safari on hotel

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

The Top 10 Safari Lodges in Africa in 2021

Lila Harron Battis is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously a senior editor at Travel + Leisure .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite safari lodges in Africa.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

The Western idea of Africa as a vast unknowable expanse of wilderness — rather than a living, breathing place with as much diversity and unique regionality as any other continent — has endured with stubborn longevity. Perhaps quintessential images like silverbacks in a lush mountain forest, giraffes and acacia trees silhouetted against a savannah sunset, and herds of elephants in the floodplains along a winding river stick with travelers because they are so unlike the nature scenes of the U.S., where centuries of human interference have left little trace of true wilderness or of the animals that once roamed freely.

Africa's rarefied natural spaces have compelled generations of adventurers to seek them out — and the hospitality world has kept pace. Today's safari-goers have little more to worry about than checking off the Big Five and whether to order red or white with dinner. And for the ultimate in service, comfort, and indulgence, they can't go wrong with the places that T+L readers voted onto this year's list of the best safari lodges in Africa.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

The spots on the list are brimming with opulent touches and spectacular scenery. At No. 4 Angama Mara, in Kenya's Masai Mara , two 15-tent camps dot the edge of an escarpment about 300 yards above the game reserve. The views of the Great Rift Valley are so cinematic it's tempting to stay on property and just gawk at the scenery. Don't miss a visit to the on-site craft workshop, where Masai women teach guests the techniques and meaning behind their beading traditions, or the photography studio, where you can test out pro gear and polish up your safari snapshots with cutting-edge photo-editing software.

At No. 6 Singita Grumeti, in Tanzania , the lodging options offer something for every style: crystal chandeliers and gilded frames at Sasakwa Lodge, rattan chairs and campaign tables at Sabora Tented Camp, and breezy furnishings and basketry-inspired light fixtures at Faru Faru Lodge, among others. In South Africa, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge (No. 9) has 20 cottages that blend light details — wide-slate bathroom floors, ceramic stools, pale patterned loveseats, high thatched ceilings — with the gravitas of deep-hued wood furnishings, muted flat-weave rugs, and antique-inspired wildlife illustrations. Overall, it feels grounded and traditional, but never stuffy. The property is situated on Ngala Private Game Reserve, which — thanks to the success of andBeyond's conservation work — is now part of Kruger National Park.

Many of the properties on this list held an emotional resonance for our readers, one that lingered long after returning home. Of the Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, in Zambia, which came in No. 8, one reader wrote, "I dream about Mfuwe, the people, and the sounds of the animals at night. The experience I had was beyond everything I imagined." Another put it simply: "You truly connect with raw life." A reader who spent time at No. 5 Gibb's Farm, in Tanzania, called it "the most magical place I've ever stayed!" And at Sasaab, in Kenya, the property's do-good efforts made a mark just as much as the luxe environment: "Sasaab's culture is fabulous," a reader wrote of the No. 10 property, adding that "the hotel has an innate sustainable ethos."

But the best safari lodge in Africa, the Richard Branson–owned Mahali Mzuri, brings together every element readers expect in their experience, then amplifies it all tenfold. Read on to find out why it's so beloved and which other lodges join it on this year's list.

1. Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Kenya

The 12-suite Mahali Mzuri sits on the edge of a lush bowl, and there's not a bad seat in the house: over breakfast, you can watch monkeys scrabble in the trees and grass; from the pool you'll spot giraffes wandering through to snack on the acacias; sitting on your private terrace you may catch a glimpse of a cat stopping to drink from the rocky stream that runs through. And the property's location is ideal for maximizing both wildlife spotting and privacy. It's set within the private, 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is part of the Masai Mara ecosystem but beyond the bounds of the national park. That means all the richness of big game, but no other cars in sight—you can get within feet of a lion pride and have the moment all to yourself, with no jockeying for position or tuning out the chatter of other safari-goers. "Mahali Mzuri is the best luxurious camp to visit on the African continent," declared one reader; "just perfect," wrote another. The team is small and familial, with the kind of warm, relaxed — yet flawless — service that gives guests the easy sense of being among friends; the guides are among the best in the business, many having worked at the property for years to develop intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife. One reader put it best: "The hospitality at Mahali Mzuri resembles its name," he wrote, noting the translation of the Swahili: "the Beautiful Place."

