Best Hotels & Lodges

On the banks of the Rapti River, Barahi has transformed what was once barren grassland into a thriving jungle haven right opposite Chitwan National Park. No run-of-the-mill safari lodge, it's a carefully crafted retreat where thatched cottages blend seamlessly into 12 hectares of forest, all planted by the lodge. With their own quartet of resident elephants (Ranikali, Sundarkali, Madhumala and Rangmala), hand-picked naturalists who've spent their lives in these jungles, and a rare combination of genuine eco-credentials and luxury, the wildlife experience at Barahi is enthralling and really quite hard to match.

Perched high on a ridge overlooking the Buffalo River Gorge and the historic Rorke’s Drift, with Isandlwana glinting in the distance, Fugitives’ Drift is nothing short of spectacular. It was on these lands that the Zulu war was fought in 1879 and the property is dedicated to sharing the fascinating history of both the battles and the people of the area. Established by David and Nicky Rattray who pioneered Heritage Tourism in South Africa and have extensive experience in the hospitality industry, the lodge itself is tranquil and intimate, and after an emotionally-charged day on the battlefields, you’ll feel like you’ve come home.

Right on the main boulevard, in an enviable position opposite the cathedral, the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni occupies an 18th-century palazzo commissioned by a cardinal who'd later become Pope. Beneath the lobby, a stretch of Roman road from 187 BC is still visible, proof that this city has layers, quite literally! It opened as a hotel in 1912 and has been the undisputed address in town ever since, with its exquisite Renaissance frescoes, Murano chandeliers and sumptuous suites. Even the restaurant has stunning Carracci school frescoes adorning the walls - and it's recently become a foodie destination in its own right, no mean feat in a city known for its memorable cuisine.

A city at the very bottom of South America, Punta Arenas has a fascinating history, represented throughout its plazas and museums. Breathing new life into a 1920s English-style home, La Yegua Loca (translated as the crazy mare!) has combined decades of influence into one elegant package, sunshine yellow walls and all. The hotel honours its heritage with the serving of recipes handed down by their grandmothers and naming each room after old-fashioned Chilean trades and traditions. When you're not sampling a tangy porto sour or admiring the views of the Magellan Strait, do a little exploring of Punta Arenas and delve into its historic highlights.

Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, in the remote reaches of northern Kenya, is a conservation success story. Here, in this 75,000-hectare wilderness at the foothills of the Mathews mountain range, the wildlife and Samburu cattle farmers co-exist harmoniously. And it's here you'll find the only camp for hundreds of kilometres. Location? Tick. Great accommodation and good food? Absolutely! Sarara Tented Camp is a completely private, super-luxury tented camp in a fairytale setting. It's worth every cent and every minute you spend on the long journey there.

Designed by Isay Weinfeld and Márcio Kogan, Fasano São Paulo Jardins embodies the century-old dream of the Fasano family, who arrived from Milan in 1902 and built Brazil's most respected culinary empire. In fact, the hotel occupies the historic site of Gero Fasano’s flagship restaurant, its English-brick facade and 1930s flair setting a timeless tone. Inside, the 60 rooms feature intricate Venetian mirrors, Persian rugs, linen curtains, and stunning Murano glass vases, while downstairs, two acclaimed restaurants, Fasano and Nonno Ruggero, channel Italian culinary excellence - and it's all set in the leafy surroundings of the elegant Jardins neighbourhood of the city.

A world away from the chaotic hustle of urban life, this intimate lodge sits in the heart of tiger country where extraordinary beauty and abundant wildlife create the perfect setting for off-the-beaten-track adventures. Bardiya provides the best tiger habitat anywhere in the country, offering your greatest opportunity to encounter this elusive big cat in its natural domain. The lodge operates with ultra-personal service and expert wildlife guiding, creating a calming escape that focuses entirely on natural surroundings. Local architecture influences room design, whilst the on-site farm produces fresh organic produce and environmental practices guide every operational decision.

Nkwichi Lodge lies on the pristine Mozambican shoreline of Lake Malawi, in a beautiful secluded setting beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The lodge has been cleverly designed using natural materials to blend in with the surrounding boulder-strewn lakeshore, and offers superb accommodation, with a choice of five unique chalets, and two impressive fully staffed villas for the ultimate private experience. Activities are focused on and around the lake, with a good mix of water-based activities, and guided bush walks along the shores. This remote location is a perfect spot to relax, far from the distractions of modern life.

This modern yet bush-stylish lodge is a wilderness away, though easily accessible along South Africa's well traversed Garden Route. Tucked into a deep ravine in the rich Eastern Cape thicket, the lodge cultivates luxury and intimacy while capturing the best of African expansiveness. With a high likelihood of seeing free roaming Big Five and the rare brown hyena, the game viewing rivals any in the region. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres allow for close encounters and hands-on participation in conservation. Blending comfort, a big game experience and the highest of conservation ethics, this is truly one of the most well-rounded safari experiences.

This gorgeous camp sits neatly in a prime location on the West coast of Pemba Island, just Southeast of Tanzania itself. The camp is set in a tropical wilderness, ensuring privacy and a wonderful Robinson Crusoe authenticity. Styled to be fashionable, but functional, Fundu generally attracts honeymooners and other younger folk to its azure beaches. Enjoy discovering underwater mysteries with the island's exceptional diving, meeting locals on cultural excursions, water sports and relaxing with a spa treatment or on the beach.

From the moment a personal lifestyle manager whisks you to your room, it's clear this isn't your typical luxury hotel. Housed in a 1930s architectural gem, this seventh-floor urban eyrie offers sweeping views across the city's terracotta rooftops through walls of glass. The aesthetic is pure minimalist chic – think illuminated white onyx, leather-clad walls, and an almost obsessive attention to detail that extends from the perfectly pressed linens to the precise angle of each cushion.

As soon as you arrive, Sakeaya's philosophy of nurturing connections with their guests is evident, beginning with a sweet treat and cup of green tea. From there, you'll be shown around the ryokan including the idyllic, steaming onsen, kept away from prying eyes by a grove of bamboo. This charming spot fits right into Yudanaka, where the onsen culture as been an integral part of daily life for centuries. The Snow Monkey Park is just a few minutes away, where the primates enjoy a soak of their own. In fact, the ryokan's onsen is partially fed by the very same spring.

At Timbuktu, far-flung, one-of-a-kind places are what makes us tick - and The Singular certainly fits that bill down to a tee! Arriving at the hotel, it'll feel like you've reached the end of the world... The hotel flawlessly integrates its industrial past with contemporary luxury. Outside, the extremes of the Patagonian climate juxtapose the sheer beauty of the landscape. And boy, is it worth exploring.

Chobe Water Villas lie along the banks of their eponymous river on the far eastern edge of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip (now called the Zambezi Region), close to where the waterway meets the Zambezi River. Here, where four countries – Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – meet, game thrives. The lodge's 16 thatched chalets, set beneath trees on the riverbank, all overlook magical Sedudu Island, which is a haven for wildlife, especially elephant, buffalo and red lechwe. Part of the adventure lies in reaching the lodge – it’s only accessible by boat from the Botswana border town of Kasane.