Best Hotels & Lodges

At one end of Beau Vallon Beach (one of the most swimmable beaches on Mahé Island), the Story checks all the boxes for a pretty perfect Seychelles holiday. The super-stylish suites and villas are sprinkled across the lush grounds, just metres away from the powder-white sand. The resort also happens to be just 10 minutes away from the island's capital, but you'll hardly feel the need to venture out thanks to its superb collection of dining choices. If you can bear to leave your poolside perch, there is a beautiful reef to snorkel just 50 metres offshore, while an endless list of watersports are also on offer.

Perched high above the azure waters with unparalleled panoramic views, this elegant hideaway manages to be both wonderfully secluded and enviably central. Just a short amble from the town center and within easy striking distance of two pristine beaches, you'll discover an impeccably designed retreat where contemporary luxury meets local heritage. The brilliant white interiors provide the perfect blank canvas for carefully curated artwork and bespoke furniture, while generous windows flood each space with that legendary coastal light. From lazy afternoons by the rooftop pool to star-lit evenings on your private terrace, every moment feels utterly sublime – made all the more special by a team of staff who anticipate your every whim with genuine warmth.

As you enter the Four Seasons, there will be one word on your lips: paradise. Built alongside an 800-year-old pond garden, splendid with cherry blossoms, bubbling pools and a maze of pathways, the hotel brings this sublime atmosphere into every space. Light cypress wood and shoji paper lanterns, tall ceilings and vast windows, and large floral displays see to that. The Four Seasons sits within Kyoto's temple district, and there will be plenty of opportunity to explore whether that's on one of the hotel's curated tours or a sightseeing bicycle ride. And there's always time for enjoying a taste of Kyoto's kappo cuisine.

This far-flung lodge in the northern reaches of Botswana's Chobe National Park may seem unduly far off the beaten path for some – and ideally placed for others. But Nogatsaa Pans follows its own logic, one that falls in step with the bush. Surrounded by a cluster of natural clay-bottom pans that attract huge numbers of wildlife in the dry season, Nogatsaa is strategically placed on the largest pan, Kwikamba. The lodge's structures, all on stilts, range across the thicketed bank. The main attraction? The landscapes, which are sweeping and silent, and the creatures that flock to the water sources.

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.