Luxury Journeys

If you have a luxury tour to Japan on the cards, lucky you. Whether you’re looking for see-it-to-believe-it skyscrapers, zen retreats in the forest, sleek addresses in shopping districts, cozy traditional inns, thermal spa sanctuaries, or all of the above, our favorite Japan hotels guarantee you one thing: a super-soft and soothing landing in this dazzling country.

Experience it Yourself On: Majestic Japan

1. Tokyo Edition, Ginza

Just off Chuo Street, with its many lavish boutiques and department stores, this is one of the best hotels in Tokyo for couples, particularly if those couples love to shop. The sleek building glows amber, like a 14-storey lantern, and it’s topped with a lush green oasis-like rooftop bar. For the colder months, there’s the Punch Room, proudly Japan’s first punch-focused cocktail bar. Rooms are exquisitely adorned with warm walnut wood and white faux furs.

Credit: @editionginza on Instagram

2. Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

This is one of our favorite luxury stays on our Majestic Japan journey, not least for its dazzling views of the Oirase Stream. In the winter, you can enjoy natural hot springs among frozen waterfalls and snow-capped rock formations. These are some of the most epic surroundings a hotel can have; why not be luxuriating in warm water while you behold them? Rooms are chic and understated, with huge windows to remind you where you are.

Credit: @hoshinoresorts_oirasekeiryuhtl on Instagram

Read Next: Luxury Japan Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect 11 Days

3. Aman Kyoto

There are over 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto and Aman Kyoto is the perfect luxury ryokan-inspired base from which to explore as many as possible. After a hard day’s basking in the golden glory of Kinkaku-ji (a zen temple, very nearby), flop in your light-filled room, soaking up floor-to-ceiling forest views, or – better yet – in the soothing spa, with its indoor and outdoor onsen, and treatments that draw on Japan’s apothecary (green tea, tamba kuromame black beans, sake and cold-pressed camellia oil).

Credit: @aman_kyoto on Instagram

4. Janu Tokyo

Janu is Aman’s little sibling brand and this was its first iteration – in the luxury enclave of Azabudai Hills. Unlike the Amans, which provide full escapist luxury spa breaks, Janu feels more connected to its neighborhood, with a buzzier vibe, splashes of colour and cuisine worth traversing the city for. There are eight places to eat, including Hu Jing (sparkly Cantonese food) and Sumi (13 seats around a wood grill).

Credit: @janutokyo on Instagram

Save For Later: 21 Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Need to Visit

5. Azumi Setoda, Hiroshima

Now one of the best hotels in Japan, this special place was (for 140 years) the family estate of the Horiuchi family. The luxury minimalism at play here involves lots of gentle, smooth cypress and cedar woods, shoji screens, hinoki bath tubs, washi paper and white linens. The Horiuchi family were the largest salt barons on Ikuchijima island in the Meiji Period. The island’s location in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea was an optimal location and now means: sea breeze on the balcony of your gorgeous tatami room.

Credit: @azumi.setoda on Instagram

6. The Mitsui, Kyoto

Across the road from UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, this 160-room glossy retreat is newly built on the grounds of the centuries-old former residence of the powerful Mitsui family. An all-glass lounge looks out to the courtyard garden, with its cherry tree and twinkling pond. But after a full day of Kyoto sightseeing, the spa is the star – the subterranean hot spring offers dark stone walls and the sound of running water for deep relaxation.

Credit: @hotel_the_mitsui_kyoto on Instagram

7. Hoshinoya Tokyo

This high-rise ryokan is one of the most seamless luxury hotels in Japan for blending traditional design and customs with cozy, city-slick mod-cons. Upon entry, a member of staff will tuck your shoes into one of the bamboo cubbies in the hall and from there, everything is softer. Breakfast is one of the most esconcing experiences in the city – a bento-style parade of fish, pickles, tamago, and fresh tea. Nowhere says ‘you are here’ quite like Hoshinoya Tokyo.

