Best Hotels & Lodges

The Kilindi Zanzibar resort consists of fifteen Eastern-styled, white-domed Pavilion guest rooms and a main pavilion set in 50 acres of lush tropical gardens on a secluded powder-white sand beachfront. It was originally designed for Benny Andersson - from the Swedish pop group ABBA - and achieves a perfect balance between Scandinavian minimalism and Middle Eastern architecture whilst encouraging an intimate, 'back-to-nature' appeal. The pavilions have private butlers, plunge pools and rainfall showers while the service and the food is excellent. This is the perfect intimate retreat that will make you feel at one with nature.

Born out of an original 1940s design, the ranch has been beautifully re-done to meet its modern visitors, while still holding tightly to its vintage charm. Set on a 24,000 acre wildlife reserve in the Laikipia Highlands, Sosian Lodge offers a plethora of different ways to explore the area! Ride on horseback across the Laikipia plateau amongst herds of zebra, elephant and buffalo; or opt for game drives to spot bat-eared foxes, wild dogs, lion and leopard in true wilderness. There is a harmony between community, conservation and wildlife that extends to the sunny service in a ranch with the distinct feel of home.

Amongst the glitzy 5 star offerings Botswana is famous for, Meno a Kwena has barefoot bohemian luxe down to a T. With eight vintage-style tents perched thrillingly on the edge of a rocky clifftop, the views of the Boteti River and accompanying menagerie of animals are can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it gorgeous. Further afield, the activities are brilliant and very varied with game drives, scenic flights and quad biking on offer in three pristine wildlife sanctuaries. And all this is combined with Meno’s inherent passion for the bush, wildlife and community development, which just makes us love it even more.

Plonked in the middle of 400 acres of private Hampshire countryside, Heckfield Place is handsome, historic and really very cool. Less than an hour from Heathrow, it's close enough to London for a long weekend, but far enough away to feel like you're properly "in the countryside." And in fact, Heckfield really is its own world, dictated less by check-in times and more by the seasons and the biodynamic farm at its heart that supplies most of the (extraordinary) food in the two restaurants. Choose Marle with its Michelin Green Star, or the old-stable block, Hearth and prepare to be blown away. You won't have any problem decompressing here, but you just might struggle to leave.

Wild Expeditions is on a mission to take intrepid travellers into the remotest corners of Africa, encouraging visitors to establish a meaningful connection with nature, sans frills or flourishes. The latest outpost, Karangoma, is located in 30,000 hectares of exclusive terrain near the origin point of the Selinda Spillway in the Okavango Delta. A name that harkens a good future in the Sembukushu language, Karangoma was established in close partnership with local elder, Olatotse Sarefo, and the camp is committed to maintaining genuine and reciprocated engagement with surrounding communities. And of course, its exceptional location means top-notch wildlife sightings from both land and water - and not another soul around to interrupt.

The evergreen rainforests of Uganda's west contain lowland and montane forests that sustain a bevy of wildlife. Together, Kibale Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park serve as an important corridor for wildlife, and provide 180 square kilometres of wilderness for some 13 species of primates, and forest elephants, among others. The brand-new Turaco Tree Tops borders Kibale Forest, allowing easy access for days of exploration. A rustic camp built into the trees, it offers sublime views of the canopy and the snow-capped Rwenzori range.

This mobile tented camp in the heart of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is surrounded by true wilderness, otherworldly baobabs and a richness of wildlife. It's also elephant country, and the dry months between June and December see the pachyderms lumbering in their hundreds with the rest of the animals down to the Tarangire River, which at that time becomes the park's only large source of water. Also known as Ndovu Camp, Nasikia Tarangire is comfortable and stylish, with just six tents. It's an ideal destination to round off your overland safari through this region, especially if you're crazy about elephants.

IL Tornabuoni Hotel is located within one of the oldest and most prestigious palaces of Florence, which dates back to the 13th century. Discover 62 rooms that in the names, environments, colors and furnishings recall the Renaissance, characters, stories and artistic magnificence — giving life to one of the very first experiments in the world of real union, not only design, between ancient and modern.

The 62 rooms and suites were designed with the Renaissance in mind. From the bold, gem-inspired tones to the luxurious furnishings, the spaces reflect the rich history and artistic magnificence of the geography and history. The restored building has maintained much of its heritage while adding avant-garde and state-of-the-art interiors.

Located in the heart of the semi desert Samburu National Reserve, along the Rift Valley province, Samburu Intrepids rests along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Here elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffe and zebra move along the the river that cuts through this reserve, crocodiles often found lounging on the riverbanks. Drawing its name from the Samburu people of Kenya who call the area home, and made famous by the Adamsons' who inspired the book and movie Born Free, this comfortable tented camp is a wonderful introduction to safari style in Kenya.

Well, it might not be a brand-new camp but The Jackal & Hide, the supplier of some of the best photographic safaris in the region, has been renamed Little Sable. Expect a camp of pared-down luxury with comfy rooms, subtly stylish touches and excellent views across the floodplains of Khwai. In the field, it’s all about an authentic, back-to-basics safari experience with classic game drives, mokoro safaris and boat trips all on offer – and all this comes at a truly fantastic price. What’s not to love?

At Pousada do Ouro, the term "welcome" is more than just a simple greeting! The cheerful service will emphasize that authentic hospitality lies in its elemental simplicity. The kindness and dedication of the team will transform Pousada do Ouro into that special place you return to in your memories with a simple blink of an eye!