Best Hotels & Lodges

Northern Namibia’s newest retreat, Hoanib Valley is a stylish, six-bedroom tented camp in the heart of the remote and rugged Kaokoland. In an era of "conservation-focused" camps, Hoanib Valley actually does what it says on the tin, and the venture is a joint partnership between the local communities and the resident Giraffe Conservation Project. As well as learning about the protection of the stately, sadly endangered, giraffe in the region, you’ll be able to drive through herds of desert-adapted elephant, track rhino, and visit the fascinating Himba and Herero peoples who call this harsh environment home.

Located in the heart of Santa Marta , the Hotel Boutique Don Pepe is a haven of elegance and tradition where every space has been designed to offer a unique experience. Here, colonial architecture blends seamlessly with contemporary comfort, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere that invites relaxation and escape.

Just steps from the sea and surrounded by history, Don Pepe is the ideal place for those seeking to experience the essence of the Caribbean with style, privacy, and personalized attention.

The Crafted Residence is a peaceful sanctuary tucked away in the leafy surrounds of Area 12, Lilongwe, where lush gardens, wide open space and extraordinary birdlife create an atmosphere of calm from the moment you arrive. The gardens are alive with a stunning variety of birds, filling the space with colour and birdsong and offering a daily reminder of nature, even while staying in the city.

Perched between presidential palaces in the Ethiopian capital, Sheraton Addis has been hosting everyone from heads of state to honeymoon couples since 1998. This architectural gem on the hilltops overlooks the sprawling city below, offering a sanctuary of manicured gardens, underwater musical pools, and eleven different dining venues under one roof. The hotel's unique position – literally between the National Palace and Prime Minister's residence – makes it both a fortress of security and a gateway to Addis Ababa's ancient mysteries. From three-storey private villas with personal pools to the legendary Gaslight nightclub, this is Ethiopian luxury redefined.

Poised on the crest of a mountain in Phinda Private Game Reserve is &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, a lovely construction of stone, thatch and wood tucked between the trees. You'll be lost in the views from both the communal areas and your private suite – the Zululand bushveld and Ubombo mountain range are wild and gorgeous. One of just six lodges in this 28 555-hectare reserve, Phinda Mountain Lodge is not cheap, but it's worth every cent for the lovely accommodation, attention to detail, great staff, exceptional rangers and the chance to see hundreds of animals in their natural environment.

Perched among rolling hills and ancient vineyards, this 1000-year-old castle has perfected the art of combining historic grandeur with laid-back Italian charm. Think exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, and the kind of views that make you want to quit your job and become an olive farmer. The castle's courtyard feels like it's been plucked straight from a Renaissance painting, while the Michelin-starred restaurant proves that modern-day pleasures haven't been forgotten. Whether you're hunting for truffle-laden pasta or simply fancy a splash in the panoramic pool, this pocket of Tuscany knows how to deliver the goods.

Having made its grand entrance in May 2024, Natural Selection's latest gem is set amongst a gathering of ebony and sausage trees in the south-east Moremi Game Reserve of the Okavango Delta. The camp was created alongside the paramount chief of the Batwana tribe (after whom it's named), whose forebears were instrumental in the conservation of the wild areas that would one day become Moremi. The design of Tawana is striking, from its arched entrance inspired by fishing nets to the chic, palatial suites that occupy three thatched areas. Add to that the impressive numbers of lion on the plains surrounding the camp, and you've got an all-round excellent safari.

Tucked into 140 hectares of undulating fynbos on the banks of the Klein River Lagoon, Perivoli is a sleek, ultra-modern villa that somehow feels entirely at home in one of South Africa's most biodiverse landscapes. Designed to hug the terrain with its wave-like roofline mirroring the distant mountains, the exclusive-use property accommodates up to eight guests across four individually styled bedrooms – ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a private slice of the Western Cape. With a dedicated chef, nature guide, butler and 4x4 safari vehicle at your disposal, days unfold at your own pace: kayaking on the lagoon, whale watching from the beach, or simply doing nothing at all.

As sleek, stylish and eminently cool as a James Bond villain’s hideaway, Birkenhead House is the ultimate Cape escape. Perched high on a cliff just outside Hermanus, the country’s whale-watching hotspot, this boutique bolthole is just the ticket if you’re looking for a tranquil escape away from Cape Town’s hustle. The view from the terrace will leave you speechless, and from June to November, breaching Southern right whales are thrown in for free. And if you can drag your eyes away from the scenery, feast them on Liz Biden’s stunning modern minimalist interiors, guaranteed to make you feel like the ultimate Bond girl….

Sitting pretty in the leafy Westlands neighbourhood, this polished city hotel manages to feel like an urban oasis despite being minutes from downtown. The formula's simple: European elegance plus Kenyan hospitality, served up across 200 rooms and suites. Seven restaurants mean you'll never tire of dining options (from Italian classics at Lucca to rooftop Middle Eastern fare at Tambourin), whilst the spa leaves guests afloat on Cloud Nine with its Kenyan coffee scrubs and baobab oil massages. With complimentary minibars (yes please!), a heated pool and impeccable service, it's the perfect launching pad before heading off into the wilds of Kenya.

Maun is the well-established gateway to the Okavango Delta, where tiny planes depart every few hours, filled with eager travellers. Set in a 250-hectare private reserve on the outskirts of the main town, Thamo Telele offers an amuse-bouche before the real safari begins. Meaning 'long neck' in Setswana, the lodge is named after the youngest of its resident giraffe who wander the grounds - the staff will teach you how to identify each one based on their pattern! Thamo has an easygoing feel and families are very welcome - the gardens are big and lush, and the reserve is predator-free.