Germany
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is Hamburg elegance at the edge of the Inner Alster, perfectly placed for shopping and the Rathaus. Think grand staircases, floral flourishes, and rooms that feel reassuringly classic. Expect a well-run spa, a beautiful bar, and excellent dining. The vibe is refined, old-world, and quietly festive at night. 9.6
The Fontenay Hamburg
The Fontenay feels like a modern sculpture on Lake Alster, a sleek sanctuary minutes from central Hamburg. Curved architecture and light-filled rooms keep things serene, and great lake views. Expect a rooftop bar, refined dining, and a strong spa with indoor pool and sauna. The vibe is contemporary luxe, calm, and quietly glamorous. 9.8
Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway
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Schloss Elmau is a mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps near Garmisch, part spa sanctuary, part cultural salon. Expect multiple pools, expansive wellness areas, yoga, and hikes straight from the door. Concerts and thoughtful cuisine add soul. The vibe is grown-up, bookish, and restorative, with big scenery doing most of the talking. 9.8
Waldorf Astoria Berlin
Waldorf Astoria Berlin is a sleek high-rise refuge next to Zoo Station and the Ku’damm, ideal for shopping and easy transit. Rooms are quietly plush, many with city views. Expect a polished spa with pool and sauna, a strong cocktail bar, and refined dining. The vibe is business-friendly but indulgent, especially after dark. 9.4
Traube Tonbach Baiersbronn
Traube Tonbach is a Black Forest classic in Baiersbronn, where family hospitality meets serious gourmet ambition. Rooms look onto pine-covered valleys, and days revolve around indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a well-equipped gym. Multiple restaurants, including Michelin-starred kitchens, keep evenings elegant. Vibe: warm, serene, quietly celebratory for weekend escapes. 9.4
The Ritz-Carlton Berlin
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin channels 1920s glamour at Potsdamer Platz, with a polished sense of theatre and excellent people-watching. Rooms feel quietly luxurious, and service is unflappable. Expect a spa with pool and sauna, a strong gym, and a cocktail bar that takes martinis seriously. The vibe is classic, confident, and central for museums and nightlife. 9.6
Mandarin Oriental Munich
Mandarin Oriental, Munich is an opulent Old Town address near the Residenz and Viktualienmarkt, with discreet, clubby elegance behind its historic facade. Rooms are tailored and calm. Expect attentive concierge service, a small spa and gym, and a rooftop pool and terrace for city views. Vibe: refined, intimate, impeccably run. 9.6
Sonnenalp Resort Bavaria
Sonnenalp Resort in Ofterschwang, in the Allgäu of Bavaria, feels like a cosy Alpine village with five-star stamina. Rooms lean traditional, with balconies and mountain air. Expect a big spa with pools and saunas, golf and skiing nearby, and hearty, well-made dining. The vibe is family-friendly, outdoorsy, and quietly pampering after long days. 9.6
Château Royal Berlin
Château Royal Berlin is a contemporary art filled sleek bolthole in Mitte, parallel to Unter den Linden and minutes from Brandenburg Gate. Rooms pair calm palettes with museum worthy pieces. Expect a lively bar, Mediterranean leaning restaurant, and summer rooftop terrace. The vibe is cultured, slightly mischievous, and wonderfully central. 9.8
Kempinski Hotel
Berchtesgaden
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is an Alpine perch above the town, with jaw-dropping views toward Watzmann peaks and the valley. Interiors are modern, warm, and quietly luxurious. Expect a serious spa with indoor pool, saunas, and treatments, plus refined dining and a terrace bar. Vibe: serene, scenic, restorative all year round. 9.6
Das Graseck - mountain hideaway & health care
Das Graseck perches above Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reached by its own cable car, with the Wetterstein peaks and Partnach Gorge close by. Rooms feel modern Alpine and quietly cocooning. The Panorama Spa has an infinity pool, saunas, and calm lounges, plus on-site medical checkups. Vibe: restorative, fresh-air focused for a proper reset. 9.6
Das König Ludwig
Inspiration Spa
Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA in Schwangau is a grown-up wellness haven near Neuschwanstein and the Forggensee. Alpine-chic rooms open to mountain air. The vast spa delivers indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, treatments, and quiet zones, plus yoga and solid dining. Vibe: serene, health-minded, softly indulgent for a true reset. 9.6
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