Hotels: the admirable 7-star destinations to daydream about

There are several reasons why guests, journalists, and industry professionals attribute seven stars to a hotel, even though it is known that the maximum rating a facility of this kind can achieve is officially five stars. Since the opening of the famous Burj Al Arab, the term “seven stars” has been gaining significance. This unofficial designation distinguishes the ‘ordinary’ five-star hotels that offer services, experiences, accommodations, comfort, and design never seen before. The most luxurious, the most excessive finds its place here, in this highly starred selection.

We have read a lot about the subject, and the truth is that, officially or not, the formal classification of a hotel depends on specific and cross-cutting criteria, many of which are included in organizations such as the European Hotelstars Union (HSU), which establishes and verifies standards. Is five stars the top? Probably, and formally, yes. But, in what matters, which is the experience of the stay, this classification can be more liberal and versatile. The respected newspaper The Guardian, however, does not adhere to these formalities and reports the intention to build a seven-star hotel in Iraq. And it writes: “More than five stars? Do these hotels exist? Actually, yes. And the Iraqis will have to offer much more than luxurious suites, conference rooms, business centers, and a golf course if they seriously want us to believe that they have an advantage over the two seven-star hotels in the world – located, by chance, in the neighboring emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi”. The newspaper here refers to one of our chosen ones, the Burj Al Arab, in Dubai, with its sail shape, which “features butler service in all suites, an underwater seafood restaurant reached after a simulated three-minute submarine ride, fire-spewing volcanoes, and leopard-patterned furniture”.

Now, if hotel classifications operate on a scale of one to five, what gives these facilities the authority to add two more stars? The largest resort hotels, the most luxurious and excessive, the most expensive, sumptuous, and extravagant, those that reach a level of luxury only imaginable, those that offer personalized experiences and cater to all tastes and demands will be ‘our’ seven stars.

Burj al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

The most luxurious hotel in the world, considered an architectural gem, with its sail-like shape piercing the sky, is already a symbol of Dubai and was designed to meet all the demands of the most exclusive clientele. The hotel, which reflects the past and future of the emirate, as well as its ambition to become one of the most dynamic and culturally diverse cities in the world, is exclusively composed of suites (199), accompanied by a total of nine bars and restaurants, and not only defies the norms of hotel design but redefines the meaning of luxury hospitality – in Dubai and worldwide. Considered one of the most photographed superstructures of all time and the jewel in the crown of Dubai, here, all individual experiences are memorable. And possible!

Several celebrities have accomplished incredible feats on the iconic helipad of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, which rises 212 meters above the Persian Gulf. Tiger Woods showed his swing in 2004, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer exchanged some balls on an improvised tennis court in 2005, kite surfer Nick Jacobsen achieved a world first by launching from that helipad in March 2017, in the same year, heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua faced boxing star Seb Eubanks in a specially created ring, and in 2021, DJ David Guetta raised funds to support UNICEF’s Education Uninterrupted campaign Dubai Cares, from that attraction point.

In addition to exceeding all guest expectations by creating individual experiences – ranging from Michelin-starred chefs to teams of talented florists and private butlers -, BAA recently introduced electronic butler service, allowing hotel guests to enjoy personalized service managed from their smartphone, anywhere, anytime.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah also holds an impressive number of records: it is the hotel with the highest suites in the world, held the most expensive cocktail in 2008 (a drink estimated at around €6,000), and created the world’s largest tin of caviar in 2016 (17 kg of Empress, the only certified organic caviar in the world made from endemic sturgeon). Added to this is the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), administered in collaboration with the Dubai Wildlife Authority, created for the preservation of sick and injured sea turtles, being the only one of its kind in the Middle East and the Dead Sea region currently in operation.

Inside, continuing the list of curiosities, Burj al Arab Jumeirah brings together over 24,000 m2 of Statuario marble, seen in 30 different styles, applied to walls and floors – the same marble used by Michelangelo to create some of his most famous sculptures, including the statue of David; upon arrival, guests receive rose water, refreshing cold towels, dates, and authentic Arabian coffee; duvets are made of handpicked feathers from Iceland, and all pillows and cushions are from Mühldorfer, a renowned specialized German manufacturer; part of the interior decoration is gilded with 24-carat gold; the building houses the world’s largest Swarovski crystal ceiling, adorned with 21,000 crystals representing the Milky Way; the florist team takes about eight hours to create the floral decoration in the lobby, using species from the Netherlands, Kenya, South Africa, and Thailand – and each suite always has custom-made bouquets for each type of client; all cars used for transfers and trips within the emirate are Rolls-Royce; all suites have 49-inch plasma screens in the bedroom and dining room, as well as another 55-inch screen in the living room and a Chromecast device that allows guests to watch their favorite movies and shows on Netflix and YouTube.

The building project, now celebrating 24 years, was conceived by architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins, designed to resemble a sail inflated by the wind and is supported by 250 pillars submerged 45 meters into the seabed since it is built on an artificial island covering a gross area of 112,000 m2. Construction of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah began in 1994 and involved 3,000 companies and contractors, 250 designers from the UK, USA, and Dubai, and 3,500 workers.

