Best Hotels & Lodges

We guarantee the words "Out of Africa" will pop into your head as you enter Legendary Lodge Arusha, a luxury destination that's popular with visitors beginning or ending their Tanzanian odyssey. Its one fault, most say, is that they wished they'd booked a longer stay. And they have a point. The lodge sits within lush gardens, with a beautiful frangipani tree at the entrance, in the heart of a working coffee farm, and is the perfect place to unwind. Just minutes from Arusha and the nearest airport, you'll be pampered with excellent accommodation, intuitive service and fabulous food.

This elegant country house is situated in a historical farming area of the friendly Eastern Cape. The special region, known as the Great Karoo, was once settler country, discovered by the Dutch in the late 1800s. The vast expanse of farmland, which previously supported dense herds of springbok and wildebeest, has once again been reclaimed for conservation. Settle into the lovingly restored homestead for a relaxing “bush” experience.

On a remote stretch of the Caprivi's floodplains, only accessible by boat.

One of the more remote locations for a safari, Chobe Savanna Lodge sits in Namibia's Caprivi Strip - a narrow wedge of land to Botswana's north that connects Namibia to Zambia. A privileged position indeed, this camp is only accessible via an hour's boat ride, launched from the town of Kasane in Botswana. (Getting here is half the adventure). Once you arrive you'll enjoy the 180-degree views from the lodge's exquisite main area overlooking a floodplain on the banks of the Chobe River. Here the wildlife and landscape are enjoyed almost exclusively from the boat (except when waters are low enough to take a guided walk on the floodplain - a very brief window of time). This place truly forces one to slow down.

As the name might give away, this Marriot-managed hotel is just five minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport – and comes complete with a complimentary shuttle service from the terminal. Mostly used by travellers as a comfortable stopover on the way to other destinations in southern Africa, the hotel is well-equipped with all the amenities one might need, from an outdoor pool and spa, sauna and fitness area to a 24-hour restaurant, and good Wi-Fi. The hotel is also close to the Mall of Africa and the Eastgate Shopping Centre should you need to stock up on anything for your travels.

The Silo is a unique ultra-modern structure which has been transformed from a former grain silo into a magnificent luxurious hotel with a dramatic futuristic feel. This industrial-style marvel of architecture and design is positioned above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), home to an ever-changing series of exhibitions, featuring some of Africa’s most talented artists. It's a brand new addition to Cape Town’s iconic skyline in a prime position on the lively V&A Waterfront, with astounding all-round views of the harbour, the City Bowl, and Table Mountain.

High on a clifftop where 17th-century Dominican nuns once contemplated life's greater meanings, this reimagined monastery now offers rather more earthly pleasures. The views alone are worthy of divine praise – sweeping vistas of the glittering Gulf of Salerno that stretch from a tiny fishing village below all the way to the horizon. Inside, vaulted ceilings and ancient stone walls whisper tales of the past.

Tucked into a riverine forest setting on the very edge of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve is an intimate tented camp so peaceful, elegant and close to the best of the game viewing that safari-goers visit it time and again. This sister camp to Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment offers the quintessential East African safari experience with a generous dash of old-world glamour. The vintage atmosphere transports you back to the golden age of exploration, while still delivering all modern comforts. From thundering herds during the Great Migration to resident big cats stalking the golden plains, wildlife encounters here are truly spectacular. After thrilling game drives, return to butlers who remember exactly how you take your gin and tonic, and dinner tables set under acacia trees illuminated by lantern light.

Also known as Onguma Plains Camp, Onguma The Fort sits on Etosha National Park's eastern boundary overlooking the impressive Fischer's Pan. The lodge makes a bold architectural statement by resembling a fort, likely inspired by the nearby Fort Namutoni in the park. This is a good option for those wary of tent camping and the park's high density of tourists, though it will mean day-trips in to make the most of the area. The Onguma reserve itself doesn't exactly pump with wildlife but trips into Etosha provide opportunities to see lions, black rhino, elephants and loads of giraffe and plains game.

Sitting beside one of the ancient canals that once earned Bangkok the nickname, 'Venice of the East', the Casa Vimaya embodies bygone Thailand. The interiors have an authentic sense of heritage to them and a distinctly homely feel thanks to the cosy colour scheme and welcoming staff. Located in the city's Old Town, not far from the iconic Khao San Road, the hotel is well-situated for exploring Bangkok's most famous sights including the Grand Palace and Golden Mount. From the rooftop bar, enjoy views of the city skyline and passing boats, before embarking on a tour of your own. Casa Vimaya maintains a dialogue between the area's vintage architectural charm and practical modern aesthetics. It's a luxurious oasis amid the wonderful surroundings of historic Rattanakosin Island.