Our Top 5 Luxury Hotel Stays of 2023

We were fortunate to enjoy some fantastic travel this past year, primarily for hotel inspections although in a few cases for pleasure. Here are our top luxury hotel stays of 2023, with highlights of what we enjoyed most, as well as the perks that TravelSort Clients enjoy.

1. The Nautilus Maldives

Why We Love It: Aman-like in the best way: just 26 villas, exclusive, and private; VIP fast track arrival service included; guests may enjoy their complimentary breakfast at any time of day; fresh fruit plate, house-baked cookies and Alain Milliat artisanal French juices replenished daily; excellent spa massage (we had a Balinese therapist), and a massage can be enjoyed anytime day or night.

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits at The Nautilus Maldives:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom (already included in hotel rates)
$150 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay. Applicable towards Food & Beverage outlets, room service, Spa services, and water sports (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Complimentary 30 min massage for up to 2 guests per House/Residence, once during the stay
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

2. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli

Why We Love It: Very good house reef snorkeling near the John Jacob Astor Estate; excellent duck confit waffles and Maldivian options at the breakfast buffet; great pizza at Crust & Craft on the beach; acupuncture offered at the Spa

TravelSort Clients enjoy these STARS benefits at the St. Regis Maldives:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
One time $300 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit per villa to be utilized during stay, applicable towards meals, spa treatments, or excursions (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Complimentary Hydrotherapy Blue hole experience for two guests, once during stay (45 minutes. Advance booking required)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

3. The Park Hyatt Niseko

Why We Love It: True ski-in/ski-out resort; select residences have their own private onsen and views of Mount Yotei; each residence has a kitchenette (full kitchen in larger residences) and washer/dryer, convenient for longer stays; Pierre Herme breads and pastries baked on-site and served at the breakfast buffet; excellent sushi dinner at Sushi Mitsukawa and dim sum brunch at China Kitchen.

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Hyatt Prive benefits at the Park Hyatt Niseko:

Upgrade at time of booking for non-peak periods (hotel rooms/suites only)
Welcome amenity
Daily breakfast for two
$100 resort credit
Early check-in/late check-out confirmed in advance subject to forecasted occupancy

4. The Ritz-Carlton Nikko

Why We Love It: Select rooms and suites have beautiful lake views; both indoor and outdoor onsen pools at the Spa; handsomely appointed rooms/suites with comfortable beds; delicious sushi at The Japanese Restaurant and Italian cuisine at the Lakehouse restaurant; complimentary cultural and outdoor experiences.

Also, while we were there, we suffered an emergency. The hotel took full responsibility for the issue and couldn't have been more apologetic, caring, and responsive. We greatly appreciated the ownership of the issue and thanks to the rapid response we were able to recover well by the following day.

TravelSort Clients enjoy these STARS benefits at the Ritz-Carlton Nikko:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Welcome amenity
Daily breakfast for two
$100 resort credit
Early check-in/late check-out based on availability

5. The Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi

Why We Love It: Panoramic city views from the top floors of a 39-story tower; most comfortable luxury hotel beds in Japan; superb seasonal pastries at the breakfast buffet and a la carte items made to order; beautiful lap pool bathed in natural light.

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits at Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi: