Summer starts now – here are top hotels to book for summer 2026.
Summer is a time for staycations and vacations. Hotels from Sri Lanka to Seychelles are offering glamorous getaways. Whether you’re after dazzling deals, family-friendly fun or simply a spa, we’ve handpicked top hotels for the summer. The FACT team has travelled near and far to review hotels, from boutique hotels to big brands. Translated: you can trust our recommendation. Put on your out of office and aeroplane mode, our tried and tested list is landing. Here are the best hotels to visit for summer 2026.
Alila Hinu Bay, Oman
Alila Hinu Bay draws inspiration from Omani heritage, blending with local culture and the breathtaking landscape. Thoughtful design elements frame spectacular views of the sea and lagoon from the rooms and villas (some with private pools), emphasising the resort’s connection to nature. Indulge in culinary delights at Seasalt, which serves up sustainably harvested seafood specialities sourced from Mirbat’s traditional fishing port. The resort is ideally located for exploring the surrounding landscape, including the Wadi Darbat waterfalls, the Tawi Atair Sinkhole, and Khor Rori, the area’s largest nature reserve. This is one of the calmer hotels to visit this summer.
Where:: Alila Hinu Bay, Salalah, Mirbat 211, Oman
Contact: www.alilahotels.com
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort and Villas, Thailand
If you gave an AI image generator “perfect view” as a prompt, it might produce one as unreal as the view from Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort and Villas. The sheer cliffs of Bird’s Nest Island in Thailand rise up from the Andaman Sea just a few hundred yards from the shore, and the burnished copper coin of the rising sun reflects a shimmering red trail into the limpid waters – all framed between two palm trees swaying in the morning breeze. The smallest of the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort and Villas’ 148 suites, villas and penthouses is 968 square feet, which would feel generous in a one-bedroom flat. The largest has the footprint of a sizeable house and boasts a glass-bottomed infinity pool on the upper floor, so you can watch your partner swim overhead as you relax in the living room below. Oh, it also appeared in scenes from season three of The White Lotus. Join the queue, this is one of the top hotels to visit this summer.
Where: 88, 8, Koh Yao Yai, Ko Yao District, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand
Contact: www.anantara.com
Andaz Prague, Czech Republic
Andaz Prague is a true celebration of the city. Located in the Czech capital’s Old Town, the five-star hotel tastefully blends local influences with luxury hospitality. If you want a hotel that captures the culture, this is for you. In 1912, the building was constructed and served as the headquarters of the Sugar Industry Insurance Association. In 2022, the hotel opened and features 176 carefully curated rooms and suites. If you’re after culture and a city break, then this is one of the top hotels to visit this summer.
Where: Senovážné nám. 976/31, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Contact: www.hyattexperiences.com
ÀNI Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
When only exclusivity will do, look no further than ÀNI. If you haven’t heard of it, there’s a reason why: money talks, wealth whispers. The private resort is one of the high-end hotel sector’s best-kept secrets. Founded in 2010, ÀNI operates hotels in Anguilla, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. ÀNI Sri Lanka can accommodate between six and 30 guests, but couples have rented out the whole resort. Spanning 700 square feet, the rooms include eight split-level suites, four classic suites and three family suites. Head Chef, Cyril Human and his team can create any cuisine. Facilities include two infinity pools, massages on demand and excursions. When we were there, we asked for a karaoke party, and they delivered. Your wish is their command.
Where: Kaluketiya Watta Road, Maaliyadda 81200, Sri Lanka
Contact: https://aniprivateresorts.com
Avani+ Bangkok Riverside
Thailand is having a moment, thanks to the hit TV series White Lotus. If you want to channel the character Rick Hatchett, head to Bangkok. Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, located on the Chao Phraya River, offers spectacular widescreen views of the water. The hotel features 250 rooms and suites. Take advantage of the complimentary river boat, which ferries guests across the river – it makes for a romantic ride, and beats the city’s traffic. Breakfast is served at Skyline, where you’ll be spoilt for choice with both Eastern and Western dishes. You can also choose to sit watching the chefs at work or simply enjoy the stunning view. Seen Restaurant and Bar serves top-notch international cuisine, and SIN is the buzzing rooftop bar on the 27th floor.
