Best Hotels & Lodges

If sweet, sweet chocolate therapy, tai chi on the lawns and peaceful river views are your idea of a retreat, then this is the resort for you. Anantara gives the disarming impression that it's far from the well-walked streets of Chiang Mai but it happens to be in easy reach of revered temples and downtown markets. Make the most of this choice locale with a ride on the resort's river boat, sipping on champagne as you drift past quaint Thai homes and spice gardens. Par for the course in this ancient city, Anantara has quite the backstory as the former British Consulate. Trust us, the hotel pays homage in rather original ways!

Down a winding, narrow lane (there are 9000 or so) in the Fes el Bali medina, Riad Fes was once the home of a Fassi aristocrat. With a splash of Art Deco style here and a few modern comforts there, the riad was restored to its original splendour to do what it does best - entertain guests. Inside, every space has been designed to show off the best of Fez's bygone allure, which shines in the bubbling Carrara marble fountains, the grand archways, and the stunning views of the 1000-year-old medina and far-off peaks from the terrace, the scent of Jasmine gently wafting on the breeze...

Slap bang in the heart of the stunning Cape Winelands, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest working farms in South Africa. With an emphasis on sustainability and organic produce, the owners are bringing an elegant and very contemporary twist to the old adage ‘farm to table’ and boy, do they do it well. From the award-winning restaurant and vineyard to the home-grown spa, every aspect of a stay here is led by the bountiful gardens and hubbub of edible delights within. And then there’s the cottages; white-washed Dutch gables transformed into sanctuaries of graceful simplicity and sophistication, worthy of a visit in themselves.

Lake Manyara Green Camp lies on the tree-lined banks of the dry Endabash River in western Lake Manyara National Park. Cliffs rise behind the camp, with a pretty waterfall that tumbles onto boulders, forming small pools that are perfect for midday swims with great views of the lake. This rustic fly camp keeps it simple, with open-air dining and large pillows for lounging on the dry riverbed. But this is only half its charm. The location is one of the sanctuary's best for wildlife, so animals (especially elephants) visit frequently. Expect great service and thrilling encounters.

Of the hundreds of palazzi lining Venice's canals, only eight earn the title palazzi monumentali — and Aman occupies one of them. Set on the Grand Canal in the quieter San Polo sestiere, the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli has belonged to the same noble family, the Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga, for over a century. And the count and countess still live above those beautiful Tiepolo ceilings! This was Aman's first Italian outpost (opened in 2013), and the interiors are pure Jean-Michel Gathy: pared-back, considered, and completely in harmony with all the Baroque excess. Completely the entirely luxurious picture are 24 exquisite suites, two private gardens, and a team who learn your coffee order overnight.

The all-inclusive Aguas Arriba Lodge is truly one-of-a-kind. Sitting on the banks of Lago del Desierto, 37 kilometres from El Chalten, it's the only man-made structure on the lake and surrounded by nothing but gorgeous southern beech forest to one side and the vastness of the lake and Vespignani Glacier to the other. It will come as no surprise that the secluded spot is accessible only by boat - unless you want to hike. Accompanied by one of the lodge’s guides, a three-hour walk through the forest will lead you to the front door, whilst your luggage travels comfortably by boat. If you’re up for it, it’s certainly worth it!

Tapping into an incomparable spirit of safari adventure, Beagle Expeditions offers unmatched access to the Kweene Trails. This region of the Delta is extremely remote, set along a system of waterways that boasts a thriving ecosystem. As well as being exclusive use, the camp is accessed exclusively by helicopter. Promising endless discoveries, this once-in-a-lifetime expedition will introduce you to the wild and wonderful landscape of the Delta. This modest mobile camp offers the ultimate authentic safari experience.

Buried deep amongst the terraced, shamrock-green crops and mountains of the 'Tonkinese Alps', Topas provides an idyllic gateway to the area's famous trails. Scattered like pebbles along the hillside, the bungalows are all built from white granite carved out of the mountains, giving them a bucolic, natural feel. The lodge's foundations lie in travel that benefits and protects the environment and local community and it has even received accolades from the National Geographic as one of the best eco lodges in the world. After a day of footing it into the mountains, return for a cocktail in the pure, alpine air at sunset - they're exquisite!

Having occupied adventure films for decades, the Amazon needs little introduction. Ecuador holds only 2% of this vine-entangled wonderland but its biodiversity is astounding. Housed in a 5000-acre ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge taps into this untamed spirit. Here, giant sloths dangle from branches outside your cabin and you'll enjoy barbecues on the Balsa - an on-the-water deck where caimans peep over the inky surface and otters dive below. Armed with a lifetime of knowledge, your guide will introduce you to the forest wildlife on walks and canoe trips down sequestered waterways. With all the creature comforts, the lodge is a restful spot to return to after a day of exploring.

The Delight is a large bed and breakfast establishment with a big hotel feel, with 55 rooms set around a cleverly landscaped courtyard garden. It has a modern and fun character, with vivid décor and artwork inspired by the Namibian scenery. This is a fine spot for exploring Swakopmund and the wealth of activities on offer, and is within a few minutes’ walk of the main part of the town, with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Service is very personal, and the staff are always happy to help with restaurant bookings and suggestions for activities during your stay.

In the company of northern Thailand's remote and rejuvenating hideaways, Tatvani gives new meaning to the word 'exclusive'. Only two residences sit on a lush 29 acres where waterfalls bubble nearby as you enjoy a tension-dissolving massage and dining on a menu of your own making is a daily occurrence. Looked after by a personal team of staff, there's little need to leave your villa, which each have a solar-heated pool overlooking tranquil lotus ponds and a well-stocked entertainment hub. Take a scenic cycle through sleepy villages and tea plantations (or a more adventurous meander up mountain trails) and visit the centuries-old temples of Chiang Rai.