Private Palaces: 6 Ultra-luxury Hotel Suites Where the 1% go to Disappear
  • The World's Most Private Suites

    Credit: Hugo Allard

    Hidden away in the most exclusive corners of the world, these suites offer unmatched seclusion and tranquility. From isolated beachfront villas to penthouses with private access, they offer the ultimate escape.

  • Grand Riad, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

    Credit: Royal Mansour Marrakech

    Even the most seasoned travelers will find the Royal Mansour utterly remarkable. Established by the King of Morocco, it is an unparalleled showpiece for the country’s indigenous crafts and artisanal heritage, a living museum where the ceilings are formed of carved cedarwood and floors shine with kaleidoscopic spreads of hand-laid zellige tiles.

  • Grand Riad, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

    Credit: Royal Mansour Marrakech

    A standalone four-bed, 19,400-sq-ft abode — a private palace, really — the Grand Riad delivers the same attention to detail and uncompromising quality. It feels a privilege to stay in a masterpiece that so few people will ever see. Past the entrance lined with olive trees, there’s one immensely beautiful room after another to discover, be it another inviting lounge, the bar or the library.

  • Grand Riad, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

    Credit: Royal Mansour Marrakech

    Elsewhere you’ll find a cinema, hammam, gym, roof terrace, pristine gardens and an elegant pool shaded by mature palm trees. From $22,150 per night.

  • Private Island, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

    Credit: Cheval Blanc Randheli

    Set in the Noonu Atoll, Cheval Blanc Randheli is a 40-minute journey north of Male and the 46-villa resort occupies its own collection of unspoiled islands which are connected by bridges. However, the Private Island within the resort can only be reached by a traditional dhoni boat and so offers the peak of privacy.

  • Private Island, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

    Credit: Cheval Blanc Randheli

    A dedicated team of ambassadors are on hand 24/7 to take care of every little thing, from gastronomic experiences to tailor-made activities. Price upon request.

  • Private Island, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

    Credit: Cheval Blanc Randheli

    Covering nearly 2.5 acres, the private island has a four-bedroom villa spanning an enormous 23,680 sq ft, an 82-ft infinity pool, spa and relaxation pavilion.

  • Villa Beauchamp, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, Cap-Ferrat, France

    Credit: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

    In the grounds of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel lies a secret: three ultra-private villas, nestled into the hotel’s lush greenery. Of the three, Villa Beauchamp is our pick: a princely peachy-toned, green shuttered abode offering a slice of seclusion on the French Riviera.

  • Villa Beauchamp, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, Cap-Ferrat, France

    Credit: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

    The villa has three double bedrooms, with space for up to 12 guests. Inside, she’s slick and stylish; OTT amenities include a cinema room, fitness center, a sauna and a hamman. Outside, there’s 32,291 sq ft of private gardens including a 52-ft swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen. Adjoining the main villa is a separate two-bedroom pavilion — all but made for broody teenagers in need of a little private space. From $27,200.

  • Presidential Hill Villa, Maxx Bodrum, Turkey

    Credit: Maxx Bodrum

    Located on Turkey’s southwestern coast, overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Presidential Hill Villa is the most spacious villa at Maxx Bodrum. Spanning an impressive 6,458 sq ft, the five-bedroom villa is ideal for groups or families seeking a private getaway.

  • Presidential Hill Villa, Maxx Bodrum, Turkey

    Credit: Maxx Bodrum

    The villa’s private infinity pool frames uninterrupted coastal views, while the terrace is perfect for both sunbathing and alfresco dining. For further activity outside of the suite, guests are welcome to try their hand at tennis or venture out onto the water for an exhilarating afternoon of watersports.

  • Presidential Hill Villa, Maxx Bodrum, Turkey

    Credit: Maxx Bodrum

    Inside, guests can unwind in the private spa or work out in the fully equipped gym. From $29,380 per night.

  • Villa Diane, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, St Barts, Caribbean

    Credit: Hugo Allard

    With just 21 rooms and suites, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf — which gazes down on the pink-roofed house and St Barts’ yacht-filled Gustavia Bay from its hill-side vantage point — offers privacy in its bucketloads. To really escape prying eyes, though, it has to be Villa Diane.

  • Villa Diane, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, St Barts, Caribbean

    Credit: Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf

    Separate from the main hotel (but still benefiting from all its facilities and its first-rate service), the villa has five-bedrooms spread across its 4,300 sq ft. Interiors are light and airy courtesy of Gilles & Boissier, while the large outdoor terrace (complete with a circular infinity pool) beckons. The villa’s west-facing location ensures sunset views, too — arrange sundowner cocktail hour. Guests also enjoy the services of a dedicated private butler. Price upon request.

  • The Mark Penthouse, The Mark, New Yorkv

    Credit: The Mark

    It’s a suite that needs to be seen to be believed — though securing a reservation might prove tricky considering the Penthouse at The Mark remains the top choice for most of New York’s, nay North America’s, elite.

  • The Mark Penthouse, The Mark, New York

    Credit: The Mark

    Its prime location on Madison Avenue, mere steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, certainly adds to the allure — particularly for those with invitations for a certain first Monday in May.

  • The Mark Penthouse, The Mark, New York

    Credit: The Mark

    Despite its unmistakable grandeur, the penthouse has a welcoming feel with decor more akin to a chic city apartment, thanks to thoughtful touches from legendary French designer Jacques Grange. The two-story layout features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two powder rooms, two wet bars and a living room with a soaring 26-ft ceiling that can be transformed into a ballroom — perfect for hosting your own private gala. From $75,000 per night.