The Best Resorts in the World: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

The best resorts in the world, from Bali to Brazil, according to our readers.Steve TurveyTrends come and go, but here at Condé Nast Traveler, one thing never changes: your insatiable appetite for seeing the world. This year our readers cast an almighty 798,867 votes in our 39th Readers’ Choice Awards to tell us about the planet’s best travel experiences: You fell hard for palace hotels in Morocco, cruised down the Amazon, and got swept up in New York City’s exhilarating energy. Now, read on to find out where your favorites fall among the winners—and get inspired for where to go next, whether it's to a top-rated hotel or resort, or centered around a worthy cruise, spa, or island. These are the best resorts in the world as voted by you, our readers.View the Readers' Choice Award winners for best hotels in the world here.50. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort — St. LuciaDescending a steep hillside into a 100-acre estate is a momentous entrance anywhere, let alone one stretched out between the iconic peaks of Petit and Gros Piton, after a winding journey up and up and up the mountainside. It’s worth the climb. In bouncy Soufrière, the resort’s 130 bright white villas gleam between the thick foliage and fan out over the hillsides until they reach Saint Lucia’s prettiest white sand beach. Between the chocolate, the cocktails, the sunsets, and the salt in your hair, a stay here is a full sensory experience, which continues in the evenings as the Whistling Frogs’ calls ring out into the balmy night, echoing across the mountaintops.Read Full Review49. Montage Laguna BeachMontage Laguna Beach is a polished, residential-style resort set on 30 oceanfront acres along one of Southern California’s most scenic stretches of coastline. Opened in 2003 as the brand’s flagship, the hotel continues to deliver consistent high-level service, a strong food and beverage program, and a true sense of privacy despite its size. Every one of the 263 rooms has an ocean view and outdoor space, and the property's layout, from the cliffside paths, tiered lawns, and access to Treasure Island Beach, makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. Guests skew toward special-occasion travelers, West Coast couples, families, and loyal Montage regulars who return year after year. Highlights include the 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage, the renovated Mosaic Pool, direct beach access, and the return of Studio Mediterranean, the resort’s stellar fine-dining venue. While there’s no tennis or golf on-site, the concierge can arrange access at a nearby club. Overall, the Montage remains one of Southern California’s most resplendent luxury getaways.Read Full Review48. Anantara The Palm Dubai ResortOpened on the Palm Jumeirah in 2014, Anantara Dubai is home to the Emirates' first overwater villas. With a predominantly Thai staff and Thai-inspired architecture and design, it stays true to the hospitality brand's roots—having been founded in Thailand—while still feeling thoroughly Dubai. Be sure to raise a glass at sunset at Lotus Bar, have a private dining experience on the private jetty and book an Arabian pearl facial to round off your sea-inspired stay.Read Full Review47. Peter Island Resort — British Virgin IslandsFrom the moment the resort’s yacht glides into the serene waters of Yacht Harbor in Sprat Bay, the transition from passenger to prized guest is practically instantaneous. Peter Island is the largest private island in the British Virgin Islands, yet the resort has managed to capture an utterly intimate vibe. In 2017, Hurricane Irma tragically destroyed homes and upended lives throughout the Virgin Islands. The resort strives to be as sustainable as possible; it has a reverse osmosis water purification plant and two wind turbines that can generate up to 75% of the island's power. And yet Peter Island still doesn't mess with what works, and leans into a familial flavor of hospitality that feels like you’re at your favorite aunt and uncle’s for the holidays.Read Full Review46. Hôtel Royal Evian — FranceBuilt in 1909, Hôtel Royal’s palatial design was inspired by the glamour and luxury of turn-of-the-century spa resorts. Featuring vaulted salons, mosaic ceilings, and large, light-filled public rooms, it is dwarfed only by the lapping waters of Lake Geneva and the towering French Alps that surround it. Guests can choose from 150 fully renovated rooms and suites that perfectly marry early-20th-century grandeur with contemporary design, featuring elements of restored precious woods, Carrara marble, and fabrics that are meticulously selected for their plushness and elegance. When it comes to onsite dining, you can’t talk about Hôtel Royal without also mentioning