Best Hotels & Lodges

Japan's first designer hotel, Il Palazzo opened in Fukuoka in 1989 as a genuine architectural statement — the work of Pritzker Prize-winning Italian architect Aldo Rossi, with interiors by celebrated Japanese designer Shigeru Uchida. The building is bold, theatrical, and unmistakably European in spirit, which makes it all the more interesting sitting in the heart of one of Japan's most vibrant cities. A minute's walk from Nakasu's famous yatai street food stalls, it puts you right in the thick of Fukuoka's nocturnal energy — a city that, frankly, doesn't get nearly enough credit on the Japan trail.

From the outside, the building is admittedly unremarkable - all concrete and main road. But step through the doors and something rather magical happens. The lobby opens up to a wall of glass and suddenly there it is: the vast, shimmering expanse of Beppu Bay, stretching out so far that sky and sea seem to merge into one. Perched right on the coastline of Japan's undisputed onsen capital, this is a contemporary resort that takes the region's 1,300-year bathing heritage and gives it a decidedly modern twist.

Every room has its own private open-air hot spring bath overlooking the water, the communal onsen on the ground floor sits so close to the ocean it's been nicknamed the "zero-metres-above-sea-level bath", and there are three distinct restaurants championing Oita Prefecture's exceptional produce. It's not a traditional ryokan in the tatami-and-futon sense, but the spirit of omotenashi runs deep, and the staff set the tone from the moment they hand you a welcome drink on the waterfront terrace.

This hilltop inn is an exercise in modern restraint: clean lines, warm wood, contemporary art on the walls, and not a single fussy detail in sight. And yet the classical virtues of Japanese hospitality are very much intact, from the sulfur-rich spring water piped into every room to the creative kaiseki dinners that showcase Oita Prefecture's remarkable larder. The real showstopper, though, is the position. Set high above the town with unobstructed views across Beppu Bay and the city's famously steaming streets below, it feels a world away from the tourist bustle of the "hells" - even though they're just a 15-minute drive down the hill.

Picture the scene: your six-year-old whispering excitedly about the elephant tracks they've just spotted, whilst your toddler naps peacefully back at base after an morning of butterfly chasing. This is where families come to create those golden safari memories that'll have the kids boring their university friends senseless years later.

Timelessly elegant and deeply inviting, Black Rhino offers a private sanctuary to gather with loved ones and immerse yourself in a truly authentic Cape safari experience, set against the sweeping valleys and mountain vistas of Gondwana Game Reserve.

Embraced by 180-degree views of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range, Black Rhino is poised above a vast valley blanketed in fynbos. This exclusive villa accommodates up to six guests and is fully serviced with its own chef and private field guide. Your time here unfolds entirely to your rhythm, creating the ease and comfort of a second home in the wild.

The Saihokukan is Nagano City's grand old dame — a heritage hotel dating to 1890 that has hosted Japanese emperors, legendary shogi title matches, and cultural icons from novelist Natsume Soseki to painter Okamoto Taro. During the 1998 Winter Olympics, its ballroom hosted the Imperial tea reception — a first for any private venue in Japan. The hotel's own tagline is disarmingly honest: "not everything is exquisite, but it's a comfortable hotel." A characterful, historically rich base for exploring Nagano City and nearby Zenko-ji temple.

Located in the mountains, 200 meters above sea level, there is a village lined with thatched-roof temple lodgings. Welcome to Awai Togakushi Hotel. This hotel is a decentralized retreat rooted in the local culture of Togakushi. A place where people and nature coexist.

Takei Ryokan is a former Buddhist temple lodging in Nagano's sacred Togakushi highlands — well off the beaten track. The thatched-roof main building dates back to 1745 and is a protected historic structure, with original Buddhist carvings still visible in the beams. Just two guest rooms mean genuine intimacy, with private baths and seasonal Shinshu cuisine served in the ancient main house. No spa, no polish — just the rare privilege of sleeping inside a living piece of Japanese history.

Amaidiyana is the Tamil word for peace, and you will find it in abundance in this haven, where ideas take form in nature’s gentle embrace. Nestled on the peaceful edges of Auroville, Sanctuary Amaidiyana embodies a soulful blend of creativity, wellness, and conscious living.

Discover a destination where creativity finds purpose, mindfulness deepens with serenity, and every moment rejuvenates. Let the soothing therapies and curated activities replenish your inner rhythm and offer a refreshing break.

Résidence de l’Evêché is a historic landmark in the heart of Pondicherry. Situated in the French Quarter, it takes you back in time to the colonial era when the Archbishop’s house was located on the street, earning the name, Rue de l’Evêché. The villa has existed since the 1790s and has been home to several owners, one of them being the prominent Goubert family, after whom the popular Goubert Market is named.

Maison Perumal is a period bungalow that has now been turned into a distinguished boutique hotel. Located in the Tamil quarter of Pondicherry, this 18th-century house exudes a legacy that reflects the French colonial aura of this small seaside town, known for its alluring history, spiritual culture, imaginative crafts, trendy shopping and last but not least, gourmet food!