Best Hotels & Lodges

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.

Designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa and completed in 1994, this kilometre-long hotel is tropical modernism at its finest. The architectural triumph seems to grow straight out of the rock face it clings to, the infinity pool seemingly merging with Kandalama Lake beyond... Set within 211 acres of protected forest at the heart of the Cultural Triangle, monkeys swing past your bathroom window and you're perfectly positioned between five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sigiriya Rock that looms magnificently in the distance.

Named for the royal Mughal dynasty who ruled great swathes of Asia for almost two centuries (and famous built the nearby Taj Mahal), this hotel certainly lives up to its lineage. Dressed in opulence, The ITC Mughal is the only hotel in India to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its beautiful architecture and the rich, intricate interiors are no less noteworthy. Outdoors, Agra is loud and more than a tad chaotic, but into the ITC and you'll feel a world away from it all as you wander through the 23-acres of carefully manicured gardens, indulge in the fabulous hamam and spa, or relax by the outdoor pool..

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...

A visit to the Amazon is a life-changing experience for just about everyone lucky enough to visit, and just witnessing the immensity of the rainforest and exploring myriad rivers, creeks and trails is enough to make naturalists weak at the knees. Then, add in exciting wildlife encounters and extraordinary cultural interactions and you've got something really special. The Delfin II, the first Relais & Chateaux ship in the Amazon, offers the chance to explore this rugged and remote region in lavish yet casual surroundings with a seamless combination of first-class facilities and service, and unforgettable excursions led by local guides.

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!

If you were to dream up the perfect desert camp, it might look something a little like The White Camel. A string of tented suites, perched along an apricot ridge in the Agafay Desert, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains are behind you and the rolling hills of the desert laid out before you. Whether you'd prefer to recline beside the pool all day or ride camel-back across the lunar-scape, you'll have more than a few 'pinch me' moments. Then, after a day with as much or as little activity as you choose, sip cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon and fall asleep in your cloud-like bed to the sound of sweet, sweet silence.