A hidden retreat set into a lush, leafy garden, Villa Mahabhirom is a true oasis in the midst of bustling Chiang Mai. Conceived by three friends who shared a passion for Thai art, history and heritage, the hotel consists of 14 antique teak houses that were salvaged from central Thailand, rebuilt in Chiang Mai, and retro-fitted to suit modern lifestyles.
The extreme isolation of the Liuwa Plain National Park has traditionally made it a logistically challenging place to visit, and thus one of Africa’s greatest secrets. The opening of the first permanent camp, the King Lewanika Lodge in 2017 is starting to change this: accessed by helicopter, Zambia’s most exclusive camp comprises just six spectacular villas. Each sits on a
The only palace hotel in New Delhi, the Leela Palace rekindles the romance of the Raj with its grand architecture and opulent decor. From its gold-leafed domes and landscaped grounds to the hand woven carpets, Venetian chandeliers and stone carvings that adorn the interior, this singular urban hotel is a visual feast as well as a gastronomic one: a total
Relais Castel Porrona & Spa, a medieval village with a castle at its centre, is a place rich in atmosphere and decadent luxury. Surrounded by quintessentially Tuscan views of olive groves, cypress trees and vineyards, it is a short drive from Siena, Montalcino and the glamorous seaside town of Punta Ala. The impeccably resorted rooms, suites and family apartments are
Perched on an escarpment with views through wild eucalyptus to the sparkling bay, Pretty Beach House is a rare find: an intimate four-room hotel where premium service and lavish accommodation are surrounded by serene, quintessentially Australian bush. Each one-of-a-kind guest pavilion has a private outdoor deck, and is replete with individual luxuries, from fireplaces and heated plunge pools, to double
A blend of African and Moroccan architecture, The Fort, with its thick stone walls, carved wooden doors and tranquil pools, is a striking sight amid the apparent emptiness of Namibia’s Onguma Nature Reserve. The arid landscape, dotted with camel thorn trees, shelters a surprising wildlife population however, including prairie animals, big cats and a family of black rhino. Activities centre
Set back from a powdery white sand beach on the northwest shore of Unguja, Zuri Zanzibar is a sensational oceanfront resort where exceptional architecture and decor meets social and environmental responsibility. Designed by Jestico+Whiles, the bungalows and suites provide the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience, with soaring thatched roofs, shaded private terraces, open air showers and an eclectic mix of contemporary
Hunkering down on a low cliff on the east coast of Zanzibar, Zawadi’s ocean views go on forever. An intimate boutique retreat, it features just nine spacious villas strung along the shoreline. The definition of barefoot elegance, each villa features a spacious bedroom, sitting area and decadent bathroom with a free-standing tub and walk in shower, all decorated in soothing
Situated on a pristine beach on the fringes of Yala National Park, Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers five-star luxury under canvas paired with access to a wildlife-rich swathe of jungle. The 28 cocoon-shaped suites feature soaring ceilings, panoramic views through the double height glass façades with private plunge pools or manmade waterholes that attract an array of exotic birds and
With sweeping ocean views and soft white sands stretching as far as the eye can see White Pearl Resorts on Mozambique’s untouched southern coast is the definition of a contemporary tropical paradise. Flanked by the wilderness of the Maputo Special Reserve on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, the resort comprises 22 sea view villas with private
