Best Hotels & Lodges

The Okavango Delta does something to time. The seasonal flood comes down from Angola in a slow, papyrus-scented wave, filling channels, lifting floodplains, turning the Kalahari sand into a gin-clear inland sea - and Singita Elela is built entirely around that rhythm. Eight separate circular camps sit on stilts across Botswana's NG26 concession, mesh walls open to whatever breeze the Delta is offering, walkways suspended over the water below. This is Singita's first Botswana property, and it might be their most elemental. Opening December 2026.

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.

Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River invites you to indulge in a safari experience like no other, deep in the heart of the national park. This unique camp between two islands is committed to the local community, carefully designed to preserve and promote its heritage. Arise with the birds for yoga on the deck, cruise the river in the afternoon and watch the sun set over a typical African Boma.

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.

Hyatt Regency Taghazout is a breathtaking retreat located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and a stone throw away from the fairways of the stunning 27-hole Taghazout Golf Club. Indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy several water sports and connect over new local and international culinary experiences.

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.

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.

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.

Set high above the surrounding plains, Nimali Ilaroi House is designed exclusively for private groups seeking the freedom to experience safari entirely on their own terms. With five private suites, a dedicated host team, private guide, and access to a vast private conservancy, every stay is tailored to the rhythm and interests of each guest. Whether enjoying wildlife encounters, sharing meals with family and friends, or simply taking in the expansive views, guests experience the rare luxury of space, privacy, and connection to the landscape.

Tucked behind Piazza della Signoria, practically leaning on the Uffizi, the Hotel Bernini Palace is a 15th-century palazzo with hospitality in its bones. Back when Florence briefly served as Italy's capital in the 1860s, parliamentarians and senators would pile in for backroom dealings over dinner – and you can still feel that buzz of importance today. Now a polished five-star with 74 rooms adorned in antiques and Murano glass, it's elegant, un-showy and thoroughly Italian. The concierge team (Les Clefs d'Or, no less) know every cobblestone in the centro storico, and the location genuinely couldn't be better for getting to know Florence on foot.

For over half a century, Hotel Lungarno has been one of Florence’s most familiar addresses of hospitality. On the banks of the Arno, beside the Ponte Vecchio, it feels like an intimate house suspended over the water. With 66 rooms overlooking the city, white and blue interiors with nautical references, and a curated art collection, the experience continues with Borgo San Jacopo, the Michelin-starred restaurant above the river, and Picteau Bistrot & Bar, led by Executive Chef Claudio Mengoni.