Best Hotels & Lodges

Forget everything you think you know about beach lodges. On a secluded section of powder-white sand north of Vilanculos, Italian couple Elena and Fabio have crafted something rather extraordinary. Their eight-suite retreat feels more like staying with impossibly stylish friends than checking into a hotel. With every suite boasting its own private pool and the Bazaruto Archipelago shimmering on the horizon, this fully inclusive hideaway strikes that perfect balance between barefoot luxury and genuine warmth. From the home-grown vegetables in your five-course dinner to the daily spa treatments, every detail whispers, "we've got this sorted".

Tucked within a boutique estate that's devoted entirely to the art of Cap Classique, this exclusive-use villa puts you in the heart of Franschhoek with your own chef, butler, and very generous pours of some of South Africa's finest bubbles. Award-winning designer Etienne Hanekom has worked his magic on the interiors, and the result is a refined sanctuary that feels every bit as polished as the wines in the cellar. Blending sessions, vineyard picnics, and helicopter flights are all on the cards – though simply sinking into the heated pool with a glass of Blanc de Blancs works too.

Ca Maria Adele is without a doubt one of the world's most romantic boutique hotels. Set in a 16th-century palazzo at the tip of Dorsoduro, just beside the Salute basilica, the hotel was opened in 2004 by brothers Alessio and Nicola Campa. Heirs to a Murano glass-making dynasty (their grandfather built the largest chandelier in the world), they named the hotel after their grandmothers and designed every inch themselves. The 12 rooms are draped in Venetian velvet and gold leaf, with plenty of Moorish carvings and Asian antiques in a nod to the city's old trading routes. It's adults-only, deeply intimate and fabulously, outrageously theatrical.

The lodge is inspired by the openness and tranquillity of the Delta. The spaces feel relaxed and welcoming, never formal or over designed. While Daunara offers exceptional game viewing, the camp is equally a place to unwind between adventures. The kind of place you look forward to returning to after a day in the wild.

Named after the leader of Operation Noah, the bold rescue mission that relocated over 6,000 animals after the construction of Kariba Dam, Fothergill is instilled with a passion for protecting Zimbabwe's wild spaces and its inhabitants. Set amongst lush trees on the shores of Lake Kariba, the camp is well-positioned for fantastic water and land safaris led by world-class guides. Fothergill is 95% solar-powered and their entire team is trained in-house, which ensures superb service. During certain months, Fothergill becomes an island, but its private concession welcomes huge herds of elephant and buffalo, and an incredible variety of birdlife all year round.

Set amid the bamboo jungles of Chiang Rai where Myanmar and Laos converge, Four Seasons Tented Camp offers an immersive escape shaped by nature, culture and quiet adventure. With a limited number of luxury tents overlooking jungle and river landscapes, days unfold at an unhurried pace. Elevated by signature Four Seasons hospitality and thoughtfully curated all-inclusive experiences, every moment invites curiosity, connection and a deeper sense of place.

Ancient and modern Egyptians could likely agree that gliding along the River Nile by boat is the best way to experience the magic of it. Of course, your luxury river cruiser will look quite different to their handmade felucca (but don't worry, you'll also have the chance to sail one round Elephantine Island). Sun Boat IV, an A&K Sanctuary has three storeys and it's here you'll enjoy the creations of award-winning chefs, listen to spirited folkloric songs, and take in the sights from the comfort of your sun lounger. Travelling from Aswan to Luxor (or vice versa), there will be plenty of opportunity to go exploring with your own expert Egyptologist.

The New Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise Ship sails on the Nile River for three-, four- and seven-night cruises between Aswan and Luxor. Sun Goddess docks in Luxor in front of Luxor Temple and docks in Aswan at Nile Dream Dock (in front of Aswan Sporting Club). The ship has 30 spacious suites, each with a private balcony.

All Suites at the cruise ship, the Sonesta Sun Goddess features 30 suites, giving it a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Baia Sonambula holds pride of place at Tofo Beach on southern Mozambique's Inhambane Peninsula. Beaches don't come much more beautiful; here, golden sand meets the deep turquoise-blue of the warm Indian Ocean. Perfect right-handers peel off the point and, under the surface, the waters teem with marine life. This boutique guesthouse has only six bungalows, so it's never crowded. Service is always friendly and personal, and the homemade food is superb. When you add in the super-comfortable accommodation and lush emerald and bougainvillea-filled gardens, you've basically got the ultimate beach holiday.

“Between lake and sea” is probably the best way to describe Sentidos Beach Retreat that upholds a strong sense of social responsibility. Among mangroves inhabited by exotic birds and the deep blue ocean once travelled by sailors and pirates, this retreat is a true oasis of water and blue hues that soothe the ardour of the African heat.

Nestled in the breathtaking highlands of Lalibela, Hill Top Lodge Lalibela offers a serene and authentic Ethiopian retreat. Built in traditional Lalibela style, the lodge harmoniously blends local architecture with modern comforts, providing guests with an unforgettable experience in one of Ethiopia’s most sacred and historic destinations.

The impressive rock-hewn architecture of Lalibela's medieval churches draw pilgrims of many kinds – Ethiopian Orthodox and other religious worshippers, lovers of art and history, and the many repeat visitors entranced by Ethiopia's charms. The detail within the 11 monolithic structures is certainly mysterious and intoxicating. If you're looking for a reliable place to stay while examining the monuments, head to Mezena Lodge on the eastern side of town. Set on the foothills overlooking the fertile valley, Mezena's 30 spacious bungalows are appropriately respectful in design, combining tranquillity with modern amenities and good cuisine. Ideal for exploring this sacred place.

Perched dramatically atop an escarpment overlooking the Tarangire River valley, this sophisticated safari lodge delivers front-row seats to one of East Africa's most unique ecosystems. With 15 luxurious tented suites positioned to maximise both sweeping views and cooling breezes, you're perfectly placed to watch vast elephant herds wander beneath towering baobab trees that have stood sentinel for centuries. Beyond the spectacular wildlife sightings below, the lodge itself impresses with its safari elegance, an infinity pool that seems to spill into the wilderness, and outdoor bathtubs where you can enjoy a soak whilst watching the sun set over the plains.