Best Hotels & Lodges

Arba Minch means "forty springs" in Amharic, and the name gives you the gist — this is a town built on water. It sits on a ridge above two of Ethiopia's great Rift Valley lakes, Abaya and Chamo, with Nechisar National Park stretching between them on a grassy plain locals call God's Bridge. Chamo has one of the densest Nile crocodile populations in Africa; you can see them sunning themselves at the Crocodile Market, a stretch of shoreline where they gather in numbers that take a moment to process. Up in the hills behind town, the Dorze people weave cotton and grow enset in villages built around tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. Arba Minch is also the jumping-off point for the Omo Valley and Konso further south, which makes it a natural stopover on any southern Ethiopia itinerary.

This 5-star luxury resort by the Dead Sea is inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. With 345 rooms and suites, 9 swimming pools, diverse culinary options, one of the largest spas in the Middle East, and remarkable venues for all events, your experience will be absolutely extraordinary.

Experience art, food and wine – the best of both valley and village on your doorstep. With an upstairs loft perfect for young ones under 12, this villa is the perfect exclusive-use holiday home for multigenerational get togethers. Complete with breakfast and a butler to cater to your needs at the villa, sit back and slow down for an indulgent vacation in the winelands. Everyday cares slip away as you settle into your light and airy homestead. With sociability and song set in the walls, Grange has a rich history. Formerly a village barn turned lively restaurant and jazz bar, the building has been converted with soaring poplar-beamed ceilings and indulgent double-sided fireplaces. Your every comfort is catered to in the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas, which opens onto a laidback terrace. Breathtaking views overlook the pool to the vineyards and mountains beyond and three separate bedroom suites open onto a second terrace, at the far side of the house, ensuring plenty of space to spread out and enjoy.

Book this exclusive-use villa for the perfect escape in the winelands. Guest are invited to unlock the secrets to living like a local in Franschhoek. At La Clé, they want you to feel that their home is your home during your stay. A short walk from the village, the French-accented retreat has a working vineyard, orchards and lavender-flecked gardens, located in the heart of Franschhoek village. Loved by extended families and groups of friends, Domain’s light and airy interiors combine the purity of African colour with vibrant Moroccan style. All three suites lead out to a traditional farmhouse verandah with uninterrupted views over the pool to the mountains and vineyards. For those travelling in larger groups, inquire about the twin bedroom that connects to the far end of the villa and opens out onto the back terrace.

Scattered across Sterrekopje’s 50-hectare farm are 11 Sanctuaries, each a private retreat that’s rejuvenating yet calming, eclectic yet serene. Everything here has been carefully curated to foster deep restorative sleep and inspire gentle contemplation and creativity. You’ll find beauty in every detail of their Sanctuaries, each of which is filled with a precious collection of one-of-a-kind art and furniture from some of their favourite destinations around the world. Four-poster beds from Kenya are topped with hypoallergenic mattresses and your choice of natural linens or Egyptian cotton. Hand-carved trunks have travelled the world from India, and elaborate murals have been masterfully painted by local artisans. Just like the guests, no two rooms are the same. A stay at Sterrekopje captures the senses, nurtures the soul, and invigorates the body. Created by a family of holistic practitioners, the rituals and daily Farm Rhythms are inspired by the purity of nature and the wisdom of our ancestors. Embark on a Journey to slow down, recenter, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with Mother Earth.

This villa offers the perfect harmony between historic charm and modern refinement. Be transported to a world where time dissolves at Manoir with its book-lined library, lounge and candle-scented reception rooms, and farmhouse kitchen. Breakfast is served in a beautiful sun room with French doors opening to the back garden and pool. Complete with a dining room fit for a banquet and fully-equipped kitchen-scullery, your villa is cool in summer and wonderfully snug in winter. Manoir is an exquisite example of the traditional Cape Dutch architecture of the Western Cape and French linens, antiques, unexpected furnishings, and muted colours compliment the charming character.

Wake up to birdsong and wide mountain skies. Wander into the garden to collect fresh eggs from the chickens or harvest vegetables for breakfast. Meander along the private walking trail, take a dip in the 20-metre lap pool, or enjoy a game of tennis before lunch. Afternoons stretch out across manicured lawns, with long, lazy meals under the trees or a quiet book in hand beneath their generous shade.

Set on five hectares of landscaped grounds, the estate is a place to unwind, entertain, and savour a slower pace in complete privacy, framed by breathtaking views of the Franschhoek valley.