Best Hotels & Lodges

With its Arab-Norman cathedrals and raucous street markets, Palermo has an infectious, sun-soaked energy. And right in the middle of it all, on the beautiful Via Roma, stands the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes, a palazzo with a past to rival the city. Built in 1874 as the private residence of the Ingham-Whitaker family — English Marsala merchants who all but ran Sicily — it was transformed into a hotel in 1907 by Art Nouveau architect Ernesto Basile. Wagner stayed to finish Parsifal, Poet Raymond Roussel checked in and never left, and the mirrors, marble and sweeping staircases have seen it all.

Enveloped by a sea of greenery in the foothills of the misty Hakone Mountains, the Ginyu Spa Resort feels far, far away from reality. And yet, you can still reach the central town in a few minutes to enjoy Hakone's museums and art galleries. The resort blends the classic architecture of Japan with the blissful atmosphere of a Balinese spa. Upon arrival, you'll be charmed by the waiting staff before changing into your yukata (kimono-style outfit) and making a beeline for the infinity onsen (bath) where you can soak for a few hours, revived by cups of tea and sake.

Look up ‘exclusivity’ in the dictionary and there's probably a photo of Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. Surrounded by 700,000 acres of pristine national park, this uber-swish hotel is literally as close as you can get to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, Iguazu Falls. It's the only hotel on the Brazilian side of the park and your only neighbour for miles (and miles) is pristine emerald forest, bursting at the seams with tropical flora and fauna including wild dog and armadillos. The soundtrack of the crashing falls accompanies activities from dawn to dusk and back at the hotel, there's a pool to float in, caipirinhas to sip, and two delicious restaurants to make use of. Oh, and did we mention you'll be the first into the park in the morning?

Jaci's Tree Lodge is closed for refurbishment, opening 1 July 2026.

Jaci's Tree Lodge, built high above the ground on wooden stilts, is a unique treetop safari experience consisting of eight stunning tree house rooms decorated in vibrant colours. The rooms are connected by wooden walkways which blend into the surrounding tree canopy and have great views of the Groot Marico River. Each room consists of an open plan, en-suite bathroom with an enormous stone bath and an outdoor shower. Guests can relax on the deck in front of their rooms, on the loungers surrounding the swimming pool or in the vibrant main lodge when not on safari.

In the countryside beyond Fasano, where silvery olive trees stretch toward the horizon, sits this exquisitely renovated 16th-century masseria. The thoughtful redesign by Olga Polizzi brings together cool stone floors and whitewashed walls with chic contemporary elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentically Pugliese and utterly luxurious. The property's historical character provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely afternoons by the pool or romantic sunset cocktails on the rooftop, while the surrounding countryside beckons with opportunities for golf, hiking or horseback riding. When the Adriatic calls, a short shuttle whisks you to the private beach club for a day of Mediterranean bliss.

Established in 1972 in the Lewa Conservancy in Northern Kenya, Lewa Wilderness is one of the country's oldest safari camps where you can see the Big Five in unaffected and authentic comfort. Found inside 62,000 acres of conserved land, the camp is surrounded by well maintained gardens and views stretching over the valley and towards the hills. Here conservation and respect for the wildlife work hand in hand with a passionate team dedicated to creating an unpretentious and memorable guest experience. In the words of the owners grandfather, "Always make room for wildlife"