Credit: @hoshinoya.official on Instagram

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8. Benesse House, Naoshima

Part-hotel, part-museum, Benesse House is a deeply special address on the island of Naoshima, known as the art island. The rooms themselves are luxurious but simple, with floor-to-ceiling views over the Inland Sea – majestic at sunset. But it’s the proximity to the artworks that makes this one of the best hotels in Japan. Art is everywhere, including scattered locations along the seashore – Niki de Sant Phalle’s elephant and cat, for instance – and Kusama’s iconic pumpkin.

Credit @benesse.artsite on Instagram

9 Mimaru apartments, various locations

There are 15 of these in Tokyo alone, and more than 25 across the country. Mimaru is an incredibly useful name to know because these represent some of the best hotels in Japan for families. They are conveniently located and the spacious rooms have separate sleeping areas (sometimes with bunkbeds). They have beautiful bathrooms, well-appointed kitchenettes and (all-important, with kids) laundry services.

10. The Ritz Carlton, Nikko

One of the most serene luxury hotels in Japan, this one is set within Nikko National Park, on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, beneath the revered Mount Nantai, which is a sacred deity in Shinto. Soak up the tranquility from your big, soothing room’s engawa (porch), with a cashmere blanket and a view of the lake or mountains. Sink even further into warm, cedar-scented bliss in the outside onsen.

Credit: @ritzcarltonnikko on Instagram

What is the most luxurious place in Japan?

If you just want to know what’s happening among the creme de la creme of luxury hotels in Japan, go to Tokyo for big-name, five-star addresses that keep getting sleeker, chicer and more divine. But if you like the idea of sumptuous high-end ryokans, Kyoto might be more your cup of (sencha) tea.

Where do celebrities stay in Japan?

All of the addresses above will make you feel like a celebrity, but each will also protect your privacy. We do know that Beyonce has stayed at The Mitsui Kyoto. And that Kim K’s favorite hotel is the Aman Tokyo. And that the Lost in Translation hotel is the Park Hyatt Tokyo. That just about covers it.

Our thoughts naturally turn to Europe for Christmas as we seek cozy vibes, Christmas lights and the rich, deep colors and textures of Europe’s pubs and dining rooms. Want to be utterly absorbed by the festive season? Our list of the best places in Europe for Christmas is below. And if you’re feeling the call of Europe more generally, consider our Harmony of Central Europe journey, or browse our selection of European and British journeys here.

1. Nuremberg

The central square of Nuremberg’s old town comes alive with sizzling Bratwurst, twinkling lights, gold foil angels, hand-carved ornaments and ceramic mugs of glühwein from the end of November. Return home with ornate tins of Nuremberg lebkuchen, the iconic honey-sweetened, spiced soft cookie.

Experience it For Yourself On: Harmony of Central Europe

2. Prague

Average temperatures are around 30°F, making a little dusting of snow on Prague’s Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance rooftops highly possible. The main Christmas markets are in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square – warm up with potato pancakes, noodle soup and svařák (mulled wine).

3. Paris

It’s the City of Light all year long, so if you want somewhere that truly sparkles at Christmas, Paris never disappoints. Shop in majestic grands magasins and wander iconic boulevards with a chocolat chaud in hand. Then cozy up with red wine and cheese of an evening.

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4. Bruges

This little fairytale town is easily one of the best places in Europe for Christmas. Expect cobbled streets, sugary waffles, chocolate shops, canals, ice rinks, light trails and more, and a central square that looks as though it’s made up of actual gingerbread houses.

5. Strasbourg

In Alsace, the northeastern region of France that borders Germany and Switzerland, Strasbourg is known as the Christmas capital of France. For the festive season, over 300 wooden chalets are dotted across this magical city. There are sweet treats galore, but don’t miss the Alsatian tarte flambée, like a very thin pizza topped traditionally with lardons, creme fraiche and cheese.

Read Next: This is How Ashford Castle Celebrates Christmas

6. Amsterdam

There are multiple Christmas markets across Amsterdam, making it one of the best places in Europe for Christmas. Stalls come bearing mulled wine, stroopwafels, poffertjes (little, fluffy, sugar-dusted pancakes), wheels of Dutch gouda, and – of course – cones of golden frites with mayonnaise.