Score: 99.73 More information: virginlimitededition.com

2. Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Score: 98.75 More information: belmond.com

3. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Score: 98.50 More information: andbeyond.com

4. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 97.73 More information: angama.com

5. Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Score: 97.63 More information: gibbsfarm.com

6. Singita Grumeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Score: 97.60 More information: singita.com

7. Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Score: 97.47 More information: belmond.com

8. The Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Score: 97.33 More information: bushcampcompany.com

9. (tie) andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 97.26 More information: andbeyond.com

9. (tie) Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya

Score: 97.26 More information: thesafaricollection.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway — near or far — at Travel + Leisure GO .

• Find & Reserve
• Special Offers
• Meetings & Events
• Our Credit Cards
• About Marriott Bonvoy
• Careers at Marriott

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

• Accommodations
• Experiences
• Meetings & Weddings

Welcome to JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Experience a luxury african safari lodge in the masai mara.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge marks the debut of the first luxury safari lodge in the brand portfolio. Overlooking the Talek River and the Masai Mara National Reserve, this lodge features 20 luxurious and expansive ensuite tents (including an interconnecting family suite and accessible suite, all with their own private outdoor Jacuzzi tub and deck. Your experience includes meals (breakfast, lunch, high tea sundowner and dinner, both on property and bush meals, a selection of beverages, game drives, airstrip transfers, and many meaningful moments. Communal areas include a dining area, lounge bar, spa, gym, photographic studio, garden and a large outdoor viewing deck with a fire pit. Embark on a soul enriching journey with us, where every moment is destined to be unforgettable in one of the finest luxury tented camps and African safari lodges. For the safety and comfort of our guests we have age restrictions for children under six.

Rooms & Suites

Featured amenities on-site, hotel information.

Check-in: 2:00 pm

Check-out: 10:00 am

Pets Not Allowed

Service animals only

Complimentary On-Site Parking

Sarabi Restaurant

Savour diverse, locally-inspired cuisine freshly prepared to suit your own distinctive tastes in a breathtaking setting. A culinary journey awaits al fresco at the veranda. It's a wonderful place to experience breakfast or dinner during your Mara visit.

A nourishing and relaxing outdoor space that fosters authentic connections while striving to honor the surrounding natural environment.

Sarabi Breakfast

Indulge in a delightful spread of freshly baked pastries, hearty omelets, and gourmet coffee at Sarabi Restaurant.

Fig Tree Lounge and Deck

Be inspired by the simple beauty of the world around you as you sip on meticulously crafted drinks infused with fresh ingredients at our Fig Tree Lounge and Deck.

More Ways to Enjoy Your Stay

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at our luxury spa. We understand your need to regenerate holistically and offer locally rooted organic products and treatments for the Whole You experience.

Fitness Center

Enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while still focusing on your fitness at our hotel gym.

GETTING HERE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

Safari land cruisers;on request

On-Property

Local Shuttle Complimentary

Property Details

Accepts: Credit Cards

Concierge desk service

Languages spoken by staff: English

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +254 797-222999

Accessible on-site parking

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Accessible Vanities

Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand

Bathtub Grab Rails

Bathtub Seat

Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors

Electronic Room Key

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is 2:00 pm and the check-out time is 10:00 am.

The pet policy at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is:

Pets Not Allowed (Service animals only)

The parking options at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

The property amenities at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

Yes, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

Unlock your stay with the Marriott Bonvoy™ App

JW MARRIOTT® MASAI MARA LODGE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve,

Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

Top Destinations

Our company.

© 1996 – 2024 Marriott International, Inc. All rights reserved. Marriott Proprietary Information

Please select your preferred language

The americas, asia and oceania.

• Bahasa Indonesia

INTERNATIONAL

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Booking partnership with OpenTable
• Booking partnership with Resy
• USA - English - USD
• The Safari Hotels of South Africa

South Africa’s parks and private game reserves are not only filled with the country’s “Big Five” wild animals, they also boast some of the world’s most respected and remarkable safari hotels.

Hotels Travel Africa Safari

The hotels below are part of the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection . Each of the 5,000+ hotels in the selection has been chosen by our experts for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — and each can be booked on the MICHELIN Guide website and app.

