9 Ultra-Luxury Hotels You Never Knew Existed—Until Now

Let me introduce you to a term you probably didn’t know existed: ultra-luxury. Not just your run-of-the-mill luxury with fluffy robes and polished marble. I’m talking about the kind of indulgence reserved for the wealthy, the level rich people hope to experience, and the reality most of us can only imagine. This is the kind of luxury where an entire hotel can be booked just for one family, where staff anticipate your every whim before you even speak, and where every detail, right down to the thread count in your sheets is curated to perfection.

We’re talking 7-star hotels—yes, that unofficial title whispered about in the richest circles. These properties offer opulent rooms, experiences money can buy but discretion and taste rarely allow. Private beaches, exclusive villas, Michelin-starred restaurants, rooftop pools with panoramic views, personal chefs, spas with bespoke treatments, and butlers who know your preferences better than your closest friends. Some are hidden gems in remote corners of the world, while others are architectural icons in the heart of the world’s most glamorous cities.

If you’re flying first class, it’s not enough to stay anywhere. Your hotel should match your flight, your lifestyle, and your expectations of opulence. Welcome to a world of ultra-luxury few ever glimpse. Here are 9 ultra-luxury hotels where billionaires retreat and you probably didn’t even know existed.

What Is a 7-Star Hotel Anyway?

A 7-star hotel is an unofficial designation reserved for properties that redefine the very meaning of luxury. These hotels go beyond traditional five-star standards, offering opulent design, cutting-edge amenities such as private cinemas or underwater restaurants, personalized butler service, helicopter transfers, and meticulously curated experiences.

While no formal rating system exists, the “7-star” term came from a British journalist who visited Burj Al Arab in Dubai and felt five stars didn’t capture its extravagance. Since then, the phrase stuck and has become synonymous with iconic properties that cater to royals, heads of state, and high-profile VIPs with unparalleled exclusivity.

1. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE

Perched on its own private island, the Burj Al Arab is the ultimate expression of ultra-luxury, where every detail is curated for privacy, comfort, and extravagance. Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and Palm Jumeirah, duplex layouts with soundproof living and sleeping areas, and personalized touches like the Daily Serenity Sip in-suite. Guests enjoy dedicated butler service, access to adults-only, family, and ladies-only pools, a two-story Talise Spa with fitness facilities, and Sal Beach Club’s 90-metre infinity pool, along with private beach access and complimentary entry to Wild Wadi Waterpark. Young guests are treated to Rolly the Trolley surprises and access to the Kids Club at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, while a bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom is available on request for those seeking the ultimate in opulent transport.

Dining at the Burj Al Arab is equally exceptional, from Michelin-starred French and Italian cuisine at Al Muntaha to Mediterranean flavours at Sal and contemporary international dishes at Bab Al Yam, alongside refined rituals like afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar or sunset experiences at Cape Morris. Every moment is designed to combine elegance, exclusivity, and world-class service, making it a hotel where royalty, VIPs, and discerning travellers can experience Dubai in unparalleled style. From $1,500 (approx. R25k) per night.

2. Laucala Island Resort – Fiji

Set on a seven-mile-long private island in Fiji, Laucala Island Resort is the ultimate tropical hideaway, combining over-the-top luxury with total privacy. The resort features 25 unique villas, each a glamorous reinterpretation of traditional Fijian dwellings, complete with private pools, Bose sound systems, giant plasma TVs, and personal bars stocked with champagne. Interiors are a feast for the eyes, from seashell-inspired sofas to lamps crafted from hundreds of butterfly cocoons, while bathtubs are carved from single slabs of granite. Guests are pampered throughout the day with amuse-bouches, bespoke dining at a moment’s notice, and full access to five bars and restaurants, a world-class spa, stables, and an 18-hole golf course.

Beyond the villas, Laucala functions almost like an independent paradise, offering guests the chance to explore the island on mountain bikes, visit its organic farm, or take a James Bond–worthy dive boat to nearby reefs. The resort also has a working jetty, a hangar with private jet mechanics, and armies of staff dedicated to delivering absolute discretion and personalized service. Every detail, from adventure to indulgence, has been designed to provide a secluded and unforgettable luxury experience. From $3,500 (approx. R56k) per night.

3. Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE

Rising 43 stories above Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Royal redefines ultra-luxury experiential resorts, where every moment is designed to impress. The property blends sophisticated interiors with stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Palm Island, offering elegant rooms, expansive suites, and signature penthouses complete with private outdoor spaces and pools. Guests are treated to the highest level of personalized service, ensuring a stay that combines indulgence, privacy, and show-stopping glamour.

Beyond accommodation, Atlantis The Royal delivers a world of experiences. Michelin-starred dining across 17 restaurants, transformative spa and wellness programs, and record-breaking attractions at Aquaventure World cater to every desire. Guests can embrace Dubai’s nightlife at Ling Ling, enjoy interactive culinary showcases at La Mar, or paddle with dolphins for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Every detail, from pools to penthouses, from wellness to entertainment, is designed to create a stay that is both luxurious and unforgettable. From $1,200 (approx. R20k) per night.

4. Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Set on a pristine private beach, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental epitomizes Middle Eastern luxury, offering guests a serene sanctuary of elegance and refinement. Accommodation ranges from Deluxe Rooms with city, garden, or sea views to expansive Royal and Palace Suites, each designed with custom furniture, marble bathrooms, hot tubs, and private terraces. Family travelers enjoy interconnecting rooms and suites, while exclusive access to The EP Club ensures privacy and elite service. With 24-hour butler service, state-of-the-art entertainment, and thoughtfully curated spaces, every stay feels tailored to perfection.

