Best Hotels & Lodges

For decades this enormous, triangular Whitehall building toiled away as a government institution, until it reopened in 2011 as a hotel... and remembered how to enjoy itself! Today, The Corinthia is a glorious riot of luxury and opulence in the most sophisticated of ways: ceilings that go up and up, a slow sweep of staircase, light catching gilt and glass, and always, a vast bouquet of fresh blooms in the centre of the lobby. Location-wise, you're on the the corner where Whitehall runs down to the Thames, and Westminster, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank are all only a short walk away. It does drama and class brilliantly, yet somehow never takes itself too seriously – and the afternoon tea is definitely worth skipping lunch for.

Just five kilometres from the thundering Victoria Falls, Insika Lodge is beautifully situated in a safari-style wilderness of mopane woodland where warthogs and antelope casually wander past the infinity pool. The lodge's elevated wooden walkways and expansive decks maximise the woodland views, whilst the on-site spa, fine dining, and complimentary shuttles to the Falls ensure you're never far from either relaxation or adventure. With its own waterhole viewing deck and prolific birdlife, plus easy access to Victoria Falls' famous adrenaline-fuelled activities, it's perfectly positioned for those who want their creature comforts without sacrificing an authentic African experience.

If you were to dream up a rustic little treasure where you can get away from it all, Termas de Papallacta may just fit the bill. Sitting at a head-spinning 3,250 metres above sea level, the lodge is almost embedded into the Andes and as as you step out your front door, you'll be peering directly onto the snow-capped Antisana Volcano. As lovely as the accommodation is, the real drawcard of Termas are the incredible thermal pools, where you'll easily while away a few hours. When you fancy a touch more action, hike into the hills where the glorious vistas become clearer with every step higher.

Sitting on the banks of Chao Phraya, aka the River of Kings, the Riva Surya Hotel couldn't be in a better location for exploring Bangkok. Just a few minutes walk away is the pier where you can catch a ferry that will take you from one dazzling highlight to the next. The famous Khao San Road is also just next door. And whilst the hotel may be surrounded by the historic icons of Bangkok, it's a modern and trendy spot, ready to provide any comforts you seek in between busy days. And there's nothing like sipping on a cocktail as the sun sets over the river...

The fourth-largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, La Digue's beach appeal is the stuff of travel adverts, from its swathes of clean, palm-fringed sands to the outlying coral reefs. And this blissful place is the home of the unashamedly luxurious Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie. Lying just a few minutes' walk from the island's best beaches, the hotel is fronted by that jade-coloured ocean and embraced by lush gardens and hills planted with orange groves. If you've ever swooned over an ad for a super-stylish tropical barefoot beach holiday, book now. We know you'll love it!

From the ever-present scent of the orange blossoms to the freshly-squeezed juice at breakfast and luxuriating massages with orange blossom mousse, La Villa des Orangers certainly lives up to its name. The atmosphere is a million miles away from the beeping and braying of the Medina, yet La Villa happens to sit at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque, right in the heart of the winding streets of Marrakesh. Built in the 1930s and brought back to life by some of the city's finest craftspeople, the house forms its own oasis without forgoing any of its authenticity.

Mutanda Lake Resort's location deserves natural wonder status. Because there's something quite wonderful about a lodge that straddles a peninsula in a freshwater lake that's peppered with densely vegetated islands, and framed by the perfect triangular peaks of the Virunga Mountains. The resort itself is exceptional, with charming wooden structures set amid the lush forested lakeshores with ample water frontage. This remote setting is made all the more staggering by its impeccable hospitality. The staff are adept at making you feel comfortable, and mindful of the core purpose of your visit: the chance to encounter gorillas in the wild.

