Best Hotels & Lodges

One of Vietnam's most charming spots, Hoi An comes with the promise of cobbled lanes, rural excursions and more history than you'll know what to do with. With its French colonial design and picturesque setting, Anantara fits right in. Not much separates it from the idyllic Thu Bon River except for a few lazy palms and you'll have every chance to enjoy the view at morning yoga in the garden or over the specialty Hoi An Burger (a patty in a hot dog bun served with Vietnamese camembert!). It's the kind of place where the staff always remembers your name and you might just want to move in.

This privately owned gem lies within a UNESCO World Heritage site and Zimbabwe's oldest National Park, Matobo Hills. The lodge is one of a kind with its world class facilities built right into huge granite boulders. The area is steeped in history, both ancient and modern and boasts one of the highest concentrations of San rock art anywhere in Africa. The park is also home to variety of wildlife, most notably rhinos, leopards and a healthy population of the endangered black eagle.

Anurak is the type of place to utterly immerse yourself in nature. Each morning, step out onto your private patio surrounded by endless swathes of palm trees and the forested peaks beyond. You'll use up every bit of sunlight tracing the rivers, jungle trails and caves on adventurous days spent boating across Cheow Lan Lake, following in the tracks of forest elephant or canoeing down green waterways, the cackle of birdlife filling the air. After sipping a few Mai Tais and a hearty Thai dinner, you'll fall asleep to the sound of gibbons calling from the trees, and dream of doing it all again the next day.

Behind an unassuming door sits not just one building but a clutch of old Beaune houses, bought up one at a time by the same family and gently knocked into each other. The result is a warren of courtyards: one timbered in the 1570s around a Renaissance stair tower, another older still with an artesian well the kitchen draws on for summer breakfasts – and both listed. Below ground, the cellars hold more than a thousand bottles going back to the 1920s, Hospices auction lots among them. We can't think of a better address in town.

Unlike most temporary camps, Kigelia has a modicum of luxury that is in keeping with its external environment. Constructed of canvas to leave as little foot print on the land as possible, there is nothing but the relaxing necessities to distract you from the surrounding beauty. It has a remote setting under kigelia (sausage) trees and overlooking the Ifuguru Sand River. Enjoy the daily game drives with a worthwhile walking safari thrown into the mix for good measure. Wonderfully positioned for predator sightings, herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe and much more. There is never a dull moment at this camp.

The property boasts Italy's only private golf club, a renowned Brunello di Montalcino winery, gourmet dining, and a serene spa. Despite world-class amenities, the estate maintains an intimate atmosphere where guests can experience the timeless beauty of Val d'Orcia while enjoying exceptional privacy and personalized service.

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.

The Delfin I is the most intimate and luxurious of all the Delfin River boats, offering only four suites and unbeatable service. With two itineraries of either three or four nights, cruises are designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve and include all the iconic highlights of the rainforest, as well as activities exclusive to the Delfin I, from cultural opportunities and visiting local schools to SUPing, kayaking and canopy walks. Combined with undeniable luxury, delicious meals and the intimacy of travelling in a small group, it's an experience that's hard to beat.