My Favorite Hotels of 2023

2023 was an amazing year of travel for me and the Bell & Bly Team. I spent a third of the year out of the country scouting destinations and checking out what’s new post-Covid for our clients. I also had the pleasure of visiting some of the best hotels in the world. Here were my personal top five favorites of 2023:

Passalacqua

Recently ranked the number one hotel in the world, this was my second visit to Passalacqua on Lake Como! Situated on the shore of Lake Como, the property was developed from a restored 18th century Italian villa. This gem surpasses expectations the moment you pull through the gates. The family atmosphere, extreme attention to detail, and gorgeous views make it a world-class stay. Check out our podcast episode with owner, Valentina De Santis here.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

I had the pleasure of staying several days in Singita’s private Grumeti reserve in Tanzania (a private section of the Serengeti). My favorite camp on the reserve was Sabora Tented Camp. Magical moments are made here, from watching herds of impala from your shower, to having a whisky at night by the fire, to getting that coveted lion selfie. You can’t go wrong on safari, and certainly not when traveling with Singita.

COMO Parrot Cay

I visit Turks & Caicos every year but this was my first time staying at Parrot Cay, and boy was I blown away. The resort’s elegantly designed villas and suites are situated along four miles of white sand beaches. Parrot Cay offers an extensive list of activities including wellness treatments from pilates to massages, outdoor adventures like kayaking and fishing, and tours to neighboring islands. There are some room categories that are divine and some that I would not recommend so make sure to reach out before your next trip.

Royal Mansour

I kicked off my birthday trip in Morocco with a very special stay at The Royal Mansour. The property is owned by the King and the design is impeccable. All the marble and tilework is exquisite and done by hand, and the spa here is one of the best in the world. Enjoy a fabulous location near the old town, Michelin-star dining, and the epitome of Moroccan hospitality. Pro tip: get a hammam treatment on your first day in Morocco to fight jet lag!

La Residence

One of the most magnificently designed properties I’ve ever visited, Liz Biden has outdone herself again with La Residence. In the Franschhoek Valley of South Africa (wine country), the property boasts expansive vineyards, gourmet dining, and true South African hospitality. Come here after a safari to relax, taste some fabulous wines, and soak it all in. Check out our podcast episode with owner, Liz Biden here.

Bell & Bly Travel Hotel Offers

As you know, our bread and butter here at Bell & Bly Travel is planning full itineraries with ungoogleable experiences and seamless logistics. BUT, we also know that sometimes you just need a hotel!

So we now have a new way for you to book online directly and still take advantage of our perks like $100 resort credit, free breakfast, upgrades, and more. Check out the link HERE! Select us as your advisor and once booked, we’ll VIP you with the hotel and connect you with the concierge team.

Prefer not to book online? Contact us with your preferred property and dates, and we’ll secure your booking with added perks, VIP treatment, and no booking fees.

If you’re not sure where to stay and want our recommendations, you can opt for our Hotel Only + Tailored Recommendations option for a tailored proposal of 3-4 recommendations based on our expertise and your preferences.

Happy New Year and cheers to another year of amazing travel. Reach out HERE to get started planning your next trip.

Bell & Bly Travel Design is a boutique, entrepreneur owned, travel consultancy. We have built deep connections across the industry and are affiliated with Brownell Travel (the oldest travel agency in the United States) and Virtuoso. These connections and partnerships mean VIP status and extra perks and upgrades for you, our client. If you would like to learn more, get started today!