At one time, the writer Oscar Wilde and members of the Guinness family stayed here, among others.
In the global ranking of the most beautiful hotels in the world, an undisputed leader has been identified — and guests here are greeted right at the gate by real Irish wolfhounds.
Legendary Irish castle Ashford (Ashford Castle) has won the title of the most beautiful place to live on the planet. It topped the ranking of 33 most spectacular hotels in the world, compiled by Time Out.
This fabulous estate, covering 150 acres, has everything for a luxurious holiday: from a private cinema to hidden gardens. You can read a full review of Ashford Castle in Time Out.
When it comes to the most impressive hotels in the world, these are not just beautiful photos in promotional brochures, the authors emphasize. Time Out experts have personally visited each of the hotels on the list — from the coast of California to the jungles of Costa Rica, the authors note.
It was precisely this real experience that helped Ashford Castle earn the distinction of being the best historic hotel. The 350‑acre estate has been welcoming famous and influential guests since 1228. At one time, the writer Oscar Wilde and members of the Guinness family stayed there, among others.
Today, the castle has been transformed into a luxurious resort, which, after restoration, has retained the atmosphere of an aristocratic residence. Inside, there is a real labyrinth of majestic corridors, crystal chandeliers from Donegal, and a pool in the spa area, surrounded by seashells.
The layout of the castle is so complex and convoluted that after check‑in, the staff personally escort each guest to their room. However, Time Out advises to still remember the way back — it will certainly come in handy later.
The bedrooms are decorated with rich, bold colours, and most rooms offer views of Lough Corrib.
The castle becomes especially picturesque in autumn, when morning fog rises over the lake and the foliage on the trees takes on golden hues.
The Irish castle had to withstand serious competition for first place, the article says.
Second place was taken by the Japanese hotel Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota, which impressed experts with its incredible landscapes of Nagano Prefecture. Meanwhile, the title of the hotel with the most beautiful gardens went to the Florentine Four Seasons.
Among the other winners are the Maltese Phoenicia, which was awarded for the best pool, as well as London’s 1 Hotel Mayfair and Paris’s Le Pavillon de la Reine.
The rating also includes much more unusual objects. Among them are an underground observation tunnel in South Africa and an eco‑lodge in Costa Rica, which offers a view of one of only four tropical fjords in the world.
However, this year’s main award went to Ashford Castle — a place where an eight‑century history, luxury, and a fairy‑tale atmosphere allow guests to feel like true aristocrats, even if only for a short while.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.