6 Star Hotels – The Best Luxury Spots
6 star hotels? We’ve got the lowdown on the most luxurious names in the hotel game!
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If you’re on a quest for the extraordinary, you might wonder about 6 star hotels and even 7 star hotels.
Experience a world where luxury knows no bounds, where every detail is meticulously crafted to transcend the ordinary. Where your experience is unique, luxurious, adventurous, opulent and truly one of a kind!
We’ve been lucky enough to experience some of the world’s best luxury hotels, from Six Senses to Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental to Oberoi and multiple Relais & Châteaux hotels.
Let’s take you on a virtual tour of the planet’s ultimate ultra luxury hotels and resorts and talk about 6 star hotels and 7 star hotels!
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Do 6 star hotels and 7 star hotels exist?
For hotelophiles, lovers of beautiful hotels, the concept of 6 star hotels and 7 star hotels is extremely enticing. A level of luxury most people only dream about.
However, the notion of 6 star hotels and 7 star hotels (or even 10 star hotels) is not officially recognized in the traditional hotel rating systems around the world.
It typically peaks at 5 star or 5 star superior / 5 star plus. We use the latter across The Honeymoon Guide to set apart those truly innovative hotels that signify a location and level of luxury and service that goes beyond the norm.
What sets these hotels apart are their unparalleled features and services. Think of personal butlers, luxury car airport transfers, private island settings, and bespoke experiences.
The design of these hotels is usually architecturally impressive, whether classic or modern, city skyscrapers with cutting-edge innovation, a jungle retreat in the middle of nowhere or an oceanfront haven on the most heavenly beach.
The concept of the 7 star hotel started with the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and when it opened in 1998 it was, and still is, frequently referred to as the world’s first 7-star hotel.
This title, however, is not officially used by the Burj Al Arab and rumour has it that the press dubbed it the world’s first 7 star hotel.
You have to admit, it’s an extremely clever marketing ploy. There is no official body that awards these extra stars.
Yet there are hotels that are undeniably lavish around the world. Helicopter transfers, gold-plated interiors, private butlers, extraordinary dining and concierges who can make anything happen!
The Best Luxury Hotel Brands
For couples seeking ultra luxury aspiring 6 star hotels, there are some divine hotel brands worth checking out.
Aman
Known for their exclusivity, serene luxury and minimalist design across their 34 hotels and resorts, Aman, a hallmark in the world of ultra luxury hotels.
Aman Tokyo, in particular, stands out as a tranquil urban retreat, embodying the Aman spirit in a bustling metropolis. Amangiri in Utah is one of our top picks for couples seeking that 6 star hotel experience.
AndBeyond
&BEYOND specialises in luxury experiential travel, particularly bespoke safari and wilderness experiences.
Their &BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, in wildlife paradise, Tanzania, where ‘Versailles meets Maasai’, is the epitome of their commitment to eco-sensitive travel.
They recently opened &BEYOND Punakha River Lodge in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is extraordinary.
If you’re thinking about Namibia, &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a must. It’s one of our top destinations for stargazing.
Armani Hotels & Resorts
Stylish and sophisticated, Armani Hotels & Resorts reflect the quality of the Italian luxury fashion houses with properties we could easily dub 6 star hotels!
Designed by Giorgio Armani, Armani Hotel Dubai in the Burj Khalifa exemplifies sophisticated style.
Planning a honeymoon in Italy? Use Armani Hotel Milano as your jump off point to the Italian Riviera and Lake Como.
Banyan Tree
Known for their commitment to sustainability and wellness, the Singaporean luxury hotel brand, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, has over 70 properties worldwide.
From the iconic rooftop bar in Banyan Tree Bangkok in Thailand’s capital city, to honeymoon haven Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, and unique spots like Banyan Tree Lijiang for luxury and adventure lovers in China, Banyan Tree is a long-time favourite for luxury hotels.
