Best Hotels & Lodges

Mauritius has no shortage of beach resorts, but this one on the north-west coast has a knack for sending you home in better shape than you arrived. It sits at Balaclava on the gentle curve of Turtle Bay, a marine park where the reef does most of the entertaining, and wellbeing is the house speciality. Days begin with yoga on the sand as the sun comes up and end with something less virtuous from the cocktail list. In between come two pools, a clutch of restaurants and a spa to iron out whatever the flight did to you. Halos are optional. So is changing out of your swimming costume.

Enter into a pampered paradise at the Four Seasons Seychelles resort. Occupying one of the best locations on the island of Mahé, almost every one of the uber-luxurious Creole-type villas has a stunning view of the blue waters of Petite Anse and the surrounding granite cliffs, encircled by lush tropical jungle bordering the horseshoe bay. Here you will find Indian Ocean hospitality at its best, in a dynamic landscape of rock, forest and beach that will entice your senses and dish up a holistic holiday experience. Beautifully curated villas and suites emulate island opulence with a high end Indian Ocean/ African feel.

Idyllic and utterly dreamy come to mind when arriving at the Mango House for the first time. Located in the deep south of the Seychelles' capital island, Mahé, the Mango House gazes out across miles of liquid blue stretching towards the horizon. Born out of the creative mind of esteemed photographer, Gian Paolo Barbieri, the house is all about aesthetics with its light and art-filled rooms, and walls of glass so you never miss a moment of that view. They didn't hold back when it comes to dining options either and there are five stellar spots to choose from.

One of Costa Rica's best boutique hotels, defined by the nature that surrounds it. The hotel is unique in that it has easy access to both Alajuela and San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport, and yet is surrounded by seven acres of verdant urban forest. Mid-century, a botanist owned and lived on this property and planted the grounds that now team with wild-flowers, fruit trees, and the plethora butterflies and birds they invite.

Marrakech rewards a good base, and this one has the location right: sitting at Bab Doukkala, a short walk from Jemaa el-Fna Square and the souks, yet separated from the noise by walled gardens and a generous pool. The hotel runs to 85 rooms and suites plus 26 private ryads, each with its own plunge pool - making it an equally strong choice for a couple wanting a pool terrace or a large family who'd rather have their own front door. Interiors by Pascal Desprez weave carved plasterwork and warm ochre tones with something crisper and more French. The food is taken seriously.

In the very centre of one of the oldest parts of the medina resides this traditional Riad. It is a true oasis amidst the vibrancy of Marrakech, seamlessly blending ancient traditions with modern luxuries.

Taking its name from the Arabic word for shadows, it is a place defined by peace and privacy. Hidden behind large wooden doors, its five residences are dappled in sunlight, which weaves through courtyard palms and a gentle fountain. Guests can step through the courtyard to their residence, and allow the resident curator to take them off-menu into the heart of Marrakech.

This ground-floor residence neighbours our building's courtyard, spa and kitchen, an active yet homely space with a private terrace of earthy orange rugs and fireplace.

Spend lazy mornings in your personal terrace area, accessible from your residence and adjacent to our elegant courtyard. As the neighbourhood cats stroll around at a relaxed pace you too can take it easy. Grab the day’s pastry from the kitchen and relax here, in the shade, with a good read and an authentic Moroccan mint tea.

This is a residence for those who want to wake up and immediately step out into the city.

As Morocco's cultural hub, Marrakesh is a terracotta-hued city of dynasty relics, souks that fill your head with legends, and gorgeous riads - grand homes-turned-hotels. One of the most luxurious is La Sultana, which actually happens to be a complex of five riads, each designed to represent a different period in the city's thousand-year-old history. From its wonderful location in the royal Kasbah district, La Sultana is close to just about everything; from the gold-gilded Saadian Tombs to the iconic Djemaa El Fna square - a whirlwind of tantalising food stalls, snake charmers and storytellers. We'd happily raise a 'Midnight in Marrakesh' to that!

