Best Hotels & Lodges

Step through the doors of this refined boutique hotel and you'll feel instantly transported from the bustling streets into an oasis of sophistication. The palazzo blends traditional charm with contemporary style, creating an atmosphere that's both elegant and remarkably comfortable.

Located a mere seven-minute stroll from the magnificent Cathedral, you're perfectly positioned to explore all of Florence's treasures, yet the tranquil inner garden—fragrant with lemon and magnolia—offers a welcome retreat when the Renaissance wonders become overwhelming.

After a day marveling at Michelangelo's David or wandering the Uffizi Gallery, there's nothing quite like returning to sip an aperitivo in the leafy courtyard or unwind in the impressive spa facilities. The friendly staff strike that perfect balance of attentive yet unobtrusive service that elevates a good stay into a truly memorable one.

Nestled on a gentle hill, on the slopes of Mount Erice and with the Egadi archipelago on the horizon, Baglio Sorìa is a perfect example of typical 16th/17th century Sicilian architecture, extremely widespread in western Sicily.

The Baglio was the hub of work and life in the rural community, a point of reference for men and women who, from generation to generation, have shared it and passed it down to the present day, preserving the authenticity of Sicily and the proud spirit of its inhabitants. The original building consisted of the manor house, warehouses, artisan workshops, and several farmers' dwellings.

Today, after a meticulous restoration that respects the natural setting of the Trapani countryside, Baglio Sorìa stands out as Firriato's Luxury Wine Resort, nestled among the company's vineyards and currently consisting of 16 rooms, a restaurant, two wine bars, a wine shop, tasting rooms, a swimming pool, and several living areas.

Located in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg’s newest developing suburb, the modern African Pride Melrose Arch is an urban traveller’s ideal stopover. Whether you’re visiting for work or pleasure, this trendy inner city stay is the perfect base from which you can explore this vibrant city, or host formal business lunches. Head to the library bar for a game of snooker, or watch movies and presentations in the fully equipped sound room. Enjoy the excellent dishes offered at the recently refurbished March Restaurant, where the Slow Food menu, made with the freshest of local produce, offers something delicious for everyone.

Still, tranquil waters of the waterhole reflect sweeping blue skies, a backdrop to a grove of primal green fever trees, producing the perfect canvas for the calming elegance and colourful intrigue of Waterside at Royal Malewane. Waterside presents an immersive setting that will engage your senses, rest your mind and reawaken your soul. It is perfect for couples or families who value memorable experiences, personalised service and unrivalled game viewing. The lodge provides a bold new African context for Liz Biden’s opulent, bright and breath-taking designs. It draws on the timeless luxury that Royal Malewane has become synonymous with while adding thoughtful innovations to complement its own surroundings and anticipate every need of a modern luxury safari.

This exclusive lodge is tucked away within the Timbavati Private Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Park, and with just five luxury suites, makes a classy choice for families or small groups of friends. It holds a commanding position on a rocky ridge, with stunning views over the surrounding wilderness. This was once a family home, and personal touches are evident in the quirky décor and African artwork throughout. In this scenically beautiful game-rich area you’ll be treated to some exciting viewing, and the chance to explore on foot with highly trained guides and trackers is to be recommended.

Bordering Fischer's Pan, near Etosha National Park's Namutoni Gate, Onguma Bush Camp is the perfect base from which to explore both the private Onguma Game Reserve and the eastern side of the national park. One of five camps in Onguma, this is the only one that is fully fenced, except for three of its newest rooms. At the heart of the camp is a floodlit waterhole that can be seen from both the main areas and the rooms. The decor is fresh and modern, the food is good, the welcome is authentic and nature is all around.

Resting on the top of the low foothills in the far northwest of Hwange National Park is Daka Plains. Probably the remotest Camp in Hwange, close to the Botswana border, this area has a very distinct Kalahari feel. Daka Plains offers guests an opportunity to enjoy walking safaris and go on game drives to some of the wildest areas in Southern Africa. The Camp is situated in a private concession in Hwange National Park allowing guests the opportunity to experience night drives as well.

In an area where conservation is a thriving part of the safari landscape, Ekorian's Mugie Camp fits right in. With their vision for guests to reconnect with nature, you can expect nothing less than a passion for animals and eco-friendly living. All water used at the camp is rain-harvested; their electricity is solar-powered; clothes are hand-washed and plastic water bottles are persona non grata (except for the reusable ones they supply for game drives). Speaking of, Ekorian's lives up to its location with plenty of wildlife activities on offer. Plus, they have an adorable 'live-in' giraffe called Tala!