Working as a travel advisor with Fora has kept me busy this year. As a community, we’ve booked thousands of hotels around the world – from dreamy villas in the Yucatán or Mykonos, to skyscraping penthouses in buzzing Asian metropolises.
Fora pays close attention to travel trends, and together, we keep our finger on the pulse of the international hotel scene. This month, we took a look at the booking trends of 2022 and rounded up the top-booked international hotels so far – otherwise known as the tried-and-true properties we recommend again and again. Read on for what makes them special.
... And, if you’re interested in booking one of these hotel gems, let’s start planning ASAP!
Hotel Schweizerhof Zermatt
Image courtesy of Hotel Schweizerhof Zermatt
Our community of ski bunnies agrees that Zermatt, Switzerland – one of the most beloved ski destinations in the world – never goes out of style. Nestled at the base of Matterhorn, the Hotel Schweizerhof Zermatt is a delightful blend of natural and rustic-chic. The hotel is outfitted with cozy, wood-paneled rooms – Scandinavian minimalism at its best – with snowy mountain views being the star of the show. Guests should be sure to indulge in some après ski rejuvenation at the underground pool and spa with the hotel’s signature sports recovery program, including de-stressing treatments and hot volcanic stone massages.
Fora Perks:
$50 food / beverage credit and $50 spa voucher.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Branco Mykonos
Image courtesy of Branco Mykonos
A Mykonos moment? Count us in. Set on the crystalline shore of the Aegean sea, Branco Mykonos is a gorgeous, sleek and crowd-pleasing resort. All rooms are equipped with sea-facing private balconies, and the neutral-toned design of the rooms makes for an extra airy feel. Guests shouldn’t miss a meal at the dreamy al fresco restaurant, boasting spellbinding views and candlelit dining. Dishes are crafted using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients, with authentic Mediterranean cuisine coupled with a twist of Asian flavors.
Fora Perks:
A bottle of Champagne and a fruit plate on arrival.
Grand InterContinental Seoul - Parnas, Gangnam-gu
Image courtesy of Grand InterContinental Seoul - Parnas, Gangnam-gu
In the heart and Seoul of South Korea (see what we did there…), the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas is located in the fashionable Gangnam district. Here, traditional Korean style meets contemporary minimalist design, with plenty of weathered wood and marble. While rooms promise sweeping views of the sprawling city, the standout here is the exceptional Peking duck at the hotel restaurant, Weilou. Also notable is the sleek, skylit indoor pool (though it is adults-only).
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Esencia
Image courtesy of Hotel Esencia
It's no surprise us Fora Advisors love this effortlessly chic hotel, which is located on one of the few pristine swaths of the Riviera Maya. Hotel Esencia was once the private vacation home of an Italian duchess; today, it's a gem of a boutique hotel, with access to a private beach, heated swimming pools and an organic spa. We especially love how Esencia’s fresh, white-on-white decor accentuates its setting's natural beauty. The hotel's restaurants are all about highlighting the region’s quality ingredients, with dishes like fresh catch of the day paired with local wines. Bespoke tours of the Mayan ruins of Tulum, deep sea fishing and zip line adventures are also on offer.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Meurice
Image courtesy of Le Meurice
Oh là là! For those seeking opulence in Paris, look no further than Le Meurice. This palatial hotel is located just a stone's throw from the Tuileries gardens, with the rooms dutifully paying homage to the luxury of 18th century Paris. Expect plenty of gold accents and embellishments, with wainscot-detailed walls and sumptuous velvet touches. The hotel restaurant, Le Dalí, is acclaimed for its celebration of local and seasonal French cuisine. At the hotel’s Swiss-beauty-inspired spa, guests can opt for a massage that alleviates jet lag – perfect for a hitting the ground running post-plane ride!
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Image courtesy of Rosewood Little Dix Bay
The secret’s out: we can’t get enough of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Located amongst the pristine British Virgin islands, the Rosewood offers the ultimate secluded getaway. This exclusive spot is accessible via flights from Tortola and Virgin Gorda, or a short ferry ride from St. Thomas. (Also be sure to check out the best things to do on St. Thomas.) Rooms have sweeping views of the untamed bay-beauty and a barefoot luxury aesthetic, with open-air living areas and stone flooring. The restaurants are nothing short of exceptional, with delectable options consisting of Caribbean tapas and farm-to-table dishes. Also available is an exclusive chef’s garden cooking class, where families can learn to cook with the fresh ingredients grown on property.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Vista at the Hilton Tel Aviv
Image courtesy of Hilton Tel Aviv
At the heart of Independence park, just steps away from the Med, the Vista at the Hilton Tel Aviv offers both convenience and understated luxury. This eco-certified hotel is home to an upscale French restaurant and sushi bar, along with a traditional Thai spa. Rooms here are sophisticated in decor and especially family-friendly, with multiple options for connecting rooms and suites (many of which boast views of the nearby aquamarine water).
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rancho Santana
Image courtesy of Rancho Santana
Immersed in the lush wilderness of Nicaragua, Rancho Santana is one of those special properties you have to see to believe. Guests enjoy access to five pristine beaches that are among the best in the country while staying in luxurious private casitas. The ranch has countless activities available, including surf lessons, horseback riding and guided area hikes – all of which foster appreciation of the remarkable region. Guests looking for rejuvenation should be sure to check out the holistic services available at the spa, which include a shiatsu massage, cupping, acupuncture and reiki.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm
Image courtesy of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm
Us Fora Advisors are no strangers to Dubai, an oasis of sheer wanderlust. In this metropolis, The St. Regis on the Palm Jumeirah is a tried-and-true luxury staple. This hotel is a vision of opulence, with gold accents bringing pops of color to otherwise minimalist room design. Home to an Instagrammable infinity pool with sweeping views of the city, the St. Regis also offers unique spa treatments that incorporate locally sourced ingredients such as cypress and camphor oils. Indulging in a meal at their acclaimed seafood restaurant, Cordelia, or partaking in a Caroline Astor-inspired teatime, are musts.
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas (Dominican Republic)
Image courtesy of Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
With its Spanish-influenced culture and natural beauty, the Dominican Republic is a dreamy international escape with direct flights from most major airports. We love the sleek and classic villas at Casa de Campo Resort. Picture crisp white linen, high ceilings and expansive balconies. Nestled within a private gated community, the family-friendly resort boasts an expansive golf course, views of the ocean as far as the eye can see and activities for all, like horseback riding and night golf.
Fora Perks:
$200 spa / golf credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