The safari as we know it today was developed in Africa throughout the 1900s. But it was only toward the end of the century, on the land in and around South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, that the modern luxury safari began to take shape. That area, along with other game reserves in the country, are a haven for Africa’s Big Five — elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo — and a breeding ground for the types of hotels we like to see protected and cherished nearly as much as those amazing animals: unique, purpose-built, slightly indulgent accommodations that exist best in the place they were born. On a safari, you get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. How much you’d like to maintain that intimacy back at your safari hotel is entirely up to you. Intrepid travelers might relish being roused in the middle of the night by a rustling of leaves and scraping of canvas as an unknown creature saunters by. Others might opt for taking a few steps back from all that realness, preferring to slumber a little higher off the ground. You know what we’re going to say next: the MICHELIN Guide has options to meet either taste.

Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge

Shamwari Sindile

Shamwari Bayethe

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Lion Sands River Lodge

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps

Makalali River Lodge

Royal Malewane

Kruger Shalati - the Train on the Bridge

Top image: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge — Grahamstown, South Africa

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

The Most Outrageous Design Hotel In Miami

The Faena Miami Beach is a Two Key hotel with a $15 million gilded woolly mammoth.

A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Inside the Top Suite of the Only Three Key Hotel in Big Sur

The so-called "Cliff House" has the views you're looking for.

SingleThread: The 5-Room Inn with Three Keys and Three Stars

Revered for its Three MICHELIN Star restaurant and biodynamic farm, the SingleThread Inn earns Three Keys for its tiny, food-driven hotel.

Inside the Top Suite of Three Key Aman New York

The Aman Suite — among the most impressive suites in New York — brings the city to you.

The Guilty Pleasures of the Chicago Athletic Association

The One Key Chicago Athletic Association has had an illustrious and sometimes sordid history that dates back to 1893, when it wasn’t quite a hotel. A lot has changed since then, but the ghosts of the past are never far away.

Eaton DC Is a Launchpad for Progress

Katherine Lo’s Eaton DC isn’t just one of the best hotels in the United States capital. It’s also a headquarters for activism, community, social justice, and sustainability. And it’s not shy about it.

Key Street: Michigan Ave. Leads to 7 Key Hotels in Chicago

A brief guide to all the MICHELIN Key hotels in Chicago.

Hollywood Glamour at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

A brief guide to all the Key hotels in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills.

Florida’s Hotel Selection Is Starting to Sizzle

On April 18, 2024, all the new MICHELIN Stars were announced in Florida. Which makes this the perfect time to check in on some of our newest additions to our hotel selection in the Sunshine State.

Auberge du Soleil Napa’s latest renovation evokes timeless but not arrested in time

An interview with their interior designer, Suzanne Tucker.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.

The Most Immersive Safari Suites in the World

These safari camps are unsurpassed when it comes to getting up close and personal with the natural world.

By Sophie Killip

No matter the number of renowned resorts and hotels you’ve visited or the number of countries and cities you’ve ticked off your bucket list, there is nothing quite like the experience of being on safari. Whether it’s mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda or searching for the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa, across the African continent there is a range of luxury safari lodges that offer the chance to bear witness to wildlife in its natural habitat.

Though choosing properties to include on a list of the most immersive safari suites was a welcome challenge, the camps featured here are truly worthy, going above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for guests. Inherently sustainable, often working with local communities and with five-star levels of bespoke service, these safari camps and lodges are unsurpassed when it comes to getting up close and personal with the natural world.

[See more: Exclusive African Safari Camps Championing Sustainability]

The Mhondoro Villa in the Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

The Villa boasts its own private pool, gym, and game viewing vehicle / ©Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

Situated within the beautiful Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, the Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is one of the most exclusive luxury safaris on our list. Well known for its family-friendly status, Mhondoro has a variety of safari options for all ages, including bush walks, rhino tracking, star gazing and an underground waterhole hide for truly close encounters with the reserve’s wildlife.

Mhondoro’s signature suite, the Mhondoro Villa , is the perfect home-away-from-home while guests enjoy the sights and experiences that the safari has to offer. Whether visiting as a family or a honeymooning couple, guests will find there is plenty of room to stretch out across the 5177-sq-ft suite, which includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large living and dining space. As well as this, the Villa boasts its own private pool, gym, and game viewing vehicle with a ranger for any spontaneous safari excursions.

mhondoro.com

Mandarin Oriental Miami Residences Lists $100m Penthouse

Inside the Most Exclusive Hotel Suites in Paris

Four Seasons Announce First Standalone Residences in Miami

Silverback suite, one & only gorilla’s nest.

