What does it mean to hold the Palace distinction?
Did you know it’s possible to stay in a hotel that ranks above 5 stars? The Palace distinction was introduced in France in 2009 and serves to distinguish luxury hotels from the best of the best. To become a “Palace” hotel, a property must have certain features including a spa, gym, and concierge service. Other qualities– such as location, physical appearance, staff, restaurant, and atmosphere– are assessed by a third-party company before the ranking is given. Just 31 hotels have been awarded this honor.
Although this distinction only applies to hotels in France, we have compiled a list of our favorite Palace-esque boutique hotels worldwide, so read on to see what makes them so remarkable!
Sleep In A Real Palace At Hotel de Crillon
.jpeg)
Nothing says palatial like a Parisian hotel that rivals the city’s best museums. Hotel de Crillon–which is a converted 18th century palace– is conveniently located in the 8th arrondissement, a neighborhood known for luxury shopping, high end restaurants and cafes as well as celebrated monuments and museums. The Louvre and Champs-Elysées are both short strolls from this luxury hotel making it the perfect homebase for exploring the city. Stay in one of 78 rooms, 36 suites, or 10 signature suites, each of which is uniquely posh and features custom art, marble touches and a large bathroom.
Guests wanting to visit the spa can pick a treatment from an extensive menu or simply go to the Relaxation Area, which boasts a large pool, steam room and sauna. There’s an onsite hair salon that offers in-room service and a fitness center with high-end equipment and personal trainers as well.Choose between three restaurants and a private dining room for any culinary needs. Have a cocktail at the Bar Les Ambassadeurs, which features incredible artwork and extravagant design. Lastly, take advantage of the butler service and the 24-hour concierge, which will help you plan one-of-a-kind excursions around the city and offer you a ride in a restored 1973 Citroën DS Phallas. You’ll have all of Paris at your fingertips if you stay at Hotel de Crillon.
Stay at the Posh Peninsula Bangkok
Authenticity meets opulence at the Peninsula Bangkok. Each of the 370 rooms features sweeping views of Bangkok and its river, allowing you to see the city without ever leaving your bed. Enjoy custom toiletries, mood lighting, a flatscreen TV and daily fruit plate in your elegant, impeccably designed suite.
Head downstairs to check out the Peninsula’s gastronomic offerings. Mei Jiang Exclusive serves beautifully presented, plant-based Chinese cuisine. You can reserve a special nine-course tasting meal too, but make sure to book early as only one table is available a night for it. Next, step outside for dinner at Thiptara Thai. With the Chao Phraya river on one side of your table and lush green gardens on the other, this waterfront dining experience is not to be missed. The final dining spot is River Café and Terrace. Open all day, this restaurant serves “international” cuisine from breakfast to dinner.
Immerse yourself in Thai culture at the Peninsula’s Academy, which offers “unique and unprecedented access to historical, cultural and local lifestyle experiences.” From Thai cooking classes to city tours to kickboxing, there are experiences for everyone here. The hotel’s stunning, 3-story spa offers everything from massages to facials to hydrotherapy and beyond, and is located right next to the state of the art fitness center. Don’t forget to take some time to relax by the riverside pool as well. With unmatched design and amenities, this palatial property is a must-stay when visiting Bangkok.
Be a Queen or King For a Night at Belmond Castello di Casole
Not only does this hotel have the Palace distinction, but it’s actually located in one. The historic Belmond Castello di Casole dates back to the 10th century and boasts 39 luxurious suites with traditional Tuscan design style. Located in a secluded, mountainous area just over 40 kilometers from Siena, this boutique hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway in Tuscany.
Tosca is the property’s Italian restaurant and serves traditional, vegan-friendly cuisine from the region. Stop by Emporio del Castello for pizza, pasta, and sandwiches as well as locally-sourced products such as wine and olive oil. For extra memorable experiences, have a picnic in the gardens or do a magical happy hour at the Enchanted Table. There’s also a bar at the infinity pool with both food and drinks– what more could you ask for?
The spa, found in a converted and renovated wine cellar, has yoga classes and a variety of signature treatments. Be sure to ask the concierge about exciting experiences such as truffle hunting, cooking classes, outdoor hiking and exploring and so much more. Book your dream vacation now!
Feel Like Royalty at Rosewood Sao Paulo
Find tranquility without leaving the city and stay at the Rosewood Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo is home to 12.4 million people and one of the foremost economic centers not just in Brazil but the entire Southern Hemisphere; it’s the financial capital of South America. Massive modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline, but the culture extends beyond business and city life. There’s gorgeous green parks, art museums, a diverse food scene, and more. This giant city is a must-visit!
Rosewood is on the forefront of luxury hotels. The 160 rooms and suites are tastefully designed with Brazilian wood, unique art, and luxurious furnishings. Relax by one of the property’s two pools before setting out to explore the city.
The Rosewood boasts incredible dining options; first, Le Jardin is open from the early morning until 11 pm and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Next up is Blaise, a contemporary brasserie that serves French and Brazilian inspired cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes from across South America at Taraz before getting the party started at Rabo di Galo, the jazz and cocktail bar that claims to have the finest cocktails in town.
Be Amazed at Amanzoe
Relax like royalty at the Amanzoe, a breathtakingly beautiful resort in Porto Heli, Peloponnese, Greece.
Experience wellness and holistic healing like no other at the light-filled, natural-minimalist chic Aman spa. With visiting practitioners, innovative and traditional treatments, pools, and so much more, guests are guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Break a sweat at the Pilates studio, tennis courts, or gym, and freshen up after at the nail salon. This wellness center has it all– and the experience will be tailored to all of your wants and needs.
Amanzoe offers several options for accommodations. Each of the secluded Pavilions hosts a terrace with a private pool and astonishing views. Cabanas offer all of that and more on a beachfront location. The Villas range from one to nine bedrooms, making them perfect for groups of all sizes. These stately villas are completely furnished with a variety of amenities including basketball courts, gyms, large pools, and more. Oh, and they all come with private chefs. Need we say more?
Indulge in Japanese food at the signature restaurant Nama, or fresh Greek cuisine at the Beach Club. This family-friendly hotel’s Club offers a huge variety of outdoor excursions for all ages adventure levels. Check out the experience guide for a comprehensive list of activities, if you can resist booking right now.
Aman Hotels is on the forefront of luxury hotels, and owns some of the most exclusive and beautiful hotels worldwide.
