Directors Favourites

Places to Stay

This is a collection of our own personal choices, from the ultimate in luxury world-class hotels & resorts to unique, character-filled guest houses. This collection is quite simply our absolute favourites, designed perhaps as a place to begin or to consult if you are having difficulty in choosing...

Argentina

Bahia Bustamente LodgeValdes Peninsula $$$$

Bahia Bustamente is a remote 100,000-acre sheep farm on Argentina’s wild southern Atlantic coast and the most extraordinary haven for marine wildlife – an Argentine version of the Galapagos Islands according to the New York Times. Completely off-grid and unique, its pristine white beaches are home to up to 100,000 Magellan penguins and 4,000 noisy sea lions alongside huge colonies of cormorants and oystercatchers. The lodge itself is rustic yet comfortable; the heart of a tiny com...

Cavas Wine LodgeMendoza $$$$$

Arakur UshuaiaUshuaia $$$$$

Rincon del SocorroIbera Wetlands $$$$

Estancia ColomeCachi, Cafayate & Surrounds $$$$$

Explora El ChaltenEl Chalten & Mount Fitzroy $$$$$

Aguas Arriba LodgeEl Chalten & Mount Fitzroy $$$$$

Estancia EoloEl Calafate $$$$$

Estancia Peuma HueBariloche $$$$$

Bolivia

Explora UyuniUyuni & Southern Highlands $$$$$

Stunning contemporary minimalism meets extraordinary landscapes! Long known in the Americas for their wonderful all-inclusive design lodges, the Explora group has now reached Uyuni with an exclusive cabin-style retreat overlooking the breathtaking expanse of the great Uyuni Salt-lake. Nestled on the flanks of the Tunupa Volcano, the lodge operates within a 6 night cross-border “Travesia” program that focuses on the jaw-dropping landscapes on the border with Chile and now also as a...

Deluxe Airstream CamperUyuni & Southern Highlands $$$$$

Refugio Los VolcanesSanta Cruz & the Missions $$$

Brazil

Caiman Ecological RefugeThe Pantanal $$$$$

A true pioneer of ecotourism in the Pantanal and arguably the most comfortable of the lodges, Caiman is a 53,000 hectare private reserve and beacon project for sustainable practise, harmoniously combining cattle ranching and cutting edge conservation – most famously through the Oncafari jaguar habituation project which last year enabled 98% of guests to spot at least one jaguar during their visit. The surrounding savannah, wetlands and gallery forest teem with wildlife that counts capybara,...

Belmond Hotel Das CataratasIguassu Falls $$$$$

Cambodia

Song Saa Private IslandSihanoukville & Islands $$$$$

Song Saa Private Island features 27 intimate villas, uncompromising on luxury and designed to reflect the simple beauty of the natural environment.

Guests will enjoy uninterrupted sunrise or sunset views from the Over-Water, Ocean-View and Jungle Villas all of which come complete with private pools, and all the high-end modern day luxuries. The villas all feature a private verandah – the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset or perhaps have a private dinner cooked for yo...

Song Saa Private Island-Koh Rong Archipelago-Cambodia

Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool VillasSiem Reap & Angkor Temples $$$$$

Chile

Mallin ColoradoThe Carretera Austral $$$$

The charming, family-run lodge Mallin Colorado overlooks the turquoise waters of Lake General Carrera bound on all sides by native forests and snow-capped peaks. Blending seamlessly into the hillside, the lodge’s log cabins have been sensitively constructed using native woods while inside snug furniture, wood-burning stoves and sheepskin rugs create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Accommodation is a mix of cabins and rooms, all warmly furnished with thick blankets and rugs centred around large pic...

Futangue Hotel & SpaPuerto Varas $$$$$

andBeyond Vira ViraPucon & Surrounds $$$$$

Awasi PatagoniaTorres del Paine $$$$$

Tierra AtacamaAtacama Desert $$$$$

Costa Rica

FlorblancaNicoya Peninsula $$$$$

An award-winning retreat amidst magnificent rainforest and pristine beaches, Flor Blanca is a beautiful resort on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Small and intimate, the hotel blends beautifully with the surrounding jungle where tropical birdsong competes with crashing waves and the stylish facilities create a laid-back atmosphere, the very essence of Costa Rica. Pure relaxation aside, you can fish, horse-ride, surf the famous waves of Santa Teresa, whistle through the canopy on a zip-li...

Lapa RiosOsa Peninsula $$$$$

Pacuare LodgeSan Jose & Central Valleys $$$$$

Ecuador

Mashpi LodgeMindo Cloud Forest $$$$$

Striking contemporary design at the heart of Mindo’s steamy cloud-forest, the Mashpi Lodge is the first of its kind in South America. Nestled in a 3212 acre private reserve, the lodge was constructed with sustainability at its very core and blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest, a bio-diversity “hotspot” that boasts a staggering 500 species of birds. Floor to ceiling windows bring the forest into every corner of the hotel, while the chic minimalist design makes Mashpi a landmark...

