6 & 7 Star Hotels: Do They Exist? (+ Where to Find Them!)

Are 7-star hotels really a thing?

The concept of 6 and 7 star hotels is something that’s used a lot by the media to emphasise quality, luxury and the extra touches that make these hotels stand out.

The standard hotel rating only goes to five stars so, technically, 7 star hotels aren’t real because they’re not officially recognised. BUT, trust me when I say there are some incredible hotels that are absolutely deserving of having a 6 or 7 star status!

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What makes a hotel 6 or 7 stars?

There are tons of five-star hotels and (in my opinion) they aren’t all created equal. That’s why 7 star hotels feel like they’re in a category of their own. They take five-star to the next level – they’re the epitome of luxury with incredible design, service and facilities. 

These are the places that are loved by royalty and the A-list, and they’re the hotels that go on so many vision boards and bucket lists.

At these hotels, you’ll often find Michelin-star chefs and restaurants, private butler services and the most heavenly surroundings. You’ll also get bespoke experiences, ultra-luxury amenities and a massive emphasis on quality.

Basically, these 6 and 7-star hotels go above and beyond to give their guests an unforgettable experience. It’s all about offering the absolute best of the best (and we are SO here for it!)

World’s best 6- and 7 star hotels

Because the 6 and 7 star rating isn’t officially recognised, there’s no standardised list of hotels to choose from. However, there are hotels and brands that are widely recognised as being the elite in luxury travel.

Below is a list of some of my favourite bucket list hotels and chains… Trust me when I say these are the world’s best places and you’ll want to book a stay ASAP!

17 Bucket list luxury hotels to check out in 2025

1 Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Dubai (UAE)

First on the list of best seven star hotels had to be Dubai’s Burj Al Arab.  Dubai is known for its luxury offering but Burj Al Arab is a standout hotel that’s all kinds of perfect. In fact – this is the iconic hotel that was first given the supposed 7-star status!

Located on its own mini man-made island, connected by private bridge to Dubai, it’s obvious why Burj Al Arab was given these credentials. 

As well as 202 exclusive duplex suites (all with views over the Arabian Gulf), this hotel epitomises exceptional service with dedicated 24-hour butler service, a staff ratio of 6:1 and a fleet of Rolls-Royce waiting at the ready. 

You can also expect Michelin-starred dining, exclusive Hermès toiletries, an incredible spa and lavish styling throughout the property. If there’s ever a place that exudes next-level luxury… this is the one!

2 Four Seasons Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

Most people know that Four Seasons and luxury go hand in hand. The brand has over 100 hotels across the globe and some of them are the most romantic hotels going!

There are TONS of Four Seasons resorts that are bucket list and worthy of the 7-star status (like Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles). But topping my list is Four Seasons Bora Bora. 

It doesn’t get any more romantic than Bora Bora and this hotel is at the pinnacle of honeymoon luxury! It’s an all-suite island paradise that’s all about seclusion and the prettiest setting.

3 One&Only Mandarina (Mexico)

I’ve worked in honeymoons for a long time and have come across so many beautiful hotels – yet One&Only continues to blow me away. This is a hotel chain with a handpicked selection of resorts that’s undeniably bucket list. 

The brand focuses on exclusive properties in one-of-a-kind, breathtaking settings. In my opinion, all of its resorts could easily be 6 or 7 stars! They’re super luxurious, incredibly photogenic and have all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel.

You’ll find One&Only resorts in several countries, including the Maldives, Mauritius and South Africa. One of my favourites is One&Only Mandarina in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

The resort is nestled between jungle and beaches on the Pacific Coast, and accommodation includes eco treehouses and cliff villas with private pools. It’s also a resort with a big focus on wellness with spa rituals and healing treatments.

4 &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge (Tanzania)

&Beyond is an award-winning, luxury travel company that’s well worth checking out if you’re after an epic wildlife honeymoon – they own an incredible choice of safari lodges across Africa.

&Beyond is known for being all about ultra-luxury, but also sustainable travel which I’m so here for! It’s a company that goes far beyond average so it absolutely deserves to have 6 or 7 star status.

The accommodation options that &Beyond owns across its portfolio are equally amazing but my top pick is Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge. It’s a boutique option in a remote part of the Serengeti. 

5 Amangiri (USA)

If you’ve ever stayed at an Aman resort, you’ll know this is a company that takes luxury seriously. This hotel brand is one of the best of the best and is known by people in the industry for its exclusive, next-level approach.

Like a lot of 6 or 7 star hotels, Aman’s properties are set in the most incredible locations. Each hotel in the portfolio is so SO beautiful and they’re also spacious and private. 

Aman currently has 35 hotels, resorts and residences in 20 countries. Some of my favourites are Amanruya in Turkey and Amanpulo in the Philippines. I also LOVE Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah. It’s such a unique hotel. 

