This year, we’re yearning for the simple manifestation of joie de vivre—that ineffable “joy of living” found in life’s tender moments. It’s the thrill of discovery, the calm of reflection and the quiet delight of being in the moment. The winners of our 2025 Kiwi Collection Hotel Awards have mastered this art of exuberant living, creating spaces where joy feels effortless and infinite. Whatever your personal bliss may be, these destinations know how to bring it to life—whether through breathtaking settings, thoughtful details or memories that linger long after you’ve left. The journey of selecting our 12 winners was made even more special this year thanks to you. For the first time, you crowned the winner of our inaugural Best Hotel Instagram category, proving that the magic of these places can be felt far beyond their walls. So, step into their world and find your joy.
WOW PICK OF THE YEAR
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
In the Emirates, grandeur is a given—but some places redefine it entirely. You’ll know you’ve arrived at such a place when you spot 114 mosaic-clad domes glinting under the sun. Rising like a modern-day mirage against futuristic skyscrapers, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental rewrites the rules of opulence. Its terracotta façade, inspired by the Arabian Desert, stretches gracefully along Abu Dhabi’s Gulf shores, with a private marina on one side and a 1.3-kilometer white sand beach on the other. Step inside, and let the beauty of every detail take your breath away. Double-width pillars, marble in every shade, grand chandeliers and more gold than you can count (over one million square meters of 24-carat gold leaf) greet you at every turn. It’s the kind of place where you’d normally tell kids not to touch the shiny things—but here, the whole family is encouraged to bask in the opulence. With a waterpark, kids’ club, two pools and even horse-riding along the Arabian Sea, little ones and grown-ups can dive into luxury without limits. And as for dining? The hotel boasts 12 world-class restaurants, including two Michelin-starred venues: Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida. A place where indulgence is the rule and no one is left out.
BEST NEW HOTEL
Janu Tokyo
TOKYO, JAPAN
Once in a while, a hotel arrives on the scene with such allure that it becomes a legend even before opening its doors. Janu Tokyo, Aman’s bold new sister brand, debuted in March 2024, trading its signature stillness for an ethos alive with energy and community. Aptly named—Janu means “soul” in Sanskrit—this visionary retreat finds its stage in Azabudai Hills, Tokyo’s vibrant new neighborhood, where gradients of greenery—orchards, vegetable gardens and a vast 6,000-square-meter Central Green—create an urban sanctuary. The fact that it’s the only hotel in the neighborhood speaks to its ambition. Every detail reflects the expertise of longtime Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy, whose minimalist design defines the 122 serene rooms, complete with deep soaking tubs and private balconies perfectly framing Tokyo Tower’s iconic silhouette. At its heart, the fifth-floor reception brims with life, anchored by the Janu Lounge & Garden Terrace, where lingering over afternoon tea is encouraged. Wellness, an enduring cornerstone of Aman’s philosophy, takes on a new form here: one of Tokyo’s largest gyms, a 25-meter indoor pool and a sprawling 4,000-square-meter spa with boxing and spin studios, hydrotherapy zones and traditional hammams. It’s an intimate refuge from the city’s hum yet profoundly entwined with its rhythm.
BEST MINDFUL LUXURY
Kasbah Tamadot
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
In 1998, Sir Richard Branson’s ballooning adventure took him to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Naturally, he fell in love—and who wouldn’t with Kasbah Tamadot? Persuaded by his late mother, Eve, he acquired the property in 2005, inheriting a stunning kasbah filled with rare art and treasures. Eve’s influence reached deeper, sparking a commitment to the local community that flourishes today through the Eve Branson Foundation. Founded in 2006, the Foundation collaborates with nearby villages to drive lasting economic and social transformation through initiatives like artisanal training and educational programs. Free English classes, initiated during the hotel’s early days, continue empowering residents, with many now part of the entirely Moroccan staff—a testament to the kasbah’s commitment to uplifting neighbors. After the 2023 earthquake, the Foundation joined the Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, raising over $1 million for recovery efforts. Fully restored after the devastation, the kasbah reopened in October 2024 as a beacon of resilience. Its six brand-new Riads, adorned with Berber artistry, and the reimagined Asayss restaurant, where homegrown ingredients shine, stand as a testament to Eve’s enduring vision. As the kasbah thrives once more, so does its community—Eve’s legacy lives on in every brick, artisan’s touch and act of kindness.
MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL
Awasi Patagonia
TORRES DEL PAINE, CHILE
“I’d travel to the ends of the earth for you” feels less like a saying and more like a promise at Awasi Patagonia. Nestled in one of the most remote and majestic corners of the planet, this is a place where distance truly makes the heart grow fonder. Perched within a private reserve overlooking Chile’s iconic Torres del Paine National Park, it is as intimate as it is extraordinary. With just 14 villas scattered across the wilderness, privacy becomes your constant companion. Each villa, inspired by Patagonian ranching outposts, features a cozy wood-burning stove, plush sheepskin rugs and an outdoor hot tub—perfect for soaking in views of turquoise Lake Sarmiento and the towering peaks beyond, all with that special someone. The romance here isn’t confined to comfort within. With your personal guide and 4WD vehicle, every adventure is tailor-made. Stargaze under the clearest skies on Earth, hike glaciers or share a sunset picnic in landscapes so vast they feel like a dream. Whether savoring wine by the lodge’s fire, enjoying a candlelit dinner beneath the stars or sneaking away for solitude, this retreat lets you set the pace. Romance isn’t staged—it’s woven into every moment.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Royce Hotel
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
In 1928, Melbourne’s first prestige car showroom opened its doors on St. Kilda Road, offering the epitome of luxury—the Rolls-Royce. Today, that same spirit of sophistication and glamour is captured in a new form: The Royce. After a meticulous two-year refurbishment, this iconic hotel has returned to the boutique scene, reviving its timeless Golden Age opulence with a modern twist. Step into the lobby, and you’re greeted by echoes of the past with a nod to Art Deco elegance—arched ceilings shimmering in hammered gold and chandeliers restored to their original splendor. Yet, the design is firmly in the now, with sleek mirrored walls bringing a contemporary edge. Its 100 rooms and suites range from intimate spaces to two-level suites with sweeping bay windows. The hideaway fits seamlessly into Melbourne’s culinary scene, with the Showroom Bar offering vaulted ceilings, club chairs and a crackling open fire, while The Terrace serves dreamy brunches amidst lush greenery. Nestled in the heart of the city, the hotel is steps from Melbourne’s lush oases—The Royal Botanic Gardens and Fawkner Park—with lively South Yarra a short stroll away. To call this the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of boutique hotels isn’t just fitting—it’s well-deserved.
BEST GOURMET GETAWAY
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
ANTWERP, BELGIUM
What do you get when five of Belgium’s top chefs come together under one roof? Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. Tucked behind ancient walls, this 12th-century monastery is now a culinary sanctuary—so come hungry—with five restaurants, three boasting Michelin stars. First, there’s Fine Fleur, a refined spot run by Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot. Het Gebaar is an Antwerp institution, where Michelin pastry chef Roger van Damme elevates afternoon tea into art. Then, there’s Hertog Jan, where two Michelin stars shine brightly under the leadership of Gert De Mangeleer and maître-sommelier Joachim Boudens. The “Omakase” tasting menu is a three-hour adventure, with ingredients plucked straight from its greenhouse, herb beds and hives. Surprise is key, so guests are kindly asked to leave phones behind. From the same duo, head to Bar Bulot, a masterclass in Flemish and French cuisine, with a sister location in Bruges that holds a Michelin star. Henry’s Bar & Bistro shifts from an intimate bar to a sunlit conservatory, while deep in the cellars, The Unprecedented invites select guests to the exclusive Scotch Whisky Investors Club. In case that wasn’t enough, 17 Michelin-starred restaurants are nearby. In Antwerp, it’s clear: no one goes hungry.