Belmond
Belmond, one of the most luxurious brands in the world and known for its collection of iconic almost 6 star hotels, trains, safaris and river cruises, not least the heavenly train journey, the Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Our top pick is Caruso, A Belmond Hotel on the Italian paradise, the Amalfi Coast. It also owns legendary hotels like Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro.
Capella Hotels and Resorts
Capella Hotels and Resorts, known for their expertly curated experiences and you can’t help but consider these in the 6 star hotels category.
Capella Ubud, in honeymoon favourite, Bali, is a unique tented retreat in an immersive rainforest setting.
Patina Maldives, Fari Island, which we’re absolutely obsessed with, is owned by the brand with a Capella Resort Maldives opening soon, too.
COMO Hotels and Resorts
COMO is a name synonymous with luxury boutique hotels and wellness-focused experiences. If you’re seeking a 6 star hotel-style experience, then look no further.
COMO Parrot Cay is a private island resort in Turks and Caicos and one of our bucket list honeymoon hotels. As is the extraordinary paradise COMO Laucala Island in Fiji and COMO Cocoa Island in the heavenly Maldives.
Try holistic wellness retreats at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali or the twelfth-century castle with Renaissance frescoes in Tuscany, COMO Castello Del Nero.
Just a quick peruse and you’ll see why these could easily be mistaken for 6 star hotels.
Constance Hotels and Resorts
The Mauritian owned Constance brand is known for their idyllic mix of 5 star and 5 star plus Indian Ocean outposts.
Don’t miss the unique Junior Suites on stilts at Constance Prince Maurice. Set over a peaceful coastal lagoon and one of the best honeymoon hotels in Mauritius.
Constance Lemuria on Praslin in the Seychelles is one of the best beaches in the world and for luxurious overwater villas, consider Constance Halaveli in the Maldives.
EDITION Hotels
The brainchild of hotelier Ian Schrager of Studio 54 fame in partnership with Marriott International, EDITION Hotels are all about modern luxury.
Each of the 15 hotels (and counting!) is a masterpiece of design and ambiance.
For couples seeking an urban experience, from New York to Reykjavik, London to Dubai, and Tokyo to Los Angeles, these are an inspired choice for a sophisticated boutique hotel experience.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is probably a name that needs no introduction with 126 properties in 47 countries.
From mentions and settings in movies and TV shows like Pretty Woman, Sex and the City, Batman and the White Lotus, the brand is synonymous with luxury.
Don’t miss Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel in Sicily from the latter!
A reputation for excellence and a benchmark for properties that could reach the 6 star hotels category. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, with its stunning overwater bungalows and picturesque setting is an icon. Bora Bora is on many honeymoon bucket lists!
In the Maldives and in the Seychelles, you’ll find private island resorts, too.
Mandarin Oriental
Known for their impressive locations and world-class service, Mandarin Oriental hotels are a staple in the almost 6 star hotels category. These prestigious Asian hotels are amongst the biggest names in luxury.
The first ultra luxury hotel The Honeymoon Guide stayed in was the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, so we give that a shout out!
They have 37 properties in 25 countries. From the elegant Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London to the sweeping panoramic views over the blue Aegean Sea at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum in Turkey, you won’t regret choosing to stay at a Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Celebrated for their excellence in service and hospitality, the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are a prominent name in luxury.
There is an array of stunning hotels across India and the world.
For couples seeking the experience of 6 star hotels, the Oberoi Udaivilas is renowned for its majestic architecture and royal service on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
The Oberoi Beach Resort in Mauritius is also worth considering if you’re planning a beach honeymoon (they’ve a heavenly cocktail menu). The Oberoi Marrakech, a haven surrounded by Mediterranean orchards, is the most luxurious hotel in Morocco.
There’s also outposts in Lombok and Bali if you’re planning a honeymoon in Indonesia.
One&Only Resorts
One-of-a-kind locations are the name of the game with One&Only, which has some of the best ultra luxury resorts in the world. You could easily class all of One&Only’s properties as 6 star hotels!
Don’t take our word for it and check out One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in luxury? Yes, please.
