The Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World 2021: Round 2

Round 1 of The Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World contest has come to a close and, now, the 32 hotels that received more votes than their competition move on in the bracket to go up against a brand-new property. 

Round 2 will be open through Thursday, March 24 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. (Rounds will be open for half a week each—from Monday to Thursday, then Thursday to Monday and so on.) You may vote in as many or as few matchups as you’d like but you may only vote once per matchup per round. Hotels are separated into four regional brackets: The Americas; Asia and Indian Ocean; Europe; and Africa, Middle East and Oceania. 

And if you need reminding: We’re looking for the best shot that anyone would be able to take during their stay at a hotel. We all know the one—it’s racking up likes and comments and people are DMing you about the stay. And, as soon as you can (and feel comfortable doing so), be sure to reach out to a travel advisor and start planning your next trip to support the industry and local communities, and, of course, take some Instagram-worthy photos. 

Have fun and good luck to all the hotels! 

The Americas

NIZUC Resort & Spa (1) vs. The Don CeSar (8)

Last year’s winner and the overall No. 1 seed, NIZUC Resort & Spa, took care of Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, recording 74.56 percent of the vote. We have yet to have a back-to-back champion. Could this be the first? At NIZUC, guests can take in the views of Cancun’s white sand beaches from these nifty loungers. Throughout the resort, guests can expect fusions of Asian architectural forms with Mexican materials and Mayan iconography. 

In an impressive showing in its own right, The Don CeSar defeated the new TWA Hotel with 71.20 percent of the vote. The two high vote-getters now face off in Round 2. Opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928, St. Pete Beach, Florida’s iconic “Pink Palace,” The Don CeSar, is reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style castle.

The Shore Club Turks & Caicos (12) vs. Rosewood Washington, D.C. (13)

In a close contest, The Shore Club Turks and Caicos defeated fellow Caribbean hotel La Samanna, A Belmond Resort by taking home 54.29 percent of the vote. It will now move on to face another “upset” in a battle of double-digit seeds. By far the most popular location for Instagram shots at The Shore Club Turks and Caicos is on the hotel’s Colonnade Pool Swings. We can see why!

In an even tighter contest, the Rosewood Washington, D.C. moves on after capturing 51.71 percent of the vote. It completes the pairing of double-digit seeds in this Round 2 matchup. The residential style of the Rosewood Washington, D.C. is reflected in the library, where a double-height ceiling, deep velvet sofas and armchairs and a chandelier invite guests to visit with friends or relax on ones own.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel (11) vs. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun (14)

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel took care of business, defeating Moxy Miami South Beach with 56.65 percent of the vote. In 1958, Chico was Fairmont El San Juan Hotel’s speakeasy, a cozy secluded lounge hidden from the lobby. Now, the hotel is recreating that era with live entertainment, including burlesque, DJs, live musicians, singers and comedy.

Handily defeating The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun received over three-quarters (76.01 percent) of the vote. It sets up a second matchup of double-digit seeds. While guests have myriad activities and amenities to choose from at the all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun, we would be hard-pressed to tear ourselves away from its beach-facing infinity pool. Tip: Wake up at sunrise for these views.

Acre Resort (7) vs. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort (2)

Pulling in 59.07 percent of the vote in its contest with the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Acre Hotel + Villas moves onto the second round. Tucked away in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo, Acre Hotel + Villas is set on 25 acres of farmland and lush greenery complete with thousands of palms, citrus trees, cacti and agave plants.

Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort (1) vs. Aman Kyoto (9)

Despite a close contest, last year’s runner up, Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, moves onto Round 2; it defeated The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore with 54.74 percent of the vote. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the East Sea, the Ray River and a mangrove forest is Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort. The most Insta-worthy spot on property is its Level Pool with its picture-perfect sun beds.

