We’re back once again with our round-up of the week’s best luxury hotels and resorts, and as per usual, it’s a VIP quintet. 

Our latest list is heavy on the winter getaway destinations, with a desert spa in Dubai and an island retreat in Zanzibar just two of the idyllic properties to make our mid-term line-up. We also include a Rome hotel which has recently unveiled two new penthouses, as well as a Dolomites resort’s collection of revamped suites. If that’s not enough to get you booking, hopefully our Caribbean pick will do the trick. 

1. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa 

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa has marked its 20th anniversary in style, unveiling a collection of eight new villas that offer elevated levels of privacy and space for its discerning guests. 

Each villa includes a terrace with a private pool, sun loungers, and an outdoor fireplace and shower, as well as ample views of the free-flowing desert dunes. Inside, circular ceilings and neutral materials complement the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy private dining and bespoke spa treatments from the comfort of their villa, while also having full access to the resort’s spa, hammam and fitness facilities.

Dining-wise, there’s seven restaurants on site, including Al Hadheerah, an open-air theatre of Middle Eastern cuisine, and Anwa, a rooftop bar serving pan-Asian dishes. 

Each villa stay comes with an itinerary curated by the villa host, with activities including archery, falconry, camel rides and desert stable tours.

2. Hotel Granbaita Dolomites, Italy 

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites has launched its collection of renovated rooms and suites, marking the final step in a five-year-long reconstruction project. The South Tyrol resort has had 21 of its 56 guest rooms revamped with oak finishes and extra amenities, including a garden in one of the suites. 

For culinary options, authentic cuisine of Trentino Alto Adige is served in the hotel’s main and gourmet restaurant, while tea blends and local wines can be enjoyed in the sultry piano bar. For wellness, the Savenila Spa offers a treatment menu inspired by Alpine herbs, as well as multiple saunas and a heated indoor and outdoor pool.

3. Rome Edition, Italy 

Rome Edition has opened two brand new penthouses, as part of its commitment to offering guests an elevated luxury experience in the Italian capital. 

Located on the top floor of the 93-room property, the equally large Edition Penthouse Suite and Rome Penthouse Suite offer views of San Nicola da Tolentino Church, the courtyard, and romantic alleyways.

They also feature muted tones, walnut wood accents, and custom furniture, including a king-size bed and a bespoke beige leather chair. Expansive windows fill the space with light, highlighting Italian elements like Peperino stone and unique artwork. The sophistication continues in the plush bathrooms, which are kitted out with custom Carrara marble double basins, brushed brass fixtures, and signature Le Labo amenities. Both penthouses also include upscale living rooms and private terraces with skyline views.

4. Hermitage Bay, Antigua 

Hermitage Bay in Antigua will reopen on 1 November 2024, following a multimillion-dollar renovation under new owner Daniel Shamoon of Luxury Hotels Partners. The Caribbean resort, which is set across 140 acres of tropical gardens, will feature 30 redesigned villa suites, more private pools, and a refurbished spa. There will also be freshly landscaped gardens and a new beach club, where guests can enjoy a variety of activities inspired by the island’s local traditions.