Les Fresques, the Michelin-starred on-site restaurant headed by Chef Patrice Vander. Expect a white-glove experience with thoughtful, immaculately plated dishes all while dining under a ceiling of ornate blue and gold frescoes. And the cherry on top? The outstanding service. The team takes their time with every detail, the presentation and professionalism never forgotten. You’re at a palace after all, so expect the royal treatment.Read Full Review45. Cheval Blanc St-BarthOver the past two years, the Caribbean island of St. Barts has bounced back from Hurricane Irma, but the recovery required much more than a coat of fresh white paint on the verandas. Take the former Isle de France, now Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, part of LVMH’s Cheval Blanc stable and always the essence of St. Barts, for example. Part of its post-Irma upgrade was the acquisition of the hotel next door, Hotel Taïwana, so the property now sprawls along Flamands Beach with oceanfront and garden rooms as well as penthouse-style suites, all fashioned by the careful hands of French designer Jacques Grange in linen and teak, blush-pink and ikat. This re-imagination is a masterpiece in scene setting that you won’t find anywhere else beyond the beaches of the French Riviera.Read Full Review44. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel — BermudaHamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club has stood in the City of Hamilton since 1885, the year after Queen Victoria’s daughter Louise, for whom the hotel is named, visited Bermuda. From the street, this stately structure is hard to miss. For starters, it’s bright pink, a rose-colored hue that led locals to deem it the “Pink Palace” when it was first built. These days it’s simply called "the Princess"—once inside you’ll see her crown jewels sparkle. The Princess is located in the heart of Hamilton, a five-minute walk to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Thanks to its glittering new makeover, it’s also attracting an entirely new demographic: babymooners seeking a vacation, middle-aged couples, and families—that new pool and beach club are great spots to let the kiddos blow off some steam.Read Full Review43. Grand Hotel— Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel calls itself America's Summer Place, and after a weekend there I know why. Built in 1887 and perched on Mackinac Island—a car-free spot in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas—guests can get around by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. The property runs on color, history, and nostalgia with a bold and eclectic design; the programming leans family-friendly and multigenerational. Days are for biking the 8.2-mile loop around the island, taking a dip in the lake, and tasting fudge downtown. Evenings bring drinks on the world's longest covered deck, dinner in the grand Dining Room, and nighttime dancing to the resort's orchestra. This isn't the place for sleek, modern luxury, but if you lean into the fantasy of a classic American summer, it delivers a weekend that feels like summer camp for all ages.Read Full Review42. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande LakesThe towering JW Marriott Orlando sits on 500 acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Step through the grand, marble-tiled lobby to the outdoor patio and relax with a glass of wine by the firepit. Rooms are spacious and serene, with neutral decor and pastel highlights. Business travelers will appreciate the large desk and ergonomic chair; the pillowtop mattress and superb bedding guarantee an excellent night’s sleep. The JW Marriott also happens to have one of the best hotel pools in Orlando; float past waterfalls and under bridges on the lazy river, or take a dip in one of the many onsite pools. Lounge chairs and shade umbrellas are plentiful.Read Full Review41. Rosewood BermudaRosewood Bermuda is an exclusive, 240-acre private paradise nestled in an upscale residential enclave overlooking the turquoise water of Castle Harbour. Perfectly tailored for couples and multi-generational families, the estate seamlessly pairs timeless British country-club charm with premier amenities, including a lush golf course and the island’s largest private pink-sand beach. Its 88 rooms and suites are the largest on the island, featuring crisp Italian linens, spa-like bathrooms, and private balconies that capture sweeping ocean views and the soothing sounds of local nature—no crowds here. Throughout the property, top-tier service defines the experience, beginning the moment guests are welcomed with a signature dark 'n stormy and local rum cake.Read Full Review40. Six Senses Zighy Bay — OmanAs we approach Six Senses Zighy Bay, tarmac gives way to rock-peppered dust tracks lined with sidr trees, beneath