Always a tossup, you never know who will win a matchup between 8 and 9 seeds. This time around, Aman Kyoto moves on, after securing 64.32 percent of the vote over W Shanghai – The Bund. Located in Kyoto’s natural settings, complete with scenic gardens and close proximity to many of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Aman Kyoto’s rooms and pavilions are inspired by traditional Japanese design.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives (12) vs. Alma Resort (4)

In another “upset,” Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives defeated No. 5 seed Soneva Fushi, after voters supported it 63.70 percent of the time. The water villas at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives have private decks, which offer free access to the lagoon for snorkeling and swimming amidst clear-blue waters. Not bad!

In a high-scoring contest, Alma Resort defeated Park Hyatt Tokyo 1,017 to 873, good for 53.81 percent of the vote. Alma Resort is situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach. Any time we can sit back, relax, and take in views like these, we’re happy.

FCC Angkor by Avani (11) vs. ÀNI Sri Lanka (14)

In a slight “upset,” FCC Angkor by Avani moves onto Round 2 after taking home 58.85 percent of the vote, topping COMO Cocoa Island. The epitome of tropical cool, this spot at the FCC Angkor by Avani in Cambodia is as much about cooling off as it is about living it up under the swaying ferns and pristine greens.

In a high-scoring affair, ÀNI Sri Lanka topped Anantara Quy Nhon Villas 756 to 630 (good for 54.55 percent of the vote). ÀNI Sri Lanka’s property overlooks the calm swimming waters of Dickwella Beach, which is protected by sandbars and reefs. We’re big fans of the infinity pool with its fire features lit at night.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (7) vs. The Anam (2)

The Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur made quick work of Asaya Hong Kong, recording 68.23 percent of the vote. Located on an island in the midst of a lake (as its name suggests), Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur affords every room breathtaking views of the neighboring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. We love the views from the Neel Kamal restaurant.

Also taking care of its opponent rather handily, The Anam moves on after receiving 66.93 percent of the vote in its contest with Nishimuraya Honkan. With a design inspired by the Indochine era, The Anam is home to beautiful reflecting ponds and swimming pools. The Anam’s open-air lobby offers this stunning view of a reflecting pond with the ocean beyond. 

Ashford Castle (1) vs. Hôtel Martinez Cannes by Hyatt (9)

Europe’s No. 1 seed Ashford Castle moves onto Round 2; it defeated Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna with 73.94 percent of the vote. This 800-year-old Ashford Castle is a grand structure with national significance. Red Carnation’s five-year restoration, drawing on local experts and artisans, has brought these walls and storied rooms back to glorious life.

Going up against the No. 1 seed is Hôtel Martinez, a part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which moves on after securing 70.38 percent of the vote against Summer Lodge Country-House Hotel & Restaurant. For the ultimate French Riviera experience, the most exclusive rooms and suites at Hôtel Martinez, a part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, offer views over the sea. Take in the Golfe de La Napoule from one of Hotel Martinez’s luxurious suites, complete with a decked-out and terrace.

NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi (5) vs. Gstaad Palace (13)

NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi heads into the second round after topping The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection with 62.02 percent of the votes. NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi’s outdoor infinity pool offers uninterrupted views of the Amalfi Coast and out to sea. It’s edged by a stylish stone terrace and plenty of sun loungers.

In yet another “upset,” Gstaad Palace defeated Hotel Principe di Savoia after 63.67 percent of the voters favored it. Gstaad Palace opened as a hotel with with turrets and mountain views over 100 years ago (in December of 1913, to be exact). While the views from the hotel are impressive, we most like this pic of the hotel.

Laqua Charme & Boutique (11) vs. The Dolder Grand (3)

Laqua Charme & Boutique advances to the second round in the Europe bracket after taking down Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski with 60.37 percent of the voters. Located just outside of Sorrento, Italy, Laqua Charme & Boutique offers impressive views of the Mediterranean. Just imagine taking in the sunset while relaxing in the pool.  

The Dolder Grand dispatched CALILO, earning just under three-quarters of the votes (74.91 percent). Situated high above Zurich, The Dolder Grand offers a wonderful view out over the city, lake and mountains. Originally opened in 1899, it underwent a complete Reno in 2008 and is looking better than ever.

