Best Hotels & Lodges

Set in the Waterfall (Waterval) Valley, dramatically ringed by the flat-topped Waterberg escarpment, Marataba Mountain Lodge is a luxurious, Scandinavian-sleek safari destination that sets the bar. There are just five elegant, modern suites, serviced by a small team of extremely capable staff and guides. With sweet savanna grasslands, sour veld, and riverine forests, the varied habitats sustain wildlife that ranges from all of the Big Five, to cheetah, bat-eared fox, hyena and giraffe, and the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures: around 800 breeding pairs. It's wild, it's super-stylish, and it's well worth a visit.

Ngala means 'lion' in Shangaan, the traditional language of the local people, and it's an apt name for this beautiful lodge set in the heart of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, known for sightings of the Big Five, wild dogs and a host more species. Decorated in chic minimalist style, Ngala Safari Lodge is an exclusive destination sheltered by spreading mopane and tamboti trees beside a well-frequented waterhole. The lodge and its sister tented camp are perfectly placed to explore this wild region adjacent to Kruger National Park. Experience excitement, Africa-style, on game drives and walking safaris.

The 74,00 acre Mara Conservancy may be home to a mass of lodges, but Offbeat has managed to carve out their own unique spot in this abundant wildlife wilderness far from the masses. A small tented bush camp tucked very discreetly along the banks of the Olare Orok River, unfenced and unpretentious, it's location away from the airstrip and collection of other camps in the area allow you a bit more privacy as you look out from your neat tent onto the plains beyond. They even have their own resident lion pride!

Meet nature at its finest, where vivid turquoise sea meets clear blue sky, white sand and rich green vegetation. Within this tropical setting is Seychelles' glamorous Constance Lémuria Resort, a getaway that's worth every cent. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the food at its various eateries is five-star and the suites and villas are fit for royalty. The lodge is set around a golf course, with buggies available to transport you wherever you wish to go. Don't miss the three beaches though, all of which are typical of the islands, with soft white sand, huge granite rocks and palms.

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.

Welcome to the 5-star luxury that is Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi. Renowned for its hospitality and position on the Amalfi Coast, this is a resort for those in search of excellence. Classic interiors, Mediterranean design, and the style of a typical Amalfi villa: each room at Hotel Santa Caterina, uniquely appointed, is spacious and bright, featuring hand-painted majolica floors, marble bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the sea or garden.

With its picturesque view of the sea, the hotel is located a short distance from Amalfi town centre and is perfectly positioned for visiting nearby towns such as Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and Herculaneum and Naples

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.

Situated just 12 kilometres upstream from those famous Victoria Falls, Sussi & Chuma Lodge holds prime position on the banks of the wide Zambezi in Mosi-oa-Tunya ('the smoke that thunders') National Park. Named for the servants who buried David Livingstone’s heart in Africa, Sussi & Chuma is far different from the usual accommodation found in the reserve. This is not for those who like to rough it, but an ultra version of a classic safari-style camp. It is perfectly positioned for access to the falls, while being itself a peaceful retreat surrounded by jackalberry trees and palms, animals and birds.

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...

Perched elegantly on one of the most exquisite squares in the Tuscan capital, this refined establishment occupies an ancient building steeped in history and art. Step inside and you'll discover a world where traditional Florentine aesthetics meet luxurious comfort – think lacquered boiseries, French furnishings and distinguished antiques that transport you to a bygone era. Yet there's nothing outdated about the experience; the discreet but flawless service captures the essence of Tuscan hospitality, making it the preferred choice for those seeking an authentic slice of Florentine style. The allure extends beyond just location, with each corner thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of understated opulence.

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.