10 Most Exclusive Resorts in the World With Next-level Luxury

By: Elena Tralwyn  | 
These stays go way, way beyond a private beach and complimentary breakfast. L_B_Photography / Shutterstock

Some places are so over-the-top luxurious, they feel like a fantasy. So, it makes sense that the most exclusive resorts in the world offer more than stunning views and soft sheets. They give guests bragging rights to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Whether it’s a plunge pool facing the Indian Ocean or a signature Aman spa treatment, these resorts are in a league of their own. Here's where luxury hits its peak.

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1. North Island, Seychelles

This eco resort on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean has hosted British royalty. Each villa has its own stretch of white sand beach, private plunge pool, and outdoor showers.

The island is reachable via a short 15-minute private helicopter flight from Mahé (with yacht transfers also available), which speaks volumes to its exclusivity.

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2. Benguerra Island Lodge, Mozambique

Located on the coast of Mozambique, this beach resort is part of the &Beyond luxury collection.

Guests stay in thatched-roof villas with plunge pools and views of turquoise waters. Scuba diving, dhow boat rides, and sand dunes are just a few of the on-site experiences.

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3. Hôtel du Couvent, France

Tucked into the hills of Nice, this restored 17th-century convent mixes preserved 17th-century stained glass accents with an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant.

The cold plunge pool and holistic all-inclusive spa packages make it a standout in the luxury travel world.

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4. Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Thailand

Reachable only by private plane, this resort on Koh Kood offers beach villas with high ceilings, private pools, and direct beach access. It’s known for its treetop dining pods, water sports, and eco-friendly design. The three restaurants serve locally sourced meals in a prime spot above the sea.

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5. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos Islands

Amanyara sits in a nature reserve on the Caicos Islands. Its villas come with their own pool, outdoor showers, and ocean views.

The Aman spa, the open-air Bar lounge, and complimentary daily breakfast are just part of the appeal. It's consistently ranked among the best beach resorts in the world.

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6. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

This resort is famous for its dramatic arrival: Guests can paraglide in. Located between rugged cliffs and the sea, the villas feature private sandy garden areas with direct beach access and plunge pools, as well as on-site restaurants.

The resort is a favorite with A-list celebrities, offering guests VIP treatment throughout their stay.

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7. Velaa Private Island, Maldives

This ultra-private island offers villas over crystal clear waters, some with their own slides into the sea. Guests can enjoy water sports, spa treatments, and gourmet meals at three restaurants.

It's an ultra-luxurious private island that seamlessly combines complete privacy, lavish pampering, and a serene, palm-fringed setting.

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8. Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya, Mexico

A short drive from Tulum, this hotel was once a private estate. Now it’s an independent luxury boutique resort, with suites opening directly onto a 500-meter stretch of white-sand Caribbean beach.

High-end touches include plunge pools, a top-tier spa, and a sushi bar helmed by a master chef trained in Tokyo’s revered Edo-mae tradition.

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9. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi

This resort rises from the Liwa Desert like a mirage. Surrounded by endless dunes, it offers camel rides, private plunge pools, and Arabic-style suites with ornate decor. Its remoteness makes it one of the most exclusive resorts in the world.

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10. Angama Mara, Kenya

Perched above Kenya’s Masai Mara, this luxury resort overlooks the Great Rift Valley. Guests can go on safari by day and relax in tented suites with floor-to-ceiling glass walls by night. It’s a prime location for first visits to Africa and seasoned travelers alike.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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