The Silverback Suite features multiple levels of outdoor terraces for lounging and wildlife spotting / ©Wilderness Safaris

In the heart of Rwanda is the incredible Volcanoes National Park. Home to endangered mountain gorillas, these historic volcanic mountains became the first national park on the continent. This is, in part, why One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is so special. It’s a unique luxury safari lodge that boasts the closest proximity to the national park, allowing for easy access to unforgettable treks in the mountains and the chance to view mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The most luxurious accommodation at Gorilla’s Nest is the tasteful Silverback Suite , a one-bedroom residence with ample living space and astonishing views of the surrounding forest. Guests will be immersed in the natural splendor of the landscape around them as the suite features multiple levels of outdoor terraces for lounging and wildlife spotting. There is also a private pool or, inside, guests can warm up in front of the open fireplace and enjoy the local art adorning the walls.

oneandonlyresorts.com

Content from our partners

Sky High Gourmet: Qatar Executive’s Impressive Dining

The Best Family-friendly Vacation Destinations in Spain

El Paso: History, Nature, Culture and 302 Days of Sunshine

Singita castleton, singita sabi sand.

Nestled between the sea, forests and mountains on the tip of Southern Africa is Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, an award-winning eco-reserve that boasts an incredible foray of flora and fauna. While guests can enjoy a traditional safari to see over 23 species of mammals found on the reserve, what sets Grootbos apart is its marine safari, where guests can witness the marine ‘Big Five’ – whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins – in their natural habitat.

There are several types of accommodation within the expansive Grootbos estate but the most luxurious are the Grootbos Villas, two exclusive-use villas that offer a private sanctuary away from the rest of the buildings. While staying at a Grootbos Villa, guests will have a private chef, butler and guide, as well as use of a private airstrip and wine cellar. Each of the villas has immaculate bedrooms (either six or four), homely living areas, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a private pool and gym.

grootbos.com

The Sambu Suite, ol Donyo Lodge

A pioneer in the eco-tourism field, ol Donyo Lodge is set apart from other safaris thanks to its unique design, which was created with local communities, the wildlife and the landscape in mind. Situated in the Mbirikani Private Ranch in Kenya, the Lodge is a member of the Great Plains Conservation in collaboration with National Geographic filmmakers, the Jouberts. At ol Donyo Lodge, guests can expect daily game drives and views across the savanna, including the great Mount Kilimanjaro.

While the main house at ol Donyou Lodge is a colonial-style lodge with ten bedrooms (sleeping up to 20 guests), for a more private getaway nothing beats the Sambu Suite . Set a short distance away from the main building, the Samba Suite features two large bedrooms with luxurious, oversized beds. The suite has been designed in a traditional safari style – think rich wood furniture and antiques – and also includes its own infinity pool that directly overlooks an acacia forest.

greatplainsconservation.com

andBeyond Phinda Homestead, Phinda Private Game Reserve

andBeyond Phinda Homestead blends with the natural environment that surrounds it / ©andBeyond

Home to over 400 species of birds as well as Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – lions, leopards, rhino, elephant and buffalo – the Phinda Private Game Reserve is an immense 70,500 acres of protected land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The founders of andBeyond brought the site back to its natural splendour after identifying it as a key conservation area that was previously derelict because of overgrazing. Now, andBeyond has several kinds of accommodation on the reserve – but our suite of choice is the Homestead.

Designed as a contemporary farmhouse, andBeyond Phinda Homestead blends with the natural environment that surrounds it. Available for exclusive use, the Homestead is perfect for small groups of friends or family. Each of the four bedrooms are spacious and inviting; there is also a large kitchen, a private gym and a private spa. Everything from the meals to the game drive times are tailored to guests’ preference, making for the ultimate personalised, immersive safari experience.

andbeyond.com

Forest Villa, Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge

The boutique safari lodge has six en-suite Forest Villas / ©Wilderness Safaris

Another luxury safari resort set on the edge of Volcanic National Park in northwest Rwanda, Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge is uniquely situated on the slopes of an eroded volcanic crater. Not only is the location noteworthy, but Bisate Lodge has been designed in a style traditional to Rwandan royalty, with Wilderness Safaris making a significant effort to ensure the Lodge leaves no trace on the ground it rests on.