Como Laucala Island, Fiji

Como Laucala Island is a very special resort on a private island in the Cakaudrove province, on the northern side of Fiji – one of the largest in the world set on private islands, with only 25 villas -, and an extraordinary natural paradise. Here, the idea of luxury has another interpretation, rebalancing the notion of time and space. The villas are like private houses, each with its own world: suspended over the water, on top of hills, embraced by the rainforest, and always a short distance from the sea. Each one has an elegant lounge, private pool, spacious deck, and outdoor bathroom, and its impressive interiors are inspired by Fiji and the tropical landscaping of the South Pacific. The Plantation Residences are located on their own stretches of white sand beach, with spacious open-plan living areas and spectacular views of the sea; the Plateau Residences are nestled atop a hill whose tropical architecture blurs the boundary between homes and lush vegetation; the Seagrass Residences are embraced by lush vegetation, with wood and rock finishes that connect indoor spaces to the bay coastline.

Surrounded by the blue waters of Melanesia and lush vegetation, Como Laucala Island offers a variety of activities rarely found on a single island. There are three marked hiking trails, which can be walked with or without a guide, and spectacular waterfalls for those who prefer to venture into the forest. At the resort, all menus focus on health, wellness, and sustainability, and everything cooked comes from island-sourced ingredients. The tasting menu at Plantation House restaurant – which emphasizes wine pairings as an important part of the experience – changes every day, and at Seagrass, you can taste local fish, from tuna tartare to fried squid with green mango, cashews, and spicy lemon sauce – in this restaurant, sashimi, sushi, and tartars in ice bowls are particularly popular.

For those seeking moments of well-being, Como Laucala Island offers a menu of Como Shambhala therapies, which include everything from comprehensive body care with body scrub, bath, and the exclusive Como Shambhala massage to a couples’ steam bath with Sugar Crystal body scrub and volcanic mud wrap.

Hotel de L’Europe, Amsterdam

It is part of the list of the five favorite hotels of Travel + Leisure readers in 2023 and is located in Amsterdam. Not only has this hotel received many famous guests over the years, including royalty, celebrities, and politicians – being considered by many as the most luxurious in the world -, but it recently launched a package costing 1.25 million euros and includes a two-night stay for up to 212 guests. This package includes several experiences, including the opportunity to create a custom-made Salle Privée fragrance and an invitation from renowned fashion designer Danie Bles to a lunch and workshop for up to ten guests, resulting in a high-quality vintage fashion piece to take home. More? This luxury package also includes a collection of original artworks from The Ravestijn Gallery, a tulip ring from Bibi van der Velden that has been exhibited at the Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam, and several other gifts. This unique stay can be booked on the hotel’s website.

Since its opening 125 years ago, Hotel de L’Europe has evolved from an exclusive hotel in the heart of Amsterdam into a guardian of local culture and craftsmanship. The hotel is now considered one of the cultural landmarks of the Dutch city, a sophisticated guide to the arts, and the most exclusive gateway to the world of luxury and comfort.

Among the various rooms and suites, the Signature Suites stand out as the quintessential example of sophistication, indulgence, and style in that city. The Royal Penthouse suite totals 220 m2 and has exceptional views of the river and the urban landscape, enjoyed from the private terrace. The Presidential Loft suite, with its impressive floor-to-ceiling bay window, sprawls over 160 m2 of natural light and offers a special view, including that of the famous National Opera & Ballet theater. The open-plan living room offers more than enough space for entertainment and a comfortable stay, with the powder room and closet separated from the bathroom for added privacy. Last but not least, Hotel de L’Europe includes three of Amsterdam’s best restaurants – Flore, Brasserie Marie, and Trattoria Graziella – and the charming men’s exclusive bar, Freddy’s bar. At Flore, the fine-dining experience justifies the two Michelin stars, where chef Bas van Kranen practices his culinary adventures, attentive to the best of local produce, without deviating from sustainability concerns, earning him a green star (Michelin). In Brasserie Marie, named after Gerard Heineken’s wife, a strong and independent woman passionate about the Côte d’Azur, French cuisine is tasted in a casual yet chic atmosphere, with seating inside or sur l’eau, on the terrace overlooking the Amstel River. The elegant Trattoria Graziella is known for serving Italian dishes inspired by the pastel settings of Wes Anderson and is the preferred place to be with friends and family and watch the chefs prepare the dishes, using only the best seasonal ingredients, complemented by exclusive wines, all in a jovial atmosphere.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris

It is considered the haute-couture hotel of Paris, true to the extraordinary city that welcomes it, at a prestigious address, Avenue Montaigne, and is part of the Dorchester Collection’s exclusive accommodations – a group known for bringing together a range of hotels where people and places are special. Proudly located on Paris’s famous high-fashion avenue, surrounded by some of the world’s most luxurious fashion brands, Hôtel Plaza Athénée was designed by Charles Lefebvre and officially opened its doors on April 20, 1913. Its history is inseparable from that of the neighboring building, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, which opened just a few weeks after the hotel.

