Best Hotels & Lodges

At one end of Beau Vallon Beach (one of the most swimmable beaches on Mahé Island), the Story checks all the boxes for a pretty perfect Seychelles holiday. The super-stylish suites and villas are sprinkled across the lush grounds, just metres away from the powder-white sand. The resort also happens to be just 10 minutes away from the island's capital, but you'll hardly feel the need to venture out thanks to its superb collection of dining choices. If you can bear to leave your poolside perch, there is a beautiful reef to snorkel just 50 metres offshore, while an endless list of watersports are also on offer.

Perched high above the azure waters with unparalleled panoramic views, this elegant hideaway manages to be both wonderfully secluded and enviably central. Just a short amble from the town center and within easy striking distance of two pristine beaches, you'll discover an impeccably designed retreat where contemporary luxury meets local heritage. The brilliant white interiors provide the perfect blank canvas for carefully curated artwork and bespoke furniture, while generous windows flood each space with that legendary coastal light. From lazy afternoons by the rooftop pool to star-lit evenings on your private terrace, every moment feels utterly sublime – made all the more special by a team of staff who anticipate your every whim with genuine warmth.

This far-flung lodge in the northern reaches of Botswana's Chobe National Park may seem unduly far off the beaten path for some – and ideally placed for others. But Nogatsaa Pans follows its own logic, one that falls in step with the bush. Surrounded by a cluster of natural clay-bottom pans that attract huge numbers of wildlife in the dry season, Nogatsaa is strategically placed on the largest pan, Kwikamba. The lodge's structures, all on stilts, range across the thicketed bank. The main attraction? The landscapes, which are sweeping and silent, and the creatures that flock to the water sources.

Jozibanini Camp is situated in the remote southwestern corner of Hwange National Park, in an area occupied for the past two decades by only wildlife and park rangers. This small, friendly camp is the real deal – it sits respectfully in this untamed wilderness where San people once roamed. Here, you'll get the chance to experience truly unspoiled wilderness. Take a mountain bike safari following the paths of elephants, walk in the footsteps of bushmen, and sleep under the stars. We're really drawn to this camp for its gentle approach to reviving an area far off the well-trodden tourist path. You will be too.

23 Hotel is a boutique hotel in Medellín that combines tropical design with smart comfort. It offers 28 rooms, the Cala Roca restaurant with its Mediterranean-tropical fusion cuisine, and the Del Sol rooftop terrace with views, a jacuzzi, and a sensory ambiance.

Riley Yacht Cruise offers an incredible Komodo Tour sailing experience in Komodo National Park, perfect for family vacations, trips with friends, romantic getaways, and corporate retreats. Onboard, enjoy comfortable beds, a jacuzzi, delicious food and drinks, and other amenities, ensuring an unforgettable cruise experience. Riley Yacht Cruise offer the unforgettable memories amidst the stunning beauty of Komodo National Park.

Designed in an elegant laid back beach style, Zawadi is relaxed luxury at its best, lying on one of the most coveted locations on the island of Zanzibar with breathtaking unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. At the center of the property the cliff recedes, creating a beautiful cove of pristine white sandy beach. Guests can enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean throughout the day regardless of tides and can go snorkeling straight from the beach. With a relaxed atmosphere and understated elegant beach decor, it is a tranquil, laid back hideaway offering guests an all-inclusive stay with the very best cuisine and personalized service.

Azumi Setoda inherits the legacy of Horiuchi-tei, a 140 year old estate that originally belonged to the influential Horiuchi Family. Active in the salt trade from the early Edo Period in the 17th century, the family expanded to become the largest salt barons on Ikuchijima island by the Meiji Period. Their estate’s proximity to the Setoda port, and the island’s location in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea, made for an optimal location to operate ships that carried salt – and later coal – across the Kitamaebune route from the Seto Inland Sea up to Hokkaido.

Etendeka lies at the foothills of the Grootberg massif, a north-Namibian treasure surrounded by ancient lava flows, dramatic flat-topped mesas and giant boulders. Nature and its conservation are the prime focus at this small lodge, which has earned awards for the courtesy it shows to the land. Yet human creature comforts have not been overlooked. Water runs hot and cold, the loos are flushable, the beds are large and comfortable, and there's wi-fi. The camp may have a slight military-base atmosphere, but it's the perfect place from which to explore the Grootberg and its rich collection of desert-adapted wildlife.

Nestled along the rippling waters of the Grand Canal, this 16th-century noble residence holds secrets within its walls that would make even the most seasoned traveller's jaw drop. Once home to a future Doge, playground to Mozart, and temporary abode to the King of Denmark, the palazzo's illustrious past lives on in its meticulously restored frescoes and period details. After a loving restoration supervised by the city's Fine Arts authorities, the building reopened its doors in 2010 as a boutique hideaway where those seeking romance and tranquility can find their perfect Venetian moment. The warmth of the welcome here rivals the splendor of the architecture – with staff who genuinely want you to feel at home while being utterly pampered.