Best Hotels & Lodges

Set in a restored historic villa—once the House of Gold—the hotel blends cultural richness with modern comfort in the very heart of Stresa. An intimate atmosphere, bespoke service, and serene lake views create an oasis for travelers seeking authenticity and sophistication.

Just when you think you've seen every iteration of the Tuscan spa hotel, along comes this Belle Époque beauty to prove you wrong. A stone's throw from Montecatini Terme's train station (the proper one, mind you - there are two), this Art Nouveau palazzo has been keeping the same family busy for over a century. And when we say family, we mean it - young Fabio used to play hide and seek in these very corridors whilst mamma Luciana worked, and now here he is, running the show with the same enthusiasm he had as a kid racing through the halls.

The 81-room property occupies a handsome 19th-century building that wears its Liberty-style credentials with proper pride - think high ceilings, period furniture that's actually from the period, and enough architectural flourishes to keep your eyes entertained over breakfast.

Gondwana Game Reserve sits on South Africa's southern coast in the topographically blessed Western Cape. Located within the Cape Floral Kingdom and edged by the spectacular Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountain Ranges, the natural beauty of this place is brought to life with the storybook wildlife and you'll find most of the major mammal species ambling around. Kwena Lodge's uniquely domed and thatched architecture is a nod to the region's original inhabitants, the Khoi-San, but the accommodation has come on leaps and bounds since then! Think plenty of modern comforts with a touch of understated class.

A charming manor nestled at the foot of the world-renowned Swartberg Mountain Pass is perfect for anyone that wants to get away from it all and soak up the peace of its tranquil surroundings. The extraordinary panoramic views of the Swartberg Mountains from the veranda of the original farmhouse inspired the creation of the manor and its grounds, which you'll find is a peaceful getaway beauty and relaxation. But this isn't just an endearing home-away from-home. The world-renowned Cango Caves are nearby, and it’s only a 15km drive to the top of the Swartberg Pass for unparalleled views of the Cango Valley.

From Sanbona's main gate, drive for just over an hour across the Little Karoo plains and you'll reach Bellair Dam and, on its shoreline, the thatched, Karoo-homestead-style Gondwana Lodge. This family destination has 12 generously proportioned luxury suites, never-ending views and plenty for everyone to do. Stay in super-comfortable style, see the Big Five on game drives, watch out for the reserve's impressive white lions, get close to hippos on a boat safari and enjoy the silence, the smiles and the starry moonlit skies. Children will have fun on the action-packed Kids on Safari programme.

Villa d'Amelia is more than just a hotel. It's an ideal retreat for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Langhe, amidst elegance and a warm welcome. With refined rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, a spacious relaxation area, and many other exclusive services , the Relais promises moments of pure relaxation and well-being amidst the evocative panorama of the Piedmont hills

Superlative views of the Vindhya Range welcome you to Pashan Garh, A Taj Safari. Tucked into a rocky outcrop and set amid 200 acres of private forest, the dramatic lines of our safari resort envelope you in luxury while reminding you of the untouched wilderness outside. Stone masonry exteriors give way to refined interiors in the guest area accompanied by a spacious courtyard.

Enter a world of adventure and enthralling experiences at Pashan Garh, A Taj Safari, close to Panna National Park. The intuitive service, plush accommodation, exciting safaris and delicious food ensure you make the most of your stay.

If you've ever dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse surrounded by wild Africa, nThambo delivers on that fantasy without the premium price tag. Set on the open plains of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – one of the largest private reserves bordering Kruger – this unfenced camp puts you genuinely in the bush rather than observing it from a distance. The five chalets are raised on stilts among the trees, with the Drakensberg mountains shimmering on the horizon. It's simple rather than slick, and the experience is more rustic than refined, but for those happy to trade marble bathrooms for elephants drinking from the splash pool at breakfast, it offers something that fancier lodges can't replicate.

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp is a serene bushveld retreat nestled within the expansive Selati Game Reserve. This exclusive tented camp, consciously designed to minimise environmental impact, offers a unique sanctuary beneath the majestic canopy of a Sycamore Fig Tree. With just four luxury ensuite safari tents, guests are ensured a personal and undisturbed experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of your surroundings for an authentic wilderness encounter.

Safari lodges often promise family-friendly experiences, but few deliver quite like this newcomer on the Kruger fringe. Located at Elephant Point with sweeping views over the Sabie River toward the national park, Shiviko takes a refreshingly different approach – one where families actually do things together rather than being separated into adult and kids' programmes. Each of the four villas tells a different South African cultural story through its art and décor, while your dedicated butler, private chef and nature guide take care of everything from dawn game drives to candlelit dinners on your terrace. The clubhouse – complete with water slides and a soundproofed cinema – seals the deal for younger guests, though the adults-only bar upstairs has rather impressive sunset views to keep everyone happy.

We weren't at all surprised to hear that Kapama Karula actually means "place of peace." This ultra-luxurious lodge in one of South Africa's largest, privately-run game reserves, Kapama, is the definition of a relaxing and tranquil safari. So, what can you expect? Decadent accommodation and fine wining and dining both get big ticks, but even bigger ones for the wildlife experiences. Choose from elephant-back safaris through the bush, evocative hot air balloon rides, traditional Big Five game drives and walking safaris to complete a very memorable trip.

Located just a 1-minute walk from Uno Station and a 3-minute walk from Uno Port, this conveniently situated location is ideal as a base for exploring the Seto Inland Sea and its islands, expanding the possibilities of your trip. The sea breeze and beautiful scenery are right beside you, as the hotel offers Superior Twin, Premium Deluxe, and Corner Suites that all feature balconies with ocean views. Enjoy the beautiful, ever-changing scenery of the Seto Inland Sea to your heart's content.

The vast temple grounds, covering a total area of about 45,000 square meters, are divided into two parts: the East Wing, called the Garan, and the West Wing, called the Tanjōin. The Garan, where the Kondo, the five-storied pagoda, and other buildings stand, has been part of the temple since the temple's foundation. The Tanjōin, with the Mieido at the center, is the site of the Saeki family's former residence, where Kobo Daishi was born. Together, they show Zentsūji’s connections with Kobo Daishi’s birth and family life.