Experience the magic of the Red City from Nobu Hotel Marrakech. Moroccan craftsmanship meets Japanese simplicity and iconic Nobu cuisine at our serene sanctuary, nestled at the heart of the city’s luxurious Golden Triangle district, steps from the Marrakech Medina.

Standing like a gleaming mirage between twin Nile City towers, this Art Deco stunner rises 25 floors above Cairo's delightful mayhem. It's all about the views here – whether you're gazing at feluccas drifting past from your rainfall shower or watching the Pyramids shimmer in the distance from the legendary Sky Pool. Seven restaurants keep the culinary adventure rolling, from Asian fusion at Saigon to proper Italian comfort at L'Uliveto. The Willow Stream Spa channels desert vibes for serious pampering, whilst the Fairmont Gold floors offer butler service for those who prefer their luxury with a side of complete spoiling.

Think of Cairo and your first visuals will likely be the surreal silhouettes of the Pyramids of Giza. Luckily for those staying at the Marriot Mena, these magnificent symbols of Ancient Egypt are quite literally in the backyard. Sitting in immaculate gardens, the hotel is stylish yet historic, its star-studded lineage evident in the antiques and artworks sprinkled throughout. By day, you'll have much exploring to do, learning the art of haggling at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, marvelling at soaring minarets and fascinating museums, and horseback rides in front of the Sphinx. By sunset, you'll be sat with a cocktail as the pyramids are illumiated by a 1000 lights... What a sight.

Just a few minutes outside Siem Reap's bustling centre, Jaya House has a peaceful location overlooking the river. Inside, the design is chic and monochromatic and the atmosphere is relaxing and sanctuary-like; there are always beautiful vases of fresh flowers too. The hotel offers a number of different tours and activities, from the greats of the Angkor Archaeological Park to boat trips on the Tonle Sap Lake. On your return, you'll be greeted with a cold, jasmine-scented towel and iced herbal tea, followed by a complimentary massage if you fancy it.

With a view of lapping, turquoise waters and powder-fine sand, the resort feels like your own piece of paradise. Azura believes every day should be different and it's a promise they have no trouble keeping with activities like island-hopping, snorkelling and cocktails on the beach. Living up to Azura Retreat's reputation, the resort takes care of its seaside world - the villas were built by local people using sustainable materials and most furnishings were hand-crafted by communities across Southern Africa. Wake up to the sound of the surf from your private villa in a place where nothing is hurried.

At Echoes of The Forest, every passing moment brings you closer to nature’s untamed spirit. Savor the quiet grace of dawn as gentle sunlight bathes your bungalow. Listen closely to the hauntingly beautiful sounds that inspired the name of this lodge. Breathe in the crisp, pure air of Andasibe and let the rhythms of the wild set your pace. Here, true luxury is unpretentious and absolute: pure silence, infinite space, and the precious gift of time regained.

Sitting just out of reach of the Orchard Road bustle, Ascott's flagship Singapore property hits the sweet spot between urban and residential. From studios to penthouse suites, each fully-serviced apartment comes with a proper kitchen and washing machine – especially brilliant for longer stays. There's a distinct nod to fashion throughout, from mannequin installations to the Fendi-furnished penthouses, while that covered bridge to Paragon Mall means you can shop till you drop (nearly) straight back into your apartment. Add in a 33-metre pool and you've got yourself a very smart (and stylish) base for exploring all the Lion City has to offer.

Louis XIV's finance ministers ran the royal accounts from this 1681 building, and the last of them, Jacques Necker, sat here working out how to bankroll the American Revolution (the street outside is still called Rue de l'Indépendance Américaine). It's now a hotel inside the gates of the Versailles estate, the only one of its kind. Airelles spent four years and a fortune putting the 18th century back: an 1788 inventory guided the furniture hunt, the staff wear period dress, and Alain Ducasse runs the kitchen. What you're paying for, really, is the palace after the crowds have gone home. Fourteen rooms, and that's the lot.