BEST HOTEL VIEW
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
HOF BEI SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between,” said Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. At Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, this sentiment rings true—where the stillness of nature becomes its own symphony. You’ll find this 15th-century castle outside of Salzburg, the birthplace of the composer himself, on an evergreen-ringed, emerald-hued Lake Fuschl. Once a hunting lodge for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, the schloss (“castle” in German) operated mostly seasonally until 2022, when Rosewood Hotels & Resorts acquired the property and began a restoration. In July 2024, it reopened with 98 guest rooms, including six lakefront chalets. These rooms, inspired by local forests and the area’s four seasons, offer majestic views of the Salzkammergut mountains. The best way to take it all in? A swim at The See Club, the property’s lakeside retreat, where the Austrian Alps meet Mediterranean-inspired tranquility, thanks to a ban on motorboats. There’s also the indoor-outdoor pool: start your swim inside, then seamlessly transition outdoors, framed by the lake’s breathtaking scenery. While The Sound of Music’s legacy lives on here, the true magic is in the beauty that surrounds you—a place where the view is always worth a thousand words.
BEST WELLNESS RETREAT
SHA Mexico
COSTA MUJERES, MEXICO
It started as a personal journey—a family affair fueled by transformation. After health struggles and a diagnosis, Alfredo Bataller Parietti and his sons reclaimed their health through nourishing food and holistic therapies. Their mission? To prove that true health—rooted in nutrition, traditional therapies and Western medicine—transforms lives. They dubbed it “The SHA Method,” and SHA Wellness Clinic was born in Alicante, Spain. It became a hotspot for celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Mick Jagger—a sign that getting health right makes the world take notice. Inspired by their success, the family opened SHA Mexico in Costa Mujeres in early 2024. Next to the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere, the clinic offers transformative wellness programs ranging from four to 21 days. Programs like Rebalance & Energize, Leader’s Performance, Well-aging & Prevention and Intensive Detox & Optimal Weight target unique wellness goals. Upon arrival, guests undergo a health analysis, followed by a consultation with a nutritionist who crafts a personalized plan. Treatments include IV infusions, virtual reality workouts and hormone screenings, set against infinity pools, zen gardens and ocean-view terraces. The architecture mimics nature’s blueprint, with curves echoing the elegance of a DNA molecule. Here, health is the ultimate luxury.
BEST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
GRINDAVÍK, ICELAND
In her 1997 song “Jóga,” Icelandic icon Björk sings of “emotional landscapes,” yearning to capture Iceland’s raw, untamed energy—earthquakes, snowstorms, volcanic eruptions, geysers. As she says, “In Iceland, everything revolves around nature, 24 hours a day.” Nowhere is this connection more palpable than at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, a 60-suite sanctuary nestled within an 800-year-old lava field, an hour from Reykjavík. Here, the geothermal lagoon meets world-class wellness, immersing guests in the delicate dance of science and nature. The lagoon surrounding the hotel is a private sanctuary, separate from the main lagoon, offering peace amidst volcanic rock and steam. Each suite offers breathtaking views of the milky blue waters. But it’s not only the lagoon that captivates; The Retreat’s underground spa blends exposed lava walls with sleek Scandinavian design, creating a space disconnected from the world outside. Guests indulge in treatments harnessing the healing power of geothermal seawater, rich in silica, algae and minerals. Slate greys and earthy moss tones seamlessly fuse with the landscape, creating harmony between the interiors and nature. This balance continues at Michelin-starred Moss, where a seven-course tasting menu mirrors the island’s terrain, shifting from peaks to sea. Emotional landscapes, indeed.
BEST FAMILY HOTEL
Sonnwies Dolomites
SOUTH TYROL, ITALY
It’s no surprise this family-run hotel feels so warm and welcoming—after all, it started as a home. Sonnwies Dolomites, with roots dating back to 1400, still carries the charm of its original barn, house and herb garden. When the Hinteregger family acquired the property in 1983, they brought their passion for hospitality to life. Fifteen years later, eldest son Hans and his wife, Angelika, transformed it into a charming bed and breakfast. Today, after thoughtful renovations, it’s a cherished sanctuary. The resort’s 70 rooms and suites are designed with families in mind—spacious, bright, natural wood suites with baby furnishings and Dolomite views. A five-pool aquapark, petting zoo with 30 furry friends, 10,000-square-meter adventure playground, riding school and ice skating rink are just the beginning. Parents, rejoice: with childcare, babysitting, a teens-only lounge and programs for every age group, you’ll be able to relax—bonus points for the family wellness spa, where even kids get pampered. Meals are crafted from organic ingredients grown on their farm, ensuring even picky eaters are satisfied. And don’t forget Ferdi, the beloved hotel mascot—a brown pony in a blue South Tyrolean apron—often found at the kids’ club. The Hintereggers know how to make every family feel at home.
