Robb Report Hong Kong unveiled the results of its Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition at a highly anticipated awards celebration recognising transformative journeys and authentic adventures, showcasing a meticulous selection of destinations, properties, and innovations that redefine the boundaries of opulence.
Among the 11 categories honouring more than 180 winners, Luxury Landmarks stands out as a collection that spotlights the most iconic properties in the world. Are icons born or made? In Luxury Landmarks, Robb Report Hong Kong recognises hotels and destinations that are indisputable icons in the industry, and leaders in their realm. It’s not simply about heritage, or which building has remained standing the longest—whether historical or modern, Luxury Landmarks are instantly recognisable, forever memorable, and set the tone for others to follow, representing the quintessential luxury experience.
Aman Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan
Iconic Serene Sanctuary in Tokyo
Next-level service makes this tranquil “ryokan in the clouds” a difficult one to match. Located across the top six floors of Otemachi Tower, the Kerry Hill-designed, 84-key Aman Tokyo reimagines the concept of an urban retreat, melding Japanese minimalism with local influences to create a serene, washi-walled sanctuary in the skies. “Welcome home,” goes the staff refrain, to a spectacular machiya house perched 33 floors off the ground. Enjoy a long soak in your room’s basalt ofuro tub, cosy up on the wall-to-wall day bed overlooking the Imperial Palace, sink into prescribed rest and relaxation at the Aman Spa, and dine at Arva for a polished Japanese take on Italian gastronomy.
Amangiri | Canyon Point, United States
Iconic Desert Retreat in Utah
Amid a desert landscape of deep canyons and towering mesas, Amangiri remains one of the most sought-after destinations on any discerning traveller’s itinerary. For the stay of a lifetime, spring for the pavilions at Camp Sarika—luxurious tented interpretations that give a whole new meaning to the term “glamping.” Experiences are the name of the game, perfect for guests who embrace exhilarating activities in rugged, untamed nature, and the dining equally hums with excitement.
Hotel Arts Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain
Iconic Coastal Destination in Barcelona
In Barcelona’s Port Olímpic area, Hotel Arts Barcelona stands tall as an unmissable icon defining the Spanish city’s vibrant coastline, a striking glass-and-steel silhouette that plays neighbour to Frank Gehry’s colossal El Peix sculpture. Name aside, this is a Ritz-Carlton property, so expect the same unrivalled blend of sophistication and glamour. Both Mediterranean resort and city hotel all at once, recent renovations have brought this beachfront destination into the 21st century, though its status as one of Barcelona’s original luxury landmarks can never be forgotten. At Enoteca Paco Pérez, honoured with two Michelin stars, guests can indulge in the bounties of sea and land.
Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel | Paris, France
Iconic Legendary Property in Paris
A Parisian masterpiece that has called the illustrious Place de la Concorde home since 1758, the regal stone façade of the Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel has witnessed centuries of history, celebration, and innovation, welcoming guests of note throughout its long tenure. As a bastion of French luxury, its rooms—some designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld—are the embodiment of elegance, and its restaurants are where those of discerning taste hold court.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid | Madrid, Spain
Iconic Historic Landmark in Madrid
In the “Golden Triangle of Art” in Madrid stands this Belle Époque beauty, a pioneer of true luxury with a century-plus history to boot. Since 1910, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid—then simply known as the Ritz Madrid—has blended living large with elegance and opulence. An extensive renovation and restoration was completed in 2021, reimagining this icon for the modern era. Now as before, its sumptuously appointed rooms offer enchanting views of the Prado museum or the Ritz Garden.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong | Hong Kong SAR
Iconic Harbourfront Landmark in Hong Kong
Revered as one of Asia’s most celebrated hotels, the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has long set the tone for luxury hospitality, weathering the test of time as a beacon of elegance since 1963. Its interiors are meticulously appointed in a harmonious balance of East and West, recalling old-world glamour and distinct Chinese design cues. Attentive, anticipatory service is a hallmark of this property, and the cuisine is world-renowned. From the Michelin-starred Man Wah restaurant for Cantonese specialities to the dynamic Aubrey bar for izakaya fare and craft cocktails, the MO is a Hong Kong institution. A comprehensive wellness programme makes a visit to The Mandarin Spa a must on our list. Plus, gents can experience a blast to the past at The Mandarin Barber, where grooming services are carried out in a chic Art Deco-inspired setting.
