The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026 | Condé Nast Traveler

"Allegedly, Queen Elizabeth and Mick Jagger once slept in the same bed, just not at the same time. That bed would be at Huka Lodge, New Zealand. Opened in 1924 as a humble fishing camp, it’s since become a tartan-and-teak retreat with roaring fireplaces and martinis on silver trays. Oversized suites open onto manicured lawns and the Waikato River, with Ralph Lauren-ish decor: lots of tartan, gilt-framed oil paintings, and velvet sofas. You’ll fall asleep to the rush of water and wake to birdsong and woodsmoke. Aperitifs are served at golden hour before long dinners. It’s the original luxury lodge and still the blueprint for all others that follow. From $1,898. —Chloe Sachdev" - CNT Editors