Congrats Capella Bangkok, voted best place to stay, which triggers a question are the world’s best hotels the world’s best for you?
Now, I’m usually content with a three-rolls bed, a power shower and a hearty breakfast.
But I can be won over by bells and whistles too and a killer view.
Ah, Capella
All of which Thailand’s jewel, the Capella, has in spades in its 101 suites and villas.
Described as an award-winning new-age sanctuary perched along the meandering bends of the Chao Phraya River.
With a two-night reservation at the Best Available Rate in any room category to receive a complimentary third night.
So what other special features separates the Capella Bangkok from the rest?
The Capella helpfully offers daily breakfast for two guests, a bottle of house Champagne and daily sunrise yoga by the river.
Daily complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar.
And here’s the real kicker… complimentary pressing of up to five pieces of clothing per stay!
All for TBH 75,300, or 1,712 of your Earth pounds.
Sandals in the swim
Now no vista can be replicated but those special features can and we’ve enjoyed them around the world at other hotels.
And dare we say… better.
So, let’s start with sunrise in Sandals Barbados.
Where you can be greeted with your very own Bim bird who will perch on your hot tub as you soak.
With glass of Champagne in hand from your complimentary daily bottle.
Other drinks are available obviously from your complimentary alcohol maxi-bar.
Now should you struggle to get through that bottle by yourself you can always share with your pals down in the pool.
Or have cocktails in the island pool bar before swimming up to your room.
And if you’ve forgotten anything your personal butler will have seen to it for you.
Your inner Robinson Crusoe
Now should you think someone of your standing shouldn’t be asked to share your pool then Kuramathi in the Maldives obliges.
With your own secluded pool outside your bedroom with views of the Indian Ocean obviously.
While if you’re looking for something even more exotic and authentic why not go for what we’ll call the Robinson Crusoe upgrade.
Sleep in your very own hammock on the balcony at ‘Porridge’ and Janelle’s Castara Retreats in Tobago.
And for a morning stretch allow your yoga specialist to lead you through some gentle moves.
All of which goes to show that luxury can be just around the corner which is, in fact, the Tobagonian pledge,
Your hotel, your stay
And if it looks like they don’t have a hotel near you on the World’s 50 Best Hotels here.
There could well be an alternative, just as good, or better, on your doorstep or a quick flight away.
Which is why we would never dream of staying anywhere else than George and Amal’s favourite stop-off, the Dylan in Amsterdam.
Yes, we can have passed down a list but are the world’s best hotels the world’s best for you?
And so as we see that the Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland makes the list.
We prefer to recommend Andy Murray’s more intimate and welcoming pad, the time capsule Cromlix House, near by, in Stirlingshire.
Game, set and match to us.