6 Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is a pretty swish hotel. It’s part of the Mandarin Oriental group and is one of those places that’s often called 6 or 7 stars. It’s lavish, it’s luxurious and it has a whole load of extra touches that make it one-of-a-kind.

Emirates Palace is a landmark hotel – it’s one of the most expensive hotels ever built and, trust me, it’s swanky! As well as a prime location on a private beach, this hotel is true to its palatial style with 24-hour butler service for all of its rooms. 

The ‘basic’ rooms start at around £300, which might not seem too extravagant, but it’s a hotel that’s been known to offer a $1 million package for a 7-night stay!

7 Rosewood Mayakoba (Mexico)

Rosewood is a hotel brand with properties sprinkled across 21 countries. It’s a company that’s synonymous with exceptional service and style, with unique hotels that are fab for a special escape.

Many of the company’s hotels are iconic – like Hôtel de Crillon which is a Parisian landmark and former palace. There’s also Rosewood London which is a stylish heritage hotel near Covent Garden. 

There are so many Rosewood hotels to fall in love with and they’re not all overly grand or regal if that’s not your thing. One of my favourites is Rosewood Mayakoba, which is a luxury retreat on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

This secluded resort is set around winding lagoons and jungle. It’s also fresh and modern with suites and villas which all come with private plunge pools and butler service.

8 COMO Laucala Island Resort (Fiji)

I’ve written about COMO resorts before (I’m obsessed with COMO Shambhala Estate if you’re heading to Bali!). This is a boutique, award-winning brand that currently has 18 hotels across the globe.

I love that the company has a big commitment to holistic wellness –  it sets COMO apart even more. It’s definitely a hotel name to check out if you’re into wellness like me!

As well as COMO’s Bali resort, the other hotel that you need to know about is COMO Laucala Island. This resort has done the rounds on socials so I won’t be surprised if you recognise it. It’s one of the most incredible private island resorts in Fiji!

RELATED: 12 Best Yasawa Islands Resorts, Fiji

Even though the property has just 25 villas, it’s one of the world’s largest private island resorts… It’s all about privacy, space and paradise luxury.

9 Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino (Italy) 

Next on the list of 6 and 7 star hotels is Belmond. The Belmond group was formerly known as Orient Express and has a collection of around 50 amazing luxury hotels, trains and river cruises. 

All Belmond hotels are unique but what stands out to me is the timeless and romantic feel. You’ll find options like Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast and Cape Town’s Mount Nelson which have a refined and elegant charm. 

Likewise, my pick – Belmond Splendido – is a super romantic, luxury hotel that could easily be 6 or 7 stars! It’s a brilliant choice if you’re planning a classic honeymoon in Italy.

If the overly romantic style isn’t your thing, Belmond also has options that feel a little more modern. Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla and Maroma in Mexico in particular are worth checking out.

10 Singita Boulders Lodge (South Africa)

If you’re after a 6 or 7 star safari, Singita has to be on your list. Like &Beyond, Singita is known for its exceptional wildlife offering with world-class safari lodges and accommodations. 

It’s a brand that’s at the pinnacle of luxury safari travel and has countless awards under its belt. So- if you want to stay somewhere with lodges in the ‘World’s 50 Best Hotels’ this could be the one for you!

Like many of the best resorts, Singita has a strong focus on sustainability with an ethos of low-impact, high-value tourism. You can also expect beautiful accommodation as well as first-class service and exceptional hospitality.

The company has lodges across South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Rwanda. It’s hard to pick a favourite but I’m going with Singita Boulders Lodge in South Africa. This 12-suite property is in Sabi Sand Reserve, which is right next to Kruger National Park.

11 Le Sirenuse (Italy)

Le Sirenuse is one of the most iconic hotels on the Amalfi Coast. It’s not only luxurious and beautiful, but it’s a family-owned and exclusive hotel that feels intimate and special.

As one of the most distinctive and celebrated hotels in Positano, it has a pretty impressive list of previous guests – like Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne and Reese Witherspoon. 

Le Sirenuse doesn’t have the stuffiness that some posh seven-star hotels have. It used to be the family’s holiday home, so it gives off more exclusive, homely vibes instead – which is pretty perfect in my opinion!

12 Six Senses Zil Pasyon (Seychelles) 

I love Six Senses as a brand so had to include it in this list. The company has a beautiful selection of hotels in all corners of the world with tropical private island retreats as well as luxury hotels in the desert.

The hotels are super luxurious with all the expected amenities, but they’re also top-tier when it comes to sustainability and ethical practices. I love that the hotels make the most of their location and the brand collaborates with local communities, too.