Bisate Lodge does not have one particular stand out suite; instead, the boutique safari resort has six en-suite Forest Villas, all of which benefit from panoramic views of the (extinct) Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes. The Forest Villas have iconic domed roofs and sophisticated interiors, complete with furnishings made from natural materials, including local artwork. While gorilla trekking is the main attraction, guests can enjoy a range of experiences around the Lodge – or sit back and relax on their own private verandas to admire the views.

wilderness-safaris.com

[See more: Inside Wilderness Safaris Bisate Kwanda Day Lounge]

Baobab Treehouse, Xigera Safari Lodge

The Treehouse is a truly immersive luxury safari suite / ©Xigera Lodge

Almost completely run by solar panels and built with sustainability in mind, Xigera Safari Lodge is nestled discreetly among ancient trees along the banks of a waterway in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Xigera has a reputation for being the perfect spot to sight water buffalo, lions and other wildlife that come to drink along the waterway. As well as walking safaris and traditional canoe trips, Xigera offers its guests a range of wellness options, including yoga and spa treatments.

For a truly unforgettable experience, choose the Boabab Treehouse while staying at Xigera. Set away from the main lodge (with a guide close by), the Treehouse is a truly immersive luxury safari suite, offering guests the chance to surround themselves in wilderness. Though it is a sculptural masterpiece to look at, staying within the Treehouse is even more awe-inspiring. Set across three floors, it features a main bedroom and an open-air deck on the roof to safely watch wildlife pass below.

[See more: The Most Exclusive Safari Lodges in South Africa]

Sophie Killip

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Skip to main content

* Indicates required field

Sign in to my Account

Sign in to speed up the booking process, access information about past bookings, and view any saved hotels. Not yet a member? Sign up now

• Is case sensitive
• Can contain letters (a-z), numbers, and special characters
• Must be at least 8 characters in length
• Must include at least one number, one uppercase letter, and one lowercase letter
• Must not contain the username

Become a My Kiwi Member

Create an account to save your favorite hotels, submit traveler program details, expedite bookings, and keep track of your reservations.

Password Guidelines

Forgotten your Password? Let us help!

If the e-mail address is associated with a customer account in our records, you will receive an email from us with instructions for resetting your password. If you don't receive this e-mail, please check your junk mail folder or contact your Concierge.

Enter a New Password

Password Reset Expired

Your Password Reset link has expired. Please resubmit your email address to generate a new Password Reset link.

Featured Hotels

• Kiwi Awards
• Hotels with Extras
• Visa Benefits
• Limited-Time Offers
• Experiences
• Romantic Escapes
• Wellness Retreats
• Beach Getaways
• Family-Friendly
• Wild Safaris
• Top Destinations
• New York City
• North America
• Middle East
• South America
• South Pacific
• Central America
• Free Nights
• Hotel Credits
• Offers in Top Countries
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Passport Magazine

Beginning of Main Content

Our Best Safari Lodges & Luxury Safari Hotels

Our luxury safari properties allow you to experience nature’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat, while still offering the elegant touches and comfort you’d expect from a Kiwi Collection hotel. Whether spotting lions on the prowl in South Africa , or watching elephants roam the plains of Botswana , our luxury safari hotels , lodges and tented camps will let you see it all in style.

Our luxury safari properties allow you to experience nature’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat, while still offering the elegant touches and comfort you’d expect from a Kiwi Collection hotel. Whether spotting lions on the prowl in South Africa , or watching elephants roam the plains of Botswana ,  our luxury safari hotels , lodges and tented camps will let you see it all in style.

Our luxury safari properties allow you to experience nature’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat, while still offering the elegant touches and comfort you’d expect from a Kiwi Collection hotel. Whether spotting lions on the prowl in South Africa , or watching elephants roam the plains of Botswana , our luxury safari hotels, lodges and tented camps will let you see it all in style.