Where: 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Contact: https://www.avanihotels.com
Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
Nestled amidst the lush emerald greens of the exclusive Laguna Phuket complex of hotels, Banyan Tree Phuket redefines luxury through a mix of traditional Thai aesthetics and world-class hospitality. The resort is built on a rehabilitated tin mine and features 218 luxury villas grouped along a serene saltwater lagoon.
Where: 33 Srisunthorn 33/27 Cherngthalay Bang Tao Beach, Tambon Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Contact: www.banyantree.com
Dar Tantora, The House Hotel, Saudi Arabia
Dar Tantora by The Hotel House features repurposed mudbrick buildings and offers 30 rooms. Drawing inspiration from the area, it has used local artisans in the restoration and boasts traditional décor, a restaurant and a spa. The property also offers daily cultural activities for guests, including bread-making, Saudi coffee sessions, ancient games, and craft-making, all led by local artisans. Dar Tantora also has an infinity pool with views that make you feel like you’re in your own private oasis.
Where: 375, AlUla 43562, Saudi Arabia
Contact: https://dartantora.co
Desert Rock Resort, Saudi Arabia
Desert Rock Resort boasts a spectacular setting, as it is situated within the desert cliffs. The resort includes 54 villas and 10 suites, plus a fitness centre, Wadi pools, and restaurants. The property features rock-hewn rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools, and modern furnishings. The project also aims to protect and preserve the environment. Adventurous guests can explore the desert through activities like climbing, abseiling, and guided cultural hikes, while families can enjoy tailored excursions and nature walks.
Where: Red Sea, Umluj 48561, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.redseaglobal.com
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Maldives
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has captured the spirit of a Maldivian village. The resort boasts 96 beach and water villas, and dining options to suit every palate from Asian to Western food. Activities include snorkelling, jet skiing, and shark and dolphin excursions. If you’re after a romantic getaway, they offer an Ūrjā massage, candlelight beach dinner, in-villa floating sunset cocktails, and even a 30-minute photoshoot.
Where: North Malé Atoll, 20097, Maldives
Contact: www.fourseasons.com
Grantley Hall, United Kingdom
Hidden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall is a discreet country retreat that marries history with modern-day luxury. This sprawling 17th-century mansion, originally built as a private residence, now stands as one of the UK’s most exclusive hotels, offering an exquisite experience that tempts travellers seeking heritage and high-end hospitality.
Where: Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
Contact: www.grantleyhall.co.uk
Hawar Resort by Mantis, Bahrain
Bahrain might be a small island nation, but it’s quietly building a reputation for big, memorable getaways. Beyond the usual, there’s a growing appetite for proper escape-from-it-all destinations – and that’s exactly what Hawar Resort by Mantis offers. Located on Hawar Island, getting there is part of the adventure. Hawar Resort by Mantis features 104 keys, ranging from hotel-style rooms to villas, many with private pools. The real showstopper is outside. Our bedroom opened onto a large private deck with a private pool, sun loungers, outdoor sofas, a shower, a dining table and a staircase leading directly into the sea.
Where: Block 372 Road 707, Bahrain
Contact: www.mantiscollection.com
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa, Maldives
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa is a top-notch, family-friendly resort. Situated in North Malé Atoll, it’s a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. What sets this apart is that it’s an all-villa resort, and all 109 rooms come with a pool. The resort describes itself as a family-friendly getaway, as there are villas that can sleep up to six people. Plus, it boasts a kids’ club, a children’s pool, and a rooftop lounge for teenagers.
Where: Malé 08540, Maldives
Contact: www.hilton.com
Hyde London, United Kingdom
Blink and you’ll miss it: Hyde London City is a hidden gem in the Square Mile. A stone’s throw from the Old Bailey, down the road from St Paul’s Cathedral and within easy reach of Soho, the hotel is housed inside the historic Grade II-listed Spiers & Pond building, built in 1874. From the outside, it keeps a low profile. Step inside and it quickly reveals its personality. The hotel is home to 111 rooms across seven storeys, and designed by London-based Studio Moren. Leydi is the hotel’s all-day restaurant, and great for brunch – order the All-In Leydi Breakfast.
