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The Hotel List: Part One

I was asked recently how we pick and prioritize our travel destinations, and my answer was: from a very, very long wishlist. I have a travel list that is sadly probably inexhaustible and am adding to it all the time. There are so many destinations I’d like to go in the world, and as a hotel fan, so many places I would like to stay. Here I’d like to share some of the top hotels on my “list” – there’s a lot, so look for more parts in the future!

1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

Oberoi Udaivilas

Can you believe that places like this exist in the world…and that you can actually stay in them? India has been on my list for years as a country that I really need to explore properly…I think I would need at least two weeks if not more. There are so many places and experiences I’d like to try…and a stay at Udaivilas is at the top of my list. It looks almost unreal. Just look at those beautiful lakes..and the amazing architecture.

2. Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy

Le Sirenuse

Le Sirenuse 2

Taking a month off and spending it driving all around Italy is on my ultimate wish list. And any trip to the Amalfi Coast would definitely require a stop at Le Sirenuse. Simply breathtaking inside and out. This is one of those hotels that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a European Woody Allen movie.

3. Amangiri, Grand Canyon, Utah

Amangiri FF

Unlike Le Sirenuse, which borders an ocean, there’s no water to be found around the perimeter of Amangiri (except for the man made pool of course), as it’s in the middle of the Utah desert. The location is stunning and uniquely American. I really have no excuse for not having made it here yet since it’s quite close to us – except for that getting to Amangiri isn’t so easy (either regional flights and/or a long drive from Las Vegas, please don’t write and suggest a private plane..that’s just gloating).

4. ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden 

icehotel

icehotel 2

Out of the four on my list today, ICEHOTEL is probably the one I will most easily be able to get Mr. Feather on board with, since there’s obviously some skiing nearby. How cool does this place look? You can go dog sledding…and gaze at the Northern Lights. Give me some furs and I can live out my fleeting kind-of-dream of being Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Not sure if I would want to stay more than a few nights, though.

What are some of the all time top hotels and resorts on your “dream list”? And if you enjoyed this list, please let me know – I have many more I can share in the future!

 

15 Comments

  • Reply
    Jennipher
    June 18, 2014 at 8:40 am

    I love this post! You just inspired me to create a pinterest board of my travel wishlist so I can easily keep track (and give hubs hints!!). We crossed a big one off my wishlist last year, with a stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo. One I have not yet visited, but really hope to soon is Las Ventanas in Cabo. We usually stay down the road at Esperanza and have had many great meals at LV, but have not actually stayed there yet. Hopefully soon!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 18, 2014 at 8:59 am

      I think the MO has the best food in Tokyo! You stayed at a great place. Please let me know hwo you like Las Ventanas, I heard it has changed a lot (And even better).

  • Reply
    guest
    June 19, 2014 at 8:19 am

    The Icehotel is amazing – it may be roughing it for you a bit but the glass igloos at Kaksauttanen are also something else. Tops on my list – an underwater hotel! I’d also like to stay in one of those glass bottom over water bungalows somewhere amazing.

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    June 19, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Great list! I’ve been to the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra (next to the Taj Mahal) and despite the terrible pollution in Agra it is one of my favorite hotels in the world. Oberois are generally gorgeous and all of them are on my list.
    Le Sirenuse is also incredible as is Il San Pietro in Positano. Le Sirenuse even has its own wonderful fragrance line!
    I am a hotel junkie too and recommend Hotel de Russie in Rome, Chateau Domaine St. Martin and Chevre d’Or in the south of France, the MO in Singapore, Amankila in Bali, the St. James in Paris, the list goes on and on…
    On my wish list: Icehotel for sure, Villa d’Este, any Aman I haven’t already been to 😉

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 19, 2014 at 9:13 am

      Elizabeth I so envy you that you have been to Amarvilas in Agra AND Sirenuse/San Pietro! Not to mention everything else you recommend 🙂 A famous chef actually told me that Amarvilas Agra is the best hotel in the world he has ever been to and he recommends it to everyone.

      My only comment is Villa d’Este which I think you might be a little disappointed in after seeing all the amazing hotels you already stay in. It was nice but a little too “overdone stuffy” and also filled with tourists which was very distracting! This was years and years ago though so maybe it has changed!

  • Reply
    Maria
    June 19, 2014 at 10:25 am

    India is on my bucket list and that hotel looks unreal. Thank you.

    Amalfi/Capri is my favorite place on earth. Le Sirenuse is lovely and in the middle of town – thus very well located – but my vote (and my heart) goes to Il San Pietro! I never had the incredible good fortune to stay there but have eaten at the restaurant. It is pure magic. Words can not describe this hotel. The only disadvantage is that it’s “around the bend” from the main part of town – not central like LS – but that can be considered an advantage to some.

    Ice hotel…..yikes! I get cold looking at it….. lol

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 19, 2014 at 4:52 pm

      Wow two votes for Il San Pietro! I have to admit part of the appeal of Le Sirenuse is the mermaid room key, LOL. I always find room keys in different shapes charming (which is also why I liked Amankila – it was a fish! But I may have to try both if I am ever in the area…or at least a meal like you did.

  • Reply
    Shahrul
    June 20, 2014 at 2:26 am

    I love all your selection except for the IceHotel (it looks dark and I am claustrophobic)
    Allow me to add a suggestion here: The Bulgari Hotel in Bali and Four Seasons Safari in Serengeti.

    PS: I just discovered your blog upon googling on the subject of ‘Charvet’. Been reading so many of your amazing posts for the past few hours, long story short your blog is now bookmarked in my browser 😉

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 20, 2014 at 9:33 am

      Hi Shahrul so glad you like the post! I’d love to do a safari in Serengeti too, the FS looks amazing!

  • Reply
    Friday Things | Cake & Lilies
    June 20, 2014 at 4:04 am

    […] The traveler in me (as seen here and in my hotel series) loves Katherine’s first list of hotels around the world that she hopes to visit. I love how she includes places from a variety of […]

  • Reply
    Lara
    June 20, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    I love love love Positano!!! We stayed in a different hotel, but had drinks at Le Sirenuse and what a beautiful hotel!! Great views. My dream is to return and stay there!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 21, 2014 at 12:25 pm

      We share the same dream 🙂

  • Reply
    Annessa @ Seeking Sunshine
    June 23, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    These are so incredible, they don’t even look real! The ice hotel may be a little too cold for me though…

  • Reply
    The Hotel List: Part Two » Feather Factor
    July 16, 2014 at 8:20 am

    […] month, I shared some of the hotels and resorts on my “dream” list – the places where I’d love to stay, all around the […]

  • Reply
    Friday Things
    August 26, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    […] The traveler in me (as seen here and in my hotel series) loves Katherine’s first list of hotels around the world that she hopes to visit. I love how she includes places from a variety of […]

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