Best Hotels & Lodges

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.

A new mobile camp deep in the heart of northern Tanzania's Tarangire National Park, Nyikani is a very special place. Acacia woodlands surround it, and guests are immersed in the inspiring wide-open spaces where wildebeest, elephants, zebra and buffalo roam free, and those iconic 'upside-down' baobabs dot the landscape. The tents are well-spaced and roomy; the meals are good; and the manager and staff couldn't make you feel more welcome. Activities focus on daytime safaris (evening safaris are occasional rather than regular), hot-air ballooning (always a real eye-opener), walking safaris and game viewing from each tent's private veranda.

Perched atop a 13th-century medieval tower, this striking mansion whispers tales of centuries past while offering a rather spectacular vista of the city's architectural treasures. Step through the doors and find yourself transported to a world where historic grandeur meets modern sophistication - think carefully curated artworks adorning historic walls and designer touches that wouldn't look out of place in the fashion houses that line the street below. And speaking of that location - darling, it really doesn't get better than this. Pop out for a spot of window shopping at the glittering boutiques, stroll across the Santa Trinita bridge, or simply gaze at Brunelleschi's magnificent dome from your privileged viewpoint above the city.

Tucked under the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru tree on the banks of the Marico River in the Madikwe Game Reserve, lies this perfectly decadent, ultra-luxurious home. Ideal for honeymooners, couples or a small family, Owner’s House has two huge en-suite bedrooms surrounded by decks and shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Your own private butler, chef, game ranger and nanny will ensure that your family’s every whim is catered for. Morukuru invites you to do whatever you want, whenever you want, making this the ultimate tailored safari holiday experience.

Nestled amongst the ancient olive trees of south-eastern Sicily, just a few minutes from Noto, it is a place dedicated to authentic hospitality, design and well-being. It is a house shared between the past, present and future of its land, built within an archaeological olive grove populated by centuries-old plants that symbolize serenity and transmit well-being.

Relaxed King's Camp gives you a real sense that you've travelled not only to another place, but to a more elegant era. There are just a few bungalows, all beautifully furnished, and the books, old cameras, typewriters and silver that are used in the decor throughout give a Downton Abbey touch. The lodge overlooks a watering hole that draws a steady stream of animals, so you can breakfast while watching elephants and their skittish young at the water's edge below. Your surroundings? The famed Timbavati Private Game Reserve, home to the Big Five, the small creatures and much more.

Feel what the early explorers must have experienced when they first arrived in the vast wilderness of the Masai Mara. Devoid of imposing buildings and large groups, Elephant Pepper Camp opened its canvas tents more than 20 years ago as one of the original camps in the Mara North Conservancy and remain true to their principles: it's about the wildlife. Without compromising on luxury, you'll spend evenings around the campfire and long days enveloped in the savanna. Far removed from the other lodges, this is the true heart of Kenya.