Best Hotels & Lodges

Sitting on the scalloped, red ridges of the Ourika Valley, the Kasbah Bab Ourika is blessed from breathtaking views everywhere you turn - the everchanging hues of the Salt Natural Park to the east, the lush terraces of olives and citrus trees to the west, and the snowy Atlas Mountains before you. Tres magnifique, no? In the blissful silence, you'll feel transported to somewhere quite magical, where the Morocco heat softens, the sunsets are exquisite and every room reflects the timeless Berber traditions. The sienna walls are made with rammed earth, the ceilings from palm trunks and the traditional meurtriere-style windows let in the view at every chance.

Kuro is located in the middle of the Tarangire National Park, a stone's throw from the Tarangire River and the airstrip (always handy). The landscape here is pretty and lush and there’s plenty of wildlife on hand year-round, which, more often than not, can be viewed from Kuro itself. The camp is an understated, unpretentious sort of place that lets the surrounding scenery do the talking – but there are plenty of bush-chic touches dotted around too. Then there’s the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guiding team who will bring you face to face with enormous herds of elephant, buffalo and the infamous tree climbing lions. Excellent all-round, we say.

Lake Como has never been short of grand old dames draped in neoclassical finery, but Il Sereno flipped the script entirely when it opened in 2016. Built on the foundations of a centuries-old stone boathouse in the peaceful village of Torno, it's luxury through and through — but it looks nothing like its neighbours. The clean-lined design is all about walnut, stone, bronze and copper, letting the jaw-dropping lake views do the talking. With just 40 suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an infinity pool that practically floats on the water, it's intimate, effortlessly stylish and the epitome of modern Italian design.

After rolling amongst the hills and rivers, temples and shrines on the train ride to Takayama, regarded as one of the most scenic in Japan, you’ll be delighted to enter the serenity of Hidatei Hanaougi. Surrounded by lush Zen gardens where vines and flowering trees are reflected in koi ponds, comfort is of the utmost importance here… Upon arrival, you’ll meet your personal host who will take care of you from welcome drinks until the moment they wave you off. When you’re not relaxing, take the opportunity to explore Takayama. Hidden deep in the Japanese Alps, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into life as it was hundreds of years ago.

Perfume River winds like a ribbon through the ancient city of Hue and sitting pretty at its side is La Residence. Once the governor's mansion, the hotel has an aristocratic air and its sweeping verandas look across the water to the Imperial Citadel. Before the city draws you in, the hotel boasts a lovely saltwater pool to rinse off your travels along with a cooling cocktail. In true Vietnamese style, the city of Hue is a delightful amalgam of old and new, a combination reflected in La Residence's design. With the scent of frangipani drifting through the air, there's morning yoga on the vine-wrapped terrace before a day spent in the presence of timeworn temples and tombs.