Best Hotels & Lodges

Heading to northern Tanzania to experience the epic game viewing and mesmerising landscapes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilmanjaro? Sadly, you're not alone. Break from the crowds and take a slight detour to immerse yourself in ancient African culture at Kisima Ngeda Camp on the shores of Lake Eyasi. ​Surrounded by fever tree forest on a 100-hectare family farm, the camp is fronted by a natural spring lagoon that attracts a steady stream of birdlife. The real reason to come here, though, is to interact with the Hadzabe people, whose hunter-gathering lifestyle has changed little during the past 10,000 years.

Reaching Landruk Lodge requires a proper pilgrimage – down into the Modi Khola gorge, across a swaying suspension bridge, then up those endless stone steps. But the reward is worth every footfall and gasp of breath! The crescent of green and white bungalows perches halfway up the mountainside in the heart of Gurung country, home to the legendary Gurkhas for centuries. The sacred Machhapuchhre – never climbed, never permitted – dominates the view. Wake to morning tea at your door as the pink light catches the snow and watch honey hunters scale sheer cliffs on bamboo ladders. Landruk is all about simple pleasures in spiritual surroundings.

Perched at the very top of Ghandruk – regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Asia – this cosy retreat offers some of the finest mountain views in the Annapurna region. Built around a 19th century Gurung village house, the lodge gazes directly at Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the iconic Fishtail peak, all close enough to take your breath away. Part of the Mountain Lodges of Nepal collection, it's a world away from more basic teahouses: think hot water bottles slipped into your bed, hearty home-cooked meals and happy hours around a crackling wood-burner. All in all, a perfect launchpad for lodge-to-lodge trekking through rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides.

Perched on a spiky promontory, the Modi River rushing below, Birethanti Lodge is the lowest lodge on the Annapurna circuit and an excellent start or end point to a trekking adventure. The suspension bridge entrance, draped with prayer flags, sets the tone beautifully while marigold-filled gardens and their resident butterflies remind you that opting for comfort doesn't mean sacrificing authenticity. Inside, you'll find handcrafted rooms with properly hot showers, and in the evening, communal dinners where trekkers swap tales over hearty meals grub. And outside, that sacred Fishtail Mountain practically poses for photos at sunrise...

Set in a prime location within the Central Business District of Dar es Salaam and overlooking the Indian Ocean coastline, this five-star property offers a refined balance of urban sophistication and coastal calm. The hotel is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Julius Nyerere International Airport, even closer to the Zanzibar ferry, and offers panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline.

Perched on the breathtaking Alpe di Siusi – one of Europe's most dramatic high-altitude plateaus – this architectural gem delivers mountain luxury with impeccable credentials. The elegant structure seems almost to emerge organically from its UNESCO-protected surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows that brilliantly frame the jaw-dropping Dolomite peaks at every turn. Recently awarded a prestigious One MICHELIN Key, the property blends South Tyrolean warmth with the exacting service and wellness philosophy that defines the brand. Here, tradition meets contemporary flair in a setting that will have you constantly reaching for your camera – or simply standing in slack-jawed wonder as the light transforms the iconic limestone cliffs throughout the day.

Looking for somewhere to holiday with your kids? Voyager Beach is ideal – a seaside resort with a sociable vibe that's perfect for families or sociable travellers. While it's hardly a remote island getaway, the resort offers both fun and relaxation in equal measure. It lies on pretty Nyali Beach, near Mombasa, in a colour palette of white sands, ocean blues, and greens. There's room for a huge number of guests, and activities for nearly every hour of the day. While there are plenty of quiet corners to slip into, we'd recommend this destination for some really happy family fun.

Experience the Thar Desert's soul‑stirring tranquility and charm

Nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, Suryagarh offers an escape where time slows and the soul finds peace. Surrounded by vast, untouched landscapes, every moment here invites reflection, connection, and a sense of belonging. A sanctuary for discerning travellers, embracing Rajasthan's vibrant culture and the unexplored wonders of Jaisalmer.

From historic forts to idyllic villages and the tiger-inhabited wilds, the Aravalli Hills cradle the Sariska Tiger Reserve, rich in the stories of Rajasthan’s past. Perched on the edge of the tiger reserve, Sariska Lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation and birdsong, with peace and tranquillity that pervades all senses. Once a silent witness to centuries of history, the lodge now offers a chance to reconnect with the wild in an intimate retreat.

AtholPlace Hotel is a smart boutique hotel in one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious suburbs, just a short distance from Sandton Centre and conveniently close to the Gautrain railway station. The hotel has an understated elegance throughout, with nine spacious suites set within sprawling gardens – a calm sanctuary in the heart of this fast-paced city. Décor is a cosmopolitan African style, with gentle natural tones and splashes of ethnic-inspired bold designs. The atmosphere is very much one of modern comfort and contemporary design which one might expect of a large private residence. A great choice for a short city break.

Nestled among the charming carruggi and pastel-hued houses that make this stretch of the Italian Riviera so iconic, this 19th-century building has been transformed into something rather special. The historic exterior gives little hint of what awaits inside – a bold, contemporary design statement where striking black and white contrasts create spaces that are both dramatic and inviting. You'll find yourself completely immersed in an atmosphere that somehow manages to be both soothing and stimulating, with clean architectural lines softened by warm Italian hospitality. Just steps from crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect launchpad for exploring the treasures of the Tigullio Gulf while providing a stylish retreat when you're ready to escape the Mediterranean sunshine.

Tucked into the medieval lanes of Bhaktapur, just two minutes from Durbar Square, this charming boutique hotel bills itself as a 'museum of life' – and it's not wrong! Named after the Newari word for courtyard, the property is built around traditional communal living, with no perimeter wall separating guests from the ancient city outside. The design blends minimalist, mod style with age-old craftsmanship, and the cultural programme runs deep: think storytelling evenings in an on-site amphitheatre, rooftop dinners where every dish is full of history, and artisan visits to potters' workshops. A real and thoughtful immersion into what makes Kathmandu tick.

A stunning oceanfront setting. Interiors adorned with Arabic and Swahili opulence. Warm, gracious hospitality and alluring culinary journeys. Zanzibar Serena Hotel in Stone Town offers all of this and more. The Serena Hotel occupies two of the oldest buildings in Stone Town on the west coast of Zanzibar. With 51 rooms, it provides a haven of tranquility and opulence amidst the bustle of one of Africa's most ancient and enchanting towns. The large pool terrace overlooks the Indian Ocean, and excellent cuisine can be enjoyed in the hotel restaurant.

The only 5-star luxury hotel in the historic centre of Assisi, a charming and spiritual city in the heart of Umbria. Historically home to the ancient monastery of Santa Caterina, the Nun Relais is the result of a brilliant renovation that has maintained a skilful balance between the original Roman remains and the lightness of a contemporary architectural vision.

Embrace local treasures, enrichment, and quiet elegance at The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok. A destination for explorers and collectors, The Sira reveals Indonesia’s raw pearl, where nature, heritage, and the unhurried passage of time exist in quiet harmony, just moments from the three Gili Islands. Framed by over 500 meters of pristine white sand beach and sweeping vistas of Mount Rinjani and distant Mount Agung, the resort unfolds along Lombok’s untouched northern coast, shaped by the rhythm of the sea and the enduring warmth of Sasak traditions. Beyond the shoreline, the island invites discovery, from hidden waterfalls and traditional villages to turtle release encounters and serene snorkeling in luminous turquoise waters. Days are balanced between exploration and indulgence, whether swimming in the 70-meter outdoor pool, restoring the senses at the spa, gathering by the sea, or exchanging vows beneath an Indonesian sunset