Each hotel in the portfolio has something to fall in love with. I have so many favourites but I wanted to mention Six Senses Zil Pasyon. It’s a honeymoon DREAM in the Seychelles, set on the private, coral-fringed island of Félicité.

13 Le Bristol Paris (France)

If you’re heading to Paris you have so many incredible places to stay. I could have included the legendary Hôtel Ritz Paris – it’s an obvious choice for a 7-star stay. BUT, I wanted to mention Le Bristol Paris, which is just as iconic and incredibly beautiful.

Le Bristol Palace is part of the Oetker Collection and was the first hotel in Paris to be awarded the coveted ‘Palace’ status – it’s an incredible choice for a luxury stay.

The hotel opened in 1925 and has been the property of choice for tons of famous names (like Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and George Clooney) so obviously it has service, Michelin dining and luxury on point! 

14 Taj Falaknuma Palace (India)

Want to stay in a palace, be attended by butlers and arrive by horse-drawn carriage? Taj Falaknuma Palace’s got you covered! This palatial hilltop estate once belonged to the former ruler of Hyderabad and is all about opulence.

Everything about this hotel is grand – from its marble staircases, ballrooms and Venetian chandeliers to its 60 decadent rooms and suites. It’s also a hotel with a rich history (so much so that there’s a resident historian and a library filled with rare manuscripts). 

This place feels like a fairytale and is extravagant in a good way. If you want to feel like royalty with the best of the best, I recommend going for one of the grand suites!

15 The Goring, London (England)

Another royal-worthy hotel that had to be included on this list is The Goring in London. Located close to Buckingham Palace, The Goring is the epitome of classic Britishness. It’s also the only hotel with a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II!

As expected, this is a 7 star hotel that’s a favourite with the royals… Kate Middleton stayed at The Goring the night before her wedding and it’s rumoured that the Queen held an annual Christmas lunch here, too!

It’s a proper posh hotel (maybe overly so if you’re not used to that kind of thing) but it has a lot of charm and it stands out for its hospitality. It’s also the last of London’s family-owned luxury hotels, and it has a resident Shetland pony called Teddy (which gives it extra points). 

16 Cheval Blanc St-Barth (Saint-Barthelemy)

St Barts is already the poshest of the Caribbean islands. It’s known for being the place of choice for the rich and famous, so it probably comes as no surprise that you’ll find some swanky hotels here.

One of those is Cheval Blanc St-Barth, which is owned by luxury French company LVMH (who also owns Belmond). In the Cheval Blanc portfolio, there are five properties so it’s all about exclusivity – Cheval Blanc St-Barth is also the only property in the Caribbean with Palace distinction. 

The resort is a 61-room beach paradise, located on Flamands Bay, within a tropical garden setting that feels peaceful and secluded. You’ll find a choice of rooms (some with private pools) as well as amazing service and dining.

17 Joali (Maldives)

The Maldives is one of the world’s best bucket list destinations. It’s no secret that it’s a spendy destination. But- if the lap of luxury is exactly what you want, there’s even more reason to book a visit and fall in love!

The Maldives is overflowing with incredible resorts that it’s hard to narrow down a list of the best. So many are set on their own private islands, have gorgeous overwater villas and all the five-star amenities you could wish for.

RELATED: 20 Best Maldives Alternatives (Honeymoon Edit)

One of these is JOALI Maldives, which I’ve loved since it first opened. This resort is one of the most luxurious (and expensive) resorts in the Maldives. It’s located on the private island of Muravandhoo and feels like a true slice of paradise. 

RELATED: 17 Most Expensive Maldives Resorts

Joali is an independent, female-owned hotel that sets the bar high for luxury in the Maldives. It’s won numerous awards and is dreamy in every sense of the word with its arty touches, attention to detail and impeccable service.

6 & 7 star hotels: Verdict

6 or 7 star hotels might not officially be a thing, but there are so many bucket list places that could definitely fit the bill! 

These hotels are all about offering one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experiences and top-level service. Many have a big focus on sustainability which is a biggie for me. Plus, they often have an incredible wellness offering as well as breathtaking design.

These hotels aren’t for everyone, but if you’re dreaming of wow factor and have the cash for it, there are plenty of options that go above and beyond.

I hope this post has inspired you so you can get booking or get adding these gorgeous hotels to your bucket list!

READ MORE: 

• Where to Have a Floating Breakfast (15 Best Destinations + Resorts)
• 17 Most Expensive Maldives Resorts
• 14 Must-Visit Places Like Bora Bora
• 15 Best Mamanuca Island Resorts
• 12 Best Yasawa Islands Resorts, Fiji
• 21 Best Romantic Hotels in Bali for Couples
• 20 Best Maldives Alternatives (Honeymoon Edit)

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