Beyond the rooms, Emirates Palace delivers a world-class spectrum of experiences. Guests can indulge in Michelin-starred dining and gourmet cuisine across 12 venues, from authentic Italian at Talea to Japanese Warayaki at Strawfire and Cantonese at Hakkasan, complemented by lounges, bars, and all-day dining. For wellness, the award-winning spa offers Moroccan-inspired and Arabesque therapies, meso infusion hydrafacials, tech detox, and personalized programs. Adventure and recreation abound with private beaches, fishing trips, water flyboarding, and cutting-edge fitness facilities. Emirates Palace is a masterclass in luxury hospitality, blending opulent design, unparalleled service, and transformative experiences for an unforgettable Abu Dhabi escape. From $1,400 (approx. R23k) per night.

5. Pangu 7 Star Hotel – Beijing, China

Next to Beijing’s Olympic Park, the Pangu blends feng shui principles with opulence. Red and gold interiors, grand suites, and custom furniture create a bold but sophisticated atmosphere. Guests enjoy private dining, elite spa services, and exclusive VIP access. Every corner reflects a commitment to luxury that borders on theatrical. From $650 (approx. R12k).

6. Signiel Seoul – South Korea

Perched high in Lotte World Tower, Signiel Seoul offers panoramic views of the city below. Interiors are modern and minimal, but everything feels expensive—from marble bathrooms to floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Michelin-starred dining, private spa treatments, and infinity pools make the stay feel both sophisticated and exclusive. From $700 (approx. R12.5k).

7. The Centaurus – Islamabad, Pakistan

Rising as Islamabad’s tallest free-standing structure, The Centaurus Hotel Suites redefines contemporary luxury living, offering guests an unrivaled combination of elegance, comfort, and panoramic views of the capital. The 26-story hotel features world-class, fully furnished suites with chic wood finishes, spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, and fully equipped kitchens. Guests can choose from Deluxe Residences, Executive Suites, and Legacy Suites, each providing mesmerizing vistas of the Margalla Hills and Pakistan Monument. Its prime location ensures seamless access to the Centaurus Mall, where high-end shopping, fine dining, cinema, and leisure facilities complement the hotel experience.

Beyond its accommodations, The Centaurus offers a complete lifestyle ecosystem, blending luxury living with wellness and recreation. Visitors can enjoy the health club, spa, and swimming pool, or engage with curated family activities including children’s play areas and immersive dining experiences. From any suite, the city unfolds in breathtaking detail, providing a sense of both privacy and connection to Islamabad’s vibrant energy. With refined design, elegant furnishing, and a commitment to unparalleled service, The Centaurus delivers a distinctive urban luxury experience unlike any other in Pakistan. From $350 (approx. R6.3k) per night.

8. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel – Athens, Greece

Iconic, timeless, and effortlessly chic, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a 30-hectare (75-acre) beachfront sanctuary where every moment feels serendipitous. Just 30 minutes from the Acropolis, this luxury Athens Riviera hideaway blends golden sunsets, private beaches, and serene dawn swims in the Aegean with the city’s culture, creativity, and cuisine. Guests can choose from Arion Rooms & Suites, Nafsika Suites, Bungalows, and Specialty Suites, including hand-picked private pool suites perfect for romantic escapes or tranquil seaside retreats. Each room and suite is designed to showcase sweeping views of the Aegean, pine-clad landscapes, or the vibrant Astir Marina, while interiors reflect timeless Greek elegance fused with modern luxury.

Beyond its accommodations, the resort offers ten restaurants, lounges, and bars, a spa with sea-facing treatment rooms, three tennis courts and a basketball court, and nearby access to the Glyfada Golf Club. Water lovers can explore stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, snorkeling, or luxury yacht and boat tours to the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands. Guests can enjoy curated experiences, from private archaeologist-led Acropolis tours, immersive cooking and wine classes, to helicopter tours and bespoke yacht cruises. With a helipad, private chauffeur service, and luxury fitness and wellness offerings, Four Seasons Astir Palace delivers a complete, all-encompassing Athenian escape, balancing culture, adventure, and serenity in a truly elevated way. From $2,843 per night (approx. R45k).

9. Amangiri – Utah, USA

Set deep within the raw beauty of Utah’s high desert, Amangiri is a masterclass in restraint, scale and silence. Anchored into 900 acres of the Colorado Plateau, the resort’s clean-lined stone suites open onto outdoor lounges, fireplaces and vast desert views, with select residences offering private pools and rooftop terraces. For families and groups, the Six-Bedroom Villa, set on its own nine-acre plot, delivers total seclusion with a 36-metre pool, private spa, gym and the services of a dedicated chef and host. Just minutes away, Camp Sarika at Amangiri offers a more elemental escape through ten luxury tented pavilions, each with indoor living spaces, fire-lit terraces and private pools, balancing wilderness immersion with Aman’s signature precision.

The experience extends far beyond the architecture. Every stay includes round-trip transfers from Page Municipal Airport, full board dining with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a carefully curated rhythm of movement and stillness through daily group wellness classes and guided hikes across Amangiri’s marked desert trails, alongside unrestricted access to self-guided routes. In-room refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages are provided, while a custom itinerary planning service ensures each guest’s time unfolds with quiet intention. From Navajo-led slot canyon walks and via ferrata climbs to elemental spa rituals and open-air dining beneath ancient sandstone mesas, Amangiri redefines luxury as something deeply rooted in place, presence and the power of the land itself. From $4 968 (approx. R80k).

Ultra-luxury is about expensive décor, privacy, personalization, and experiences tailored to the individual. These hotels exist in a world most of us can only dream of, yet understanding them gives a glimpse into a lifestyle reserved for the ultra-wealthy. If you’re flying first class, a hotel like this is the logical next step—and now, you know exactly where to start dreaming.