Hotels

The villas at Noka Camp are in a realm of their own in terms of luxury and setting. They combine state-of-the-art technology and raw nature – you may be able to open your blind at the push of a button but (fortunately) you can’t control the battle between the baboons beside your balcony. Read expert review

A privately owned five-star complex of four villas in a wine and fruit farm established by French Huguenots in 1692, in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape winelands. Affordable luxury and privacy at its best in a village with French heritage and ambiance, in one of the loveliest valleys of the Cape. Read expert review

High on the slopes of Signal Hill, with unparalleled Table Mountain views, Dorp is a grand yet unpretentious place to stay. The work of a creative maverick, with a fairytale country garden adding to its otherworldly atmosphere, it is both haven and inspiration, and unlike any other hotel I’ve encountered. Read expert review

Labour of love may be an oft bandied-about phrase but Sterrekopje is just that, and in spades. Borne from a serendipitous meeting between soul mates who shared a dream of creating something extraordinary, with a profound connection to nature and a desire to nourish and heal, this beautiful, surreal sanctuary will soften even the most hardened cynics. Read expert review

This Edwardian mansion set in a spectacular cliffside location is Cape Town’s most exclusive hotel. Discreetly glamorous Ellerman House, home to an extensive private collection of South African art and one of the city’s most comprehensive wine cellars, provides an experience truly unparalleled in the city. Read expert review

The eight-suite Kisawa Sanctuary, a true tropical hideaway with local and pan-African personality, ushers in a whole new level of character-driven high luxury, not seen in Mozambique before now. Exquisite beaches, a marine research centre and humpback whale-watching are just some of the awaiting treats. Read expert review

A 109-year-old bridge which has been re-envisioned as the location of one of Africa’s most sublime safari lodges, combining history and all the glitz and nostalgia of 1920s train travel. It's in an area considered to be the best in Kruger for lion sightings. Read expert review

The Polana Serena is a historic Maputo landmark built in 1922 by the Portuguese authorities, who were hoping to transform colonial Lourenço Marques into an African Monte Carlo. The notorious hotel is now reliving its heyday when it counted among the finest in the continent. Read expert review

Marvellous Al Moudira is more than a hotel; it’s a 20-year passion project that has transformed a barren bit of desert into an oasis of swaying palms, fountain-filled patios and frescoed villas. This left-bank beauty, the brainchild of artistic founder Zeina Aboukheir, is now a Relais & Chateaux property and provides an incomparable atmosphere and access to Luxor’s Unesco treasures. Read expert review

The magnificent Royal Mansour is the gold standard of luxury hotels in Marrakech, offering impeccable, gracious service and facilities second to none. Designed by King Mohammed VI, it was conceived as a “medina within a medina”, with 53 private riads set within six acres of artfully planted gardens full of roses, honeysuckle and date palms designed by Luis Vallejo. Read expert review

This long-established lodge emerged from a complete refresh in 2019, with striking architecture and elegant interiors that take their design cues from the otherworldly desert landscape. Read expert review

Riad Mena is an exemplar riad, with a traditional garden full of orange trees and jasmine that feels like paradise itself in this desert city. It was once home to an aristocratic family and its classical proportions now offer eight handsome suites, an emerald green pool and a jigsaw of picturesque porticos and terraces. Read expert review

Lauded design, impeccable service, intelligent guiding, superlative dining and an unparalleled Cape cellar are what have made Singita the most respected safari brand in Africa. But here location is the clincher: in a wild and remote concession, with fascinating sightings, this is as good as it gets in Kruger. Read expert review

Zebras and giraffes wander past the panoramic window of your stand-alone luxury suite which overlooks the Chobe River floodplain. Incredible service and excellent food in remarkable surroundings. Read expert review

This remote bush camp, designed by filmmakers, makes an artform of safari with lavish tents and retro styling. Expect state-of-the-art facilities, plenty of wildlife day and night, and first-rate access to the savannahs of the Masai Mara. Read expert review

One of world’s most stylish farm stays, with contemporary detailing offset against historic Cape Dutch architecture, and considered design touches that delight at every turn. The eight-acre kitchen garden and wine estate are destinations in their own right, but waking up here is pure privilege. Read expert review

Outside: a mineral world, sculpted by millennia, hues painted by the changing light. Inside: four cool, comfortable cocoons dressed with restrained elegance, wholesome meals conjured from the garden’s bounty, old-fashioned and heartfelt hospitality. A reset and return to basics, resourcefulness and humility, but in the most beautiful of ways. Read expert review

This eco-friendly boutique lodge sits on Mughwango Hill overlooking the Meru plains. The elegant rustic cottages offer spectacular views over Meru National Park, and the restaurant serves excellent international dishes with an Italian influence. Activities include river fishing and visits to the park’s rhino sanctuary. Read expert review

Essaouira’s original, 18th-century riad hotel with 21 shabby-chic rooms, a Carita-endorsed spa and a front-row, ocean-view location in the Unesco-protected medina. There is also now a countryside retreat 12km outside of town, complete with pool, barbecue and a farmhouse with three rooms. Read expert review

Space, peace and quiet can be found in abundance out here in the wilds of Botswana. In a time when disconnecting from all devices is the new luxury, this intimate mobile camp offers the ultimate getaway. Read expert review