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...

Escape above the clouds at an elevation of 1600 meters (5250 ft) and witness the stunning views of the Himalayas. Experience the height of luxury and tranquility at one of the best Sarangkot hotels, offering uninterrupted, close-up views of the majestic Annapurna mountain range from every room. Enjoy the famous sunrise from your private balcony while taking in the clean, crisp mountain air.

Sarangkot Mountain Lodge boasts 2 suites and 28 Deluxe rooms. All rooms have private balconies with spectacular views of the Annapurna.