Best Hotels & Lodges

In 2023, Kwando 4 Rivers Camp became the newest edition to the remote western corner of Kwara Private Concession in the Okavango Delta. A smattering of Meru-style, open-sided suites sit beside a permanent lagoon, all promising a front-row seat to the activities of its resident hippos. In fact, there are floodplains, mopane forests and deep channels as far as the eye can see, offering a peek into the further excitement to come... You'll have the chance to explore to your heart's content, from off-road drives in search of the Delta's big cats or walking safaris on nearby Maboa Island.

Londolozi (a Zulu word meaning "protector of living things") is a private game reserve in the heart of the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, and is run by the Varty family, well known in the field of conservation pioneering. Of its five camps, child-friendly and elegantly comfortable Londolozi Founders is tucked beneath ancient ebony and matumi trees on the banks of the Sand River. Imagine waking to the evocative call of the African fish eagle before setting off on a private game drive to explore this enormous wilderness filled with the Big Five, especially cats, antelope, zebra and hundreds of birds.

This beautiful lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the central region of the vast Madikwe Game Reserve, which is fast becoming one of South Africa's top malaria-free wildlife destinations. Ten private suites, plus the separate sole-use villa at Little Madikwe Hills, are scattered amongst huge boulders and magnificent Tamboti trees facing out across open plains. It’s a superb choice for a luxurious safari in this scenic northern part of South Africa, which borders Botswana. Expect world-class hospitality, absolute luxury and premium game viewing across a diverse landscape of rugged hills, arid open savannas and lush riverine forests.

Nestled along the crystalline waters of the Bay of Mazzarò, this century-old residence whispers tales of aristocratic summers past while offering thoroughly modern indulgences. Dating from 1919, when a noble family built their dream escape amid subtropical gardens, the property retains that unmistakable ambience of a private coastal villa rather than a hotel. The secluded shoreline setting creates a haven of tranquility, yet adventure lies just moments away via the cable car that whisks you up to the cultural treasures and boutique-lined streets above. It's the perfect harmony of isolation when desired and accessibility when needed – a rare combination that keeps devotees returning year after year.

Imagine a classic, 19th century farmhouse, high in the hills and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens. The whitewashed walls glint in the sun and a shaded veranda looks out across a tranquil valley. Inside, antique furniture sits atop polished wooden floors and rich, damask linens are draped across luxurious leather armchairs. We’re pleased to say it really does exist in the form of Kwandwe’s Uplands Homestead, a private three-bedroomed Cape Dutch farmhouse in the heart of the reserve. Available for sole-use by families or small groups, this is an idyllic retreat for those looking for privacy, flexibility and an all-round outstanding safari.

Jembisa Bush Home was originally built as a family home, and is a wonderful sole-use option for families or a group of friends looking for a fun-filled bush experience with the freedom to plan your stay exactly to your own requirements. The lodge is situated within the private Palala River Reserve, named after the river which flows through it, in the beautiful malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo Province. This area is also renowned for the significant number of Bushmen rock paintings and ancient archaeological sites, adding a further fascinating dimension to a great all-round safari experience.

Makakatana Bay Lodge lies along the shores of Lake St. Lucia, deep within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a pristine World Heritage Site on the eastern coastline of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. It's one of the country’s most ecologically diverse regions, with a mix of coastal dune forest, rolling grasslands and lush wetlands stretching across to the untouched Indian Ocean shoreline. This intimate lodge – with just six rooms and two family suites – is a fabulous spot to relax for a few days and explore this magnificent landscape on game drives, guided walks, boat cruises and beach safaris.

Among the ancient alleys of authentic Rome, nestled like a diamond between the Lungotevere and some of the city center's most beautiful squares, lies a small, intimate universe, a concentration of perfection and elegance. Intimate and welcoming spaces, a mysterious and captivating atmosphere, the refined allure of exotic and sophisticated details. The intense pleasure of an exquisitely curated welcome, attentive to every detail: just close your eyes and imagine yourself at home. Vilòn is all this... and so much more.

Loisaba Conservancy is an immense, community run conservation area of 10 million acres, and one that’s so enormous, it’s easy to get lost in. So, what better way to enjoy such an incredible space than by spending a few nights under the stars? The famous Loisaba Starbeds are built entirely from locally-sourced products (old Landrover axles play a part in the design of the bed!) and are raised high on stilts on a rocky kopje with incredible views across the valley. Each bed can be rolled out from under the thatch at night, guaranteeing an uninterrupted view of your celestial ceiling. It's here where you'll truly find time and space to recharge your mind and reboot your spirits – and it’s all done in rather comfortable luxury too.

Setari Camp is an adventurer's paradise, tucked into a forested island in northern Botswana's Okavango Delta. Surrounded by year-round water in an otherwise seasonally flooded floodplain, this new camp lies right at the foot of the panhandle, where the Okavango River spreads across the Kalahari Basin. For anyone who enjoys watching game while afloat, there are myriad channels, lagoons and oxbow lakes to explore... The tents are stilted, tucked among foliage, and are on the luxurious side of comfortable. Don't expect huge numbers of big game, but the birdlife is extraordinary, and the wilderness is magnetic.