Where: 15 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7EF
Contact: https://hydehotels.com
Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, UAE
For a city obsessed with height, novelty and silhouette, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai arrives with unusual assurance. Set within Wasl Tower, the 303-metre mixed-use landmark on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel inhabits a twisting, asymmetrical structure of burnished gold designed by UNStudio and engineered by Werner Sobek. The tower’s ceramic skin is not mere decorative bravado. The hotel comprises 259 guestrooms and suites, located between floors 16 and 34. The restaurants include Chitarra, Yù & Mì, and there is Noia by the Pool.
Where: Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Al Wasl Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, UAE
Overlooking the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s glittering skyline, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, is pure magic. Set on a gorgeous beachfront with stunning interiors, the resort brings a new wave of luxury to the shores of Dubai. The hotel includes 178 rooms and 78 elegant suites, and the MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Tasca by José Avillez.
Where: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Mandarin Oriental Muscat, Oman
Set in the prestigious Shatti Al Qurum district, Mandarin Oriental Muscat offers views of the Arabian Sea and Hajar Mountains. Designed to reflect Omani culture with a contemporary twist, the hotel features 150 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each with a private balcony. The hotel’s restaurants serve everything from Italian cuisine to creative Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes. The hotel also boasts a serene outdoor pool, a luxury spa, and an exclusive beachfront setting, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and indulgence.
Where: JF74 8M5, Muscat, Oman
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts
You know you’re in for a luxurious experience, as Mango House Seychelles is part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts. The location was once the residence of the Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri and has now been converted into a 41-room boutique resort. The accommodation ranges from rooms, suites and villas to beachfront residences with pools. The rooms all feature classic four-poster beds and balconies with stunning views. Excursions are given an upgrade: enjoy a private glass-bottom boat tour, hike the rocky coastline path at Anse Major Beach, take a scenic helicopter tour, and go with a park ranger to explore native wildlife. This is one of the more secluded hotels to visit this summer.
Where: Anse Aux Poules Bleues Baie Lazare Victoria Mahé, Seychelles
Contact: www.hilton.com
Matfen Hall Hotel, United Kingdom
Matfen Hall Hotel feels as though it could be straight out of Harry Potter and exudes old-world charm. It has 65 bedrooms, each fit for royalty. Our suite made us feel like royalty too, thanks to its sprawling space, large bed and even a butler who was on hand to remove a spider. The luxury suites feature high ceilings, grand windows and Instagram-worthy views. The estate spans 300 acres of parkland, a 27-hole golf course and a 15-metre-long swimming pool. This is one of the hotels that offers culture and class this summer.
Where: Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0RH
Contact: https://matfenhall.com
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort Morocco is a blockbuster resort with action-packed activities, dramatic dining and A-list guests. In 2009, the resort opened in showbiz style, and the launch party was attended by Gerard Butler, Naomi Campbell and Simon and Yasmin Le Bon. The 250 hectares boast 492 rooms and suites, and 13 restaurants and bars. The spa is a serene spot and offers traditional Moroccan treatments – a 100-square-metre hammam, anyone? The facilities range from a salon to yoga studio, and the services range from facials to massages. Plus, there is a plush pool lined with palm trees.
Where: Km 10, Route de Casablanca, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
Contact: www.mazaganbeachresort.com
The Red Sea EDITION, Saudi Arabia
The Red Sea EDITION is wedged between powder-white sands and turquoise water on one side, and the manicured fairways of Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, on the other. Beach or back nine, depending on your mood. The wider island is still taking shape, but the resort is cleverly positioned so that the ongoing construction work is not visible. The first thing you notice is the scent. That familiar EDITION fragrance of black tea hits you as you pass through the thick planting into a lobby of curated calm. And, the hotel is home to 240 guest rooms, including 53 suites. It’s one of the more serene hotels to visit this summer.
Where: Shura Island, Hanak 48313, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.editionhotels.com
Rosewood Doha, Qatar
Rosewood Doha is perfectly positioned along the waterfront, offering views of both the Lusail Marina Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. Designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the property is impossible to ignore. Its coral-inspired facade rising between sea and city pays tribute to Qatar’s marine heritage. Rosewood Doha comprises two towers with 155 rooms and suites, 162 fully serviced apartments, and 276 Rosewood Residences. Dining is an experience in its own right, with eight restaurants and lounges. Mila serves Levantine-Mediterranean cuisine, whereas Koo Madame transports you to 1920s Shanghai with Chinese cuisine. For drinks, Stoke and Stoker is the hotel’s signature bar, and The Butterfly Room serves as an elegant all-day lounge. It’s one of the most sophisticated hotels to visit this summer.
