Best Hotels & Lodges

Opening its doors at the end of 2021, El Chalten is the latest of Explora’s luxurious lodges, where adventure is the name of the game and disconnecting from the modern world is encouraged - and with a setting in the private 14,000-acre Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, neither of those are hard to achieve! Within easy reach of the iconic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy, it's the ultimate HQ for exploring this incredible, glacier-filled corner of Argentina and a great base for exploring the Southern Ice Field. The all-inclusive model means endless excursion opportunities with the world-class guides and puts some of the wildest corners of Patagonia at your fingertips.

It may not seem like you could step any further off the beaten track than the Okavango Delta, but how does a private island sound? Welcome to North Island, a gorgeous lodge on an island ensconced by the boughs of ebony, mangosteen, leadwood and fig trees, and watched over by a lagoon that's popular with the ample wildlife. With only three enormous tents, it's incredibly exclusive and the views and surrounding landscapes are sublime. During the day, discover the Okavango by land, water or from the sky, and in the evening, plonk yourself down and listen to the symphony of bell frogs as fireflies blink above the water. Magic.

Mysterious? Yup. Magic? Oh yes. Ecuador's slice of the Amazon Basin has to be seen to be believed. The biodiversity is staggering, with thousands of weird and wonderful creatures from pink freshwater dolphins to tiny neon frogs hidden under the leaves. Within the incredible Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, La Selva is a jungle oasis on the shores of Lake Garzacocha. A leading eco-lodge, its design was inspired by authentic thatched bamboo cabanas, which are sprinkled amongst the trees and have tranquil views over the water. Speaking of which, you'll have ample chance to explore on kayaking adventures and hikes into the forest - day or night!

Where craggy-faced mountains, abundant valleys and relics from Thailand's ancient kingdoms meet, Chiang Rai is a picturesque village to relax for a few days. Perched along the river, The Legend was inspired by textured Lanna design while bringing its style a few centuries forward with breezy tropical rooms, manicured lawns and a freeform infinity pool (with a whirlpool hot tub!). There's plenty of rustic charm to go around with scenic hikes in search of a waterfall to swim below and the chance to spend time with members of a local hill tribe. After a day of temple-spotting, settle on the riverbank for a cocktail while the sun sets.

As Costa Rica's coastline turns to lush slopes and reaches higher and higher towards the sky, you'll enter the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Described by National Geographic as the 'jewel in the crown of cloud forests', the trees are home to a menagerie of rare and elusive creatures... And in the middle of it all is Senda. Built as an unpretentious mountain home, the lodge takes every chance to showcase its spectacular vistas, whether it's from your private terrace or on a walkabout through the grounds as howler monkeys call overhead and butterflies pass in a flurry of colour. And how about going zip-lining in the very forest it was invented?

Lake Como's villas have always attracted the sort of people who make for interesting company, and this 18th-century Moltrasio beauty is no exception. Count Lucini-Passalacqua built the place, composer Vincenzo Bellini wrote two operas between its walls, and Napoleon and Churchill have both popped by. Today, the De Santis family have poured three years of love (and a lot of antique-market hauls) into transforming it into a 24-room hotel that somehow still feels like a private home. Seven acres of terraced gardens cascade to the shoreline, Murano chandeliers drip from the frescoed ceilings and the whole thing is gloriously, unapologetically over the top. It was winner of the World's Best Hotel in 2023, no less.

Nestled in the heart of Takayama, a town rich in history and cultural heritage, the Honjin Hiranoya Kofukan Ryokan invites guests into an enchanting realm of Japanese hospitality. A stone's throw from the captivating old town and the Miyagawa Morning Market, the ryokan exudes a calming ambiance with its Zen gardens and the soft murmur of flowing water. This ethereal atmosphere is evident throughout, from the steaming onsen baths to the meticulously designed rooms. Given its idyllic location, guests can easily navigate the winding streets of Takayama and explore the sake breweries, artisan shops, and historic buildings.

Not all safari camps are of the canvas and game driving variety and Sasaab is definitely one of them. Well, there’s a little bit of canvas around and you can certainly game drive in the striking wild lands of the Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves, but that’s just the beginning; there’s also camel rides, spa treatments, fly camping and walking safaris at this elegant Moroccan-inspired retreat. As the only tourist initiative in the area, ties with the local Samburu are strong and $50 from each stay is donated to the 600 families in the Westgate Community Conservancy. Beautifully designed, ethical and eco-friendly… could this be the perfect safari camp?

Step into rustic bliss at this peaceful resort, leaving worries firmly at the door. Once a gallery itself, art is everywhere including the over-sized stone birds who seem to drink from the indigo pool. Rest is a priority in this leafy corner of Hue, and the Vedanā Spa keeps the herbal tea flowing and the body scrubs in full force. A scenic shuttle into town opens up a world of history to discover - after all, this is the spiritual heart of Vietnam. Drift off to sleep each evening after reading the handwritten story left on your pillow.