Plaza Athénée has a total of 154 rooms and 54 suites, five restaurants and a bar, in addition to the Dior Spa Plaza Athénée. Its Signature Suites include the L’appartement, the Terrace Duplex suite, the Eiffel suite, the Signature Eiffel suite, the Haute Couture Eiffel suite, and the Royal suite, and each one, like the rooms, excels in luxury interiors. We highlight the Haute Couture Eiffel for its classic and timeless French palace atmosphere, composed of a living room, bedroom, closet, and bath, immersing you in a splendorous atmosphere, visible in the silver leaf details.

For those seeking moments of well-being, the hotel houses the Dior Spa, a must-visit in the city, whose philosophy is based on global rejuvenation. Upon entering, here too the feeling is one of diving into a luxurious retreat, which elevates well-being to new levels. All experiences are exclusive and personalized, with the Dior Light suite standing out, the first of its kind housed in a hotel of this category in Paris and perhaps the Plaza Athénée’s best-kept secret.

Ananda in the Himalayas

Known for its spa and its own signature line of face and body care, Ananda is more than just the world’s best wellness retreat; it is a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a tradition. This award-winning luxury destination, located at the foot of the Himalayas on the Maharaja’s Palace estate, is surrounded by the impressive Sal forests, overlooking the spiritual city of Rishikesh and the Ganges River valley. At Ananda, traditional Ayurveda, yoga meditation, and Vedanta are integrated with Eastern and international wellness therapies and healthy cuisine to restore balance and harmony.

In a delicate blend of elegance and serenity, the rooms, suites, and villas of Ananda offer a stay of spirituality, comfort, and opulence. The vast expanse of the palace property encloses the spirit and fresh mountain air, as well as silence, which together intensify the feeling of extraordinary well-being, enveloped in supreme luxury. The 70 rooms with private balconies and panoramic views of the palace or the Ganges River valley and the three Garden Suites, with attached living rooms and private gardens, are joined by the three villas, all displaying rich decoration, with antique furniture and accessories.

In respect for the values of traditional cuisine, Ananda’s chefs add and explore new perspectives in modern gastronomy, with an emphasis on light and healthy meals. All selected menus are tailored to each guest, based on their specific wellness programs and needs. Fresh ingredients, locally sourced, herbs grown in Ananda’s garden, and prepared without additives enhance the gastronomic experience.

Ananda’s exclusive restaurant, built in a forest of ancient Sal trees, with a yantra decoration, offers the best Indian, Asian, and international cuisines. The restaurant also includes a tree-top deck for intimate outdoor dining experiences. The Tea Lounge, in the Restaurant Pavilion, is the ideal place to spend a royal afternoon with tea and light snacks.

In addition to the pool, picnics on the lawn, and private dinners, Ananda offers various experiences, including a safari in Rajaji National Park to see Asian wild elephants, boars, deer, and leopards – the park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 species native to the Himalayas. Exploring the foothills of the Himalayas on foot with a personal guide, in Ranichauri, Kashmouli, or Kunjapuri, rafting on the Ganges River, or hiking and exploring natural trails and enjoying contact with abundant flora and fauna, as well as deep meditation experiences in Nature, are always recommended.

Principe di Savoia, Milan

The epitome of impeccable hospitality and emblem of true Italian charm. The exceptional service standards make Hotel Principe di Savoia, a member of the Dorchester Collection group, a landmark of true luxury. In the heart of the Italian fashion and design capital, in Piazza della Repubblica, the neoclassical building has been hosting international travelers and cosmopolitan society since the 1920s. Its central location, within walking distance of Porta Nuova, a neighborhood known for its architectural specimens, galleries, and art studios in the bustling Brera district, is another of its attributes. At Principe di Savoia, all suites excel in the rigor of good Italian design, with the Principe suite standing out, a stunning, luxuriously furnished apartment with grand views, and the Presidential suite, destined for the top floor of the building and the pinnacle of glamour and Milanese symbol of pure excellence. The pièce de résistance? The private pool and spa of this suite. And because being in Milan is also about tasting the best of Italian cuisine, Hotel Principe di Savoia’s Acanto restaurant continues this language of relaxed charm, observed in fine-dining rituals. Here, the subtlety of the chefs, who work the ingredients with innovative culinary techniques, resulting in unmatched quality dishes, is combined. Bathed in natural light during the day, the restaurant’s atmosphere magically transforms at night, when the garden lights up, and the place takes on a more intimate tone.

With one of the most enviable views of Milan, the hotel’s Spa Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center is an invitation to physical exercise and relaxation. Open to all guests and members of the Milanese, the spa includes face and body care using only luxury brands Sensai, which bases its exclusivity on the properties of precious silk from the ancient Japanese dynasty, and Comfort Zone, and together, beauty and wellness proposals promise to achieve harmony and exceptional results.