Luxury used to be something you could measure, a string of numbers to be stacked up and compared. The thickness of the mattress, the thread count of the sheets, the dimensions of the plunge pool: that was what set the outstanding resort apart from the merely comfortable.
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These days, we have become more demanding. We still want everything to be bigger and better; on top of that, however, we are looking for experiences that set us apart from the crowd.
The world's top hoteliers are rising to the challenge. Whether it is a private cooking class in a jungle clearing, or landing a chopper atop a mountain so you can enjoy bubbles for breakfast, today's five-star properties offer guests a roster of memorable activities. Here is our pick of the best.
BEST BREAKFAST
Where am I? The island of Koh Kood is Thailand once upon a time: fishing villages and dense jungle. Soneva Kiri resort has two dozen butler-serviced villas, and a distinctly playful vibe: there is an open-air cinema complete with popcorn, and a chocolate and ice-cream parlour.
What's involved? The resort's breakfast spread is nothing short of extraordinary. Only rookies load up on the buffet stretching the length of the dining pavilion; the a la carte options are the real highlight. At least once during your stay, however, do something different and give Treepod dining a try. Step into a bamboo basket that is gently hoisted high into the foliage overlooking the sea. A waiter attached to a zip line brings you your breakfast order, then discreetly retires. Need your coffee topped up? He'll happily come winging back. The Treepod is also available for lunch or dinner, but we think it's a terrific way to start the day.
Activity cost From 6500 baht ($252) a person.
Room cost From $US1083 ($1347) a room a night.
More information www.soneva.com .
BEST HELICOPTER RIDE
Where am I? Longitude 131 luxury tents, each with a front and centre view of Uluru, are the Red Centre's ultimate accommodation.
What's involved? A dawn helicopter tour of Uluru and Kata Tjuta is a popular choice for many visitors. At Longitude, however, they take things a bit further. After doing several circuits of both landmarks, the chopper continues on its way to Mount Conner, a lesser-known but equally impressive monolith. Along the way, enjoy the sight of kangaroos bounding across the plains and salt lakes shimmering in the distance. The highlight is the daring landing atop the huge rock, where staff are waiting with champagne and snacks.
Activity cost $2274 a person for two to three people.
Room cost From $990 a person a night twin share, including meals. (Based on a three-night stay.)
More information www.longitude131.com.au .
BEST ROOM SERVICE
Where am I? You can stretch out on Vomo Island. The only resort on the island, Vomo has the kind of extensive grounds most Fijian resorts can only dream of, with sweeping beaches on both sides of the island, tennis and golf options, and a sunset bar at the far end of the island that is worth the hike.
What's involved? Meal times at Vomo are always a highlight. Mussels come with a herb-parmesan crust and garlic butter; barbecue ribs are served with sides of red cabbage slaw with miso dressing and sticky rice cakes. Should you feel like dining in one night, however, you won't have to make do with a club sandwich. A chef will come to your villa and cook up your perfect meal, whether that's a simple barbecue or a multi-course menu featuring beet soup and wahu wrapped in banana leaf.
Activity cost Private dining with chef and wait staff is $F100 ($60) a person.
Room cost From $F1850 a night a couple, including meals.
More information www.vomofiji.com .
BEST BOAT TRIP
Where am I? Rajasthan is the most romantic part of India, and the Lake Palace at Udaipur is the most romantic hotel in all of Rajasthan. From afar, this 18th-century palace seems to float on the lake's surface; once you are inside, you can admire the mosaics, mirrors and stained glass.
What's involved? Here it's all about living out the royal fantasy. Complete the picture by taking a 150-year-old royal barge for a sunset spin. A full team of strapping rowers, drinks and gourmet snacks are part of the experience, as is a dance performance on the banks of the lake. Alternatively, upsize the experience to include dinner.
Activity cost From 100,000 rupees ($2000) for up to seven guests.
Room cost From 55,000 rupees.
More information www.tajhotels.com .
BEST SUNDOWNERS
Where am I? Sabi Sands is on every shortlist of South Africa's best safari destinations. This private game reserve, which shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, provides superb wildlife viewing, particularly of leopards. Leadwood Lodge is the most exclusive property in Sabi Sands, with just four villas.
