Best Hotels & Lodges

Tucked into the Arts & Heritage District at Bras Basah, the impeccably-styled Rendezvous breathes fresh life into a restored colonial building. Forget stuffy galleries; Rendezvous transforms hospitality into an ever-changing canvas, with installations that shift from sculptures to interactive digital pieces. Between dips in the Balinese-inspired pool and cocktails at The Library bar, you're perfectly placed to explore nearby museums and Fort Canning Park. The Bencoolen MRT is also right outside, whisking you to Orchard Road's coveted shops in minutes.

Perched dramatically above the glittering Mediterranean, this 13th-century Capuchin convent has been transformed into something rather special indeed. What was once a place of quiet reflection for monks now offers a different kind of transcendental experience - though we'd argue that gazing out over the azure waters from the infinity pool is its own form of meditation. Just a ten-minute amble from the bustling Piazza del Duomo, former monastic quarters have been reimagined with sophisticated flair, while the original cloister and chapel remain as atmospheric reminders of the building's storied past.

Chobe Chilwero is a traditional-style safari lodge at the edge of Chobe National Park, where you'll find the world's largest single concentration of elephant. From the lodge you can enjoy far-reaching views across the floodplains and islands of the Chobe River across to Namibia. Guests are well looked-after in 15 large, solid-walled suites complete with aircon, and at the wonderfully luxuriant spa.

Perched in a wide grassy valley and cradled by the dramatic Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft Mountains, this eclectic lodge proves that getting to know the world's oldest desert is best done at a gentle trot. What sets this place apart from the usual Sossusvlei suspects is its genuine farm-style hospitality and those famously excellent horse trails that have guests returning year after year. The fact that the profits of both lodges in the Namib Tsaris Nature Reserve, Desert Homestead Lodge and Namib Outpost, are fully set aside for the conservation of this area means every sundowner you sip is also a toast to protecting one of Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.

The Kilindi Zanzibar resort consists of fifteen Eastern-styled, white-domed Pavilion guest rooms and a main pavilion set in 50 acres of lush tropical gardens on a secluded powder-white sand beachfront. It was originally designed for Benny Andersson - from the Swedish pop group ABBA - and achieves a perfect balance between Scandinavian minimalism and Middle Eastern architecture whilst encouraging an intimate, 'back-to-nature' appeal. The pavilions have private butlers, plunge pools and rainfall showers while the service and the food is excellent. This is the perfect intimate retreat that will make you feel at one with nature.

Born out of an original 1940s design, the ranch has been beautifully re-done to meet its modern visitors, while still holding tightly to its vintage charm. Set on a 24,000 acre wildlife reserve in the Laikipia Highlands, Sosian Lodge offers a plethora of different ways to explore the area! Ride on horseback across the Laikipia plateau amongst herds of zebra, elephant and buffalo; or opt for game drives to spot bat-eared foxes, wild dogs, lion and leopard in true wilderness. There is a harmony between community, conservation and wildlife that extends to the sunny service in a ranch with the distinct feel of home.

Amongst the glitzy 5 star offerings Botswana is famous for, Meno a Kwena has barefoot bohemian luxe down to a T. With eight vintage-style tents perched thrillingly on the edge of a rocky clifftop, the views of the Boteti River and accompanying menagerie of animals are can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it gorgeous. Further afield, the activities are brilliant and very varied with game drives, scenic flights and quad biking on offer in three pristine wildlife sanctuaries. And all this is combined with Meno’s inherent passion for the bush, wildlife and community development, which just makes us love it even more.

Wild Expeditions is on a mission to take intrepid travellers into the remotest corners of Africa, encouraging visitors to establish a meaningful connection with nature, sans frills or flourishes. The latest outpost, Karangoma, is located in 30,000 hectares of exclusive terrain near the origin point of the Selinda Spillway in the Okavango Delta. A name that harkens a good future in the Sembukushu language, Karangoma was established in close partnership with local elder, Olatotse Sarefo, and the camp is committed to maintaining genuine and reciprocated engagement with surrounding communities. And of course, its exceptional location means top-notch wildlife sightings from both land and water - and not another soul around to interrupt.

This mobile tented camp in the heart of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is surrounded by true wilderness, otherworldly baobabs and a richness of wildlife. It's also elephant country, and the dry months between June and December see the pachyderms lumbering in their hundreds with the rest of the animals down to the Tarangire River, which at that time becomes the park's only large source of water. Also known as Ndovu Camp, Nasikia Tarangire is comfortable and stylish, with just six tents. It's an ideal destination to round off your overland safari through this region, especially if you're crazy about elephants.