BEST ESCAPE FOR FRIENDS
The Lafayette Hotel and Club
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” croons through the air as Tom Cruise’s Maverick serenades Charlie, Goose harmonizing while the crowd eats it up. The scene? Iconic. The setting? The Lafayette Hotel and Club—a San Diego landmark famed for cinematic moments and off-key singalongs—reimagined after a $31 million facelift, cementing its status as the ultimate gathering place where stories are shared and memories linger long after last call. Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, where that Top Gun magic happened, still steals the show. With its 1940s clamshell stage and sunken dance floor that hosted legends like Sinatra and Simone, it’s ready for your encore. Since opening in 1946 with Bob Hope as its first guest, it’s been a mix of Hollywood glamour and everyday hangout. Crank up the fun at The Gutter, a two-lane bowling alley with shuffleboard and pool tables. Then, relax at the Lobby Bar with vintage cocktails under a soaring atrium. Satisfy hunger at the 24-hour Beginner’s Diner, serving up Americana classics. Retreat to a Four-Bedroom Bungalow with boudoir-inspired décor, and end your day with a dip in the nearly Olympic-sized pool, surrounded by striped umbrellas and palms. It’s the perfect spot for making memories—and belting a few off-key classics with your own Goose.
BEST HOTEL INSTAGRAM
Casa Angelina
PRAIANO, ITALY
The humble lemon is more than a fruit in Italy—it’s a symbol of Mediterranean life. Picture vibrant lemon stands, refreshing granitas, zesty limoncello and cheerful lemon-printed fashions. Naturally, Casa Angelina’s Instagram feed embraces this spirit, often sprinkled with lemon emojis. Their sun-drenched lemon pergola is a photo-ready haven perched above Positano, practically shouting, “Wish you were here!” Chances are, you’ve scrolled past this iconic setting in a video or two—it’s become synonymous with the property. This citrus-filled paradise is a feast for the senses: golden lemons ripening amidst shades of blue and green, framed by the Amalfi Coast. Just steps away, pristine white umbrellas, a sparkling azure pool and Positano’s dramatic cliffs complete the scene. Inside, Casa Angelina’s 36 white-on-white rooms are the epitome of elegance, each with private terraces and uninterrupted sea views. Dining here is equally spectacular. Michelin-starred Un Piano nel Cielo (“A Floor in the Sky”) elevates fresh, just-caught seafood, while Seascape Cocktail Bar, cantilevered over the bay, offers 10 versions of the Italian Aperol Spritz classic. When life hands you lemons, find the best seat—and don’t forget to snap a photo.
BEST HOTEL INSTAGRAM | RUNNERS UP
While your votes crowned a winner, the outpouring of enthusiasm inspired us to celebrate a few more standout favorites. Among them is @therebellohotel, which calls itself ‘the new hotel with an old soul’—and it truly delivers. Nestled on Porto’s riverbank, its impeccably curated Instagram feed feels like a love letter to the good life—golden Douro sunsets, artfully plated local dishes and interiors that honor the building’s storied past, all wrapped in modern sophistication. And as for inspiring hotel brands, @zannierhotels turns ordinary travel into extraordinary adventure. Cambodia. Namibia. Vietnam. France. From jungles to deserts, coastlines to countryside, each Instagram post is a sneak peek into a world where serene luxury meets unforgettable discovery—perfectly curated for those who seek a deeper connection with every destination.
For more handpicked destinations that inspire, follow @kiwicollection. Your next adventure awaits.