Where: First Street 69, Lusail, Qatar
Contact: www.rosewoodhotels.com
Shangri-La The Shard, London, United Kingdom
At Shangri-La The Shard, London, you can wake up with your head in the clouds. Located in Western Europe’s tallest building, the hotel starts on level 34 and is 125 metres high. Wherever you stand (or sleep), you can indulge in a lavish view of London, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the old, new and futuristic buildings. The hotel is home to 202 rooms and suites, and 13 floors of residential apartments. TĪNG Restaurant is an all-day Asian restaurant, and Gōng is head and shoulders above its competitors as the highest hotel bar in Europe.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
Contact: www.shangri-la.com
Shebara Resort, Saudi Arabia
Shebara Resort is located on a secluded Red Sea island, and for those seeking a true getaway, it is a 30 to 40-minute boat ride from the mainland. Shebara is the first resort owned and operated by Red Sea Global at The Red Sea. The resort boasts 73 villas, ranging from overwater to beach villas. Additionally, it will feature a 30- to 40-meter reef near the beach where guests can explore abundant marine life. Plus, experiences include restaurants and a stunning spa.
Where: The Red Sea Destination, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.redseaglobal.com
Six Senses London, United Kingdom
Six Senses London offers 109 rooms and suites, alongside 14 branded residences, each carefully considered for both space and style. Entry-level rooms begin at 344 square feet, while the Whiteley Suite stretches an impressive 3,143 square feet. FACT checked into the Junior Suite, and it more than exceeds expectations. If Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café is the heartbeat of Six Senses London, then the spa is its soul. This is the kind of spa that sets the standard for wellness in the capital. Spanning over 2,300 square metres, the spa includes 13 treatment rooms, a flotation pod, cryotherapy, a Turkish hammam, and a gym where you want to work out.
Where: Six Senses London, 1 Redan Place, London, W2 4SA
Contact: www.sixsenses.com
Six Senses Southern Dunes, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is upgrading its hotel offerings and opening romantic hotels in the Red Sea. FACT was among the first guests to check into Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. Designed by Foster + Partners, it features 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas. The glittering coast beckons with untouched coral reefs and marine life. The desert and mountains offer ample opportunities for exploration, from sunset hikes to nature walks. The Cooking School gets you to make your own dishes, and Six Sense Spa feels like it’s been carved directly into the sand. Sand, sea and one of the most luxurious hotels to visit this summer.
Where: The Red Sea Development, Umluj 48321, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.sixsenses.com
S/O Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
SO/ has always occupied a slightly different space in luxury hospitality. Launched in 2011 and rooted in the world of fashion, it remains a tightly edited hotel brand rather than a sprawling one, with fewer than 15 properties worldwide. Set at the entrance to the coral-shaped Al Marjan Island, the resort positions guests between desert horizons, the rugged Hajar Mountains and the shores of the Arabian Gulf. This lifestyle-led aesthetic extends throughout the 257 rooms and suites, all of which are oriented toward the water to make the most of the island setting.
Where: SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, Al Marjan Island, Nad Al Sili, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: www.so-hotels.com/en/ras-al-khaimah
The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah, UAE
The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah is a magical spot and a top pick as one of our favourite hotels for a break. Loved by FACT’s Editor-in-Chief, it brings together a collection of historic manor houses surrounded by meandering alleyways and atmospheric wind towers. Drawing inspiration from Emirati culture, it is a boutique 53-key hotel, where Islamic heritage meets contemporary convenience.
Where: Heart of Sharjah, 79 Corniche Street, Al Shiokh, Hay Al Gharb, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Contact: www.ghmhotels.com
The Chedi Hegra, Saudi Arabia
The Chedi is known for creating unique hotel experiences at historic sites. The brand is available in Oman, Switzerland, and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The Chedi Hegra is located in the heart of the ancient Nabataean site in AlUla and features 35 rooms, a café, a spa, and a swimming pool. Accommodations range from Chedi Deluxe Rooms to a Duplex Suite and a Two-Bedroom Pool Villa. The dining experiences take place at Hegra Fort, the old Hegra Railway Station, and a sunken water basin, all of which offer unobstructed views of the Hegra historical site.
