Best Hotels & Lodges

In a city that combines gleaming sky scrapers with gold-spired palaces, The Siam is regal to its core. A butler takes care of every detail, the design is sumptuous and sleek, and with a home next to the River of Kings, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're royalty. Set in Dusit, the historic heart of Bangkok, the quiet lanes make for an interesting walkabout. That is, if you can pull yourself from the comfort of your plush suite or the pool with a view of longboats idling by. Venture into Bangkok's Old Town to see its honored and eye-catching temples or visit one of the city's famous night markets.

In the pedestrianised heart of one of Italy's most photogenic coastal towns sits this hidden gem, lovingly maintained by generations of the same family. The ancient splendour of this once-private villa has been meticulously preserved through careful renovations, resulting in a residence that feels both authentic and luxurious. The property's two distinct buildings house an array of rooms – some nestled in the historic original structure, others in the more contemporary addition.

Tlouwana Camp lies in northern Botswana, at its intersection with three other nations – Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Set just outside Chobe National Park, famous for its life-giving waters and its impressive numbers of elephants (said to be the greatest on Earth), this is an ideal base for exploring the park's varied habitats. Chobe's vast green floodplains lead to dry savannas, woodlands to riverine forests – all forming a complex ecosystem that supports a wealth of species. With modern tented accommodation, excellent guides and a range of activities at a very fair price, Tlouwana is definitely an option to consider.

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.

Expect sightings of huge herds of elephant and plenty of wild game when you visit Nimali Tarangire, a charming lodge in a private concession on the eastern boundary of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park. The annual Great Migration passes through this area, earning it the reputation as having the highest concentration of game in Tanzania outside the Serengeti. The camp itself is tucked in a shady grove of acacia and baobab trees beside a riverbed. It's an intimate six-room camp, its design blending simple structures and contemporary style with earthy accents, with five-star service.

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.