In another high-scoring matchup (1.690 total votes), InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu defeated Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa with 59.70 percent of the vote. Located on the 1st Floor, InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu’s breathtaking Soufflot Dome towers over 230 feet high. The vibrant heart of the hotel is also home to Le Dôme bar.

In a close contest and a big “upset,” Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz moves onto Round 2, completing yet another bracket matchup of double-digit seeds. It defeated No. 2-seed The Milestone Hotel & Residences with 53.14 percent of the vote. The Alpine-style Kempinski The Spa at Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz has four different saunas, a steam bath, a laconium, an indoor pool, Kneipp bath and more—including some very Insta-worthy sights.

Africa, Middle East and Oceania

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat (1) vs. Jackalope Hotel (8)

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat makes it four No. 1 seeds to move onto the second round of the contest. It defeated Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel with 64.68 percent of the vote. Locate in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains on South Africa’s dramatic lesser-known west coast, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat showcases open plains, sandstone formations, ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years and beautiful night skies.

Jackalope Hotel faces up against the Africa, Middle East and Oceania bracket’s No. 1 seed after taking down W Dubai – The Palm with 63.04 percent of the votes. Jackalope Hotel, located on a pristine vineyard in Australia’s Mornington Peninsula wine region, is not a typical vineyard cottage escape. The hotel looks like something out of a modern science fiction movie with its dark art pieces, concrete decor and “Lair” rooms, juxtaposed against rolling vineyard views from almost every space, including its pool deck.

The views from One&Only Nyungwe House was enough for voters to side with it in its contest with King David Hotel. It took home 59.69 percent of the vote. Located in the heart of Rwanda’s, One&Only Nyungwe House is situated in dramatic mountain landscapes and draped in greenery. Images of the infinity pool overlooking the misty rainforest are enough to make you book a trip ASAP. 

In one of the more dominant contests, Aga Reef Resort pulled in nearly four of every five vote (79.42 percent) over Singita Kwitonda Lodge. It sets up a contest between two high-seeded resorts. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the lush green mountain backdrop of Upolu’s south coast, Aga Reef Resort is an intimate boutique resort surrounded by gorgeous Samoan scenery. For guests looking for absolute luxury, Aga Reef Resort also has an exclusive VIP villa with stunning lagoon views and a private plunge pool.

In another contest that topped 1,000 total votes, Clifftop at Hepburn makes it beyond the first round after receiving 59.05 percent of the vote in its matchup with Bisate Lodge, Wilderness Safaris. Clifftop at Hepburn takes luxury, tranquil escapes to a new level with its boutique, ultra-luxurious converted shipping containers. We particularly like this lounger with views both through the floor-to-ceiling window and the glass floor itself!

No. 3 seed Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort heads into Round 2 having defeated Little Kulala with 60.79 percent of voters favoring it. Perched 6,500 feet above sea level on Oman’s Green Mountain, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is a secluded haven for the intrepid and discerning. Recently launched, The Royal Edge is the perfect spot for a special dinner or celebration, with a spectacular view over the surrounding canyon.

After a close contest, Alila Jabal Akhdar advances out of Round 1 with 55.57 percent of the vote, going up against Longitude 131. Alila Jabal Akhdar sits amid an alpine landscape and is perched more than 6,500 feet above sea level in Oman, making it a one-of-a-kind backdrop for guests’ Instagram feeds. Overlooking the cliff’s edge, the property’s restaurant, Juniper, has al fresco seating, where guests can view the stunning scenery and rocky exterior of the hotel.

Also a close contest, No. 2-seec Kasbah Tamadot defeated La Residence with 55.33 percent of the vote. Kasbah Tamadot, owned by Sir Richard Branson, is located in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, just outside of Marrakech. The hotel’s Reflecting Pool, covered in floating rose petals, is the top spot for grabbing a pic for your Instagram feed.