What makes a hotel or resort truly awesome? The location, the service, the facilities, the quality of the amenities, or the style of the decorations? As always, the answer is somewhere in the middle, as the most important thing seems to be the synergy between all of those features. In the past 12 months, we’ve showcased many such wonderful retreats from around the world and now we’ve put together a list of the ten very best. Enjoy!

10. Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

Alila Villas Uluwatu is an extensive, 35.5-acre resort located on the enchanting island of Bali. It brings together 34 residential villas, as well as a hotel with 40 villa suites, each designed according to the highest standards of contemporary hospitality, while also keeping a part of that wild and beautiful Balinese spirit which makes the place so captivating.

These accommodations were created so as to let the sea breeze flow and also to ensure guests enjoy breathtaking ocean views from almost anywhere they are. Given that the natural surroundings are a big part of the resort’s allure, Alila Villas Uluwatu has made a clear commitment to sustainable development, making it one of the more eco-friendly and sustainable resorts out there.

9. Mahali Mzuri, the Masai Mara, Kenya

Mahali Mzuri is a project by Richard Branson, who wanted to create a luxurious retreat in the heart of Africa, with as little impact on the natural environment as possible.

Set on the northern border of the Masai Mara, this eco-cap (whose name means beautiful place in Swahili) consist of just 12 tents and offers all the amenities of a high-end resort, including Wi-Fi and an infinity pool.

8. Iconic Santorini, Imerovigli, Greece

What makes Santorini such a special place to visit is its breathtakingly beautiful caldera – any great resort on the island has to somehow take advantage of this. Iconic Santorini is basically carved into the side of the dormant volcano and thus offers some of the most memorable vistas you could hope for.

The hotel is also quite private, as there are only 22 rooms and suites available. Each of them has its very own unique design, the one common feature being the personal veranda seating, so guests can get a great view of everything.

7. Sofitel So Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Part of the world-famous Sofitel hotel chain, Sofitel So Bangkok brings together French style and class with Thai hospitality, making it one of the best hotels in Thailand’s capital.

Set right at the heart of this bustling city, the Sofitel So Bangkok has 238 luxurious rooms and suites, which are divided into four categories, each with own distinctive theme: Water, Earth, Wood, and Metal. In addition to the modern, well-appointed accommodations, the hotel also boasts a welcoming spa and a fitness center open round the clock.

6. The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Iru Fushi Island, Maldives

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, boasting beautiful white sandy beaches and pristine tropical vegetation, the Maldives can truly be described as a piece of paradise. Throw in a resort like The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, with its very special brand of luxury, and you’ve got yourself an irresistible destination.

The retreat features 221 accommodations, from the private and elegant, to the down-right opulent. There are no fewer than eleven dining venues (including an ice-cream parlor!) catering to all possible tastes and atmosphere preferences. Finally, those who want to take advantage of the ocean have great water sports and diving facilities available.

5. Golden Savoy, Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is one of Turkey’s premier tourist destinations, and there’s no better, more luxurious resort in town than the Golden Savoy.

The resort is proud to offer the very best in terms of location, accommodations, and services, not to mention breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Speaking of accommodations, they come with such names as Extravagant Villa or Opulent Suite – so you certainly know what to expect. And while there’s always the option of discovering the wonders of Bodrum, guests could simply relax and enjoy the Golden Savoy’s private beach or the Hammam.

4. Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

The Peninsula Hong Kong, built in the 1920s, is Hong Kong’s oldest hotel. It boasts the same excellent mix of Western and Chinese influences that epitomizes the city it’s in, and that is precisely what makes it such a great destination. Well, that, and the unparalleled level of luxury which have earned it the name The Grand Dame of the Far East.

In addition to the sumptuous rooms and suites and lavish amenities (there’s even an indoor swimming pool on the 8th floor!), the Peninsula Hong Kong is also known for its partnership with Rolls-Royce, a name of equal prestige. At the disposal of the hotel’s guests there are 14 bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms, while a perfectly restored 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II is available for special occasions.

3. Banyan Tree Lang Co, Cu Du Village, Vietnam

Banyan Tree Lang Co seems to have everything: luxurious accommodations, beautiful natural surroundings, and fascinating cultural sights.

The resort is set along an enchanting crescent bay and comprises 49 spacious and comfortable villas, each with its own pool. Several restaurants offer fine Vietnamese, Thai, and international dishes – plus there’s always the option of Destination Dining, meaning guests can eat in a place of their choosing, making it a very intimate and special experience.

Another feature which sets this resort apart is the fact that it is very close to central Vietnam’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the imperial city of Hue, the old town of Hoi An, and the ruins of My Son. This makes Banyan Tree Lang Co an all-round excellent destination for anyone visiting this fascinating country.

2. Hôtel du Collectionneur, Paris, France

The luxurious Hôtel du Collectionneur is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, in the heart of one of the French capital’s most fascinating neighborhoods.

Accommodations include 473 rooms and suites featuring luxurious amenities and decorated in the elegant Art Deco style. The most exclusive part of the hotel is the Executive Lounge, a place where you can enjoy breakfast, as well as and refreshments and snacks throughout the day, and relax while watching a large-screen TV or simply pass the time on the decked terrace.

Thanks to its prime location, Hôtel du Collectionneur offers easy access to some of Paris` most iconic landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe and the Élysée Palace, as well as to the best cafes, luxury boutiques, museums, and business centers.

1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab is more than just a high-end hotel: it’s a global landmark and the very pinnacle of luxury.

Although it is the third largest hotel in the world, it only offers 202 suites, however no expense has been spared in the furnishing and decorating of each and every one of them. The hotel’s scale and opulence is simply awe-inspiring: built on an artificial island reclaimed from the sea almost 1,000 feet from Jumeirah beach (to which it is connected by a private bridge), Burj Al Arab greets its guests with a massive 590-foot tall atrium, and features such sumptuous facilities that it has been called “The World’s First Seven Star Hotel.”