Best Hotels & Lodges

The South China Sea stretches out in front of you on a leisurely stroll down the platinum sands of Ha My Beach, before cobblestone pathways lead you back to a sanctuary of your own. The Four Seasons takes your serenity very seriously with tranquil ponds to stop at and reflect on a walk through the tropical garden, hammocks swaying in invitation and blissful moments spent at the overwater spa suites. It wouldn't be a holiday by the ocean without an abundance of water sports and kayaking down the coast is a spectacular way to start. So, kick off your shoes, grab a lychee martini and toast to another glorious sunset.

The solar-powered King Lewanika Lodge is the only permanent safari lodge in this region, and is situated in splendid isolation in Zambia’s untouched Liuwa Plain National Park. Stunning landscapes are characterised by vast seasonally-flooded plains and wooded islands, and the camp is designed to make the most of the incredible sense of space and total immersion in this wildlife hotspot. Just six open-fronted super-luxury tented villas on raised platforms are spread out along the fringes of the floodplains, with far-reaching views. Liuwa is famous for its thriving lion population, abundant predators, and the second largest annual wildebeest migration south of the Serengeti.

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, this modest but refined camp is dwarfed by the huge red dunes that surround it. Wolwedans Dune Camp (along with the other camps in the Wolwedans Collection) is privately owned and prides itself on delivering a personal experience, full of luxury, privacy and tranquillity. The focus is on a pristine wilderness experience, with considerably fewer tourists than the neighbouring national park, and there is an array of laid back activities on offer, from horse-riding to hot air balloon flights, sundowners with a view and spectacular, all-day drives through the desertscapes.

Famous for its Atlantis-esque collapse into the Mediterranean Sea and gorgeous Riviera atmosphere, Alexandria is a city as loveable as they come. Occupying the iconic San Stefano towers, the Four Seasons is a glossy and gleaming fixture along the city's Corniche. Take in the picturesque, sun-dappled views from the seawater infinity pool - it's right on the beach! - or the balcony of your refined suite. There are a boatload of dining spots too, from fresh-as-anything seafood tagines, to homemade ice creams after a day spent perusing ancient papyrus texts. What a welcome home.

Somewhere in the rolling countryside southwest of Siena, down a long gravel drive lined with cypresses, sits an 800-year-old villa that once nursed medieval pilgrims back to health. Today it performs a similar service, albeit with Michelin-starred dinners and a spa that produces its own skincare line. Danish owners, Claus and Jeanette Thottrup, have spent two decades transforming the estate into a 300-acre working farm with vineyards, an artisan dairy, kitchen gardens and even alpacas. The result is a place is lived-in rather than designed, where the flowers on your bedside table were picked that morning and the cheese at breakfast was made down the hill. And it's all effortlessly lovely.

Hidden deep in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, one can easily see why Gora Kadan was once the Imperial Family's retreat. Every space at this refurbished ryokan (Japanese inn) makes you want to linger longer, especially whilst soaking in one of spring-fed baths. Gora Kadan invites you into a traditional way of life, evident in its walls of rice paper, silk textiles and the soothing waft of incense. When you're not immersed in this soulful atmosphere, take advantage of Hakone's many attractions, whether that means a trip to the open-air museum or a scenic ropeway ride above the trees. Immerse yourself in a blissful moment in the traditional Japanese atmosphere at Gora Kadan.

&Beyond's very first venture into Latin America, Vira Vira has all their top-tier trademarks including a simple yet utterly tasteful style and a deep-rooted conservation ethos. Sitting amidst a sprawling alpine estate, the lodge enjoys 822 metres of river frontage and views of the snow-topped Villarrica Volcano - to be enjoyed whilst soaking in one of the alfresco hot tubs, of course. Amenities aside, you could easily stay a week thanks to Vira Vira's excellent list of activities, whether it's hiking through forests of 1000-year-old trees, horseback rides with a real Chilean cowboy (huaso), or skiing down an active volcano.

Meru National Park is recognised as having a greater diversity of animal species than any other park in East Africa, so prepare yourself and your camera for large elephant herds, hippo, lion, caracal, reptiles, a rhino sanctuary and more than 400 species of birdlife. Elsa’s Kopje, named after the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson, is an unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled retreat set into a rocky hill above the site of George’s famous orphaned lion camp.