Beyond Five Stars: What Makes a Stay Truly Exceptional? A Personal Global Checklist Shaped by Years of Elite Travel.

After two decades of working closely with some of the world’s most discerning individuals and families, I’ve stayed in hundreds of the world’s most celebrated hotels, private estates, palaces, lodges, and villas. Some of these places dazzle on arrival—and quickly fade. Others quietly exceed expectations in every way, leaving an impression that lasts for years, and these are the places that we look to identify and build a relationship with, on behalf of our esteemed clients.

What sets the truly exceptional apart? It’s never just marble bathrooms or ocean views. True luxury is far more nuanced. Here’s what I look for—and what my clients have come to expect.

1. Discretion Is Non-Negotiable

A property can be beautiful, but if it doesn’t understand the importance of privacy and low visibility for high-profile guests, it falls short. From how arrivals are handled to the awareness of staff on-site, discretion must be built into the culture—not just promised on paper.

2. Intuitive Service, Not Scripted Gestures

There’s a world of difference between good service and intuitive service. The best properties anticipate needs without intrusion, remember your preferences without prompting, and know when to step forward—or step away. This level of emotional intelligence is rare, but unforgettable when experienced.

3. A Sense of Place

Whether it’s a riad in Marrakech or a chalet in Gstaad, I value properties that feel deeply rooted in their surroundings. Design, cuisine, atmosphere, and even scent should reflect the destination, not neutralize it. Global travelers don’t want another clone of luxury—they want character with class.

4. Security Without the Show

Many of the individuals I advise live with a constant need for secure environments. The most impressive properties are those that integrate security seamlessly and silently—advanced without being aggressive, present without being seen.

5. Precision in Execution

Details matter. From the way a room is prepared before arrival to how a last-minute request is handled at 2am, excellence lies in precision. Luxury should feel effortless for the guest—though it’s anything but behind the scenes.

6. Space to Disconnect

The modern UHNW traveler isn’t just looking for indulgence—they’re often seeking recovery, clarity, and calm. Properties that provide space to breathe, reflect, and recharge—mentally and physically—always stand out.

7. Access to the Unreachable

Whether it’s a private dinner with a renowned chef, access to a closed gallery, or a last-minute wellness appointment with a world-class expert, I value hotels and hosts that open doors quietly and without question.

8. A Feeling You Can’t Fake

Some places just feel right the moment you walk in. It’s a mix of energy, professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. You can’t list it in a brochure, but you know it when you feel it. And more importantly, so do my clients.

After twenty-plus years of moving through the world—often on behalf of those who expect nothing less than the best—I’ve learned that exceptional isn’t about being expensive or over-the-top. It’s about being intentional, intelligent, and quietly extraordinary.

The finest stays leave no trace of effort—only a lasting impression.

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Glen Burton

Founder & CEO, Ascot Privé

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