The Luxury 50 List 2018

The exotic and new drives our Luxury 50 List this year. These newly minted hotels all have secrets to uncover, whether in the stories of their inspirations, history, or in their unique experience of luxury––all designed for exploration of the world within and as oases from the modern world. Where relationships are the new adventure, and hunting for the best selfies the new safari.

Capella Shanghai

Contemporary elegance in the Paris of the Orient • Set amidst original Shikumen townhouses, a rarity here since two decades of development nearly wiped them off the map, you will become a part of living history through Jaya Design International’s interpretation of the spirit of Jian Ye Li, a Franco-Chinese fusion of elements. The villas’ courtyards provide a peaceful respite and interior spaces reflect Parisian inspirations. The Shikumen Grand Villas recall 1930s living interpreted in luxurious, spacious ways. Particular attention to relationships and symmetry of spaces is paid, with furniture and design accented by intricate chinoiserie. capellahotels.com/en/capella-shanghai

Time + Tide Miavana

Togetherness where the destination is an experience • Miavana is Malagasy meaning “to bring together,” and they provide the most exotic and sustainable ways to do so at this hideaway designed by architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. Painted in pale-pink, Malagasy stone and dotted with palm trees, 15,000 hectares of marine sanctuary surround Time + Tide Miavana. Breathtaking Indian Ocean vistas stun at the refreshing pool and rooftop bar. Or maybe you just want to relish the beauty from the privacy of your luxurious, airy beach villa where you can ponder why they call Madagascar a land in a forgotten sea, from your sunken bathtub. timeandtideafrica.com/miavana

The Bürgenstock Hotel