Top Safari Lodges & Hotels

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

Mahali Mzuri

Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Malilangwe Private Wilderness Reserve, Zimbabwe

Royal Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Gmundner Lodge

Brack, Namibia

Aman-i-Khás

Ranthambhore, India

VIEW ALL SAFARI HOTELS

Explore our best luxury safari lodges & hotels

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0; "> Botswana

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> India

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Kenya

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Namibia

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Nepal

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Rwanda

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> South Africa

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Sri Lanka

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Tanzania

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Zambia

border-bottom: solid 1px #d0d0d0;"> Zimbabwe

Need a hand planning your trip?

Our team of travel experts know each and every one of the properties in our collection. Whether you're planning a luxury honeymoon in Kenya or a family safari in South Africa , we're here to help.

Call us today: 1 877 999 0680

INSPIRATION FROM PASSPORT MAGAZINE

Where the Wild Things Are

See animals roam free at these hotels embedded in wildlife habitats.

Capturing a Sense of Place

The story of Zannier Hotels unfolds like a love story, one between person and place.

The Most Beautiful Safari Lodges

These are among the most spectacular wildlife havens on earth.

Why book anywhere else?

Free Perks. Best Rate Guaranteed.

Checking availability for:

• [ April 26, 2024 ] Travel news: this month (April 2024) in luxury travel Travel news
• [ April 24, 2024 ] Review: Etihad A380 The Residence (Abu Dhabi to London flight) Flight reviews
• [ April 22, 2024 ] Top 10 best luxury hotels in Singapore Top 10 lists
• [ April 19, 2024 ] Sneak peek inside the new ultra-luxe Four Seasons Yachts Uncategorized
• [ April 17, 2024 ] Review: Etihad First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport Flight reviews

Top 10 most exclusive safari lodges in Africa

Monday newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today (March 11, 2019): Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in Africa.

Africa offers some of the  best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. The “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, and the elusive leopard) take the center stage on a safari but the smaller, less glamorous animals (like impalas, zebras and hyenas) can be just as fun and exciting to see. When it comes to safaris, nothing can beat the observation of the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara. Other great safari destinations are the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Kruger National Park in South Africa. No wonder that Africa’s 10 most luxurious safari lodges are all located within these areas. The majority of them is operated by the continent’s three most exclusive safari companies: &Beyond ,  Wilderness Safaris  and  Singita .

There is more information below the slideshow (with reviews & Youtube clips). Do you have a favorite safari lodge that didn’t make my list? Leave a comment  or take my  poll  below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*** Follow me on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and Facebook  for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. &BEYOND NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE, TANZANIA

This lodge is located right on the rim of the ancient volcanic Ngorongoro caldera, offering not only some of the best views in Africa, but also the possibility of a classic Big Five safari as the crater floor is teaming with wildlife. Room interiors are reminiscent of an elegant baroque château (brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and paneled walls). Ensuite bathrooms with a centrepiece of fresh roses feature huge showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure breath-taking views from all around of the incredible game-rich Crater. Versailles meets Masai in this unique African lodge!

• Hotel website :  &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• Other accolades : &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the  world’s most spectacular cliffside hotels .

9. LITTLE KULALA,NAMIBIA

Little Kulala is situated in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve and consists of 11 climate-controlled, thatched “kulalas” (the word means ‘to sleep’) which merge impeccably into the desert landscape, each with a private plunge pool and a rooftop bed for romantic star-gazing. Little Kulala’s interiors make use of neutral colors, gorgeous textures and natural light, and takes its inspiration from its surroundings, notably from the magnificent Dead Vlei. Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok eke out an existence and are sparsely distributed around Little Kulala. Larger carnivores, namely spotted and brown hyena and even cheetah are occasionally present.

• Hotel website :  Little Kulala

8. SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA

Like a collection of eagles’ nests perched along the rugged cliff faces above the N’wanetsi River, Singita Lebombo Lodge looks out regally across the landscape. This boldly dramatic lodge, home to fifteen loft-style suites, is situated on Singita’s private concession in the Kruger National Park. The exclusive concession is a richly diverse habitat, teeming with game, beneath endless African skies. Imaginative wood, steel and organic interiors, all encased in glass, create a stylishly contemporary feel in the suites and make the most of the astonishing views overlooking the river.

• Hotel website :  Singita Lebombo Lodge
• Other accolades : Singita Lebombo Lodge also features in my top 10 list of South Africa’s most insanely beautiful luxury hotels .

