Best Hotels & Lodges

At Africa's southern tip, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet in a churning embrace, is a coastline edged with ancient mountains and rolling hills of fynbos. And that's the sight that greets visitors to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a 2500-hectare preserve of unsullied milkwood trees and indigenous flora, with sweeping views across Walker Bay. Grootbos Villa is one of three places to stay in the reserve. Completely private, its six elegant suites sleep up to 12 guests. So if you're looking for a family getaway that offers unadulterated luxury, with your own guide, chef and butler, you've found it!

Just a stone's throw from the legendary Piazzetta and the chic boutiques of Via Camerelle lies this eclectic gem that oozes effortless style. The moment you step inside, you're transported into a world where La Dolce Vita meets contemporary design with a wink to the past. Multi-hued rooms (no two the same) showcase dusty Mediterranean blues, saffron yellows and coral splashes that echo the island's natural palette. Globetrotting bon vivants flock here for the intimate yet privileged position, savoring the perfect blend of Caprese tradition and worldly sophistication.

In a world where so many hotels claim "luxury" status, this is one that delivers. The staff are welcoming and keen to oblige (you are even assigned a butler), the suites are grand and the setting is so tranquil and lovely it's hard to imagine you're in the middle of a traffic-congested city. There's not a murmur, apart from the birds and the fountains. And there's something other-worldly about the view of Karen Blixen's green hills from your balcony. The food is top-notch too – carnivores come miles for the steak!

Take a journey into the wilds of Morocco, passing ancient kasbahs, olive groves and tiny Berber villages, until you reach Les Jardins De Skoura. Nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the hotel is surrounded by sprawling gardens of sunflowers and bright and beautiful apricot and pomegranate trees. Time is at its leisure here, with slow mornings spent dining on fluffy Moroccan pancakes topped with jam from the orchard, and dozing in a shaded hammock. Your afternoons might feature wandering walks through the palmeraie, horseriding across the epic landscape, or simply doing as little as possible beside the pool...

Perched directly above Osaka's main train station like a city within a city, Hotel Granvia Osaka has a staggering 726 rooms across a towering complex that's equal parts convenience and controlled chaos. With the Shinkansen just minutes away and underground shopping labyrinths at your feet, you can quite literally plug straight into Japan's famously efficient transport network - both Kyoto and Kobe are a direct 30-minute train ride away. The hotel itself splits its personality between the practical Standard Floors and the rather more polished Granvia Floor suites at the top. Eight dining venues span everything from teppanyaki theatrics to French-Italian fusion, whilst the executive lounge offers a breather from the station buzz below.

Hamiltons Tented Camp overlooks the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River, within one of the original private concessions in the western Kruger Park. This unique camp harks back to turn-of-the-century colonial safaris, and gets the balance of vintage elegance and modern comforts just right. Predator sightings are a feature in this region, with excellent all-round game viewing across scenically diverse landscapes. Guided bush walks, plus special treats like champagne breakfasts, bush dinners and spa treatments offer a well rounded safari experience with fine hospitality and a generous helping of luxury.

Where a curve of the bay hugs the sandy shoreline, Kizingo Lodge nestles, tucked into the dunes and surrounded by beachside scrub. A short boat ride from Shela village and main town Lamu, it’s located right on a spectacularly-deserted 12-kilometre beach and it’s almost absurd not to kick your shoes off and run wild in the sand. Considering the more remote location, food is exceptionally good, and much of the ingredients are sourced from the lodge gardens. Enjoy your morning coffee on your private veranda that has views right over the sand and into the waters, admiring the fishing dhows as they sail past.