Best Hotels & Lodges

Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, former home of the Duke of Urbino, is a treasured palace built in 1400. Renovated in 1800 by Gian Battista Meduna then owned by the Donà and Giovannelli families, it will become a hotel for the first time thanks to the design of architect Aline Asmar d Amman. Inspired by the cultures and eras that are forever a part of its history, Orient Express Venezia will be home to 47 rooms and suites, overlooking the gardens or the canals of Venice.

Venice's Dorsoduro district is the city's arty, quieter side that the Venetians prefer to keep for themselves. And right at its southern tip, where the Grand Canal opens into St Mark's Basin, sits this top-tier palazzo with one of the most enviable waterfront positions in the city. Built in 1892 for the Genovese family on the site of a medieval monastery, its Gothic facade now conceals boldly contemporary and fabulous interiors. With the Peggy Guggenheim Collection next door and the Basilica della Salute as a neighbour, the location alone is worth the visit... But the food and the staff seal the deal.

The definition of luxury in the southern Okavango Delta, Dulini Daunara’s five tented suites are crisp, calm and utterly beautiful. Perched on the banks of a private lagoon that attracts hundreds of animals throughout the year, wildlife-watching from your deck can be just as good as heading out on a game drive – think elephant wandering past and lions roaring as you slumber. But venture out you should, for this is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Explore on guided game drives and walking safaris, or take to the water on a traditional mokoro trip. Whatever you choose, Daunara is all about the magic of slowing down, reconnecting and just… being.

The Okavango Delta does something to time. The seasonal flood comes down from Angola in a slow, papyrus-scented wave, filling channels, lifting floodplains, turning the Kalahari sand into a gin-clear inland sea - and Singita Elela is built entirely around that rhythm. Eight separate circular camps sit on stilts across Botswana's NG26 concession, mesh walls open to whatever breeze the Delta is offering, walkways suspended over the water below. This is Singita's first Botswana property, and it might be their most elemental. Opening December 2026.

The Outpost sits between two Western Okavango channels, where an intricate natural waterhole system shapes wildlife behaviour and movement throughout the year. Operating exclusively within this private wilderness, we invite guests to explore a landscape defined by uninterrupted space – a rare corner of the Okavango Delta where the environment itself sets the rhythm of the safari.

From the intimate eight-bed camp - curated by the founders of Barclay Stenner Safaris - guests experience barefoot luxury refined with purpose. Private tented suites, thoughtful design, and a slower, more intentional encounter with nature create a safari that feels both deeply comfortable and deeply connected to the wild.

St Andrews doesn't do subtle when it comes to golf, and neither does Rusacks. Built in 1887 by Johann Wilhelm Rusack, a German émigré who swapped Lower Saxony for the Fife coast, the hotel has spent well over a century propped directly above the 18th green of the Old Course, close enough to watch both triumph and heartbreak play out from your bedroom window. It's now the flagship of Marine & Lawn's collection of course-side hotels, and is adorned in golfing memorabilia and sophisticated, thoroughly Scottish details. And did we mention the R&A Clubhouse is right next door? You couldn't get closer to golf's beating heart if you tried.

Named after the leader of Operation Noah, the bold rescue mission that relocated over 6,000 animals after the construction of Kariba Dam, Fothergill is instilled with a passion for protecting Zimbabwe's wild spaces and its inhabitants. Set amongst lush trees on the shores of Lake Kariba, the camp is well-positioned for fantastic water and land safaris led by world-class guides. Fothergill is 95% solar-powered and their entire team is trained in-house, which ensures superb service. During certain months, Fothergill becomes an island, but its private concession welcomes huge herds of elephant and buffalo, and an incredible variety of birdlife all year round.

'Lwenge' takes its name from the ancient local word for this stretch of the Kafue River; it’s tranquil, unhurried waters the perfect backdrop to your safari. Here elephants cross on an almost daily basis, zigzagging from bank to bank, whilst leopard and lion seek shade in the lush riverine vegetation. And for those in the know skimmer island is a mere stone throw away. Although new, Lwenge River Camp is part of Classic Zambia’s legacy in the Kafue. With just 12 beds the River Camp is aimed at exclusive-use bookings, be it families, friend and photographic groups or couples that want that extra bit of space and privacy. A spectacular view from the camp of the Kafue River sets the tone, there is also a purpose-built guide’s room included on the property, not to mention a well-appointed pool and WiFi connection too.

Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River invites you to indulge in a safari experience like no other, deep in the heart of the national park. This unique camp between two islands is committed to the local community, carefully designed to preserve and promote its heritage. Arise with the birds for yoga on the deck, cruise the river in the afternoon and watch the sun set over a typical African Boma.

Set amid the bamboo jungles of Chiang Rai where Myanmar and Laos converge, Four Seasons Tented Camp offers an immersive escape shaped by nature, culture and quiet adventure. With a limited number of luxury tents overlooking jungle and river landscapes, days unfold at an unhurried pace. Elevated by signature Four Seasons hospitality and thoughtfully curated all-inclusive experiences, every moment invites curiosity, connection and a deeper sense of place.

Looking to find your way back to nature? Phu Chaisai was created to do just that. Set in the hills of rural Chiang Rai, you'll have no alternative but to immerse yourself starting from the get go as you wake up to panoramic vistas of sweet-smelling banks of roses and forests you'll likely hike in later. Created by the affectionately-known, Mom Da, the resort is evidence of just how far subtle touches can go. Each cottage occupies a private perch and pays homage to its surroundings with hand-crafted bamboo furniture, indigenous cotton textiles, and cups of tea from Phu Chaisai's own harvest.

Your haven of tranquility nestled in the heart of Kandy. Immerse yourself in the lush embrace of nature and indulge in the symphony of luxury that awaits. From the soothing rustle of leaves to the opulent comforts within, every moment here is crafted for your relaxation and delight.

Happiness Field Village Farmstay at Gubjithang in Punakha is a lovely standalone home in midst of fields and next to the river bank of po chhu. Guests reach the place over a suspension bridge or by following a footpath from Punakha Dzong. This place is wonderful for those who wish for a quiet refuge away from busy towns. The nangi aum, Aum Karma, has re-furbished the house and opened up for guests.

Ficus Sunset Suites is a retreat surrounded by lush cloud forest, ideal for those seeking to disconnect and reconnect with nature.

Should you be wondering which kasbah caught the eye of a billionaire on a hot air balloon flight over Morocco, Tamadot did just that and was quickly transformed into a luxury hideaway in the Atlas Mountains. Previously owned by a world-renowned antiquarian, it's brimming with stunning oil paintings and ornate tapestries and antiques from across the world. Lose track of time while exploring the rose-scented gardens, or with a deep tissue massage in the spa tent amongst the fruit trees. And the cuisine? It's (almost) too good to eat, with specialities including spiced lamb tagine, local favourite, pigeon pastilla, and roasted pears with mascarpone for dessert.

Hyatt Regency Taghazout is a breathtaking retreat located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and a stone throw away from the fairways of the stunning 27-hole Taghazout Golf Club. Indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy several water sports and connect over new local and international culinary experiences.

Embark on a journey of timeless elegance and serene tranquillity with the Princess Farida Luxury Nile Cruise. This exquisite Dahabiya Nile Cruise, named after the iconic Egyptian queen, offers an unparalleled cruising experience on the majestic River Nile.

As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Nile, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Egypt’s ancient landscapes, offering a unique blend of relaxation and exploration. The spacious, elegantly appointed suites provide a sanctuary of comfort and privacy, ensuring a restful night’s sleep to the soothing rhythm of the Nile.

Pick your pace: three nights from Aswan, four from Luxor, or a full week that swings past Dendera's temple to Hathor - a stop the shorter cruises skip. Either way, you'll wake at a new temple each morning: Karnak one day, Kom Ombo's crocodile god the next, and Philae rising from the Nile at Aswan. Onboard, expect 76 cabins across four decks, and a sun deck for lazy afternoons. Head up top at around 4 o' clock for afternoon tea and watch the Nile slip past as you sip away.

Ancient and modern Egyptians could likely agree that gliding along the River Nile by boat is the best way to experience the magic of it. Of course, your luxury river cruiser will look quite different to their handmade felucca (but don't worry, you'll also have the chance to sail one round Elephantine Island). Sun Boat IV, an A&K Sanctuary has three storeys and it's here you'll enjoy the creations of award-winning chefs, listen to spirited folkloric songs, and take in the sights from the comfort of your sun lounger. Travelling from Aswan to Luxor (or vice versa), there will be plenty of opportunity to go exploring with your own expert Egyptologist.