which roaming mountain goats shelter from the harsh midday sun. We wind through the mountains until the horseshoe of Oman's Zighy Bay comes into sight below. Before the resort opened in 2008, this stretch of sand lay all but untouched, a secret kept for the local families from tiny Zighy village, tucked into the far corner of the bay, and the fishermen who sailed these waters. The resort’s 82 charmingly rustic villas, built with thick stone walls and topped with roofs made from tightly strung palm fronds, are designed to mimic the homes in a traditional Omani village. Sustainability is at the core of what Six Senses Zighy Bay is about, and the infrastructure is truly impressive—from the onsite desalination plant to the nearby farm that provides fresh produce, cheese, and milk. Don’t miss a trip on one of the resort’s three private boats to explore the surrounding coves. It’s the best way to truly understand the remoteness of Zighy Bay and take in the dramatic landscapes. Don’t be surprised if you spot a pod of dolphins (when the season is right) or, in our case, a group of friendly eagle rays.Read Full Review39. San Ysidro Ranch — Santa BarbaraIt might seem like a miss to go to Santa Barbara and not stay close to the shore, but the moment you make the turn inland onto San Ysidro Road, you realize that being here isn’t about visiting Santa Barbara; it’s about visiting the ranch. Just 38 cottages, each with their own unique layout, decor, and view, are spread out over 550 acres, but rather than being scattered, they form a ring within the property. At the resort’s center is a collection of gardens as well as a rectangular- pool that overlooks the canyon. Some of the curated finds you’ll see throughout are museum-quality art, antiques sourced from billionaire owner Ty Warner’s world travels, and handmade wallpapers (even on the ceilings of the showers). But San Ysidro Ranch isn’t your typical hotel—as its history of having legendary guests like Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, who honeymooned here, or John Huston, who finished writing the screenplay for The African Queen on the property, can attest. And the ranch continues its legacy as a celebrity refuge, as modern-day A-listers use this tucked-away spot to truly hide out and escape—which is what you should do too.Read Full Review38. Inn at Perry Cabin — MarylandJust a short walk from downtown St. Michaels, the Inn at Perry Cabin is surrounded by the historic charm and natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. The neighborhood is a combination of small-town locals and suave guests summering in the East Coast gem. The Inn at Perry Cabin itself is a dreamy waterfront retreat—any stress from the real world simply melts away when you arrive at this serene collection of 30 suites and 48 guest rooms. Everything is nautical, from the diverse fleet out back (including a 1902 skipjack, Stanley Norman, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) to the historical decor. The main restaurant, STARS, is an elegant, waterfront eatery that overlooks the docks with the Inn’s fleet. The guests are linen-wearing couples enjoying a break from daily life to indulge in the golf course, tennis courts, and waterfront views of the Inn. Those who aren’t on a romantic getaway are likely part of some sort of celebration—birthdays, babymoons, anniversaries, engagements, and weddings are all frequently hosted on the property. In fact, the hotel serves as the backdrop for the wedding reception in the 2005 movie Wedding Crashers.Read Full Review37. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos PedregalWaldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is one of Cabo’s most elevated stays. Carved directly into the cliffs and accessed through a private tunnel that instantly makes everything outside feel far away, every room, suite, casita, and villa comes with its own private plunge pool and unobstructed Pacific views. The vibes skew romantic and very grown-up: honeymooners, babymooners, couples celebrating something, wellness-minded travelers, and anyone who treats privacy like a luxury in itself. Food is a major standout here. Don Manuel’s delivers authentic Baja fine dining; El Farallon is the hotel's romantic cliffside dining experience you’ll be thinking about for years, and the Agave Study dives deep into Mexico’s finest tequilas and mezcals. Service is out of this world thanks to the resort’s dedicated concierge team. Rooted in Mexican healing rituals and moon-phase treatments, the spa is a sanctuary in its own right. You can’t swim in the ocean here, but for couples or travelers craving a private escape with excellent food, killer cocktails, and incredible service, Pedregal is the place for you.Read Full ReviewThis gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.