Banyon Tree Al Wadi resort, complete with 101 tented pool villas, caters to couples and singles alike.

7 Dream Hotels Worldwide

All right, so these are dream hotels—places you’d stay if angel investors descend on your business or Aunt Fanny leaves you a little something from her enormous nest egg. Or, who knows? There are occasions when splurging is the way to go. And if that’s your M.O., we have some glorious spots:

The Crosby Street Hotel. The seventh—and only American—hotel by Londoners Kit and Tim Kemp of Firmdale Hotels made its home in SoHo last fall. Forty different room themes of pinks, greens and yellows for 90 rooms make for an interesting mix of funky and conservative patterns and colors in this LEED-certified hotel. Steps away from some of the city’s biggest shopping destinations, such as the five-story Bloomingdale’s and sweet vintage finds. Choose from a street, city or courtyard view with room rates beginning at $595. firmdale.com

Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. Step away from the city and into the rural sloping mountains of Australia—a three-hour drive brings you into Sydney, but why would you want to leave this sanctuary with a private pool for each suite? A personal guide assigned to you at the beginning of your stay is there to show you the resort, book your spa appointments and suggest outdoorsy activities, such as horseback riding or nature walks. Perfect for the camper within—minus that tent. Room rates begin at about $1,700 per night. emirateshotelsresorts.com/wolgan-valley/en/

Boscolo Exedra Hotel. We’re not sure if all-white rooms was the best idea for the newly renovated spot in Nice, but it definitely ups the class factor at this five-star lodging. Travelers are falling for the new look, new service and new amenities. Personalized spa treatments, a trip to Restaurant La Pescheria for fabulously prepared seafood and a spectacular view of bustling European streets—close to Nice’s old town—round out your stay. Room rates begin at about $375. boscolohotels.com

Banyan Tree Al Wadi. For those in need of some real solitude, a Sahara-like destination might do the trick. Forty-five minutes from trendy locale Dubai in Ras Al Khaimah sits this newly opened five-star hotel. It’s East meets East with Asian and Arabic inspired soft décor, and the 101 tented pool villas cater to couples and singles alike. Open, sunlight-filled rooms invite harmony, but if lazing around in a private pool watching a huge flat-screen TV bores you, check out the nature reserve—the first luxury hotel in the Middle East to have its own—and schmooze with the gazelles. The more adventurous can even participate in archery lessons and ride camels through the desert. Too overwhelming? Head to the spa—voted one of the world’s best. Rates from $588. banyantree.com

Constance Halaveli Resort. The glitz and glamour, or the serenity and solitude … sometimes, a vacation’s not a vacation until swimsuits are donned and tropical drinks are sipped. And that’s perfectly fine, because the new five-star resort is sure to please. Located on one of the Maldives islands, the 86 villas with private plunge pools is an ideal spot for honeymooners or families. Two boutiques, three restaurants and a kids club open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. help make this a relaxing, pleasant getaway. Diving lessons are available for the beginners, mid-level divers and experts. Room rates begin at about $1,200 per night. halaveli.com

Beau-Rivage Palace. If beaches and swimsuits aren’t your things, grab a mug of hot cocoa and hit the slopes at this world-class ski hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland. The time you don’t spend lounging in your luxurious suite—my pick is the Art Deco Suite, with its own sitting room and a distinct 1920s flair of vibrant colors—can be “wasted” on horseback riding, skiing or hiking along trails. Feeling drained after an adrenaline-filled day on the mountains?  Enjoy spa bliss with techniques imported from Brazil, China, Siam or North Africa. Room rates begin at about $435 per night. brp.ch

The Mira Hong Kong. After a $65 million renovation, the hotel has emerged as a technological trendsetter. Choice is the name of this hotel’s game—from pillows to showerheads to the color of your room (red, green, silver or purple). The ultra-futuristic design of each of the 492 rooms is a testament to the cutting-edge renovations the hotel underwent last year. Each room is supplied with a personal cell phone and an application called “My Mira.” Whether you need a restaurant recommendation or translation, you can dial in and a concierge will be there to answer any questions that pop up. And the price tag? Rooms start at about $200 per night … the Grand Mira Suite, complete with its own terrace and private check-in and check-out times, can be yours for $4,300. themirahotel.com