Best Hotels & Lodges

Ring the doorbell and wait to be greeted as if arriving at a friend's particularly stylish townhouse - albeit one with impeccable taste in Tuscan wines and a knack for artful décor. This elegant hideaway feels distinctly un-hotel-like, with its shelves adorned in an "artfully haphazard" array of hardback books, fresh flowers, and artistic sketches. The warm, informal atmosphere creates an instant sense of belonging in a city that can sometimes overwhelm with its artistic grandeur. Perfectly positioned for immersive exploration, you're just moments from iconic Renaissance treasures, yet tucked away enough to feel like a local rather than a tourist. This is Florence experienced as it should be - intimate, personal and utterly authentic.

Located in the heart of the semi desert Samburu National Reserve, along the Rift Valley province, Samburu Intrepids rests along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Here elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffe and zebra move along the the river that cuts through this reserve, crocodiles often found lounging on the riverbanks. Drawing its name from the Samburu people of Kenya who call the area home, and made famous by the Adamsons' who inspired the book and movie Born Free, this comfortable tented camp is a wonderful introduction to safari style in Kenya.

Well, it might not be a brand-new camp but The Jackal & Hide, the supplier of some of the best photographic safaris in the region, has been renamed Little Sable. Expect a camp of pared-down luxury with comfy rooms, subtly stylish touches and excellent views across the floodplains of Khwai. In the field, it’s all about an authentic, back-to-basics safari experience with classic game drives, mokoro safaris and boat trips all on offer – and all this comes at a truly fantastic price. What’s not to love?

Luxurious and perfectly intimate, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge might be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Positioned right on the banks of the Sabie River (it’s one of the few in the area with direct river access) in the private Lion Sands Reserve, the views stretch all the way to the Kruger, and its inhabitants can often be seen trotting past the glass-walled suites and ambling alongside the pool. Interiors are modern, contemporary and elegant (think soothing colour palettes and the highest-spec finishing touches), but most importantly, the lodge is in an area with particularly high numbers of game and birds, including the Big Five – the animals that top everyone’s safari bucket list.

Lùme is ideally located in the heart of the city between the Teatro Communale and the Mediterranean.

Set in an attractive suburb of Entebbe, Karibu Guest House is an easy drive from Uganda's capital city and well-clear of the urban fray. The ideal place to find your feet before exploring the country's wilder regions, it sits on the north-west shore of Lake Victoria amid lush and juicy gardens. It's a small, family-owned guest house that's peaceful and extremely observant to your needs. Add to that the truly excellent staff and you've got a charming bolthole that's lovely for a night or two.

Discover the magic of staying among the trulli and cummerse, the characteristic dwellings of the Itria Valley, built from local stone using ancient techniques passed down through the generations. Immerse yourself in the silence of the Apulian countryside and let yourself be transported by the authentic atmosphere of these places where time seems to have stood still.

Clear customs in Nairobi and within 45 minutes you can be out in the bush amongst a myriad of birdlife and four of the Big Five. Positioned on the edge of Nairobi National Park, surrounded by acacia trees, the Emakoko is a firm favourite with those not quite ready to face civilisation after their holiday. Unpretentious and simple but with all the comforts hosts Anthony and Emma go out of their way to make sure you are looked after. With easy game viewing on your doorstep and a host of activities available this is a gem of lodge.