What's involved? Safari has a rhythm all of its own. Early-morning games drives, late-afternoon game drives, sundowners before dinner. However, the best lodges add a little something unexpected to the mix. Leadwood excels at pleasant surprises. Heading home from a thrilling game drive one evening, the jeep pulls up unexpectedly. No, it's not another leopard sighting: instead, we spot cocktails, carefully hung from the branches of a tree.
Activity cost Free for guests.
Room cost From 11,000 rand ($1154) a person, including meals and game drives.
More information www.andbeyond.com/leadwood-lodge .
BEST CUP OF TEA
Where am I? It's China, but not as you know it. In the far west of the country, Xishuangbanna is a semi-tropical land of jungles and hill tribes. Anantara Xishuangbanna's sumptuous pool villas bring a touch of five-star style to this remote outpost.
What's involved? This part of China, home to some of the world's oldest tea trees, is known for its earthy pu'er tea. Whole villages are dedicated to its manufacture, with premium prices charged for tea picked at particular times of years, or aged like fine wine. Anantara's tea guru can arrange various tea experiences, from a tea-themed dinner to a traditional tea ceremony. The most fascinating is an excursion to the villages where the tea is grown.
Activity cost Yunnan pu'er tea ceremony from ¥100 ($21); tea plantation tour from ¥400.
Room cost Deluxe rooms from ¥2028; pool villas from ¥2028.
More information www.xishuangbanna.anantara.com .
BEST SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE
Where am I? The Freycinet Peninsula is one of the loveliest parts of Tasmania, filled with dense bush and beautiful coastline. The exclusive Saffire Lodge takes it up a notch, with dramatic architecture, fine food and wine, and a commitment to serious pampering.
What's involved? Saffire's most popular activity is an oyster farm visit with a twist. Pull on a pair of waders and head out to the oyster beds. While your guide is giving you a rundown on all matters oysters, he will pull up and shuck oysters, which you enjoy straight from the sea. Wash it down with a glass of champagne while pelicans fly past, barely skimming the waves: oysters will never taste the same again.
Activity cost Complimentary for guests.
Room cost From $1750 a couple a night, including meals. (Based on a three-night stay.)
More information www.saffire-freycinet.com.au .
BEST COOKING CLASS
Where am I? Set on a secluded bay in Khao Lak, The Sarojin is a stylish, adults-only boutique resort about an hour from Phuket. Surrounded by four hectares of grounds, each room has its own private garden and plunge pool.
What's involved? The Sarojin is not the only Asian resort to offer cooking classes; however, in keeping with its philosophy of going above and beyond, The Sarojin's classes are rather special. Our favourite is the one where you cook up a storm in a tranquil jungle glen. After a stroll through the local markets with the resort's chef, tasting various ingredients, you retire to your wild outpost where, with the help of chefs, you cook up a lunch with dishes such as braised fish and grilled prawns. The Sarojin also offers a range of other cooking classes, including one where you catch your fish first, and one where you visit and cook dinner in a local support centre for children.
Activity cost From 4000 baht ($155) a person.
Room cost From 17,940 baht a night a couple, including breakfast.
More information www.sarojin.com .
BEST HOT TUB
Where am I? There is nowhere in Australia quite like El Questro – a 400,000-hectare wilderness park in the Kimberley, offering accommodation options ranging from bare-bones camping to the five-star Homestead.
What's involved? Zebedee Springs is one of El Questro's most popular attractions, a series of hot pools shaded by leafy trees against a backdrop of rust-red cliffs. That means it often gets overcrowded. And this is where Homestead guests have the advantage. In the mornings, the springs are open to all; in the afternoon, they are exclusive to Homestead guests, allowing you to soak away your cares without the crowds.
Activity cost Free for guests.
Room cost From $1969 a room a night, including meals and activities.
More information www.elquestro.com.au .
BEST ROMANTIC DINNER
Where am I? Five-star resorts sprout like mushrooms after rain in Bali. Nonetheless, Hanging Gardens Ubud – cascading down a series of terraces on a jungle-covered hillside, with a spectacular cantilevered pool – is something special.
What's involved? The Temple Dinner is as romantic as it gets. You are met at your villa by your butler, who leads you along a candlelit path over a bridge and through the jungle. Your destination is a temple hidden amid the trees, illuminated by hundreds of candles. Kick off the evening with a Hindu blessing and a foot massage, before enjoying a delicious dinner. The evening ends with the opportunity to release a paper lantern, representing your wishes, into the sky.
Activity cost From $US250 ($310).
Room cost From $US435.
More information www.hanginggardensubud.com.