7. SINGITA FARU FARU LODGE, TANZANIA

Singita Faru Faru Lodge is set in Grumeti in northern Tanzania, which is part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem. Built on a gently sloping hill, this riverine lodge, positioned on the renowned migratory route traversed annually by more than 2 million wildebeests, is a place where you can quite literally expect the unexpected. Informal, unconventional and surprising at every turn, Singita Faru Faru Lodge has seven one-bedroom suites, one family suite as well as one two-bedroom suite with private pool and is a mix of contemporary, organic style and the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist’s camp. With such close proximity to the river and plains, guests have the unique opportunity to experience a very close connection with the wilderness.

• Hotel website :  Singita Faru Faru Lodge

6. TIME + TIDE CHINZOMBO, ZAMBIA

Situated on a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River and designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Time + Tide Chinzombo is Zambia’s most exclusive hotel. Six beautiful and wildly luxurious villas combine a modern architectural feel with natural materials such as leather, reeds and canvas. Each villa boasts its own private plunge pool and is situated on an elevated deck that boasts views of the tranquil river and the abundant wildlife that frequents its banks. A winding path connects the villas with a shared lounge and dining area set in the shade of msikizi trees. A boat ride across the river gives guests direct access into the game rich Luangwa National Park.

• Hotel website :  Time + Tide Chinzombo
• Review : read my review of Time + Tide Chinzombo  here .

5. ROYAL MALEWANE, SOUTH AFRICA

Situated on a private reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa, this famous safari lodge hosts a maximum of 20 guests in utopian luxury and style, and is popular amongst celebrities such as Nicolas Sarkozy and Bono. Six suites with private infinity pools offer complete seclusion and stunning views, while the lodge itself has an atmospheric air-conditioned library, curio shop and dining and sitting areas with fantastic outlooks onto the bush. Two completely private suites (both sleeping 4) provide an even more exclusive safari experience, while the self-contained Africa House, a few minutes’ drive from the main lodge, is the perfect option for families or groups of up to 12.

• Hotel website :  Royal Malewane
• Other accolades : Royal Malewane also features in my top 10 list of South Africa’s most insanely beautiful luxury hotels .
• Review : read my review of Royal Malewane here .

4. ABU CAMP, BOTSWANA

Named after a very special bull elephant, Abu Camp is set in a pristine pocket of riverine forest and blends in seamlessly with the magnificent surrounding hardwood trees. Looking out over a large lagoon, an imaginative use of canvas has created a unique and luxurious style of tent. Each of the six en-suite units has its own distinctive furnishings and fittings, imparting an air of opulence in the bush. These airy tents feature an indoor and outdoor shower, an outdoor copper bath and a generous elevated teak deck. Well-lit pathways link the guest tents with the main lounge and dining area and a well-stocked library and study, gym and swimming pool will keep you entertained while at camp. Exploring the bush is done by game drive, mekoro, walks – or by elephant!

• Hotel website :  Abu Camp

3. MOMBO AND LITTLE MOMBO CAMP, BOTSWANA

Mombo Camp, situated in the northern point of wildlife-filled Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta, is built under large, shady trees overlooking a floodplain generally filled with life. Its nine spacious en-suite tents are raised two metres from the ground, with a long veranda, a sala and indoor and outdoor showers. Mombo Camp’s main living, bar and dining areas are under thatch, while the boma adds traditional flavour to a delicious dinner under the stars. There are two plunge pools in which to soak and a gym to work off the excellent food. Little Mombo, situated on Chief’s Island, is a smaller and more intimate camp to its sister and has its own dining and lounge area and sparkling pool.

• Hotel website :  Mombo and Little Mombo Camp
• Other accolades : Mombo and Little Mombo Camp also feature in my top 10 list of the  world’s most expensive hotels .

2. SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA

Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Spanning more than 45,000 acres, Singita Sabi Sand is renowned for high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings. The lodge has 10 one-bedroom suites and  2 two-bedroom family suites, all with private pool, and  is a celebration of the tranquillity, space, and light which flows throughout this incredibly vast area. Inspired by the geometry of the boulders on which it rests, Boulders Lodge is an inviting oasis where organic interiors integrate seamlessly with the raw African beauty outside.

