Best Hotels & Lodges

Designed in an elegant laid back beach style, Zawadi is relaxed luxury at its best, lying on one of the most coveted locations on the island of Zanzibar with breathtaking unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. At the center of the property the cliff recedes, creating a beautiful cove of pristine white sandy beach. Guests can enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean throughout the day regardless of tides and can go snorkeling straight from the beach. With a relaxed atmosphere and understated elegant beach decor, it is a tranquil, laid back hideaway offering guests an all-inclusive stay with the very best cuisine and personalized service.

Nestled along the rippling waters of the Grand Canal, this 16th-century noble residence holds secrets within its walls that would make even the most seasoned traveller's jaw drop. Once home to a future Doge, playground to Mozart, and temporary abode to the King of Denmark, the palazzo's illustrious past lives on in its meticulously restored frescoes and period details. After a loving restoration supervised by the city's Fine Arts authorities, the building reopened its doors in 2010 as a boutique hideaway where those seeking romance and tranquility can find their perfect Venetian moment. The warmth of the welcome here rivals the splendor of the architecture – with staff who genuinely want you to feel at home while being utterly pampered.

Set in a shaded grove, this fairly large lodge and tented camp combo offers affordable comfort a stone's throw from the impressive Tarangire National Park. Its simple layout and comfortable furniture create a welcoming warmth that is echoed by its friendly staff. Although the lodge’s decor is somewhat lacking in sophistication, it does possess a truly African feel and a homely atmosphere. With mesmerising lake views and the Tarangire National Park just 10 minutes away, over-the-top interiors aren't a necessary feature. The lodge also sits in the wildlife corridor between Lake Manyara and Tarangire so Migration season is a treat!

Follow the wooden walkways, through a gathering of shady trees, and you'll find a huddle of tents, strategically positioned to offer idyllic views of a shimmering lagoon and passing wildlife. This is Kwai Expeditions, perfectly situated between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. The camp enjoys a diversity of habitats and you'll have the chance to explore on sensational game drives as well as mokoro rides. As its name gives away, the camp promises adventure and close encounters with nature - and every detail is seen to by the cheery team, from your first welcome song to the very last bush breakfast.

Chalkley Treehouse is named for Guy Aubrey Chalkley, the early 20th-century hunter and African explorer who founded Lion Sands Game Reserve and famously climbed a leadwood to escape attack by predators. Built to echo the spirit of adventure shown by the reserve's founder, the treehouse is a private bush escape like no other. Not only is it on a level with the highest tier of trees, it's extremely luxurious and well-appointed. Lion Sands lies in the game-prolific Sabi Sand game reserve (which borders southern Kruger National Park), which means a truly wonderful setting for your wild and wonderful escape.

Step back in time at this exquisitely restored 15th-century villa, once the countryside escape of Florence's illustrious Corsini family. The dramatic Tuscan-style loggia that dominates the façade sets the tone for what awaits inside - an elegant boutique retreat that somehow manages to feel like the family home it once was. Wander through terracotta-tiled hallways to the central drawing room, where an honesty bar invites you to pour yourself a Campari spritz before dinner. The charming blue and white breakfast room opens onto a sun-drenched terrace, while beyond, a refreshing swimming pool offers respite from the Tuscan heat with views across undulating olive groves and vineyard-stitched hillsides. This is la dolce vita at its most authentic.

A luxury hotel within the valley of the temples. Sicily, dating back millennia, is here. Villa Athena is the only 5-star hotel situated within the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site, with an exclusive direct entrance.

The resort’s recent restoration has renovated every environment, including the rooms and the suites, which have a view of the temples and/or of the park of age-old olive trees.

This intimate and service-focused lodge is set in a group of leadwood trees in the southeastern corner of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Overlooking the plains and a bustling waterhole frequented by elephants, zebra, giraffes and rhinos, Jamala Madikwe will indulge you with safari drives that bring you face to face with wild dogs, lion, cheetah, buffalo and a host of other species, excellent birdwatching and award-winning cuisine.

On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, Sopa Lodge enjoys the best of views, surveying a scene of fish eagles and pelicans in flight, snorting hippos, and wildlife grazing on the banks. The lodge was built to invite nature inside and the expansive windows, high ceilings and central garden in the lobby do exactly that. Cottages are hidden amongst a forest of Euphorbia cacti and on a walk through the grounds, you're likely to spot giraffe, waterbuck and colobus monkeys, which more than whet your appetite for the boat rides, game drives and bush walks that await...

Leopard Mountain is a 5 Star, Multiple Award winning, Big 5, Family Run Safari Lodge situated in the 58 000 acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve. It is located high up in the hills and has spectacular views overlooking a vast area of unspoilt bush veld and riverine forests, from the river meandering below to the distant mountains. The sought after chef will prepare tantalizing meals for you while the picture perfect backdrop makes an intimate setting for a romantic wedding, honeymoon or a well deserved break. The lodge offers peace and tranquility with friendly hospitality.