Where: 5617, Dist, Hegra 43541, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.ghmhotels.com
The Crane, Barbados
Barbados offers a rich mix of culture, heritage, sport, dining and eco-adventures. The Caribbean’s only coral island boasts more than 400 restaurants, cementing its status as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The Crane, a storied clifftop resort, balances Spanish hacienda architecture with tropical ease. Looming archways, cool stone floors and textured walls open out onto breezy, open-plan living rooms, while tall four-poster beds anchor generous suites that spill onto garden terraces, many with lagoon-style private pools. The whole experience overlooks one of Barbados’ most beautiful beaches: a golden sweep tucked between craggy bluffs, framed by slender palms and washed by Atlantic spray. Put this on the top of your wishlist for hotels this summer.
Where: The Crane Resort, St. Philip Barbados
Contact: www.thecrane.com
The Francis Hotel, United Kingdom
A short walk from the station and tucked away on Bath’s first Georgian square, The Francis Hotel feels immediately connected to the city. Small in scale but rich in character, the boutique hotel has stood firm since the 18th century, when it was originally built as seven townhouses. In true Bath style, The Francis Hotel is all about relaxation. The city has been a hub of wellness for 2,000 years, as evidenced by the famous Roman Baths, which gave the city its name. The Francis Hotel stays true to these roots. The hotel features 98 thoughtfully designed bedrooms, and the restaurant, Emberwood, which is led by Executive Chef David.
Where: The Francis Hotel, Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HH
Contact: www.francishotel.com
The Lanesborough, United Kingdom
Live out your own Bridgerton fantasies at the luxury hotel, The Lanesborough. Drawing inspiration from the Regency period, a stay here is like stepping into a fairy tale. Located on Hyde Park Corner, you can count the King as your neighbour and book a room overlooking Buckingham Palace. The Park Suite is like a one-bedroom apartment and comes with a hallway, lounge, bedroom, and both guest and master bathrooms. The bedroom can be closed off by dramatic double doors, and the lounge proved useful for entertaining. Not only was the butler available at the press of a button, but he also made pots of tea in traditional silverware. The Lanesborough: fit for ladies, lords and Londoners.
Where: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Contact: www.oetkercollection.com
The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat, Oman
If you’re after a glamorous getaway, this is one of the top hotels to visit this summer Nestled along the sparkling shores of Oman’s Al Mouj coastline, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort feels timelessly luxurious and refreshingly modern. The resort epitomises Omani hospitality and features 250 rooms and suites.
Where: Al Mouj Walk Mall Street No6, Muscat 138, Oman.
Contact: www.marriott.com
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Saudi Arabia
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort was the first island resort to open in the development and is a high-end property with 90 villas, two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a spa and a kids’ club. With five diverse restaurants to choose from, guests can dive into Middle Eastern cuisine at Nesma or indulge in Japanese flavours at Gishiki 45. Located on the Ummahat Islands archipelago, the resort is accessible via seaplane or speedboat.
Where: Red Sea, Ummahat Island 1 48501, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.marriott.com
The Store Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford has been a centre of learning since the 12th century and is one of the oldest university towns in the world. For such an illustrious city, Oxford had remarkably few good hotels for visitors. That changed when the old Boswells department store – closed during the pandemic downturn – was redeveloped into an independent hotel. The Store Oxford opened in 2024. The sandstone façade from 1929 remains, right in the heart of the historic centre, but the interior is now sleekly modern, with all the five-star conveniences you’d expect. The rooftop bar and terrace offer views across central Oxford from the fifth floor, although the bar closes around 9.30pm. The hotel is a superb spot to admire the dreaming spires – and fall in love with the city this summer.
Where: 1, 5 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AG
Contact: https://thestoreoxford.com
Wardolf Astoria, Platte Island, Seychelles
Cast your Robinson Crusoe fantasies aside. The latest ode to barefoot luxury is the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, which opened in 2024 on a private island. The hotel redefines tranquillity and elevates indulgence to an art form. It includes 50 sea-facing villas, each designed to reflect the island’s natural surroundings. Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a curated menu of rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient traditions. La Perle is a Mediterranean brasserie where fresh, locally sourced seafood shines from breakfast to dinner.
Where: Platte Island, Outer Islands, Seychelles
Contact: www.hilton.com