Best Hotels & Lodges

Umlani Bushcamp is situated within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Park, and is renowned for its world-class game viewing. The camp has been designed to operate in an eco-friendly manner, and reflects the traditional African style - simple, yet comfortable, with just the right degree of rustic. Accommodation ranges from reed and thatched huts for couples and families, to the slightly more luxurious Eco Hut, plus a secluded treehouse a short distance from camp if you feel like a sleep-out. The extra feel-good factor of being environmentally responsible is what makes this camp so special.

Palazzo Avino is an elegant hotel located in Ravello, in the heart of the scenic Amalfi Coast. Housed within Palazzo Sasso, a former noble residence dating back to the 12th century, the property was meticulously restored and reopened in 1997 after a complete renovation. Its forty-three rooms, including ten suites, are furnished with refined antiques and exquisite details that embody authentic Italian charm.

The Kempinski Seychelles is a luxurious tropical retreat in a stunning and secluded setting located in the exclusive south-west of Mahe Island in Seychelles. The resort is spread across large tropical gardens. The lagoon-like white sand beach is protected by a reef and is bordered on all sides by granite hills and lush, verdant tropical foliage. There are 150 rooms and suites with a choice of hill-view, or sea-view. The picturesque surroundings will make you want to relax and enjoy them but there are loads of activities to keep you occupied too, if you so wish.

Romantic yet classic, cosy but perfectly stylish, Acacia Farm Lodge is an excellent addition to the Karatu Ngorongoro safari scene. Situated on a working coffee plantation, the beautifully manicured rows of green bushes create a relaxing oasis in the wilds of the Crater Highlands – the perfect respite at the end of a dusty African day. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy too, with mountain biking, nature walks and cultural visits all on offer. And with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire all within 2 hour’s drive, northern Tanzania is, quite literally, on the doorstep.

Breezes lies along Bwejuu Beach, a pristine and untouched beach on the South East coast of Zanzibar island, which also happens to have been voted as one of the top 30 beaches in the world. With a dedicated water sports centre and a wonderfully relaxing spa, there really is something to keep everyone happy. Cultural trips to Stone Town are a wonderful way to experience the diversity that Zanzibar has to offer. Breezes is a family owned and run resort which has cleverly combined luxury with attention to detail.

This exclusive eco-retreat is one of the most unique safari offerings in all of Africa, combining luxury with an exceptional cultural experience within a veritable wilderness. Segera Retreat is set upon the Laikipia Plateau in north-central Kenya - an area which encompasses the second highest concentration of wildlife in the country. Fine dining, wine tasting, a highly regarded spa and the largest private contemporary African art collection on the continent, all combine for an off-the-charts experience. As you might expect, any stay here is personally tailored and utterly exclusive, complete with your very own personal attendant to look after your every need or simply leave you be. The grounds are exceptional as well - an alluring mixture of modern and traditional with thatched roofs and stylish furnishings and a garden dotted with African sculptures. But indeed this is a conscientious eco-retreat of the highest order - solar-powered and water-wise.

You'll find La Clé in the enchanting Franschhoek Valley amidst plum orchards and sprawling gardens. Surrounded by imposing mountains in a valley threaded with vineyards, the area is an ideal destination for nature lovers with a taste for wine; keen gastronomes will also be delighted with the town's competitive foodie scene and top-notch restaurants. The lodge itself is a five-bedroom home with traditional, Cape Dutch inspired architecture, and can either be booked exclusively or on a per-room basis. The estate is also home to four other private villas that also offer unique accommodation options. Peaceful gardens between the properties give you space to wander and plenty of privacy during your stay.

The moment you set foot on the platform, the anticipation begins to bubble. A gleaming procession of historic carriages awaits, with uniformed stewards standing at attention, ready to usher you into another era entirely. This legendary train has been lovingly restored to its Art Deco grandeur – think polished wood panelling that catches the light just so, plush upholstery in rich jewel tones, and brass fixtures that have been buffed to perfection. As you settle into your cabin and the countryside begins to unfurl beyond your window, you'll understand why this isn't merely transport – it's theatre on wheels, a moveable feast for the senses, and quite possibly the most romantic way to traverse the continent.

Ensconced by miles and miles of iconic Delta channels, floodplains and grasslands, Duke's Camp occupies a tranquil corner of a private island in the northern Okavango Delta. Designed by the minds behind Jack's Camp, the same flamboyant, adventurous spirit lives within Duke's. The tents are vintage, glamorous and adorned with vividly-patterned rugs, antique furnishings and knick-knacks collected on the Bousfield family's travels. You may be tempted to spend all your time soaking up the atmosphere at camp but there's plenty of adventure to be had, whether it's an idyllic mokoro ride or exhilarating game drive in search of elephant, buffalo, lions and the elusive African painted dog.