First introduced in 2023, the annual ranking forms part of The 50, the organisation behind the globally recognised lists celebrating the world's finest restaurants, bars and hotels. Its results are determined by an independent voting academy of more than 800 international experts, including hoteliers, travel journalists and seasoned luxury travellers, who draw on their first-hand experiences to select their most outstanding stays.

This year's list spans everything from iconic city hotels and historic European retreats to secluded island resorts, reflecting the diversity of exceptional hospitality around the world.

Among this prestigious selection, we've handpicked 10 extraordinary hotels available to book through ASMALLWORLD Collection, where Premium Members can enjoy exclusive benefits designed to make an exceptional stay even more rewarding.

Set across 65 floors above Victoria Harbour, Rosewood Hong Kong combines a spectacular setting with a distinctly residential sense of luxury. Expect harbour and mountain views, Michelin-starred dining, an extensive wellness offering and beautifully considered rooms and suites.

For a particularly memorable stay, choose a harbour-facing room or suite — or go all out with a suite featuring Manor Club access and private butler service.

Book Rosewood Hong Kong

A resort for travellers who appreciate scale, spectacle and an exceptional choice of dining. Atlantis The Royal’s striking architecture, private balconies, expansive pools and Gulf views are matched by a restaurant line-up that includes Nobu by the Beach, Estiatorio Milos, Carbone and Ling Ling by Hakkasan.

For a stay that feels especially distinctive, look to the suites with private terraces and infinity pools overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Book Atlantis The Royal

An intimate retreat on the shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua occupies an 18th-century villa surrounded by seven acres of landscaped gardens. With just 24 rooms across three buildings, the atmosphere is private, personal and deeply connected to its setting.

Days here are made for boat trips, long lunches on the terrace, garden picnics and an evening aperitivo in the Winter Garden.

Book Passalacqua

Set within 750 acres of jungle and centred around a natural cenote, Chablé Yucatán is a compelling choice for a restorative escape. Its private villas and casitas combine contemporary design with local craftsmanship, while the spa draws on traditional Mayan rituals and natural therapies.

The resort also offers a rare combination of wellness, gastronomy, culture and golf — including a private wellness golf course.

Book Chablé Yucatán

A landmark address on the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has been welcoming guests for almost 150 years. Its enduring appeal lies in the balance between impeccable service, Thai character and a remarkable choice of dining.

Choose a river-facing room or suite, dine at two-Michelin-starred Le Normandie, and make time for the hotel’s tranquil spa, housed in a restored teakwood building.

Book Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Claridge’s remains one of London’s defining hotels: glamorous, elegant and unmistakably Mayfair. Its rooms and suites combine Art Deco influences, heritage details and contemporary comfort, while the hotel’s restaurants, bars and afternoon tea make it a destination in its own right.

For a more spacious stay, the Mayfair Suites bring together period features, marble bathrooms and generous walk-in wardrobes. Suites also include access to the hotel’s spa, swimming pool and sauna.

Book Claridge’s

For a true sense of escape, Nihi Sumba is difficult to surpass. With just 28 private villas on the southern coast of Sumba, the resort offers barefoot luxury, private pools, panoramic Indian Ocean views and a strong connection to local culture.

Days can include horseback rides on the beach, surfing, guided walks, yoga, weaving workshops and the remarkable Spa Safari — a sunrise experience combining a nature trek, village visit, breakfast and spa treatments.

Book Nihi Sumba

A polished new address in the heart of Rome, Bulgari Hotel Roma occupies a 1930s building on Piazza Augusto Imperatore, close to the city’s most celebrated sights and shopping streets.

Inside, Roman heritage meets contemporary Italian design, with coloured marble, refined furnishings and impeccable craftsmanship throughout. Highlights include the Bulgari Spa, the 20-metre indoor pool and La Terrazza rooftop, an elegant setting for sunset drinks above the city.

Book Bulgari Hotel Roma

Perched above the Ionian Sea, San Domenico Palace brings together Sicilian history, Four Seasons service and one of Taormina’s most compelling settings. The former Dominican convent is known for its cloistered architecture, refined rooms and views towards Mount Etna and the coast.

It is an ideal base for exploring Taormina, with time built in for long lunches, coastal swims and sunset aperitivi overlooking the sea.

Book San Domenico Palace

Set on the Karaköy waterfront, The Peninsula Istanbul offers a sophisticated base from which to experience the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Its setting combines Bosphorus views, historic surroundings and easy access to the city’s galleries, restaurants and cultural landmarks.

It is particularly well suited to a city break with a difference: begin the day beside the water, explore Istanbul’s historic quarters, then return for a refined evening overlooking the Bosphorus.

Book The Peninsula Istanbul

From the moment you arrive to the final morning of your stay, the smallest details can make all the difference. Through ASMALLWORLD Collection, Premium Members can enjoy a range of exclusive benefits at some of the world's most celebrated properties.

Depending on the hotel and availability, these may include room upgrades, a US$100 hotel credit, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out. Members may also benefit from loyalty points with selected hotel programmes and access to exclusive ASMALLWORLD rates.

Explore ASMALLWORLD Collection and discover a more rewarding way to stay at some of the world's finest hotels.