A New Book Compiles the World’s Most Luxuriously Adventurous Hotels All in One Place
Leading Hotels of the World debuts Explore, the third in its wanderlust-invoking series
If there’s ever been a book that prompts you to stop everything and plan a trip, it’s Leading Hotels of the World’s latest publication in its multi-part travel series. Titled Explore, the lush tome is filled with transportive photographs and immersive writing about more than 80 properties around the world. Each of these spectacular destinations—from the Anthology of Athens housed at the foot of the Acropolis to NIHI Sumba on the beach in Indonesia—are connected through the unique experiences they offer guests as well as the sense of adventure that permeates their extraordinary locales. These are the meaningful hotel stays you remember for a lifetime.
Published by Phaidon’s Monacelli and editorially directed by The Slowdown and Spencer Bailey, every hotel is depicted in an immersive portfolio that dives deep into the soul of the property and their wide-ranging and unbelievable activities. A moving foreword from Deepak Chopra speaks to “a deep and timeless yearning within each of us, a long not merely for escape, but for an experience that expands our awareness, enriches our souls, and awakens us to the infinite possibilities of existence.”
The book is rich with far-flung adventures that go beyond the imagination. Nayara Alto Atacama offers unparalleled skygazing high in the Andes Mountains. Rayavadee in Thailand is only accessible by boat. Bürgenstock Hotel & Spa in Switzerland beckons with its private funicular ferrying guests, which have included Sean Connery during the filming of Goldfinger, to its impressive cliffside perch.
Wellness is at the core of many properties with spas core to their mission. At Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa and Golf Resort in Tuscany, Italy, its expansive treatment center, which encompasses a staggering 215,000 square feet, takes advantage of the area’s thermal hot springs. Those who believe there’s no better workout than walking an 18-hole round of golf will also find there’s much to explore—from legendary courses such as the one at Gleaneagles in Scotland to lesser-known gems like Sonnenalp in Vail, Colorado, which has its own golf club in nearby Edwards. At 7,200 feet above sea level, the ball soars through the air. In the winter, Sonnenalp becomes the destination for skiers to rest after long days of runs, with its especially cozy and charming Bavarian decor.
To celebrate the Explore theme, Leading Hotels of the World gathered featured hotel owners and executives at the Colorado property for a Luxury Summit this summer. There, these influential travel experts discussed how their properties continue to innovate while remaining true to their ethos. Plus, everyone was able to experience firsthand what makes Sonnenalp such a resounding chapter of Explore.
To add a layer of enriched usability, “Day Trip” inserts tightly curated excursions in Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand. Plus, “Pro Tip” advice from tastemakers such as sound therapist Sara Auster, art curator Allison Glenn, and architect Kulapat Yantrasast bring a great level of cultural curation with personal flair.
Previous editions, Design, which was released in 2024, and Culture, which debuted the following year, remain popular as ever. Available for purchase but also to peruse at Leading Hotels of the World’s 400-plus member properties across 80 countries, where they are well-worn coffee table books, which guests love to use to plan their next trip while still on their current adventure—so much so that the books often find a way into some people’s luggage.