Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List names three UK hotels among the world’s best

Condé Nast Traveller has released its 32nd Gold List, a global roundup of the world’s finest hotels selected by editors across its network. The annual guide spotlights properties from remote mountain retreats to city landmarks, spanning dozens of destinations and offering a snapshot of current design, hospitality and experiences in luxury travel.

Three UK hotels are among the picks: Beaverbrook in Surrey, Claridge’s in London and Coworth Park near Ascot. Beaverbrook, a 470-acre estate dating to 1866, blends historic Georgian charm with modern comfort; Claridge’s, an Art Deco landmark in Mayfair, remains a magnet for royalty and celebrities; Coworth Park, an 18th-century estate near Windsor, combines countryside grandeur with Michelin-starred dining and a spa.

Beyond the UK trio, the Gold List includes properties around the world. Akelarre in San Sebastián sits on Monte Igueldo overlooking the Bay of Biscay, with Pedro Subijana's three-Michelin-starred kitchen influencing the whole property; Badrutt's Palace in St Moritz is celebrated for its alpine setting and its newly connected Serlas Wing; Castelfalfi in Tuscany anchors guests on a historic 2,700-acre organic estate; Forestis in the Dolomites fuses biophilic design with panoramic views; Four Seasons Astir Palace near Athens offers private beaches and a lineup of dining options including Pelagos and Matsuhisa; The Inn on Biltmore Estate in North Carolina provides Gilded Age grandeur; Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento sits on a cliff with views of the Bay of Naples; Kona Village in Hawaii emphasizes traditional Polynesian design; Coral Sands on Harbour Island is on the pink-sand beaches; Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco blends 16th-century architecture with modern comforts; Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali embraces an open-air, walls-free concept; Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita advocates barefoot luxury; Samode Palace in Jaipur showcases Rajput-Mughal influences; Kinondo Kwetu in Kenya sits on Galu Beach with Swahili-style cottages; Huka Lodge in Taupō, New Zealand is famed for its riverfront views and refined hospitality.

Editors say the list continues to reflect current tastes in luxury travel, with a balance of historic palaces, wellness-focused retreats and gastronomy-led experiences. The inclusion of nature-focused getaways and sustainable practices is noted, alongside properties that emphasize artful design and impeccable service.

Travelers seeking inspiration or planning trips can use the Gold List as a reference point for properties with global reputations and distinctive local character.