Best Hotels & Lodges

This luxurious lodge is located in the game-rich Sabi Sand Reserve in the northeastern corner of South Africa. Built around the enormous boulder for which it is named, the lodge lies on the banks of the Sand River. No expense has been spared here: the lodge has been sympathetically built of wood, stone and thatch to blend with the environment, and incorporates modern and traditional influences in its design. It's a wonderful place to enjoy excellent service, accommodation, food, views and, most of all, diverse wildlife. Meet the stars of the show, the Big Five, particularly leopard.

With two rather lovely camps in Ruaha under their belts, the clever chaps at Asilia Africa have expanded to the Nyerere National Park ('The Selous'). Combining Nyerere and Ruaha make an excellent combination in Tanzania’s slightly more off-the-beaten track southern circuit, and this spangly camp is as good as ever. It’s in a waterside spot in one of the best game-viewing areas in the reserve and you can expect funky, stretch-canvas tents, all with views out to pods of harrumphing hippos, a good array of water- and land-based activities and a healthy dose of that genuine Asilia charm. Sounds good to us!

Lake Como's western shore — the so-called Riviera delle Azalee — has long been the lake's most sought-after address. And gazing across the water towards Bellagio's sparkling promontory, sits the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, an Art Nouveau palace built in 1910 and still family-owned today. Greta Garbo summered here and Clooney's been spotted on the terrace, but for all the celebrity connections, it's the personal warmth of the De Santis family that lingers longest. Five restaurants (including one honouring Italy's first three-Michelin-star chef), three pools and a Santa Maria Novella spa in an 18th-century villa make it rather difficult to leave.

Not far from the paper lantern-lit lanes and historic architecture of Hoi An's old town, La Siesta pays homage to Vietnam's original port city. Set across two wings, the decor and character spans multiple generations, from the hanging basket buffets to the stone statues that pour water into the pools (there are two). Yes, La Siesta may be mod and well-manicured but it remembers its roots well. Enjoy snoozes on the day beds and coffee body wraps at the spa before seeing the sights of Hoi An - the town centre is just a short walk away and you'll be rewarded with stellar street food.

Imagine waking up in an 8th-century hamlet, where geraniums spill from stone windowsills and the morning mist slowly reveals Siena's striking silhouette in the distance. This isn't just any village though - it's a rather spectacular Relais & Châteaux property where every medieval building, from the chapel to the cobbled square, has been carefully transformed into something truly special. The active winery and surrounding vineyards aren't just for show either - they produce some seriously good bottles that are shipped across the globe.

Looking distinctly like an abstract art installation peeking out from a pristine red pine forest, Hoshinoya is Japan's answer to glamping. The stacked grey cubes are actually a collection of cabins where light streams in through floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly framing views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji beyond. Doesn't sound like glamping? Well, think again. On arrival, you'll be kitted out with stylish rucksacks, binoculars and a map, before being led through the forest to your cabin. Most of life takes place outdoors at Hoshinoya, including the food with pizza making in a clay oven. And we haven't even mentioned the activities yet...