Palace Hotel Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan
Iconic Legendary Landmark in Tokyo
Perched on the edge of the Imperial Palace grounds, a stay at the Palace Hotel Tokyo is an unexpected moment of tranquillity in a city that never stops moving. A three-year-long renovation, completed in 2012, gave this icon the makeover it deserved after 48 years in service, and the result is a graceful tribute to the property’s legacy. Inside, the design is what you would expect of an old-school classic that’s strong on timeless aesthetics—think earthy colours and understated silhouettes. Many of the spacious rooms come with private balconies—a rare luxury in Tokyo—so soak up those lush panoramic views. Guests are spoilt for choice between 10 restaurants and bars. Be sure to stop by the Evian Spa Tokyo, the only such branded wellness destination in the city.
Raffles Singapore | Singapore
Iconic Heritage Hotel in Singapore
Raffles Singapore, that living legend of the Lion City, is an enduring symbol of 19th-century elegance, and its gleaming white walls, colonnaded verandas, and turbaned doormen continue to evoke the nostalgic romance of bygone eras. No longer the 10-room hotel it opened as in 1887, the Raffles Singapore of today, with its 115 suites, remains an integral part of the city-state’s cultural fabric. Dignitaries and celebrities have passed through these halls—perhaps in search of a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar—and imbued this stately landmark with stories of intrigue and glamour. Each suite blends heritage details—teakwood floors, antique furnishings, and lofty ceilings—with modern comfort and state-of-the-art amenities. Culinary excellence is celebrated across a constellation of restaurants, from the refined Chinese flavours of Yì by Jereme Leung to the artistry of wood-fire cooking at Butcher’s Block.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay | Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Iconic Island Getaway in the British Virgin Islands
A Caribbean legend set on a crescent of pristine powder sand, Rosewood Little Dix Bay did barefoot luxury long before it was cool. Laurance Rockefeller is to thank for this iconic resort, which has been blending unspoilt natural beauty with environmental stewardship since 1964. Accommodations are discreetly dotted amid lush greenery for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Dining can be beachside, farm-to-table, or in-room, but always with a Caribbean touch.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Hanoi, Vietnam
Iconic Historic Hotel in Hanoi
Not many still-standing properties can boast a history as rich, a background as multifaceted, and a legacy as enduring as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Over the years, this 1901 institution has witnessed more than its fair share of happenings, first as the Grand Métropole Hotel when it opened, later as the Pullman Hotel Metropole, and finally as its current iteration. Done up in a Indochine fashion that speaks to the location’s colonial past, this landmark in the French Quarter of the Vietnamese capital is refinement embodied—the hotel of choice for scores of luminaries and VVIPs from around the world. Guest rooms and suites are split between the heritage-driven Metropole Wing and the modern Opera Wing but what’s felt across the entire property is a timeless sort of sentimentality. Le Beaulieu is where to go for French haute cuisine. History enthusiasts should save time for a tour of the Metropole’s secret underground bunker, rediscovered during the renovation of the Bamboo Bar in 2011.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur | Udaipur, India
Iconic Lake Retreat in Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur is as ethereal a vision as they come. A gleaming white-marble spectacle set on the waters of Rajasthan’s Lake Pichola, its long history is as elaborate and grand as the property itself. Once a royal summer palace, this retreat is an architectural masterpiece, where domes, courtyards, and mosaics evoke the romance of a bygone era. From the moment of arrival—by boat only—cinematic moments abound. (It also boasts silver-screen history as the hotel was featured in a James Bond film.)
The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel | New York, United States
Iconic Old-World Legend in New York
How do you define an icon amongst icons? Few addresses capture the essence of Manhattan quite like The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel. Since 1930, this Upper East Side landmark has been synonymous with discreet glamour and a certain ineffable magic that only New York can conjure. Host to fame, fortune, and royalty, power players of the world have stepped through its revolving doors, and Café Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar remain legendary hangouts.
