Best Hotels & Lodges

The Manor at Ngorongoro is located about an hour's drive away from the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, and half an hour from Lake Manyara. Although only built in 2008, it's a perfect replication of the 18th and 19th century colonial-style mansions, typical of South Africa's Cape winelands, and there really is nothing like it in Tanzania. Instead of being surrounded by vineyards, The Manor is set amidst a beautiful, sprawling coffee estate and the most manicured of gardens, and offers a level of service, luxury and charm that's definitely hard to beat.

Embodying the very core of conservation, Nantwich Camp is a lovingly restored historic lodge in the north of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. This is the sweet spot, where mindful conservation and good accommodation meet location (just 1.5 hours by road from Vic Falls) and plenty of wildlife. (This region is known for its big cats, painted dogs and 350-strong elephant herds.) The camp sits on a bluff overlooking a permanent dam, populated by crocodile and hippo, with one of the best views in the park. The intimate setting and excellent guiding make this little-known spot a real treat.

Just 24 kilometres (15 miles) upstream from Victoria Falls, Chundukwa River Lodge is set on, and above (the buildings are stilted), the wide, fast-flowing Zambezi. Here you can have your cake and eat it – enjoy the tranquillity of the riverfront position, knowing that, just a short journey downstream, the Victoria Falls thunder into their gorge, offering activities galore for nature-lovers and adrenalin junkies alike. Tracing the reed-lined banks and surrounded by old-growth trees, the lodge is ideal for spotting birds and other water-loving wildlife like hippo, croc and, during the dry months, elephants in large numbers.

The Palms is a family-owned resort and with just 6 gorgeous villas, offering intimate luxury on the stunning East Coast of Zanzibar. Each villa has a private outdoor plunge pool and looks out across the beach to the beckoning Indian Ocean. The resort is excellently positioned for kite surfing and the Water Club on the beach is there to enable guests to try out a variety of water sports.

The newly founded Leeu Collection is taking the Winelands by storm, and we can see why. Inside the walls of Leeu Estates, just outside Franschhoek, you'll find decadent accommodation in a selection of pretty cottages and elegant houses, top-notch fine-dining and an impressive art collection, all surrounded by stunning gardens and overlooked by the towering Dassenberg Mountains. And that's not all - there's an award-winning spa, heated infinity pool and contemporary wine tasting studio and, if you can drag yourself away, complimentary transfers into nearby Franschhoek village. We can't think of much else that would make it better...

A jewel overlooking the lagoon: Ca' di Dio is a five-star hotel in the heart of Venice, where elegance, history, and design blend in perfect harmony. Built in 1272, today it is an exclusive residence, rediscovered thanks to Patricia Urquiola's project.

From the canal-view rooms to the internal gardens, every detail reflects the authentic soul of the Serenissima. Here you can explore the city, be inspired by the contemporary art of the Arsenale, or simply enjoy the timeless magic of Venice.

With views of the Okavango Delta's lush palm islands, Atzaro is an idyllic trifecta of stunning interiors, sustainability, and fabulous game viewing. At the lodge, the picture-perfect suites are designed to mirror the beauty of the landscape with their soft shades of cream, sand and pale green. The ancestral boma is especially loved by guests and has beautiful collection of local and historical pieces to take you on a journey through the Delta's heritage. Sustainability, conservation and a commitment to the surrounding communities are also a core feature of a stay here, with plenty of experiences to engage with. And then there's the wildlife. Perched next to a shimmering lagoon, you'll spot elephant wading from your private deck - and that's before you've even left camp...

This private lodge within the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers superb accommodation and fantastic year-round game viewing - it's not unusual to encounter all of the Big Five in one game drive. An easy blend of luxurious under-canvas and thatched suites set within lush gardens gives the feel of safaris of days gone by, with modern touches adding a contemporary edge throughout. Top notch hospitality and knowledgeable guides ensure that your safari experience will be remembered for all the right reasons. Whether you're planning a special family safari or a romantic breakaway, Savanna Lodge is a classy choice.

Step back to 1765 as you cross the threshold of this splendid boutique hotel, once the stately residence of a Bourbon-era judge who later became a Marquis. Built during Palermo's renaissance when the city was flourishing with new energy and ambition, the palazzo has retained its aristocratic bones while embracing contemporary luxury. Here, velvets and cushions mingle with shaved cotton linens in a masterful display of refined elegance. The intimate scale belies the grandeur of the building's heritage, creating a hideaway that feels both exclusive and welcoming. You're perfectly positioned in the bustling heart of the city, with its vibrant markets, Norman architecture and Arab influences just waiting to be explored.

Nairobi Tented Camp is an authentic tented camp in boasting an uneatable location. Set beneath an indigenous canopy in one of Nairobi's most peaceful, forested neighborhoods, and just minutes away from the airport, Nairobi's biggest attractions are never far. The camp is on the doorstep of Nairobi National Park, a wildlife haven with guaranteed rhino sightings. Offering guests the opportunity to really get to know this unique destination and its wildlife, you'll enjoy the luxury of en-suite living ‘safari style’ in their comfortable tents.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one of the best known private reserves in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, and tucked away in a secluded part of the rolling landscape is Riverdene Family Lodge. The elegantly-restored homestead is surrounded by manicured gardens, and views of the scenic Bushman’s River Valley are beautiful. As the name suggests, Riverdene is geared toward families and there's plenty of space for kids to play out on the (fully-fenced) lawns, and an epic "Kids on Safari" program. Game viewing is excellent, in particular cheetah and black and white rhino, and there’s the opportunity to visit the wildlife rehabilitation centre for something a bit different.

Keeping things simple, professional and classy, DaVinci Hotel & Suites offer travellers a consistent go-to in the greater Johannesburg metro area. Located in Nelson Mandela Square, a half-hour train ride from O.R. Tambo International, it's the perfect option for businessmen, travellers en route to region's more remote areas, or anyone in need of a good night's rest and reliable service. With excellent restaurants and exclusive shopping just an easy stroll from its front doors, there are several urban attractions nearby. Touted as four-star, the hotel's amiable staff and meticulous attention to detail push it all the way to the top.

To the west of Kruger National Park is a lovely, and world-famous, private reserve. Its landscape is dominated by undulating acacia scrub, several seasonal rivers and streams, and animals that roam freely across the unfenced border with Kruger. The reserve is Timbavati, of white lion fame, and home to Kambaku River Sands. This luxury lodge, named for a famous (now sadly dead) elephant known for its huge tusks, sprawls along a dry riverbed with superb views of the bushveld and its animals. You'll see the Big Five here, and much, much more besides. No wonder we love it so...

The Mount Nelson is an iconic landmark in the fashionable Gardens district, and is one of Cape Town’s favourite luxury hotels. The splendid entrance driveway lined with magnificent palm trees sets the scene for the colonial grandeur of the hotel itself, which oozes old-fashioned maritime style and traditional high society flair. With almost 200 rooms to choose from, this resort is a vintage gem with something for everyone, capturing the romance of days gone but sympathetically updated to include all the mod cons. A peaceful retreat just a short stroll from buzzing Kloof Street and the downtown city scene.