The world's most beautiful hotels: From an Irish castle owned by the Guinnesses to a clifftop retreat in Bali and California's extraordinary 'caveman' rooms

Published: 07:35 BST, 10 September 2026 | Updated: 07:38 BST, 10 September 2026

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The most beautiful hotels for 2026 have been revealed, showcasing a variety of breathtaking stays around the world, from historic gems to modern masterpieces for your next holiday.

Compiled by an expert panel of reviewers, this year's list includes majestic offerings in the UK, standout hotels in Japan and Morocco and boutique hotels across Europe and beyond.

The top 33 stays have been recognised as this year's most beautiful, according to Time Out's ranking.

And there's something for everyone in this year's list, with picks ranging from an adventure hotel in Iceland, to a Bali clifftop resort and even Cape Town's historic 'Pink Lady' hotel.

Here's the full rundown of the most gorgeous hotels around the world for 2026...

Ashford Castle was once home to the Guinness family, and if that's not enough to get you there, then the majestic grounds, 83 lavishly decorated guest rooms and lakeside views certainly will.

With origins dating back to the 13th century, it has evolved over time from a medieval fortress to a grand retreat, hosting royalty, nobility and prominent figures along the way.

While here, you can also visit Ireland's Best Hotel Spa 2025, partake in horseback riding and fly a Harris hawk, a visit fit for someone seeking a taste of what it's like to be an aristocrat.

Five-star Ashford Castle in Mayo County was once home to the Guinness family

Located at the foot of Mount Asama, in Kitasaku-gun, the Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota is a stay like no other in Japan.

Food is very much the crown jewel here in this 'gourmet's paradise' situated within a forest.

Indeed, the hotel's motto is 'One Stay, One Full Course,' and you can enjoy modern French and Italian cuisine alongside incredible mountain views and a hot spring.

The 11‑acre Giardino della Gherardesca on the grounds of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is one of the largest private gardens in Florence, making it a unique oasis in the heart of one of Italy's best cities for an art- and culture-fuelled weekend away.

The hotel blends Renaissance grandeur with authentic Italian hospitality, and last year reopened its Palazzo del Nero, an intimate historic palace pairing with Palazzo della Gherardesca inside the hotel.

Within its walls, Onde, a glamorous seafood osteria, and Bar Berni, a vermouth-inspired cocktail bar, are top choices for a classy night out.

A luxury winery in Victoria, Jackalope Hotel is incredibly swish: expect rooms with vineyard views, an infinity pool, spa and modern furnishings.

The concept, unique and somewhat bizarre, stems from a mythological creature born from jackrabbits and antelope.

'This concept became intrinsically tied to Jackalope, the creature’s own duality forming the foundation for the architecture of the hotel, bold, monolithic, avant-garde, and completely out of place on what is considered a traditional vineyard location,' the hotel website explains.

Stepping into Manhattan's Fifth Avenue Hotel truly feels like stepping back in time into the Gilded Age.

The Mansion itself was built in 1907 by McKim, Mead & White, one of the last private homes of its kind in this part of Manhattan, and it still carries the curiosities of that era.

It is filled with whimsical interiors, jewel tones, patterned marble beneath fingertips, velvet, expensive-looking surfaces and a simultaneously homely and highly elevated feel.

The rooms of Fith Avenue Hotel are filled with whimsical interiors and patterned marble

Located on the volcanic shores of Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Teide and lush gardens, so it's already won the jackpot here.

It boasts 459 rooms, suites and penthouses and is organised into distinct environments: the Citadel, the lively heart of dining and social life, the Retreat, offering privacy for adults and families, and the Penthouses Collection, blending residential comfort with sophistication.

The hotel features Michelin-starred dining as well as a spa, beach and entertainment for children.

ION Adventure Hotel juts out of a mountain, and has just 45 rooms for guests seeking an immersive, luxurious and very much 'in the middle of nature' hotel stay.

Here, you can explore the nearby surroundings: enjoy a horseback riding tour in the beautiful surroundings of the Ölfus area in South Iceland, hike inside a dormant volcano and snorkel in the icy waters of Silfra.

It is situated on Mount Hengill, 18km from UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park.

A Morocco break as it should be done: located in the heart of the hills of beach town Essaouira, the Jardin des Douars is a boutique hotel that truly blends into the landscape.

With orange stone buildings, lush greenery and a real 'hidden gem' feel, you'll avoid the tourist traps of Marrakech here and enjoy a stay that draws upon authentic Moroccan style, design and hospitality.

Hammam, massages, body treatments and rituals inspired by Moroccan traditions are also available to enhance your time away.

Opened in 1947, The Phoenicia Malta is Malta’s first five-star hotel, located at the entrance to Valletta, last year named the Best City in the World by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Steps away from Valletta, the hotel offers seven acres of private gardens and blends centuries-old limestone with modern amenities.

You can also enjoy the Phoenicia Spa & Wellness, taste Mediterranean flavours at Contessa restaurant and stroll from the Art Deco lobby straight into the heart of Valletta.

Cape Town has long been an 'it' destination, and Mount Nelson the most chic of all.

Right next to the iconic Table Mountain, the 'Pink Lady' hotel has stood since 1899, with gorgeous gardens and an all-star guest list: the hotel has welcomed everyone from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to John Lennon, Marlene Dietrich and the Dalai Lama.

The rose-tinted hotel also has standout South African food, with seafood-inspired cuisine at Amura by Chef Angel Leon to a classic afternoon tea.

Cape Town has long been an 'it' destination, and Mount Nelson the most chic of all