Best Hotels & Lodges

Let's be honest - this one's a showstopper. Clinging to the cliffs above Positano's bustling Spiaggia Grande, this 19th-century marvel serves up the kind of views that Italian dreams are made of. The Li Galli islands float like mirages on the horizon, while the scent of lemon trees and salt air drifts up from the gardens below. The Savino family has perfected their craft here, creating an elegant retreat where the simple things - like sinking into a lounger by the infinity pool or demolishing a perfectly crafted pizza - become extraordinary moments.

Beautifully stylish canvas rooms, spectacular 270 degree views and a truly fabulous location in the heart of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, just outside the Masai Mara Reserve, are just a few of the reasons that we love Ol Seki. And then there’s the activities. The private conservancy is yours to explore as you wish and the game drives, night drives and walking safaris, all led by a team of fantastic local guides in their traditional red shukas, are intimate and private. And with only four other camps in 200 square kilometres, you see hordes of game, not hordes of tourists – just as it should be.

Bayete Guest House is located just three kilometers from the heart of the historic town of Victoria Falls and the best vantage point from which to view the mighty Falls itself (locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya - "the smoke that thunders"). More than a mile wide, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls boasts several impressive statistics, though one needn't quantify its supreme beauty or the experience of watching the Zambezi River dive into the First Gorge. This relatively small, well-managed family-run guest house offers convenience and guidance to help travellers make the most of an area that can often feel overwhelming for its dizzying range of options. It's good to note that a visit here is best between May and October when the water flow isn't so heavy as to shroud the falls.

This lovely stone and canvas lodge in private Onguma Reserve embraces a floodlit waterhole that can be seen from both the main areas and the suites. The camp (one of five lodges in the reserve – the others are Onguma Bush Camp, Onguma Tree Top, Onguma the Fort and Onguma Plains Camp) lies on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, so there are great opportunities to see wildlife in both sanctuaries. Expect fresh decor, solicitous staff, varied animal and bird sightings and extraordinary views.

Surrounded by the towering structures of the Langsuan neighbourhood, the Hotel Muse has a top-notch location for exploring the art, history and culture of the area. You'll be lured out in a flash to see what Bangkok has to offer, from delicious cuisine to dazzling temples. The designers were certainly inspired when curating the interiors of the hotel; they have a distinct vintage elegance and rooms are filled with cherry-tinted wood, plush leather and velvet furnishings, and high-end amenities. Elsewhere, there is ample space to recline in between excursions including the Speakeasy Rooftop Bar, which enjoys vibrant views of the city skyline.

Northern Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is just 10 minutes by road from the main entrance of Volcanoes National Park, home to families of magical, and rare, mountain gorillas. Above you towers Mount Karasimbi, the highest volcanic mountain in Virunga massif. The lodge is comfortable, with roomy and comfortable accommodation (don't expect glamour), the food is good, the staff are warm and on hand, and the views are simply splendid. The management here is extremely aware of the hotel's privileged location, and takes every step to protect and support the environment.

Step through the Doric columns of this 1928 neoclassical beauty and you'll understand why Singapore chose to preserve it as a national monument. Once the bustling General Post Office, The Fullerton has traded postmarks for five-star pampering, though its barrel-vaulted ceilings and Egyptian temple-esque atrium still command some serious admiration. Perched right at the Singapore River's mouth, you're perfectly positioned for Marina Bay gazing, Merlion spotting, and hopping between hawker centres. Crowned with towering columns, the rooftop infinity pool has become a favourite spot for photos, while the Straits Club lounge delivers delicate afternoon teas and champagne breakfasts to rival the best of them.

Northern Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's most vital wildlife areas. The floor of this ancient caldera – the result of a volcano that erupted and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago – is a lush, mineral-rich habitat that supports a profusion of wildlife. The game is contained within the crater walls, in an area of 100 square miles (260 square kilometres), so thrilling sightings are common. Ngorongoro Crater Camp, an A&K Sanctuary is well positioned in a lush belt of indigenous forest on the northern rim of the crater, within easy access of the action.

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a true marvel with hundreds of serene temples, ravishing gardens and a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ideally located to explore these gems, the Vista Premio is a modern hotel in the heart of Kyoto, known for blending contemporary luxury with the traditional charm of this historic city. The hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. It is also in close proximity to Kyoto’s bustling downtown area, where you can explore its food hub, the Nishiki Market.

Chobe Safari Lodge lies on the banks of the Chobe River, the artery of life for the Chobe National Park. The lodge is large (and popular, as its location dictates – this is where Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia meet), but its lovely setting in an area rich in indigenous flora and fauna, its comfortable accommodation and good food make this an ideal stopover for a few nights before or after a safari. The lodge has recently been renovated, and is an excellent launch pad for Chobe, Victoria Falls or the Caprivi Strip.

Gazing out from Dead Valley Lodge, the desert seems to go on forever and it truly feels like there's no one else in the world. Yet, you're also only a few minutes from the entrance into Namib-Naukluft National Park, making it one of the closest to the dunes of Sossusvlei. You'll easily be the first ones there in the morning! The lodge has borrowed its style from its ancient desert surroundings with gnarled wooden coffee tables and subtle, sandy tones. Plus, there are endless opportunities for adventure, from a trek up the 'Big Daddy' dune to a hot air balloon flight surveying the surreal scenes.