Travel

5 Hotels That Made Me Fall in Love With Travel Again

As someone who travels not just to visit, but to feel places deeply, I’ve stayed at some of the most unforgettable hotels on Earth. These five stood out—not just for their luxury, but for the moments they created, the stories they whispered, and the pure magic they brought into my journey. Each hotel has earned a spot on prestigious global lists, and I’m sharing why they’re truly extraordinary.

1. Aman Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan

Why it moved me: Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s financial district, Aman Tokyo felt like a serene temple above the city frenzy. I remember sinking into that deep window-side stone bathtub with views of the Imperial Palace gardens stretching below me—total bliss.
Ranking: #7 on The World's 50 Best Hotels 2024
Official Site & Socials:
- Website: amantokyo.com
- Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @amantokyo

2. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Dubai, UAE

Why it amazed me: Burj Al Arab’s panoramic suites near its iconic helipad offer unmatched views of the Arabian Gulf, with opulent interiors featuring gold accents, marble staircases, and Hermes amenities. At Al Mahara, guests dine beside a stunning floor-to-ceiling aquarium, surrounded by vibrant marine life. The experience feels less like a meal and more like a journey into an underwater world, blending fine dining with immersive design.
Ranking: Often dubbed the world’s only "seven‑star" hotel
Official Site & Socials:
- Website: jumeirah.com/burj-al-arab
- Instagram/Twitter: @burjalarab

3. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – French Polynesia

Why it stole my heart: Waking up in an overwater bungalow at sunrise, with turquoise lagoon waters shimmering below—it’s a moment I replay in my mind often. The spa overlooking Mount Otemanu was just magical.
Rankings:
- Top Resort in Bora Bora – Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024
- Top Resort in French Polynesia – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024
Official Site & Socials:
- Website: fourseasons.com/borabora (press.fourseasons.com)
- Instagram: @fourseasonsborabora

4. The Oberoi Udaivilas – Udaipur, India

Why it felt like home: From the moment I stepped into its marble courtyards overlooking Lake Pichola, I knew this place was something special. Exploring its private chhatris at dawn, guided by hotel caretakers, felt intimate and timeless.
Rankings:
- Named “Best Resort in Asia” multiple times by Travel + Leisure
Official Site & Socials:
- Website: oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur-udai (oberoihotels.com)
- Instagram: @oberoihotels

5. The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Why it reconnected me: This eco‑luxury resort on Marlon Brando’s private atoll is pure magic. I kayaked at dawn, surrounded by crystal waters, then later relaxed in my villa’s plunge pool, listening to waves and birds. It felt like I was part of the island.
Ranking: Featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2025
Official Site & Socials:
- Website: thebrando.com
- Instagram: @thebrandoresort

Final Reflections

Each of these hotels isn’t just a place to sleep—they're experiences that shaped me as a traveler and as a human. Whether gazing at city lights from a freestanding bathtub in Tokyo, floating over turquoise lagoon waters in Bora Bora, or drifting to sleep to the sound of waves in a private atoll, these stays are etched in memory. They’ve earned their spots on global rankings, but for me, their true value is in the stories I carry home.