Best Hotels & Lodges

Ring the doorbell and wait to be greeted as if arriving at a friend's particularly stylish townhouse - albeit one with impeccable taste in Tuscan wines and a knack for artful décor. This elegant hideaway feels distinctly un-hotel-like, with its shelves adorned in an "artfully haphazard" array of hardback books, fresh flowers, and artistic sketches. The warm, informal atmosphere creates an instant sense of belonging in a city that can sometimes overwhelm with its artistic grandeur. Perfectly positioned for immersive exploration, you're just moments from iconic Renaissance treasures, yet tucked away enough to feel like a local rather than a tourist. This is Florence experienced as it should be - intimate, personal and utterly authentic.

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.

The dusky-pink Baroque villa at the estate's heart houses Locanda Nerello restaurant, stuffed full of antiques, art and neon signs and offering a fabulous 0-kilometre menu of dishes like albacore tartare with Salina capers, risotto with fennel and orange zest, and homemade cannoli. Below it, the Convivium Bar occupies the old stone cellar – well-stocked and ideal for an aperitivo – and outside, there's a solar-heated infinity pool framing panoramic views of both Etna and the sea. There's also a small spa, and a larger menu of in-room wellness treatments.

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...

Set within the shaggy ramparts of Galle Fort, this hotel has a whole lot of history. Beginning its life as a 16th-century merchant's home, Fort Bazaar has since been updated into a classy hotel on the central Church Street where the antique shops, cafes and plenty of historic buildings are at your fingertips. Combining its modern design with distinct nods to Middle Eastern style, a stay at Fort Bazaar is all about relaxing spa treatments, afternoon tea in the lovely courtyard and strolls to nearby 'postcard' beaches. And whale watching boat trips for the more adventurous!