Condé Nast Traveller has unveiled its annual Gold List, revealing the hotels its global editors consider the very best places to stay in the world right now. The prestigious list, now in its 32nd year, is widely regarded as one of the most influential hotel rankings in global travel, spotlighting properties that combine design, service, location and a sense of escapism.
This year’s selection spans every corner of the globe, from remote jungle retreats and historic European palaces to sun-drenched beach resorts and refined countryside estates. While many of the hotels are in far-flung destinations, there’s plenty closer to home too, with three UK properties making the cut and several more just a short flight away from Ireland.
The hotels recognised on the 2026 Gold List include:
• Akelarre – San Sebastián, Spain
• Badrutt's Palace – St Moritz, Switzerland
• Beaverbrook – Surrey, UK
• Castelfalfi – Tuscany, Italy
• Claridge's – London, UK
• Coworth Park, The Dorchester Collection – Berkshire, UK
• Forestis – Dolomites, Italy
• Four Seasons Astir Palace – Athens, Greece
• The Inn on Biltmore Estate – North Carolina, USA
• Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – Sorrento, Italy
• Hermitage Bay – Antigua
• Grand Hotel Son Net – Mallorca, Spain
• Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort – Hawaii, USA
• Coral Sands – Harbour Island, Bahamas
• Inkaterra La Casona – Cusco, Peru
• Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape – Bali, Indonesia
• Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort – Punta Mita, Mexico
• Samode Palace – Jaipur, India
• Kinondo Kwetu – Kenya
• Huka Lodge – Taupō, New Zealand
One inclusion that will come as no surprise to Irish holidaymakers is Grand Hotel Son Net in Mallorca. The Balearic island has consistently ranked as the number one overseas destination for Irish travellers for years, particularly for summer holidays. Anyone who has boarded a flight from Dublin to Mallorca will recognise the scene immediately: planes packed with Irish families, couples and friend groups buzzing with anticipation for a Spanish escape.
@perowneinternational Those views… ❤️ #grandhotelsonnet #mallorca #luxuryhotels #wheretostay #summer #spain #hotel ♬ original sound - xxtristanxo
So what makes Mallorca so special? Accessibility plays a major role. With frequent direct flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock, travel time is short and straightforward. Once there, the island offers something for everyone — pristine beaches, lively resort towns, quiet rural villages, Michelin-starred dining, world-class cycling routes and historic old towns like Palma and Sóller.
For Irish travellers, there’s also familiarity. English is widely spoken, the climate is reliably warm, and the island has long catered to Irish visitors without losing its local charm. In some coastal areas, particularly during peak season, Irish accents dominate cafés, beaches and hotel pools, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere that many holidaymakers love.
The presence of Grand Hotel Son Net on Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List elevates Mallorca’s reputation even further, highlighting that the island isn’t just a package-holiday favourite, but also home to some of Europe’s most refined and luxurious stays.
With the 2026 Gold List now revealed, Irish travellers planning a dream getaway have no shortage of inspiration — whether that means staying closer to home, hopping across Europe, or venturing to the far side of the world.