One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro is a hidden gem just an hour from Dubrovnik. One&Only Mandarina, Mexico is a hidden retreat in Riviera Nayarit, with palm-fringed sands and gentle ocean waves.
One&Only Le Saint Géran was the first luxury hotel in Mauritius. Don’t miss One&Only Cape Town, one of the top hotels for a honeymoon in South Africa’s Mother City.
Raffles Hotels
It’s hard to believe that the original Raffles hotel, Raffles Singapore, has been strong for almost 140 years. A Singapore Sling at Raffles is a quintessential experience if you’re planning a stopover in Singapore!
For couples travelling to the Indian Ocean, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort and Raffles Seychelles are a must add to your 6 star hotels shortlist.
If you’re travelling through Dubai, Raffles The Palm is one of the most opulent resorts in the city.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
A global collection of sophisticated luxury hotels, a stay at one of Rosewoods Hotels & Resorts stunning properties, is bucket list worthy.
From Caribbean beach havens like Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands and Rosewood Mayakoba on the stunning Riviera Maya in Mexico, you’ll be in honeymoon heaven.
They have sophisticated urban havens, too. Stopping in Abu Dhabi? Rosewood Abu Dhabi should be on your list. Maybe Rosewood Hong Kong or the historic Hôtel de Crillon in Paris will be up your street.
For a 6 star hotel inspired experience, Rosewood have you covered.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
A staple of the luxury hotel sphere, Shangri-La is known for their Asian hospitality.
The dictionary definition of Shangri La is ‘a remote, beautiful imaginary place where life approaches perfection’ and Shangri La’s hotels certainly try! With over 100 properties around the world, some truly meet that 6 star hotels level.
Think of the most perfect views of the Eiffel Tower from Shangri-La Paris or the iconic skyline of Hong Kong from Island Shangri-La.
Plan an Arabian dream at Shangri-La Al Husn Muscat in Oman or a stay on the paradise beaches of the Philippines at Shangri-La Boracay.
Singita
An ecotourism brand with a heart, Singita is focussed on conservation and sustainability and is one of our top picks for exclusive safari lodges and camps, setting a high bar in Africa.
If any safaris come close to the 6 star hotels category, then it’s surely Singita.
Whether it’s Singita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park in South Africa, the tented paradise Singita Faru Faru Lodge in Tanzania or Singita Malilangwe House perched on a mountain in Zimbabwe, a honeymoon with Singita will be the safari experience of your dreams.
Six Senses
If you asked us to pick one hotel brand that epitomises the aspirations to create 6 star hotels, Six Senses would certainly be up there.
From the unique Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman where you can paraglide, James Bond-style, into the resort, to heavenly private islands like Six Senses Krabey Island in Cambodia and Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles – this is pure luxury.
Consider boutique havens like Six Senses Ibiza, a heavenly outpost on the White Isle and Six Senses Rome, the new spot in the Eternal City.
Every single one of Six Senses’ understated divine properties should be on your bucket list!
Soneva
Soneva was founded by the same entrepreneur, Sonu Shivdasani, who created the Six Senses brand.
Soneva is the home to four groundbreaking ultra luxury properties that are 100% 6 star hotels, even if it’s not official!
There are two in the Maldives, Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi which you’ve probably seen all over social media. The overwater residences are famous for the water slides into the lagoon. Plus, Soneva Secret is set to open in early 2024.
Soneva Kiri may be less well known, but this haven on the unspoilt Thai island of Koh Kood is a must if you’re planning a honeymoon in Thailand.
The originator of the ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy, this is 6 star luxury and 10 star service.
St. Regis
In 1904, John Jacob Astor built the St. Regis New York, and it’s been standing strong ever since. These days there are over 50 St. Regis hotels around the world.
From classic luxury at the St. Regis Rome to opulent spots like the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, and modern havens like the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, St. Regis is synonymous with timeless elegance and bespoke service.
