Best Hotels & Lodges

Unfortunately, this camp is currently closed.

In Kenya's conservation capital, Laikipia, the private Mugie Conservancy does more than its fair share with projects to protect cheetah, African painted dog and lion. If you'd like to visit to see for yourself, you can't get much better than Mugie House. Set on 50,000 acres of acacia plains and olive forests, this is a grand manor house with a chandeliered dining room and luxurious bathtubs, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the waterhole where a hide provides close encounters of the best kind. When you're ready for adventure, there are guided bush walks to spot reticulated giraffe and sundowners on the plains - and you'll be pleased to know that the wildlife sightings are always astonishing and action-packed.

Damaraland in north-west Namibia is an ancient, boulder-strewn landscape of heat, dust and extraordinary beauty. This is the middle of nowhere, so finding tranquil Mowani Mountain Camp, tucked among the giant ochre rocks, is a real surprise. The lodge's organic design has earned it an architectural eco-design award, and the interior decor combines elegance, earthiness and tranquility. The accommodation is spacious and comfortable, the food is great, the game drives are rewarding and you could lose yourself in the views. Desperate for some peace? You'll find it here in spades.

Zaria Court is located in the heart of Kigali's Sports City, Rwanda's premier sports and entertainment district, within five minutes of BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium. Kigali International Airport is just 10 minutes away. Guests are offerred two distinctive event rooms, a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, co-working space, kids’ playground, and on-site dining that all complete your authentic Rwandan experience.

Occupying a corner position on the Grand Canal, this extraordinary Gothic edifice has witnessed more than five centuries of Venetian history flow past its windows. Once the private residence of Doge Andrea Gritti, it has hosted an impressive roster of literary luminaries and global elite. The meticulously restored interiors exude an intimate grandeur with low ceilings and a series of reception rooms that lead to charming hideaways, creating the distinct feeling of being welcomed into a sophisticated private home rather than a busy hotel. Step onto the terrace to witness one of the most enthralling vistas in the floating city - from San Giorgio Maggiore past the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection - all while gondolas glide silently below.

Gleneagles opened in 1924 as the Caledonian Railway's answer to the French Riviera, complete with its own station, and it still plays the part of grand Highland resort rather than country-house hideaway. The 850-acre estate wraps around three championship golf courses, including Jack Nicklaus's PGA Centenary Course, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Beyond the fairways there's a falconry school, gundog training, off-road driving and a spa the size of a small village hall. Two Michelin stars glow at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, still run by his long-time team. It's less a hotel than a self-contained Highland world, golf clubs optional.

In the far southwest corner of Tarangire National Park, under a canopy of umbrella-shaped acacia trees strewn along the edge of the Gursi Swamp, is Swala Camp, an A&K Sanctuary. And what a camp it is. The 12 beautifully furnished tents are really rather glamorous and the setting is idyllically peaceful, but it’s the nearby waterhole that really bowls you over. Here, families of plodding elephant stop to drink whilst lion keep a lazy eye on the clusters of skittering antelope. And with all the action so close-by, we wouldn’t blame you for perhaps missing a game drive or two…

One of the first in the city, the hotel has been providing guests a unique and unforgettable view of Florence since 1860. Now completely renovated, it still preserves its original character, and is the ideal place from which to experience the city. Its rooms offer a perfect blend of classical features and contemporary style, and give you the oh so difficult choice between a view of the River Arno and one of the majestic Santa Croce. Its crowning achievement? The rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Built directly opposite the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, the Holiday Inn has the goods to make your stopover before jetting in or out of Santiago a comfortable one. The interiors are slick and stylish with high ceilings and well-appointed amenities. If you have a little time to spare, Chile's capital city is certainly worth exploring. Take a stroll up the historic Cerro Santa Lucia (with views of the Andes spread out beyond the city), visit the museums and beautiful gardens along the Parque Forestal, or grab a coffee in one of the artsy neighbourhoods.

We've noticed recently that something strange is happening in the world of safari camps: Wi-Fi when you should be tuning your senses to the bush? Three course meals with all the queen's cutlery when you should be eating a finger-licking meal around the fire? Not at the Skybeds! Located northeast of the Okavango Delta in Khwai Private Reserve, bordering Moremi Game Reserve, these rustic platforms are the ultimate immersion in the wilderness. Head to the top of your three-storey platform for uninterrupted views over the vast, unfenced reserve and then fall asleep under a star-splattered sky. Here, there's nothing to worry about and everything to enjoy.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge will be closed for an exciting refurbishment from 26 January 2026 and reopening on 1 December 2026.

The hill on which Ulusaba Private Game Reserve's lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan warriors with the perfect lookout point. 'The place of little fear' was therefore the perfect name for this famed stretch of bushveld. Today, the Safari Lodge offers a different kind of adventure. Located on the edge of a dry river and under a canopy of ancient trees, you'll take rope swing bridges between rooms and watch thirsty animals skirt by your deck on their way to the nearby waterhole. Alternatively, retreat to the treehouse to get lost in birdsong.