What makes the list so influential is its ability to capture shifts in the way people travel. It highlights places that move beyond traditional ideas of five-star stays, focusing instead on hotels that feel distinctive, immersive and rooted in their surroundings. Whether that’s a restored historic building given a new lease of life, a bold architectural statement in an unexpected location or a remote retreat designed to slow everything down, each selection reflects a broader evolution in hospitality.
Across continents, these hotels share a common thread: a strong sense of identity. Some celebrate local heritage through architecture and craft, others push the boundaries of contemporary design, while many blur the line between accommodation and cultural experience. The result is a collection of stays that feel as memorable as the destinations themselves.
From carefully restored heritage revivals to striking, design-led escapes, these are a few of our current favourites. Places that don’t just offer a bed for the night, but a reason to travel in the first place.
Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
A legendary name, reimagined
Bringing the romance of Orient Express into the hear of Rome, Orient Express La Minerva blends historic grandeur with contemporary refinement. Expect marble, heritage details and a sense of old world glamour – redefined for now.
Six Senses London
Wellness meets heritage
Bringing its signature ethos to the UK, Six Senses London pairs biophilic design with a strong focus on wellbeing. Expect a destination spa, thoughtful sustainability and a slower pace right in the middle of the city.
Aman Nai Lert, Bangkok
Urban Sanctuary, Aman style
Set within the lush Nai Lert park, Aman Mai Lert Bangkok offers a rare sense of calm in the Thai capital. Minimalistic design, expansive space and that signature Aman serenity.
One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana
Mountain luxury, redefined
A new kind of winderness escape, One&only Moonlight Basin blends alpine adventure with ultra luxury living. Think ski-in, ski-out access, vast landscapes and interiors that bring the outside in.
andBeyond Suyian Lodge, Kenya
A new kind of safari
Set within a private conservancy in northern Kenya, andByeond Suyian Lodge reimagines the safari experience with a light, more design-led approach. It’s immersive, intimate and deeply connected to the landscape where wildlife, culture and conservation all play a role.
Salter, Turks & Caicos
Barefoot luxury, elevated
Set on the untouched shores of South Caicos, Salter delivers that castaway feeling with a polished, modern edge. Turquoise water, soft sand and total escapism.
Why the Hot List matters
The Condé Nast Traveller Hot List isn’t just about where to stay – it’s a snapshot of how travel itself is changing. It reflects a shift toward journeys that feel considered rather than convenient, where every detail has purpose. Hotels are no longer just places to sleep, but carefully designed spaces that shape the entire experience, from architecture and interiors to the stories they tell about their surroundings. Increasingly, travel is becoming more immersive and personal with a focus on meaningful moments, cultural connection and a sense of place. It’s less about ticking destinations off a list and more about how those places make you feel.
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