you arrive. Armed with the right terminology, you'll be primed to describe the style nuances of the hotel's interior designer Elliott Barnes. It will also help keep your mouth closed when you see the hotel's jaw-dropping floating pool. Inspired by an industry that thrives on mobility, this luxury hotel offers 170 stylish guest rooms and exclusive suites, a soothing spa, and award-winning restaurants, including the 3-Star Michelin-rated AQUA, the epitome of modern European dining.


Iconic design, incredible culinary experiences and the sparkling Mediterranean are what draw visitors to Barcelona, Spain. These elements are also what attract discerning travelers to Hotel Arts Barcelona. With famed architect Frank Gehry's iconic fish sculpture – known as Peix in Catalan – anchoring its entrance, the property rises 44 stories above the seafront, making this Barcelona hotel's façade of blue glass and exposed steel a true beacon of luxury. From a contemporary collection of artistic masterpieces to stunning accommodations that include 28 luxury duplex apartments, to award-winning dining, this luxury Barcelona hotel provides guests with unparalleled access to all this vibrant destination has to offer.
- Hotel website: Hotel Arts Barcelona
- Other accolades: Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Barcelona.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel here.


At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, white sand and blue skies converge with the Andaman Sea to reveal one of the most captivating luxury beach resorts in Asia. From your first glance, Phulay Bay elicits a sense of jaw-dropping awe and blissful joy. Designed for discerning travelers from around the world, the 54 villas of this exquisite, eco-friendly Ritz-Carlton Hotel meld seamlessly into their stunning environs while providing incredible indulgences. You'll find spacious verandas with inviting lounges, indoor/outdoor baths, rainforest showers and 24-hour attention to your every whim. Blending the soothing rhythms of the Andaman Sea with extraordinary treatment, the spa leaves you in a blissful state of relaxation. Phulay Bay's restaurants present a culinary voyage inspired by the flavors of the world.
- Hotel website: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).


The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a luxurious, modern hotel inspired by Japan's traditional ryokan, offering expansive views of the Kamogawa River. Creating an experience that seamlessly blends the centuries-old traditions of Kyoto with the finest services and facilities that The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned for, the property truly bring to life the cultural heart of Japan. Minimalist contemporary interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows define 134 accommodations; some suites offer traditional decor, including futons and tatami mats. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at La Locanda, sushi at Mizuki, and signature cocktails at the bar; immerse themselves in local culture with the hotel's customized Kyoto art activities; or get away from it all in the resort's excellent spa center.
- Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
- Other accolades: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Japan.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto here.


Within the sanctuary of Wadi Khadeja, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers the chance to experience romance and relaxation, adventure and natural beauty. Located in a 1,235 acre gated private Nature Reserve, the intimate resorts offers 100 private villas with terraces and pools amongst the natural desert landscape. The resort offers guests the opportunity to enjoy its equestrian center, adventure center, falconry school or alternatively the extensive spa and wellness offerings that include The Rainforest, a rejuvenating hydrothermal experience enhancing mind, body and skin. Additional access to the beach of its sister resort The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach adds a luxurious touch to a traditional Bedouin desert experience.


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