7. Dublin

There is always great craic to be had in Ireland’s capital. The Guinness Storehouse pulls out all the stops. And the opportunities for Irish coffee in cozy pubs are endless. Consider making time for a Christmassy dip (yes, really, in the ocean) at the icy Forty Foot at Sandycove Beach.

Experience it For Yourself On: Ultimate Ireland

8. Canary Islands

If you happen to be in Europe for Christmas but prefer to forego the chance of snow, head to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Lanzarote’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes make it a Christmas destination like no other, and the local wine is good, too.

9. Cologne

Roncalliplatz is an epic place to visit in Europe at this time of year – the gothic spires of Cologne’s imposing cathedral overlook hundreds of twinkling red-roofed huts, all arranged around a giant Christmas tree.

10. Vienna

Nowhere does cozy coffee and cake quite like Vienna. Come for a slice of dense, glossy, gorgeous Sachertorte, stay for sparkling lights, ice skating and carousel rides in front of City Hall. And a heaping tray of bauerngröstl (an Alpine dish of potatoes, bacon and onions).

11. Copenhagen

Step right this way for festive hygge aplenty. The main Christmas markets in Copenhagen are at Tivoli Gardens (the charming and pleasingly kitsch old amusement park or ‘pleasure gardens’) and Nyhavn (along the iconic canal).

12. Budapest

The Vörösmarty Square Christmas market is extravagantly lit and full of sweet wooden stalls, particularly good if you’re in the market for Hungarian folk craft – beautiful tablecloths and embroidered tree ornaments. The basilica market is also nearby, with an ice rink, light show and program of performances.

11. Malaga

The Costa del Sol  is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December if you prefer your Christmas magic served mild (light jacket, no woolly hat). The streets are lively, fun and gorgeously lit and there are live performances (choirs, ballets, orchestras and more)  throughout the city every night.

12. Madeira

Known for its sweet, caramelly namesake wine and warm temperatures, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal off the northwest coast of Africa. The Christmas lights in Funchal are always a treat and the midnight masses are legendary.

13. London

Take a red bus beneath the twinkling lights of Regent Street, go bauble shopping in Liberty, buy biscuit tins you’ll keep forever at Fortnum & Mason and ice skate at Somerset House. Talk about one of the best places in Europe for Christmas – London thrives under advent pressure.

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European Christmas FAQs:

1. Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Europe?

Anywhere with a Christmas market, laced with twinkling lights, mugs of hot chocolate and the scent of caramelized sugar in the air will do it. There are plenty of such places on our list.

2. What is the most Christmassy town in Europe?

Lapland. Although in reality, this is not a town, but a region in northern Europe spanning parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia.

3. Which country has the most beautiful Christmas in Europe?

Germany’s Christmas markets are adored and imitated the world over.

4. What is the warmest place in Europe in December?

While snow-sprinkled streets sparkle elsewhere, the Canary Islands – a Spanish archipelago which is geographically closer to Africa than Europe – tops the temperature chart, with average highs of 71.6°.

Hotels are forever upping their game, which means our luxury hotel bucket list keeps getting longer. How is yours looking? Here are some of the best new hotels in the world for 2025, the ones that are dazzling the rest with design, sustainability, amenities and a deep understanding of what it means for a guest to stay somewhere special.

1. Palazzo Talia – Rome, Italy

A short stroll from the Trevi Fountain, this luxurious Renaissance hotel has the grandeur to match the fountain itself, with its Baroque-style Carrara marble sculpture of Neptune in a shell chariot. Beneath impossibly high frescoed ceilings, guests rest, sleep and eat among Roman busts and Italian artworks. The rooms have a modern sensibility, though, with ancient marbles rubbing up happily against geometric tiles, straight lines and clean edges. The top-floor Talia Suite is a sprawl of splendor, wildly unique even among the best hotels worldwide, but every room is a box of treats. Our Ultimate Italy journey begins in Rome – arrive in town early for some palazzo time before we begin.

