Best Hotels & Lodges

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.

Stay at this serene urban oasis, a dignified yet peaceful spot in the middle of downtown Addis Ababa. The hotel has been proudly built with elevated yet understated ambiance to accommodate your stay, whether it's to host an event for a few hours or a long stay in one of the elegant suites, AYA is the perfect fit for your needs.

Recharge your batteries in the tranquil accommodations, nourish yourself at the decadent restaurant, Curly Kale, meet friends in the quietly graceful lobby, and host your events in one of the venue halls. The staff awaits, eager to tailor fit any of the multitudes.

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.

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.

Located in the heart of Matsumoto City, right in front of Matsumoto Station, this hotel aims to be a convenient "travel base" for both business and leisure travelers, a hotel that guests will love and choose for years to come. With a bus terminal for major tourist destinations just a one-minute walk away, you can enjoy active travel to various places such as Kamikochi, Norikura Plateau, and Hakuba, using the hotel as your base.

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.

Named after the earliest known ancestor of all mammals, fish and reptiles, Pikaia Lodge is imbued with the Galapagos' sense of history, nature and utterly wild beauty. Inside the uber-contemporary rock and glass building, you'll find 'evolutionary' decor and a chic, understated design. Built on an extinct caldera within a 31-hectare giant tortoise reserve, you'll feel like the only soul around for miles -and you often will be. This sentiment continues on adventures to the archipelago's incredible diving spots, clandestine beaches and hiking trails. Oh and did we mention it's the only Relais & Chateaux property in the Galapagos? Magic all round.

Located in Jodhpur, Daspan House is your escape to a slow life of peace & tranquility. Upcycled from a 1921 home, the house offers a vibrant decor with 18 rooms, a mysterious bar and a cheerful restaurant all with locally made custom furniture. Keeping the spirits alive, Daspan House is continuously celebrating all forms of art through collaborations. A collection of intimate nooks & corners with calming sounds, the house extends a warm & homely atmosphere for the curious traveler.

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.

Inspired by OIÁ Casa Lençóis, OIÁ Atins arrives in this location in partnership with Casa Gota d’Áya, preserving the charm of Brazilianness in a space that values what is essential and deep integration with nature. An exclusive experience per season, offering comfort and high hospitality services, fully aligned with the identity of each destination.

Rancharia Charme Beach is in a great location, with one side facing the main street and the other overlooking Vilarejo beach. It sits by the river and offers beautiful views of the sea, letting guests enjoy nature fully. The pousada has a rustic brazilian style and is decorated with artwork from northeastern artists. It's a perfect place for hosting special events and celebrations, creating a memorable atmosphere for every guest.