When you're on a dream vacation, it's not unheard-of to expect majorly luxurious perks. While investigating some of the world's most premiere destinations, we discovered some serious cutting-edge amenities, too. Get ready to start daydreaming.
The Butler Service at the St. Regis New York
Whether it's at their iconic flagship in New York City or at one of it's 36 locations around the world, one day in the classically beautiful destination transports you to a time of pure luxury. When Colonel Astor IV opened the first St. Regis hotel on Fifth Avenue in 1904, he pioneered a butler service that defined white glove. These days, the service has modernized to accommodate a guest's ever-evolving needs. In Aspen, ski butlers will meet you at the gondolas with warmed boots. In New York, you can count on everything from a sugary cronut to a proofed presentation at any hour of the day.
The View at the Ritz-Carlton
In 1927, the first Ritz-Carlton opened in Boston on an exquisite block, defining luxury as premium location meets lush atmosphere. Since then, the setting of The Ritz-Carlton is consistently stunning, whether it's at the foot of an 8,000-square-foot mountain (like it's property at Bachelor Gulch in Colorado, shown above) or at the top of a 118-story tower in the tallest building in Hong Kong. At each of its 90-plus locations around the world, guests have key card access to an intimate lounge with craft cocktails, meals, and exclusive wines at most hours of the day. And some of the tables may even be set with their signature cobalt blue crystal glasses. Now that they have teamed with the Marriott, expect more properties to open around the globe. (We'll make it a go-to).
Exotic Bath at Oberoi
The Oberoi is often ranked the number one luxury destination in the world just for their sheer regality. Our favorite, the Oberoi Udaivilas, is literally an Indian palace — built on a Maharana's 200-year-old hunting ground, with a sparkling lakeside view. At the Oberoi Rajvilas, shown above, you can soak in a white marble tub using Ayurvedic products in fragrances like Lime, Tulsi and Narangi, all while looking out on a stunning view from their premier suites. As if that weren't enough, in celebration of the New Delhi property's 2015 50-year anniversary, guests go home with a gold-dusted box of macarons. If it were us, we wouldn't share.
One-of-a-Kind Access at Montage
Founded in 2002, Montage's five luxury locations quickly became ground zero for ridiculously opulent exclusivity. At Montage Beverly Hills, opened in 2008, celebs and socialites book one of 35 seats at the reservation-only £10 lounge. There, you can sip on Macallan Single Malt, the most sought-after whiskey in the world, served in $400 Lalique crystal glassware. At their Deer Valley, Utah location, an Olympic medalist will offer you ski lessons, and in Kapalua Bay, Hawaii, you can get a specially made juice to match your custom spa experience. Sounds sweet to us.