Best Hotels & Lodges

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is the oldest private reserve in South Africa, sharing a 50-kilometre, fenceless border with Kruger National Park. It offers, almost indisputably, the best Big Five game viewing in the country and there are an abundance of predators. Here, tucked tastefully in the mature bush, is newly renovated Cheetah Plains, a collection of superbly stylish stand-alone homes. Expect a contemporary design, clean lines, carefully chosen natural materials and modern fixtures. This is a place that promises a luxury experience of the highest order.

Lying within a 765-hectare private bush estate near White River, Ndula Luxury Tented Lodge has it all – wide vistas, dynamic wilderness, wildlife, supremely comfortable contemporary accommodation, and breakfasts and dinners to linger over. Here, you're in the Lowveld, a region that incorporates the much-loved Kruger National Park, and overflows with sightseeing options, from rich wildlife to dramatic canyons and compelling history. Explore the estate to see giraffe, zebra, warthog, nyala, wildebeest, kudu, and a birder's wishlist of species. Need more? Kruger is a mere 45-minute drive away.

This intimate permanent tented camp is ideally positioned to catch the best of the Serengeti action along the Mara River, yet delightfully tucked away from the throngs of visitors. Set in the remote area around Kogatende, in the park's northern section, Nimali Mara sits on a small rise, tucked between boulders and a dappled forest. Expect elegance that in no way interferes with the raw beauty of the bush, and service and guiding so good that this could well be be your one-stop shop for exploring what's often regarded as one of the world's most magnificent wildlife-viewing destinations.

In strolling distance of Ho Chi Minh City's sweeping boulevards and jam-packed markets, Fusion Suites is a finely-tuned home away from home, where the interiors are cosy and casual and the suites pristine and pretty. The in-house bakery provides cakes fresh out of the oven (flavours range from red artichoke flowers to rich chocolate - tell us more!), and after a day of exploring the city, a rooftop cocktail is the only way to top it off. Speaking of which, there are plenty of historic sights to discover and a whole lot of shopping to be done all in a stone's throw from the hotel.

If you were to dream up a rustic little treasure where you can get away from it all, Termas de Papallacta may just fit the bill. Sitting at a head-spinning 3,250 metres above sea level, the lodge is almost embedded into the Andes and as as you step out your front door, you'll be peering directly onto the snow-capped Antisana Volcano. As lovely as the accommodation is, the real drawcard of Termas are the incredible thermal pools, where you'll easily while away a few hours. When you fancy a touch more action, hike into the hills where the glorious vistas become clearer with every step higher.

Sitting on the banks of Chao Phraya, aka the River of Kings, the Riva Surya Hotel couldn't be in a better location for exploring Bangkok. Just a few minutes walk away is the pier where you can catch a ferry that will take you from one dazzling highlight to the next. The famous Khao San Road is also just next door. And whilst the hotel may be surrounded by the historic icons of Bangkok, it's a modern and trendy spot, ready to provide any comforts you seek in between busy days. And there's nothing like sipping on a cocktail as the sun sets over the river...

The fourth-largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, La Digue's beach appeal is the stuff of travel adverts, from its swathes of clean, palm-fringed sands to the outlying coral reefs. And this blissful place is the home of the unashamedly luxurious Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie. Lying just a few minutes' walk from the island's best beaches, the hotel is fronted by that jade-coloured ocean and embraced by lush gardens and hills planted with orange groves. If you've ever swooned over an ad for a super-stylish tropical barefoot beach holiday, book now. We know you'll love it!