Best Hotels & Lodges

Discover the place where the nature of the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba merges with history to offer tailor-made experiences. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, Scratch House is the perfect place to relax and escape from your daily routine any time of year. A great option for your getaways.

Recently refurbished, Camp Okavango now offers some of the most beautiful and elegant accommodation available in this pristine region of the Delta. This part of the private Shindi concession has a wide range of habitats but is dominated by permanent channels and shallow floodplains, making activities primarily water-focused. There is no vehicle traffic to disturb the peace. This camp suits a traveller whose priority is relaxation and experiencing the stunning landscape surrounding this private, luxurious camp. It offers an altogether different experience of the wilderness, where seeing big game is not the sole focus.

Discover the superlative sights of the Galapagos Islands, the world's 'laboratory of evolution' on board this luxury catamaran. You'll sail from one fascinating shore to another, dolphins gliding beside you and scarlet frigatebirds soaring overhead, each day bringing renewed amazement as the naturalist guides share their encyclopaedic knowledge of the islands' wildlife. Do a little discovery of your own with treks through the forest, volcanic excursions and otherworldly snorkelling. The 102-foot-long vessel is adept at navigating these waters and its size makes it possible to drop anchor in hidden, shallow bays.

On a grain of land off Thailand's coast, Pimalai combines the best of jungle escape and high-brow resort. Translating as, 'a little patch of heaven', Pimalai certainly lives up to its name. Drink in views of the shimmering Andaman Sea from a shaded lounger on the beach and listen for the calls of macaques in the garden, which happens to be 100 acres of cashew, palm and coconut trees. It's hard to beat cocktails at the Horizon pool, which, at 200 feet above sea-level, feels like it's floating on air. The island of Koh Lanta is is just perfect for adventures from the seat of a motorbike and the ocean never has to call twice.

If we had to dream up the perfect South African escape, the Coot Club Cottages brings it to life in a secluded corner of Overberg. Flanked by the soaring Maanschynkop Mountains and Klein Rivier Lagoon, nature is an ever-present feature and the activities at Coot Club take full advantage of that. Look out for incredible birdlife on bike rides, walks and kayaking excursions, or scan the ocean for whales from the dunes or a boating safari. A cosy limestone cottage or contemporary boathouse will be your sanctuary, where the doors are often flung open to let the scent of fynbos in and evenings are spent together around the fire (or firepit).

Positioned above the Marina Grand, this boutique gem designed by Michele Bonan delivers sophisticated coastal living with a refreshingly homely touch. The crisp white walls provide the perfect canvas for bold blues, sleek monochrome tiles, and tasteful modern artwork. Design-conscious travelers will appreciate the wealth of coffee table books scattered throughout, while those seeking relaxation can revel in the large swimming pool or book a Sisley treatment at the spa. With a select number of rooms and staff who pride themselves on attentive yet unobtrusive service, you'll find yourself slipping into island time with remarkable ease. This is five-star luxury that feels like coming home – if your home happened to have breath-taking Mediterranean views from every angle.

On a deliciously quiet stretch of Vong Beach, Poulo Condor takes its promise of R&R very seriously. On arrival, you might think you're the very first person to set foot on Con Dao Island, before spying the whitewashed villas amongst the swathes of tropical trees. By day, the well-sheltered infinity pool provides a cooling oasis, the Yen Spa soothes your muscles (and your cares), and the gardens make for an idyllic stroll. Of course, Con Dao isn't short on action by any means - hike into the foothills of Chua Mountain, snorkel its mesmerising coral reefs, and discover its secluded beaches. Lonely Planet dubbed them among the most mysterious in the world after all...

As a stylish stop before escaping into the wilds of Namibia or to catch your breath after a desert safari, Am Weinberg has earned its place among Windhoek's finest. Cocooned by a lush valley (breathe in those unbeatable views over a morning cuppa), the hotel has the look of a chic villa. Tuck into inventive cuisine under pinstriped umbrellas or replenish your relaxation levels at the Soulstice Spa. Overlooking the sunny courtyard, the rooms are dapper and fresh - and if its true privacy you're after, the spacious lofts are top drawer. On a walkabout through Windhoek you'll find scrumptious pastries and interesting history at every turn.