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

"When you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, you leave behind the chaotic energy of a tourist-filled city and enter a luxe sanctuary. The landmark hotel was the first big international luxury brand to open in the ancient city, in 2014, and its star power shines as bright today. Situated in a peaceful site overlooking the Kamogawa River, the hotel is a layered contemporary expression of ancient Kyoto. Here high luxury harmonizes with low-key Kyoto discretion. It’s a place where off-duty Hollywood celebs sip tea or cocktails alongside generations-old Kyoto families. In the guest rooms, you’ll find cherry blossom carpets, intricate woodwork, calligraphic artworks, and large bathrooms. Dining options span the globe: Japanese fare at Mizuki, dishes inspired by the country’s 72 micro-seasons at Chef’s Table by Katsuhito Inoue, and Italian specialties at laid-back La Locanda. And for those suffering from Kyoto-temple fatigue? Recovery is nonnegotiable in the moodily lit wellness spaces—whether swimming laps in the basement pool or drifting off with a green tea massage in the spa. From $1,116. —Danielle Demetriou" - CNT Editors