Our Favourite Hotels Around the World

Located deep within the Pantanal wetlands, Caiman is a traditional ranch that invites you to immerse yourself in this incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. The lodge offers all kinds of wildlife experiences, from canoe trips to nature walks. It’s also part of our Positive Impact Collection thanks to several different conservation initiatives, including its work with Onçafari: a project that aims to protect Brazil’s jaguars through unique photographic safaris.

Iguazú Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime destination – and Awasi Iguazú ensures that you’ll experience it in the best way possible. Its luxurious private villas are tucked into the lush rainforest on the Argentinian side of the falls, providing exclusive access to this natural wonder of the world. You’ll have your own private guide and 4WD vehicle to explore the surrounding area, which boasts archaeological ruins, jungle trails and much more.

PUQIO is a genuine oasis in the heart of Peru’s Colca Valley, surrounded by a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, grasslands and the nearby Colca Canyon. Its canvas tents are designed to inspire your sense of adventure and provide a place to fully relax, whether by soaking in an outdoor bathtub or snuggling up by a cosy fire. The whole experience is imbued with an inimitable sense of place, from locally sourced cuisine to immersive cultural excursions.

A stay at PATA Lodge encourages you to connect with nature, yourself and your fellow travellers. Set in the wonderfully wild and scenic region of North Aysén, Chile, it offers just five rustic wooden cabins that are ideal for couples or families. The lodge’s strong commitment to sustainability is evident in its economic model, off-the-grid operations and efforts to restore the surrounding farmland, making it one of our favourite new Positive Impact properties.

Playa Cativo Lodge is so remote that it can only be accessed by a 30-minute boat trip. Upon arrival you’re greeted by the stunning scene of the lodge framed by swaying palm trees, with a carpet of bright green grass and pristine sand leading straight down to the ocean. Its privileged location on the Osa Peninsula makes it one of our preferred places to get off the beaten path in Latin America, and its positive impact practices are among the most impressive in Costa Rica.

The Douro Valley is a land of rolling hills, verdant vineyards and ancient history, centred around its namesake river which winds through the region on its way to Porto. For wine lovers, there’s no better place to stay than Six Senses Douro Valley. This elegant estate combines classic luxury with world-class cuisine and wines, inviting you to savour every last drop and each moment of your time in this spectacular part of Portugal.

Borgo Pignano is the Tuscan villa of our dreams, perched atop a hill overlooking the abundant fields and olive groves that make this region of Italy so dreamy – and delicious. This renovated 18th-century estate has a selection of rooms, suites, villas and maisonettes to cater for couples and families alike. The cuisine is a real highlight, and the restaurant has earned a prestigious Michelin Green Star for its use of local ingredients and other environmental efforts.

Set on the forested slopes of Italy’s South Tyrolean Alps, Forestis Dolomites is named after the mountains that dominate its breathtaking views. Its minimalist design highlights calming earth tones, local wood and natural sunlight, creating a sense of serenity that’s hard to beat. The peaceful ambience is further enhanced by a phenomenal spa. And if you’d like to make the most of the location, you can explore the many walking routes that depart right from the hotel.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a real-life castle, head to western Ireland for an unforgettable experience. The enormous estate of Ashford Castle features not only a regal hotel – housed in an 800-year-old medieval fortress – but also extensive sport facilities, a sumptuous cinema, an exquisite spa and 350 acres of woodland on the shores of Lough Corrib. You certainly won’t run out of things to do on its grounds.

The world’s best luxury boutique hotels make you feel right at home, and that’s definitely the case at the Dolli. This gorgeous building is located in the centre of Athens, offering amazing views of the Acropolis from several of its suites and apartments. Its decor is modern and impeccably stylish, with every detail carefully considered to enhance the overall sense of opulence. It’s without a doubt our favourite place to stay in the Greek capital.

Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda is one of the world’s best places to see mountain gorillas in the wild, and both Wilderness Bisate Lodge and its sister property, Wilderness Bisate Reserve, provide the perfect home base from which to explore this intriguing environment. Venture out from your spherical thatched villa to go gorilla trekking and learn more about Bisate’s wonderfully successful reforestation programme.

The Great Migration draws travellers en masse to Kenya, but we’ll let you in on a secret; the real magic lies far from the crowds in the exclusive Mara Conservancies – which is where you’ll find Angama Mara. Set in a private reserve, this hilltop sanctuary promises panoramic views, direct access to the Mara Triangle and incredibly intimate safari experiences. You can also visit local Maasai communities to learn about the culture of the people to whom this land belongs.

Imagine gliding through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, watching elephants splash through the shallows and birds of prey swoop down to the surface. This is just another average day at Wilderness Jao Camp. Its combination of beautiful architecture, tranquil surroundings and exclusive activities makes it one of our favourite hotels in Botswana and indeed all of Africa – especially for a family safari.

