Best Hotels & Lodges

Perched above the shimmering Strait of Messina, this architectural gem was born from the creative genius of Charles Robert Ashbee, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Yet, what began as an English vision in 1908 evolved into something distinctly Greco-Sicilian – and therein lies its irresistible charm. Step inside and you're transported to a world where history whispers through every corridor; from the grand lobby with its sweeping marble staircase to the panoramic terrace that cascades down to tiered gardens and a rather inviting swimming pool. It's the perfect vantage point to gaze across the glittering waters towards mainland Italy, ideally with something chilled and local in hand. And when hunger strikes? The Michelin-starred restaurant oozes high-octane glamour without a hint of stuffiness – just the sort of place where memories are made over lingering, laughter-filled meals.

In a hidden corner of the wildlife-rich Seronera region, this brand new camp channels the golden age of African exploration with a thoroughly modern conscience. Strategically positioned to offer both prime game viewing and blissful seclusion, the tents are spaced far enough apart that you might fancy yourself the only souls for miles - until a passing elephant reminds you otherwise. This is the Serengeti as it was meant to be experienced: raw, beautiful, and with just the right touch of understated elegance. In a landscape where wildlife thrives year-round, you'll find yourself transported to the legendary early 20th-century safaris, complete with all the comfort but none of the colonial pomp.

Offbeat are experts at finding the wildest of places and setting up camp, allowing their guests to see Africa's four-legged residents up-close. The latest addition to their stellar collection, Ndoto is tucked away in the Mara North Conservancy where humans are a rarity and it's not odd to see leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and giraffe from your own veranda. Offbeat knows this land is precious and makes its footprint as light as possible; it's tents are entirely solar-powered and sit on platforms built from local river rock. There are just four tents so a personalised, interactive experience is guaranteed.

A traditional bushcamp with a compelling history in the South Luangwa, Nsolo is beautifully rustic with a firm focus on walking safaris. Raised on stilts, the grass chalets are set on a sweeping bend of the dry Luwi River and offer magnificent 180-degree views of the surrounding landscape. A myriad of thirsty wildlife visits the waterhole in front of camp and game viewing is nothing short of exceptional, whether you are exploring the plains on foot or watching with a G&T from the veranda.

If you’re looking for a great base to explore the wonder that is Etosha National Park, then look no further. This lodge is situated on a ridge with sweeping views of Namibia’s bushveld, only ten kilometres from the Park's central entrance, Anderson Gate. This family-friendly lodge ticks all the boxes for a safari rest camp. It has value for money, it’s modern, the food is good, there’s excellent service, the rooms are clean, there’s great facilities and it’s very easy on the eye.

Moon’s Camp does simplicity extremely well. Tucked away from other safari-goers, the camp sits in 50,000 acres of private land in the Lolldaiga Hills. Home is one of the Meru-style canvas tents, from which sprawling views reach from the waterhole all the way to snow-capped Mount Kenya. Your hosts are Ed and Moon, the cheerful owners and safari-aficionados who created the camp to evoke passion, adventure, and a long-lasting love for Kenya. They're always on hand to make your trip memorable, sharing stories from their lives in the bush and their favourite things to do. And when you've made your choice, embark with word-class guides to spot Laikipia's remarkable wildlife.

Surrounded by 77,000 acres of pristine woodland and vast wilderness expanse, Duba Plains Camp makes the most of Botswana's lush and biodiverse wide open spaces. The camp forms part of a private concession, tucked away on a palm-dotted island beneath giant Ebony trees and overlooking expansive flood plains. Here, prides of lion and herds of buffalo make their way across the more remote northern stretches of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Only accessible by air and having recently undergone a sumptuous refurbishment, Duba Plains is the epitome of classic safari style in an area rich with wildlife for exclusive viewing.

In the central region of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, spanning the western border of the Kruger National Park, well-known wildlife conservationist brothers Dave and John Varty have created Londolozi Tree Camp - a lodge oozing African bushveld romance amidst the thrill of Big Five encounters. The Londolozi name has become synonymous with sophistication, and Tree Camp, with its enchanting wooden platforms built into a leadwood tree canopy, is a refined sanctuary in the heart of the wilderness. With a prime site overlooking the Sand river, this camp's views are exceptional, with service to match.

A luxury hotel within the valley of the temples. Sicily, dating back millennia, is here. Villa Athena is the only 5-star hotel situated within the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site, with an exclusive direct entrance.

The resort’s recent restoration has renovated every environment, including the rooms and the suites, which have a view of the temples and/or of the park of age-old olive trees.