Taj Hotels Resorts & Palace
A symbol of Indian hospitality, Taj Hotels runs a mixture of business hotels and luxury gems. They have over 119 hotels in 61 locations across India and an additional 17 international hotels.
Where it really comes into its own is the historic hotel palaces in India, with their majestic architecture and deep-rooted tradition.
The ethereal and unique Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, the historic and opulent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the one of a kind Rambagh Palace in Jaipur are a must if you’re planning a honeymoon in India.
The Dorchester Collection
The Dorchester Collection is known for its portfolio of luxury almost 6 star hotels in Europe and the USA.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, iconic for its Hollywood glamour and the Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, with the most divine views of the Eiffel Tower, are just two of our favourites.
The Luxury Collection & Autograph Collection by Marriott
With over 120 unique hotels in The Luxury Collection across 35 countries and independently owned hotels under the Autograph Collection, these sub brands are a badge of luxury under the Marriott Hotels umbrella.
Think about the Gritti Palace overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice. North Island in Seychelles, honeymoon choice of the future King and Queen of England, no less!
Consider the historic Shelbourne Hotel for your honeymoon in Ireland.
Santa Marina, in heavenly Mykonos or Mystique overlooking the caldera in Santorini are pure perfection, too.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria, synonymous with timeless luxury, set a high standard. Part of Hilton Hotels, you’ll find over 30 properties around the world.
Maybe a city honeymoon in Las Vegas is on your list? If you want to be away from the hustle of the strip, consider the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is a beachside gem in Mexico’s Cabo.
However, the pièce de résistance is the heavenly Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Huge overwater villas, day beds, overwater hammocks and glass floors overlooking the pristine blue waters. We’d definitely add this to our 6 star hotels list for the villas alone.
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is coming soon, too, so add that to your list if you’re planning a Seychelles honeymoon!
1 Hotels
Focused on sustainability, 1 Hotels is one of our favourite luxury brands to emerge in recent years. Eco-friendly luxury accommodations with instant icon status.
The view of Manhattan from 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, the pool at 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami and the oceanfront sanctuary on Kauai’s North Shore, 1 Hanalei Bay are bucket list worthy.
It’s not just the US you can find these sanctuaries, with openings in London, Melbourne and Copenhagen, to name a few, coming soon. 1 Hotels is one of our top picks for stylish couples who care about the planet.
Independent Luxury Hotels
The best hotels in the world who are striving to give their guests that 6 star hotel experience may not be part of a big hotel brand!
The Brando in French Polynesia is one of our bucket list honeymoon hotels. Formerly owned by Marlon Brando this paradise island is where honeymoon dreams come true.
Ballyfin – a Relais & Chateaux hotel in Ireland is a jewel of exclusivity and top level service. With its opulent Country Manor decor and sprawling gardens, you can feel like the modern day aristocracy (hi George and Amal Clooney, hi Kim Kardashian!).
In Santorini, consider Canaves Oia Suites, Andronis Luxury Suites or Katikies Santorini with their iconic whitewashed architecture perched above the Aegean Sea
In honeymoon adventure haven, Costa Rica, Nayara Tented Camp is the ultimate in eco-luxury, nestled amidst the lush rainforests.
Planning a honeymoon in Canada? Consider another Relais & Châteaux Gem, the Wickaninnish Inn, perched on the rugged coast of Vancouver Island, combines luxury with the wild beauty of nature.
The Maldives’ Huvafen Fushi invites you to an underwater world of luxury, with its famed underwater spa and overwater bungalows.
In South Africa, Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge, is a novel stay aboard a luxuriously refurbished train, permanently stationed on a historic bridge above the Sabie River.
Bringing the kids on honeymoon? Then the Sani/Ikos group in Europe is a must, with properties like Sani Beach and Ikos Dassia, you can have the perfect luxury ‘familymoon’.
We hope our explanation of 6 star hotels / 7 star hotels and our list of luxury hotel brands and hotels has given you plenty of inspiration. Have you stayed in any of these hotels or are you booking one soon? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Planning x
