Best Hotels & Lodges

Situated on the outskirts of Zimbabwe's largest game reserve (Hwange National Park), Khulu Bush Camp is an exclusive safari camp that forms part of the prestigious Amalinda Collection. Its built alongside an ancient river bed and overlooks an active watering hole, where herds of buffalo and elephant frequently gather. Hwange National Park is known for its high concentration of wildlife, which makes the game drives and bush walks offered by Khulu, particularly special. Post-dinner evening entertainment usually comes in the form of large herds of elephant and buffalo dazzling guests around the watering hole.

Opening beneath the leaves of Kenya's quintessential fever trees in June 2022, Tambarare Camp, an A&K Sanctuary is a bright and eye-catching new camp. Under the impressive gaze of Mount Kenya, the camp sits in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, an untamed realm where you'll follow in the footprints of the Big Five and lay beneath the star-spangled African sky. Laikipia is known for its collection of private camps with big hearts for conservation and Sanctuary Tambarare fits right in. Each day brings the chance to get to know the land and creatures that call it home, your expert guide sharing the secrets of their plains with you.

There is a corner of the Lower Zambezi National Park where the rushing waters of the Zambezi meet the tranquil Chongwe channel, where curved ox-bow lagoons shimmer in the heat and where spiky winterthorn woodlands stretch endlessly to the horizon. And in the heart of it all is Chongwe Camp, a 9-roomed tented haven offering a variety of water and land based activities amid scenery that truly takes your breath away.

Nestled right on the watery thoroughfare with the Rialto Bridge mere footsteps away, this little horological gem offers a delightfully quirky take on Venetian hospitality. While most places in this ancient city lean heavily on baroque splendour and gothic grandeur, this boutique bolthole has dared to be different, with a contemporary approach inspired by the fascinating world of collectable watches. Red leather sofas lounge beneath wooden-beamed ceilings, modern artwork adorns the walls, and custom-made furnishings speak to the designer's meticulous eye.

Meaning 'hello' in Botswana's Bukakhwe San dialect, Mbamba is a welcome addition to the landscape of the northern Okavango Delta. Cloistered among the trees in the private NG12 concession, Mbamba is brought to you by the renowned Uncharted Africa and Natural Selection team and promises a good helping of epic safari experiences - the area is becoming well-known for its predator sightings. Sitting under metres of billowing canvas, the interiors are a visual treat of plush fabrics and Persian rugs, harnessing the magic of safaris of times past. As far as the eye can see, there are tawny grasslands interwoven with shimmering channels and ilala palm islands, making for the dreamiest of settings.

Mawimbi is a bespoke and exclusive lodge situated in the heart of the Kafue National Park, one of Zambia's finest parks. It's the perfect getaway spot, unhurried and far from civilisation. The tents are large and comfortable, the people are friendly and the surroundings are sublime. On the animal and bird front, there's lots to focus your lens on and plenty of ways to view them too, both on land and water. And when you're not exploring Kafue by boat, sit back and watch the light dancing off its ever-changing surface. Magical.

The award-winning Londolozi Private Granite Suites are the most exclusive suites in the prestigious Londolozi Collection and are part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio. They can be booked individually or as a private camp for six guests. Children under 16 are not allowed unless the camp is booked for exclusive use. The elegant suites incorporate Feng Shui in their decor and integrate seamlessly with the surroundings. They have large French doors and huge windows which open directly onto the Sand River, and private heated plunge pools. Game drives, bush walks and birdwatching will provide you with incredible wildlife experiences in this renowned game reserve that borders the Kruger National Park.

Step through the doors of this refined boutique hotel and you'll feel instantly transported from the bustling streets into an oasis of sophistication. The palazzo blends traditional charm with contemporary style, creating an atmosphere that's both elegant and remarkably comfortable.

Located a mere seven-minute stroll from the magnificent Cathedral, you're perfectly positioned to explore all of Florence's treasures, yet the tranquil inner garden—fragrant with lemon and magnolia—offers a welcome retreat when the Renaissance wonders become overwhelming.

After a day marveling at Michelangelo's David or wandering the Uffizi Gallery, there's nothing quite like returning to sip an aperitivo in the leafy courtyard or unwind in the impressive spa facilities. The friendly staff strike that perfect balance of attentive yet unobtrusive service that elevates a good stay into a truly memorable one.

Perched above the shimmering Strait of Messina, this architectural gem was born from the creative genius of Charles Robert Ashbee, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Yet, what began as an English vision in 1908 evolved into something distinctly Greco-Sicilian – and therein lies its irresistible charm. Step inside and you're transported to a world where history whispers through every corridor; from the grand lobby with its sweeping marble staircase to the panoramic terrace that cascades down to tiered gardens and a rather inviting swimming pool. It's the perfect vantage point to gaze across the glittering waters towards mainland Italy, ideally with something chilled and local in hand. And when hunger strikes? The Michelin-starred restaurant oozes high-octane glamour without a hint of stuffiness – just the sort of place where memories are made over lingering, laughter-filled meals.

Morukuru Farm House is one of three luxury, exclusive-use lodges on a private property within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Marico River runs through the reserve, and super-stylish Farm House lies on its banks. The lodge's property is fenced, although non-threatening game species roam here, so it's the perfect destination if you're travelling with children. Indoors all is modern African contemporary – very chic but wonderfully homely. The owners and staff are extraordinarly friendly, and Madikwe, which can be explored at your leisure, is home to the Big Five and a host of other wildlife. You'll be back!