Amid the undulating red dunes of Sossusvlei, you’ll find our favourite hotel in Namibia. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a sanctuary of solitude in the depths of the desert, with ten sleek villas promising complete privacy and unparalleled views. Lose yourself in the infinite wonders of the night sky as you gaze up through your villa’s star-viewing skylight, or head to the main lodge to sip on a glass of wine from the walk-in cellar.

Little Chem Chem is one of the best hotels in the world for family safaris – especially if you opt to reserve all six tents for exclusive use. Surrounded by the ancient baobabs and abundant wildlife of Lake Manyara, it’s set within a private reserve to ensure an intimate and authentic safari experience. Along with Chem Chem Lodge and Forest Chem Chem, it’s among our top Positive Impact properties in Tanzania.

The very definition of a desert oasis, Dar Ahlam invites you to enjoy the enchanting town of Skoura at your own pace. You can relax in its manicured gardens and soothing hammam or embark on exciting expeditions into the nearby valley, mountains and desert. It’s also one of Morocco’s best hotels for culture, offering an array of authentic experiences like visiting a Berber village and participating in a traditional tea ceremony.

For nearly a hundred years, La Mamounia has been synonymous with luxury in Marrakesh. Seamlessly blending local heritage with contemporary style, the hotel is located conveniently close to the city’s medina and main square. Boasting more than 200 rooms and suites, several floors and various dining options – a place to experience palatial grandeur and timeless elegance.

With its lavish aesthetic and dignified ambience, the Old Cataract Aswan pays homage to a bygone era – namely the late 19th century – in every detail. This historic hotel is located in Aswan right beside the Nile River, perfectly positioned for sightseeing and day trips to Abu Simbel. Stay in the Sir Winston Churchill Suite or the Agatha Christie Suite, each dedicated to one of the hotel’s most famous international guests.

Widely considered to be among the most beautiful hotels in the world, this mountain-top retreat is notable not just for its unique architecture, but also for its stunning setting. Alila Jabal Akhdar is located more than 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) above sea level in the Hajar Mountains of Oman. The dramatic landscape around it offers thrilling adventures like abseiling and the famous via ferrata, while the hotel itself provides farm-to-table cuisine and phenomenal dining experiences.

Industrial style, 1930s glamour, Georgian tradition and modern luxury intersect at Stamba Hotel: our top pick amid the buzzing energy and eclectic architecture of Tbilisi. You won’t find this particular combination of aesthetics anywhere else, nor will you easily happen upon another hotel that serves its own artisanal chocolate and coffee from an on-site roastery. There’s also a workspace, vertical farm, amphitheatre, library and photography museum.

Perhaps one of the most exclusive hotels in the world, Shinta Mani Wild is a quintessential example of experiential travel. Set beside the Tmor Rung River in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia, it was created to help safeguard the precious wilderness around it. Each tent is unique and entirely isolated – though the comfortable common areas are within easy reach. In addition to various outdoor activities, you can join Wildlife Alliance rangers on their daily patrol.

SUJÁN JAWAI is one of the best places in India to spot wild leopards – but it also has much more to offer. Located in rural Rajasthan between Jodhpur and Udaipur, this secluded safari camp boasts ten spacious tented suites, impeccable service and delectable meals prepared in an open kitchen. Of course the leopard sightings complete the experience, along with excellent birdwatching, horse riding and traditional Rabari walking safaris.

Northern Queensland is home to the largest and best coral reef system on earth – the Great Barrier Reef – as well as one of the best luxury hotels in the world. Lizard Island occupies a privileged location right on the reef and within the national park that protects it. It’s the ideal end to a grand tour of Australia, offering the chance to sit back and relax in this tropical paradise or continue your adventure with world-class snorkelling and diving.

If you’re looking for a lesser-known alternative to Bali or the Maldives, Bawah Reserve is for you. Comprising six islands in the remote Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia, this gorgeous hotel promises peace and quiet amid pristine natural beauty – and also works hard to minimise its impact and support marine conservation. Choose from tented suites, pool villas, overwater bungalows, a treehouse lodge or the private residence for large groups.

Six Senses Yao Noi is the stuff of island dreams, from silky white sand and turquoise waters to private pool villas with panoramic views, perfect for a tropical honeymoon. Koh Yao Noi is a largely undeveloped island in Phang Nga Bay, meaning you’re more likely to encounter water buffalo and monitor lizards than crowds of tourists. The hotel is our first Positive Impact property in Thailand, thanks in large part to its focus on self-sufficiency, organic farming and mangrove restoration efforts.