Best Hotels & Lodges

Despite what the map apps might suggest, this isn't Durban - it's Shaka's Rock, a quiet fold of coastline about forty-five minutes north, where French Mauritian sugar farmers once planted cane and Zulu history runs just as deep. Sala Beach House sits above Thompson's Bay with its ten rooms trained on the horizon, run by a family who've been in Zululand hospitality since 1962 and clearly know the difference between quiet and boring. The pace here is set entirely by the guest: yoga on the deck, a spa using African botanicals, sundowners by the fire pit, or simply the hammock and whatever's passing on the water that day (whales in season, dolphins most of the year). Durban's Zulu and Indian Ocean heritage makes an easy add-on either side of a stay. It's adults-focused throughout the main house, and all the better for it.

The hotel in uMhlanga is your gateway to golden beaches, lush surroundings and the exhilaration of holidaying in an idyllic part of Durban. If you want stunning views overlooking the KwaZulu-Natal coast, look no further than Protea Hotel uMhlanga. The hotel in centrally located in the heart of uMhlanga Rocks, situated 18 km from King Shaka International Airport, just a few minutes from the beach and 10 minutes to Durban city center. The hotel offers friendly service and comfortable accommodations that are all elegantly and stylishly furnished. Most of the hotel's 260 modern rooms feature breath-taking partial sea views, and is the ideal place to stay for that perfect family getaway.

A quietly enchanting nine-room ryokan in Shuzenji Onsen, Izu, whose name says it all: akari (light) and kaori (fragrance). Original lamps cast a warm glow through interiors that double as an art gallery, while a drift of sandalwood keeps things grounded in old Japan. Traditional materials, modern sensibility, wildflowers in corners. Small, considered, and utterly transportive.

Passing down the “warm and relaxing inn” cherished by the predecessor, Yagyu No Sho stives to be an inn that combines the beauty of Japanese architecture, cuisine, baths, scenery, and hospitality. In 2009, the 40th anniversary, gathered ancient craftsman skills for the main entrance, baths, and each room were renovated into authentic sukiya architecture. Prioritizing heartfelt hospitality, it strives for a beautiful Japanese inn in every aspect.

Japan's beautiful traditions, an homage to love for nature's every visage. On the wind crossing the water, hear the trees rustle and the birds sing. Open a window, and savour the richness of the moment.

Set in the forested hills of Shuzenji on the Izu Peninsula, its ancient Noh stage hosts seasonal performances by Living National Treasures, while every room comes with a private hot spring bath carved from fragrant koyamaki pine. Kaiseki dining is served in-room, the gardens are immaculate, and the whole place hums with a quiet, accumulated elegance that five centuries of hospitality tends to produce. Transformative, unhurried, and utterly Japanese.

Let the murmur of the azure ocean waters and warm tropical sun escort you to a serene hideaway in a corner of the southern Sri Lankan coastal belt. Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa is the epitome of exclusivity. Refreshingly modern, yet consciously sustainable, it is truly unique among Mirissa hotels. Relax in southern beauty and be treated to exemplary comforts.

Sungulwane is an exclusive, Big 5 Safari lodge on Zuka Private Game Reserve. With just 8 private chalets, it's the ultimate intimate African bush experience for you and a loved one, friends or the whole family. Each suite is embedded into the thick Red Ivory forest giving you the feeling of sleeping in the tree canopies – in complete harmony with nature. An extensive private deck with large stack back doors and showers allow for endless stargazing or daydreaming over the uninterrupted views of the valley. Whether relaxing on a lounger by the pool, sipping on a glass of red wine while the flames dance in the firepit or enjoying a gourmet dining experience in the Boma, Sungulwane offers warm, friendly Zululand hospitality at its best.