Hotel del ParqueGuayaquil $$$$$

Casa GangotenaQuito $$$$$

Guatemala

La LanchaTikal & Surrounds $$$$

Surrounded by thick rainforest that tumbles down to the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, La Lancha is a charming Francis Ford Coppola-owned lodge. Centred around a traditional, palapa-topped restaurant, reception and bar, La Lancha melds into the surroundings jungle with elegant wooden walkways that wind down the hill past the rooms and on to the lake shore. The rooms overlook the lake or the tropical forest and are all stylish yet unfussy with fresh bright interiors adorned with local artwork, e...

Casa PalopoLake Atitlan $$$$$

Posada del AngelAntigua $$$$

India

Aman-i-khasRanthambhore National Park $$$$$

The camp features just 10 elegantly designed spacious safari style tents all fully equipped with modern amenities and furnished to an exceptional standard in teak, leather and luxurious linen. Each tent interior is divided into five different areas by cream canvas curtains, providing a separate bedroom, living area, two bathing areas and toilet. Each tent is air-conditioned and can also be heated depending on the season and time of day. All guests at the Aman-i-khas are assigned a personal ba...

Aman-i-khas – Ranthambhore - Rajasthan India tent

SUJAN The SeraiJaisalmer

Taj Lake PalaceUdaipur $$$$$

The ImperialDelhi $$$$

Italy

Rocco Forte Villa IgieaPalermo $$$$$

Guests can expect world-class amenities and impeccable service during their stay at Rocco Forte Villa Igiea. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, each elegantly designed with a touch of Sicilian style. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the sea, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Rocco Forte Villa Igiea also features a range of dining options, from casual bites to fine dining experiences. The hotel’s restaurants serve a variety of cuisine, including traditional ...

Villa Igiea

Grand Hotel TimeoCatania $$$$$

Aman VeniceVenice $$$$$

Laos

AmantakaLuang Prabang $$$$$

Built in 1923, this uniquely French Colonial building once served as the old provincial hospital of Luang Prabang. Nine of the original fifteen buildings on the grounds are in fact UNESCO World Heritage listed which makes a stay at this incredible hotel even more remarkable. The property functioned as a hospital until as recently as 2005.

The rooms feature classic wooden four-pillared poster beds, wooden louvres and antique furniture that are as romantic as the grandeur of a time g...

Malaysia

Eastern & Oriental HotelPenang $$$$

The hotel features suites that all boast wooden flooring and elegant colonial furnishings as well as sea or city views and round-the-clock butler service. Every spacious suite is charmingly furnished complete with essential amenities in the spacious bathroom, Persian carpets by the bedside and bedcovers made from the finest Egyptian cotton. There is also WiFi access available should you require.

There is a good great selection of restaurants and bars within the hotel, including the no...

Eastern-Oriental-Hotel-George-Town-Malaysia

Tabin Wildlife ResortTabin Wildlife Reserve $$$

Borneo Rainforest LodgeDanum Valley $$$$

Mexico

Hacienda San JoseMerida $$$$$

Small, intimate and gorgeous, Hacienda San Jose retains its heady old-world charm with crumbling ruins set amidst beautifully restored verandahs and gardens. At the heart of the estate, the original chapel takes pride of place while the adjoining out-buildings have been lovingly restored and given bright splashes of colour from royal blue to lemon. Through 10-foot wooden double doors, the 15 guestrooms shelter under 18-foot ceilings with exposed beams and rafters and merge colonial elegance ...

Morocco

Heure Bleue PalaisEssaouira $$$$$

Heure Bleue Palais has succeeded in preserving the character of a traditional Moroccan house and the hospitality cherished by this country. At the crossroads of African, Moorish, Portuguese, English and oriental influences, the rooms and suites are located around the patio, where a fountain sings and the heart of the Riad beats. The traditional Hamman is the perfect place to relax, the panoramic outdoor pool on the terrace overlooks the medina and the ocean, and the cuisine is a subtle blend ...

Heure Bleue Palais

Kam Kam DunesErg Chebbi $$$$

Norway

Opus XVIBergen $$$$$

Much like the famed piano concerto that it’s named after, Opus XVI weaves separate parts and influences together in perfect harmony. This boutique hotel, run by descendants of Norwegian (and Bergen-born) composer Edvard Grieg, celebrates Bergen’s cultural heritage while remaining wonderfully contemporary. Every element of this luxury city centre hotel plays a part in telling Grieg’s story. One of the architects behind the building, which was once Bergen’s grandest bank, was the compos...

