Best Hotels & Lodges

Desperate for some tropical sunshine, long hot beaches, great water activities and the chance to explore a mind-blowing marine reserve? Throw in good accommodation, great food and super-courteous staff (and a turtle-shaped pool), and Waterlovers Beach Resort fulfils all your criteria. The lodge lies 35 kilometres south of Mombasa on Diani Beach, a stretch of unbelievably white sand and water of every shade of blue. All the adjectives used to describe a tropical beach holiday are completely appropriate here. Pure paradise.

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.

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.

In pride of place on the Piazza della Repubblica, amongst the city’s leading landmarks, an iconic Florentine hotel. Dressed Olga Polizzi, in signature prints and Renaissance antiques. Catered by Fulvio Pierangelini, in definitive Tuscan style. Filled with character, a breath of fresh air in a city steeped in history. The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.

The elegant suites conjure a feeling of serenity that feels a world away from the busy Florentine streets.

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.