Credit @palazzo.talia on Instagram

2. Regent Santa Monica Beach Resort – Los Angeles, USA

Of all the best new hotels in Los Angeles, it’s this one that has the industry abuzz, because it’s exactly the beachfront oasis LA has been crying out for. This is a SoCal stay like no other, with sparkling views out to the Pacific, palm tree skylines, vivid orange sunsets, plus illustrious breakfasts on the terrace (lobster benedict, cinnamon toast crunch, for instance) and long, luxurious Hollywood-standard facials in the Guerlain spa. Rooms and suites are light, bright, breezy spaces that let the ocean do the talking. The hotel is a few sandy steps from the iconic Santa Monica pier.

Credit @regentsantamonica on Instagram

3. Six Senses at the Whiteley – London, UK

We like to keep our accommodations classic on our British Royale and Castles and Kingdomsjourneys but we always have an eye on the best new hotels in London. Among them this year is the London debut from one of the pioneers of luxury hotels. The building is a restored art deco emporium (it was London’s first department store 130 years ago). Upstairs, there are 109 rooms and 14 residences, each decorated in soothing tones and adorned with sumptuous furniture, frondy ferns and wonderful ‘sensory showers’. And downstairs is the spa, inspired by old underground stations, but blessed with saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, aerial yoga, cryotherapy and flotation. This will be one of the top hotels for slowing down in one of the world’s fastest cities.

Credit @sixsenseslondon on Instagram

4. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl – Austria

On the alpine shores of Salzburg’s Lake Fuschl, one of the best new hotels this year graces the lush skyline like a fairytale castle. The building itself is a centuries-old retreat historically visited by royals and cultural luminaries looking for peace and divine inspiration. Now, it emerges as one of the world’s top hotels, thanks to elegant chalets with lake views and butlers, sunrise yoga, paddleboarding, authentic Salzkammergut cuisine, and Rosewood’s unblemished record for creating gorgeous spas. The interiors celebrate the Old Masters, with Renaissance paintings adding to a dreamy atmosphere. Sustainability efforts include the Schloss Fuschl bee colony, which supports local honey production. Our Harmony of Central Europe journey – through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic – features a stay in Salzburg.

Credit @rwschlossfuschl on Instagram

5. Maison Barrière Vendôme – Paris, France

There are just 26 rooms, suites, and apartments at this quietly luxurious hotel between Place Vendôme and the Jardin des Tuileries, and each of them is dedicated to an iconic muse. The three Vendôme Apartments embody the free and daring spirits of Nina Simone, Bette Davis and Agatha Christie with their brilliant views of cinematic Paris, while the Grande Suite Marlene Dietrich is bathed in a golden Hollywood glow. It’s a chic, restful place, and one of the best new hotels in Paris for sheer personality. The restaurant, Frida, brings much-needed color, candlelight, drama and guacamole to central Paris.

Credit @maisonbarriere.vendome

6. Brach Madrid – Madrid, Spain

In the heart of magnificent Madrid, on the epic Gran Via, Brach is the latest of a clutch of luxury hotels designed by Philippe Starck. His story for the hotel is of a man with such longing for a woman that he fills every space with sentimental objects – so there are little surprises scattered throughout, and every fabric, pattern and material has been selected to tell a story of love. Rooms and suites are divine treasure troves and the La Capsule spa is a true sanctuary in the city. The Parisian patisserie lures passers-by from the pavements, with its classic Paris-Brests, and with French pastries given a Madrileño twist (almond, honey, turron).

7. Ran Baas The Palace – Patiala, India

We adore our visits to Maharaja palaces on our Imperial Rajasthan journey, so this one was firmly on our radar before it opened. Originally, Ran Baas was a royal guesthouse occupying one wing of the 10-acre Qila Mubarak complex. Now, it’s one of the best new hotels in the world – and its uber-white facade is incredible to behold. Within, there’s more white, but also marble floors from Rajasthan with black marquina inlay work, gilded frescoes, silk carpets and crystal chandeliers. It feels sumptuous and smooth. Breakfast is a lavish treat to be savored: tea, pastries, fruit, cheese and ceramic jars of fruit murabbas.

Credit @ranbaasthepalace_patiala on Instagram