Best Hotels & Lodges

Leaving behind the herds of inquisitive travellers during the Great Migration is no small feat - and that’s where Namiri Plains comes into its own. Open year round, this sophisticated hideaway sits in a secluded section of the eastern Serengeti with not another camp or tourist in sight. Think seamlessly-moulded calcrete rooms, a natural and perfectly soothing colour palette, and fabulous alfresco bathtubs. Truly the perfect spot from which to watch the Great Migration and the infamous big cats of the region without compromising on privacy and authenticity.

Positano and Amalfi might draw the crowds, but the hilltop town of Ravello is the coast's quieter, more cultured little sister — a place that seduced Richard Wagner, Gore Vidal and Virginia Woolf into staying for a lot longer than planned. And right at its highest point sits Hotel Caruso, an 11th-century palazzo originally built by a noble family shipwrecked on their way to Constantinople. Opened as a hotel in 1893 by a local vintner named Pantaleone Caruso, it was lovingly restored by Belmond and reopened in 2005, complete with stunning (and original) 18th-century frescoes, centuries-old terraced gardens and an infinity pool so photogenic it has its own fan base.

Inkaterra’s La Casona is Cusco’s first boutique hotel and the only Relais & Chateaux in the city. Located in the traditional Plaza de las Nazarenas, it enjoys the best of both worlds: quiet, peaceful surroundings, yet only a block away from the vibrant cobblestone streets of San Blas that heads directly to the Main Square. Originally serving as training grounds for an elite group of Incas, the 16th-century manor house has a rich heritage, receiving several illustrious guests over the years, like the libertador Simón Bolívar. Elegantly restored and with discreet service this truly is a peaceful palatial retreat.

The very first city to be made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito has a fascinating history that bleeds into every building and cobblestoned street. Built in the artists neighbourhood of San Marcos, ILLA is no exception. With its roots as a 17th-century family home, the hotel permeates a sense of warmth and hospitality while its decor is chic, modern and bold. With just 10 rooms, it's an intimate, boutique space with scene-stealing oil paintings, signature amenities (more on that later) and lovely views over the city. Set out to discover the delights of Quito, from its grand, aged plazas to the tiny stores selling Panama hats - did you know they happen to originate in Ecuador?

Namibia's Etosha National Park is well-known for its prolific wildlife and austere landscapes that are described, like many of the country's landmarks, as "strange" and "beautiful". Even the most severe habitats within the park, like the 4,760 square-kilometre salt pan, are a magnet for wildlife – pink flamingos and pelicans flock here to nest after summer rains. Set within a private reserve on Etosha's southwestern edge is the revamped old favourite, Andersson's at Ongava (open March 2019). Backed by a spine of mountains and fronted by a busy waterhole, Andersson's offers exceptional up-close encounters in this weirdly wonderful setting.

If you crave an adventure to one of the most remote and serene places on the planet, the White Desert might just be calling your name. Picture soaring over the icebergs and deep swells of the Southern Ocean in a private Gulfstream, then landing on a blue ice runway and rumbling over the glacial landscape to reach camp. Once there, you'll be greeted by the heated pods, scattered like pebbles on a granite oasis, all with breathtaking views of freshwater lakes and ice waves... This is Whichaway, winner of multiple World Travel Awards, and a place that takes glamping to a new level - especially in a location where luxury is hard to come by. And best of all, it's completely carbon neutral, removable AND eco-friendly, so you'll be leaving paradise just as you found it.

With the looks of a storybook house that was slipped into the lanes of downtown Bangkok, Ariyasom Villa is the picture of heritage and homespun hospitality. Built by the owner's grandparents in 1942, this old family home has taken on new life and provides the perfect bolthole between temple visits and trying every street food in the vicinity. The villa may be on the boisterous Sukhumvit Road but from its peaceful garden setting, you'd never know it. Greeted with a wai (bow) and refreshing drink, the staff make you feel like a cherished guest.

At the very edge of the Seychelles (although only an hour's flight from Mahe), Alphonse Island is one of the most pristine, paradisiacal destinations in the world. Ringed by piercing white sands, the interiors are covered in lush forest and remnant coconut groves, where giant Aldabra tortoises roam. Scattered along the shoreline, Blue Safari has a collection of thatched bungalows and villas that truly offer that barefoot feel. Simply walk out your front door and find yourself on the beach - and then the only decision to make is whether to snorkel in the crystal-clear water, kayak around the coast, or hop in a boat to explore even tinier, untouched islands.

An intriguing history? Check. Criminally opulent design? Check. And those one-of-a-kind details that really make a hotel sing? Check! Known as the most storied hotel in Marrakesh, the gardens at La Mamounia began as a royal wedding gift in the 18th century and during the 'Roaring 20s', the palace was turned into a hotel that sets the standard. Its backstory is told throughout the salons with tubular glass chandeliers and ornate hammams, and a decor that blends Berber tapestries and Moroccan accoutrement with an Art Deco style. It's rather easy to see why La Mamounia inspired some of the greatest musicians of the 70s!

Intimacy and romance are the cornerstones of any trip to this fabulous beach lodge, positioned on the northwest coast of Mozambique's second-largest island, Benguerra. The site is enchanting, nestled between the trees of an indigenous forest and overlooking the pristine beaches and waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. And whilst it may look like something from a Bond film, the atmosphere is perfectly relaxed and oozes laid-back island vibes. Spend your days diving or snorkelling in the protected marine waters, home to tropical fish, turtles, whales, dolphins and Africa’s last remaining dugongs, munch fresh seafood on the beach, or cruise the glittering waters at sunset aboard a dhow. We guarantee that every hour will be magical.

From the moment you fly onto Likoma Island in your tiny, five-seater Cessna, you’ll be entranced by the laidback rhythm of island life. And then you’ll reach Kaya Mawa, tucked away on a cotton-candy beach overlooking the lake, and life just gets better and better. One of those fabulous lodges that has effortlessly-relaxed, beach-chic style down to a T, Kaya is truly a slice of heaven. Think immaculately decorated rooms built into the granite rocks, chilled-out water activities, and gourmet food, all mixed with incredible views and even better cocktails. In the local Nyanja language, Kaya Mawa actually means ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ – and relaxation is most certainly the order of the day here.