The Dorchester | London, United Kingdom
Iconic Timeless Landmark in London
Dorchester Collection’s flagbearer on Park Lane has served as the glamorous backdrop to some of London’s most illustrious gatherings and provided a luxurious refuge to some of the world’s most prestigious guests, standing as a testament to undisputed excellence since 1931. Contemporary British art and modern pastel colours are interwoven with classic, maximalist features of gleaming marble, Lalique crystal, hand-painted headboards, plush patterned carpets, and Liberace’s striking mirrored baby grand piano. It’s a theatrical and utterly lavish experience, underscored by the gentle hum of staff members, butlers, and concierges who are experts at their craft. Each of The Dorchester’s rooms and suites is a masterclass in English elegance, many with views of Hyde Park. Expect culinary excellence: the Alain Ducasse restaurant is a three-Michelin-star marvel, and Vesper Bar is a chic homage to the past.
The Langham, London | London, United Kingdom
Iconic Heritage Property in London
160 years is an impressive length of time to be in business, so it’s safe to say that The Langham, London knows what it’s doing and has been doing it very well indeed. It lays claim to being Europe’s first “grand hotel,” and undoubtedly, this majestic structure on Regent Street wrote the book on distinguished living. Royalty, heads of state, celebrities, persons of note, and discerning travellers have passed through the property’s Victorian Italianate façade. Once inside, one whiff of the Langham’s signature ginger flower fragrance is enough to immediately evoke familiarity and comfort. Ideal location, characterful design, and commendable service—what’s not to love? Head to Palm Court, the birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition, to indulge in living history.
The Peninsula Hong Kong | Hong Kong SAR
Iconic Legacy Landmark in Hong Kong
A queen among the “grande dames” of the world, The Peninsula Hong Kong’s remarkable history is matched only by its consistent dedication to excellence. Legacy and heritage converge at this hub of tradition, representing a poignant and enduring chapter in the city’s narrative. Since 1928, this storied address on Salisbury Road has set the gold standard for five-star hospitality, and its instantly recognisable fleet of Rolls-Royces (and now Bentleys) is as much embedded into Hong Kong’s iconography as the colonnaded Lobby’s perennially popular afternoon tea is part of the city’s “see and be seen” rituals. Its top-floor Peninsula Suite is among the most discrete in town, and its dining options second to none. After all, cheese fondue at Chesa—celebrating its 60th anniversary this year—is a wintertime custom we simply cannot do without.
The Peninsula New York | New York, United States
Iconic Sophisticated Getaway in New York
For the quintessential Manhattan sanctuary, look no further than The Peninsula New York. Spectacular inside and out, this imposing Beaux Arts building on Fifth Avenue sets the scene for an opulent experience, bringing Far East hospitality to Midtown. In this oasis of calm, guests can leave the frenetic energy of New York behind, and be wooed by a blend of tried-and-true centrepieces like the grand staircase and always-fresh flower arrangements and contemporary rooms and suites, the result of a recent renovation in September 2024. Put a pause on the demands of daily life and let yourself be pampered at the three-floor Peninsula Spa & Wellness Centre.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan
Iconic Downtown Destination in Tokyo
Rising above a luminous city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo commands the top floors of Midtown Tower in Roppongi, epitomising classic luxury and an unmistakably cosmopolitan experience for discerning leisure and business travellers. Across 245 guest rooms and seven restaurants and bars, picture-perfect views of the Shinjuku neighbourhood, the Imperial Palace, and Mount Fuji await. Don’t miss the fabulous afternoon tea in The Lobby Lounge, a place to see and be seen.
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai | Mumbai, India
Iconic Heritage Suite in Mumbai
An enduring symbol of India’s dazzling hospitality, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has presided over the Gateway of India since 1903. In this living monument, the cosmopolitan spirit and rich history of Mumbai converge in spectacular fashion. Its exquisite heritage suites, in particular, bring colonial elegance and Indian artistry to life through curated furnishings, artisan craftsmanship, and sumptuous décor. Dining and wellness options on property are appropriately lavish to match the setting.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund | Shanghai, China
Iconic Heritage Hotel in Shanghai
At Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, past and present dance in perfect harmony. Housed within a restored 1911 English Renaissance building that was once home to the storied Shanghai Club, this iconic property is a living tribute to the city’s cosmopolitan history. East meets West beneath soaring ceilings and glittering chandeliers—a confident stamp of old-school New York in the heart of Shanghai. Handsomely appointed rooms and suites provide alluring views of the Bund and the Huangpu river. At the Long Bar, be transported back to a time when Shanghai was the “Paris of the East”—this 34-metre raw mahogany slab was once heralded as the longest bar in the Far East.
