Best Hotels & Lodges

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.

If there was ever a place where the world appears through rose-tinted glasses, it's Fairview House. Living up to its name as it looks over an idyllic scene of mist-infused mountains and fynbos-covered valleys. These views even inspired two novels written by the family matriarch! Once a hand-built home, Fairview has been transformed into a impeccably styled boutique hotel with South African artwork and touches to remind of its heritage - the ornate fireplace makes for a cosy spot to curl up. Tucked away from the fast lane, Fairview is an inviting refuge with the beauties of the Garden Route within arm's reach.

In a hustling and very bustling city of 1.6 million people, Arusha Coffee Lodge is the perfect hideaway for a spot of pre or post safari rejuvenation. As the name suggests, coffee is a running theme and the lodge is nestled into the lush emerald bushes of Tanzania’s largest plantation in the foothills of Mt Meru and well-located for flight connections. Radiating warmth and charm, this is an elegant and relaxing stopover choice with a number of activities to keep you busy… and possibly the freshest cup of coffee you will ever taste.

On Lake Garda's western shore, olive groves and lemon terraces tumble down to the water, and high above is the flagship wellness resort of the Leali family, Lefay Resort & SPA. Opened in 2008, it's still the lake's headline act for serious spa-retreaters and the signature wellness method pairs Classical Chinese Medicine with Western methods that play out across a variety of programmes, longevity consultations and treatments from an in-house doctor. It's set in a stunning 11-hectare private park above Gargnano, and you'll also find two accomplished restaurants with a proper sommelier for when you're not ensconced in the 4,300 square-metre spa.

Enjoying a prime location beside the peaceful Dojima River, the Mitsui Garden Hotel is a retreat from Osaka's frenetic energy. Although, it is just a short walk away from prominent subway stations meaning the sights of Osaka are perfectly within grasp. From the rooftop lounge at the hotel, the cityscape is laid out like a 3D map, and you'll enjoy plotting out the next day's exploits over an evening aperitif. From head-spinning museums and beautiful gardens to the famous neon lights of Dotonbori, there is a million things vying for your attention - and after a fulfilling day, what could be better than an in-room massage to wind down with?