Best Hotels & Lodges

In the undulating city of Antananarivo, Palissandre Hotel and Spa picked its hill well with fantastic views over the red-roofed buildings and famous Avenue of Independence. With the airport just 10 minutes away, this is a perfect spot to spend a little time in between lemur-filled adventures or seaside interludes. But don't make the mistake of thinking 'Tana' is just a stopover, there are many treasures to be found here, including the Malagasy treats at Palissandre's restaurant. The friendly and attentive staff will happily point you in the direction of fascinating history or a little-known market where you'll find fantastic souvenirs.

Southwest Sicily doesn't feature in most first-time itineraries, but that's exactly what keeps it interesting. Wedged between the archaeological wonder of Agrigento and the port of Sciacca, this stretch of coast is quieter, more rugged and considerably less photographed than its more famous cousins. And so, amid 230 hectares of olive groves and citrus orchards, Rocco Forte dreamed up his only purpose-built resort: a collection of low-rise terracotta-and-ochre pavilions that look as though they've always been here. Days tend to revolve around the Irene Forte Spa, eight restaurants serving food largely grown on the estate, two championship golf courses and a two-kilometre stretch of private beach. Bliss.

Nestled in nature, Iguazú Grand offers extraordinary experiences for families, couples, and friends in a warm and comfortable setting. It is located just minutes from Iguazu Falls, named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and part of the world's largest waterfall system.

Discover the elegant and spacious suites, the sophisticated restaurants and bars, and all the five-star amenities. You are welcomed into this luxury resort in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.

Panoramic Grand Hotel is perched atop a hill, right on the edge of the map, in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina. Its strategic location offers breathtaking views in every direction: nature, the Iguazu and Paraná rivers, and the meeting point of three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Guests are offered fresh and modern spaces designed to provide a relaxing experience for couples, families, and groups of adventurers who visit.

The hotel is located on the riverbank, in an area renowned for its rich historical heritage. You will enjoy spectacular sunsets, excellent cuisine, exquisite spa treatments, and warm, personalized service worthy of the finest hotels in Argentina.

This well appointed but intimate tented camp is situated in the private Linyanti Reserve, on the banks of the Savute Channel, close to the source of the Delta. Set amongst the trees, the camp is most notable for offering some of the best elephant viewing in Africa during its winter months, and for its abundant year-round game and high predator densities. Regarded by many as the best camp in the entire Linyanti region, Savuti is highly recommended by guides and guests alike. Its reputation is almost as good as its game viewing opportunities.

Vietnam's Mekong Delta is a mesmerising maze of waterways, floating markets and emerald-green palm groves – but most visitors only scratch the surface. These private sampans, sized to navigate the narrowest tributaries, take you somewhere entirely different: canals too slim for commercial boats, villages untouched by tourism, and encounters with rice paper makers, coconut farmers and brick artisans who've honed their crafts for generations. Recognised as a Lonely Planet 'Top Choice', the experience is refreshingly intimate – a dedicated crew of four or five looks after everything from five-course dinners to cycling excursions through the countryside. It's slow travel at its finest, drifting through Ben Tre's legendary 'Coconut Kingdom'.

Dreamt up by a connoisseur of luxury desert camps, every detail at Inara is immaculately executed, from the desert-chic decor to private, candlelit dining tents, and a fabulous array of adventurous activities. Whether you're trundling along in a dune buggy or swaying camelback across the rocky landscape, starkly beautiful views occupy every direction - and it's more than worth an early wake-up to catch the sunrise, slowly illuminating the distant Atlas Mountains. The camp truly checks every box for an idyllic escape to the Agafay Desert, and our top tip is to simply soak in the atmosphere over a cup of mint tea.

Masseria San Domenico retains all the architectural features of an ancient fortified farmhouse, with large spaces featuring star-shaped vaults. The main core of Masseria San Domenico dates back to the 15th century and consists of a watchtower belonging to the Knights of Malta. Guests have access to a spectacular saltwater swimming pool surrounded by natural rocks, a modern thalassotherapy center, two tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course.

Tucked among thorn trees, Lewa rises from its hillside setting with a distinctly organic style. Thatched and intriguing, the main area is outdone in the quaintness stakes by its cocoon-like cottages—aptly called Earth Pods. The lodge lies at the very heart of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The main building, once a private home, is set on a hill, so the views across the landscape are uninterrupted – southwards to Mt Kenya and, to the north, the rugged Mathews Range and the sacred mountain of Ol Olokwe. Lewa has some of the best game viewing in East Africa.

Bordering the iconic Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Evolve Back Gham Dhao Lodge sits at the threshold of a harsh and storied landscape. The first reserve in Botswana to be set aside for its rich cultural heritage, the Central Kalahari is the historic home to the San Bushmen, a people group expertly adapted to the severe desert environment. Few places on earth allow such an authentic cultural interaction alongside a truly wild game experience. The desert wildlife ranges from the majestic black-maned Kalahari lion to the truly bizarre brown hyena, the black-backed jackal, and the elegant oryx antelope. This totally off-the-grid camp still manages luxury with its back-to-basics approach.