The Top Three Hotels in the World (2026)
Discover three exceptional luxury hotels across Dubai, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia that redefine sophistication and elegance.
The World's Best Hotels: My Top Three Picks
I figured it was time to share some of the world's best hotels. This is not a complete list—it is simply my top three picks—but the full list can be found on my team's website: brookeintheairtravel.net.
Each of these hotels has been rated four to five stars, and I have had the pleasure of experiencing many of them firsthand.
Bvlgari Resort, Dubai
Located away from Dubai's main tourist trail, the Bvlgari (pronounced "Bulgari") Resort Dubai feels like a hidden refuge. The lineup of supercars in the driveway might suggest a clientele of crypto entrepreneurs and reality television influencers, but inside, guests will find a more refined, understated atmosphere.
Nothing about the architecture is overly showy, yet everything looks and feels luxurious—from the gleaming Mongolian black granite in the lobby to the green-and-gold mosaic tiles in the spa and the cashmere blankets in the bedrooms.
The gardens are filled with shade-providing palms and fragrant frangipani trees. The beach is soft and powdery, and the poolside cabanas provide the perfect setting for effortless relaxation.
The resort features Michelin-starred dining at its Italian and Japanese restaurants, with the latter offering a 17-seat counter experience reminiscent of Ginza. The 20 resort villas are among the finest in the city, providing private residences for guests who value exclusivity and discretion.
This is one of my personal favorites, especially in a city often nicknamed the "Golden City."
From $568 per night, base room rate.
Kinondo Kwetu, Kenya
Twenty years ago, Nordic couple Ida and Filip Andersson—relatives of the famous Blixen family—opened this barefoot Indian Ocean retreat along a private stretch of beach in Galu, Diani. Located between the ocean and a protected forest, the property features a collection of thatched cottages, two main houses, and a modern villa with a private pool.
Start your day with morning yoga on a clifftop platform, enjoy long lunches aboard a traditional wooden dhow resting on the beach, or take a star-filled horseback ride along the shoreline at night.
However, "slow" does not mean inactive. Guests can enjoy a tennis court, stables, and equipment for windsurfing, scuba diving, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Community connection is at the heart of this project. A foundation funded through tourism supports the local hospital and primary school, while guests can explore sacred forests with indigenous Digo guides.
"Kwetu" means "our home" in Swahili—a place where everyone is invited to share in the experience.
Personally, I am not usually drawn to African-style resort retreats, but this property is beautifully executed and stands apart from the rest.
From $280 per night, base room rate.
AlHabitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a nation once known for limited tourism opportunities to one now hosting electronic music festivals, cultural events, and experiences that attract millions of visitors each year.
At the center of this transformation is AlUla, a breathtaking landscape of sandstone formations and ancient history. AlHabitas AlUla perfectly captures the region's unique character.
Low-slung, earth-toned villas appear to blend seamlessly into the burnt-sugar cliffs. Interiors feature warm red textiles, desert-inspired ceramics, and design elements that reflect the artistry of Hegra's UNESCO-listed tombs, located just 20 minutes away.
Guests can relax in the hotel's infinity pool—a striking ribbon of turquoise against the desert backdrop—or take a complimentary e-bike to explore colorful art installations throughout the valley, including works by Lita Albuquerque and Manal Aldowayan.
This represents the new Saudi Arabia: deeply rooted in history while embracing a modern vision for adventurous travelers.
From $346 per night, base room rate.
For more ratings and detailed descriptions of these resorts and other exceptional hotels, visit our website: brookeintheairtravel.net.