Opus XVI

AmerikalinjenOslo $$$$

Peru

Villa BarrancoLima $$$$

Hotel Villa Barranco is in perfect keeping with Barranco and is stylish base for enjoying the surrounding sites. Inside, the town-house has been tastefully restored with elegant period fittings, timbered floors and homely décor all surrounded by a small, shady garden. At sunset, guest head to the spacious roof-top terrace, lounge and bar to enjoy the ocean views, sun-downer in hand.

La CasonaCusco $$$$$

Tambopata Research CentreAmazon Lodges – Peru $$$$

Portugal

The Vintage LisbonLisbon $$$

The Vintage Lisbon is a bolthole in Portugal’s charismatic capital. Soak up city views from its rooftop bar, chill out on mid-century sofas to the sounds of a vintage record player, or seek out the cocooning spa for some downtime. From bespoke furniture pieces to works by local artists, every aspect of the hotel has been carefully considered and celebrates Lisbon’s finest talents. The Vintage Lisbon’s bedrooms live up to the hotel’s name, showcasing the best of mid-century design in a...

The Vintage Lisbon

South Africa

The Oyster BoxUmhlanga Coast $$$$

With 86 luxurious rooms, suites and villas to choose from, The Oyster Box meets the individual needs of every visitor. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, a family group or solo, each room is superbly designed to provide the utmost comfort and style at your home away from home. Sublime cuisine using the freshest seasonal ingredients will tempt and delight – of course, incredible oysters are on the menu – even for breakfast accompanied by Champagne should you w...

The Oyster Box

Hamiltons Tented Safari CampKruger National Park $$$$$

Londolozi Founders CampSabi Sand Game Reserve $$$$$

Gorgeous GeorgeCape Town $$$

Spain

W IbizaIbiza $$$

Inspired by the hazy hues of Ibiza – think sunsets, sand and sea – all of the boho-chic spaces at W Ibiza have been decorated in a palette of vibrant turquoise, soft blues, mellow yellows, bright gold and burnt orange. The contemporary rooms and suites at the Ibiza luxury resort evoke an overall sense of laid-back lavishness, but with all the added extras you’d expect for a five-star hotel. Luxurious rooms at W Ibiza have distinctive names like Cozy Room (and the Cozy Room with Pool), W...

W Ibiza

Sri Lanka

WallawwaColombo $$$

There are seventeen rooms and suites at the Wallawwa which are modern in style but retain the historical charm of the original manor house. All rooms are light and spacious and equipped with modern amenities as well as a small terrace. An added feature is that each room has a window seat which can be made into an extra bed for a child. Restaurant Verandah specialises in a la carte Asian Fusion cuisine and has an idyllic setting overlooking the property’s beautiful gardens. The menus have be...

Wallawwa

Nine SkiesElla $$$$

Fort BazaarGalle $$$$

Thailand

Mandarin OrientalBangkok $$$$

All rooms and suites come equipped with all the latest modern technology and are decorated to the highest specifications.
You’re spoilt for choice as far as eating is concerned during your stay at The Oriental, Bangkok. There is a choice of nine dining venues to choose from that cater for the tastes of discerning travellers from around the globe. Our personal favourites are the impeccable seafood offerings at Lord Jim’s, fine French dining at La Normandie and the modern interpretati...

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Thailand Room

Vanuatu

Eratap Beach ResortEfate & Port Vila $$$$$

The selection of villas and villa types means that even though small the resort can offer something for almost everyone from romantic private pool villas to 2 or 3 bedroom family villas. All villas are beachfront and all have outdoor showers, sun decks and sun loungers, all the facilities you would expect from a five star resort with separated living and sleeping areas. Pool, gym, spa, bicycles, SUPs, bicycles, tennis court, Petanque Court, snorkelling gear, fishing and two boats that will dr...

Beachfront-Deluxe-Villa-Eratap-Beach-resort-Vanuatu

Vietnam

Four Seasons Resort – The Nam HaiHoi An $$$$$

The Nam Hai is a must for those ‘luxe lovers’ looking for spectacular beachfront living, reflecting the true spirit of Indochina. The resort is truly chic, the ultimate in modern luxury with an exotic blend of Vietnamese understated charm. We love this resort for its simple but striking architecture and modern appeal. Dark woods and crisp-white linen, mixed with luscious citrus silks give The Nam Hai an ambience and look that the luxury hotel group Four Seasons do so well in providing a...

Four Seasons Nam Hai - luxury hoi an hotel vietnam

Azerai La Residence HueHue $$$$

Hotel de la CoupoleSapa $$$$

Topas EcolodgeSapa $$$

AmanoiVinh Hy Bay $$$$$

Sofitel MetropoleHanoi $$$$$

smiling white male wearing a backpack

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