Just five minutes from Siem Reap's Old Market, Rambutan Hotel & Resort is officially two boutique properties side by side that share everything including two saltwater pools, a restaurant and bar, and a spa. The Hotel wing is home to the split-level Balcony Villas with a real tree-house atmosphere, while the Resort side has deluxe Terrace rooms with outdoor bathtubs. Between them, there are only 26 rooms so the lush tropical gardens never feel crowded. But what really sets Rambutan apart is its heritage: it's a genuine social enterprise where staff receive free education, healthcare, and childcare. Add LGBTQ+ friendly hospitality and eco-conscious initiatives, and it's somewhere very special.

After a spectacular, multi-million-dollar transformation, the Mandarin Oriental has shed its corporate skin to reveal something far more intriguing... This distinctive fan-shaped tower – both to represent the logo and provide the best of views – rises above Marina Bay with a renewed swagger and style. The 2023 renovation has woven Singapore's multicultural DNA throughout, from batik patterns in the bedrooms to orchid cascades in the atrium. And HAUS 65, their champagne-soaked club lounge on the 21st floor, might just be the city's most indulgent hangout. Add vintage Vespa tours, a resplendent spa, and uninterrupted views of the nightly light show, and you've got Marina Bay luxury with proper personality.

Perched on the corner of Rue François 1er since 1920, with Chanel, Dior and Céline amongst its discerning neighbours, the Hotel Grand Powers is polished, Parisian and absolutely beautiful. Art-deco on the outside and powder pink, celadon green and blue on the inside, it's a peaceful oasis in the Golden Triangle, and rooms are on the spacious side by Parisian standards (for all the shopping, we might guess). After long days, recuperate in the Thala Spa, complete with hammam, sauna and Jacuzzi, pull up a pew in Cafe 52 for a craft cocktail and excellent people-watching, or retire to your balcony and gaze at the Eiffel Tower twinkling ahead.

Closed for refurbishment - reopening 2027

Voted one of the top 10 hotels on the planet, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is undoubtedly one of the most opulent lodges in Africa. And yet, while no expense has been spared to ensure your every need is catered for, the main attraction is the lodge's setting – on the rim of the famous and archaeologically significant Ngorongoro Crater. Both lodge and crater lie at the heart of an 8,300-square-kilometre conservation area that is home to an astonishing selection of wildlife, including hippo, antelope, buffalo, black rhino, one of the highest carnivore densities in the world and plentiful bird species.

Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in the temple town area surrounding the World Heritage site "Nishi Honganji Temple." In this setting, which blends seamlessly into the Kyoto townscape, you can enjoy the finest hospitality, a fusion of Japan's delicate traditional culture and the elegant hospitality of Dusit Thani's home country, Thailand.

Beyond the beautiful and comfortable guest rooms, Dusit Thani Kyoto offers a restaurant where you can savor the essence of traditional Thai cuisine and colorful teppanyaki, a secluded bar, the "Devarana Wellness" center for nourishing mind and body, and experience programs that capture the very essence of Kyoto.

Looking like something out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, the luxurious Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt sits right on the most iconic avenue of the famed Recoleta neighbourhood. Surrounded by boutiques, exquisite cafés and trendy galleries, this not-so-little gem offers the ideal respite from the urban hustle and bustle. The two-building complex - which spans a Belle Époque mansion and a contemporary building - is surrounded by lush, peaceful gardens, and features a dreamy pool, renowned spa, three fabulous restaurants, a flower boutique… and the list goes on. If you’ve ever wanted to experience living in a palace, look no further. And don’t worry, the charming staff will make you feel right at home.

Victoria Street is the candy-coloured curve that half of Edinburgh believes inspired JK Rowling's Diagon Alley - and right at the top, a red door gives way into the 1864 India Buildings. This is Virgin's first hotel outside the US, and the brand has poured its irreverent spirit into a maze of three listed buildings (excavations turned up siege weapons and a slice of the old city wall!). Inside are 222 bedroom "chambers", a circular lounge beneath a staggering Victorian cupola, a flagship restaurant, and a rooftop with the castle in full view.