• Hotel website :  Singita Boulders Lodge
• Other accolades : Singita Boulders Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the most spectacular hotel bathrooms in the world .

1. IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA

At Ivory Lodge Lion Sands, you can experience the African Bushveld in lavish comfort and style like only few will. “Unparalleled and extraordinarily beautiful in its simplicity and texture” is how Ivory Lodge has been described, and it has been recognised with various international awards. Each of the six suites is surrounded by untamed African Bush and are operated as a private villa. They all  include a private rim flow pool, exquisitely appointed bedroom and lounge, and simply more of everything. For the more adventurous, a once in a lifetime experience and the ultimate African bush experience, you may want to opt to stay at one of the ultraluxurious treehouses operated by the same management of Ivory Lodge in the same wildlife reserve.

• Hotel website :  Ivory Lodge Lion Sands
• Other accolades : Ivory Lodge Lion Sands, also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms , the world’s best honeymoon resorts , and South Africa’s most insanely beautiful luxury hotels .
• Review : read here my review of Ivory Lodge’s sister property, River Lodge Lion Sands.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related Articles

Top 10: my 2017 trips that I am most excited about

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire […]

Top 10 best things to see & do in Bhutan

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire […]

Top 10 best National Parks & Game Reserves for a safari in Africa

After a long dusty 4/5 hour drive from Swakopmund Little Kulala Lodge came into sight on the edge of the Namib Desert.Namibia is the largest wilderness in the world. Majestic dunes that took my breath away…climbing up Dune 45 (Big Daddy) just before dawn to watch the sunrise will always remain in my memory banks along with sleeping on the roof of our Kulala watching shooting stars across the inky black sky.They say that once you’ve been to Africa it will always remain in your blood…so true one day I hope to return. Wilderness Safaris whilst not cheap are the way to go when visiting this magnificent part of Africa.

Where’s Zarafa Dhow Suite? Chinzombo? Sandile? Chongwe House? Ol Donyo? Mara Plains? Camp Nomade (so exclusive there’s a three year waiting list!!!) King Lewanika…

no Zarafa or Duba Plains? No Bisate?

No Singita Sasakwa? No Singita Ebony? No Bisate? No Zarafa? Wow.

Palala lodge

RSR is an affordable safari resort, Rajasthan. Known for the wildlife safari and swimming pool. To stay in all sizes of rooms available that are a blend of modern and royal heritage aesthetics. For more info visit- https://ranakpursafariresort.com/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© The Luxury Travel Expert 2024

Discover more from the Luxury Travel Expert

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• The Best Of
• Destinations
• The Hotel Guru

The 25 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

To go on safari is to experience one of life’s greatest adventures but finding the best safari lodges in South Africa, can be a journey in itself. Whether a 4x4 safari is on your bucket-list or you're a budding conservationist at heart, from the Western to the Eastern Cape, up to the plains of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Kruger Park we’ve hand-picked the best safari lodges in South Africa for spotting 'The Big 5'. Looking for a family stay, a couple’s retreat, a five-star stay, or a spa-fari experience? We've got it covered! Our collection of the best safari lodges in South Africa ensures that all you have to worry about is keeping your eyes open for one of Mother Nature’s most incredible performances.

For a family stay

• Kwandwe Private Game Reserve , located in the Eastern Cape is a refuge for endangered animals, not to mention travellers with children! A luxurious private game reserve, five different lodges are dotted amidst 54,000 hectares. Choose between exclusive-use villas and stylish suites – whatever suits your families needs. Without a doubt one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for families.
• Excellent family safari lodge, Kapama Southern Camp is ideal for exploring the Kruger Park. Plenty of activities and flexible accommodation (including catered villas with pools) ensure it’s perfect for a get-together. A great choice if heading on safari with all the family.
• Family-owned, family-led, Madikwe Safari Lodge is a five-star stay suitable for all ages. It offers lots of activities including walking and driving safaris, as well as bird-watching. Alternatively grown-ups can indulge in a spa treatment. A well-recommended family safari experience.
• Priced for families, Khaya Ndlovu Manor House is filled to the rafters with antiques and local curios. It feels more like a home than a hotel. All of the rooms are cosy with sink-into-sofas, antique books, quirky artwork, and plenty of board games to keep all ages entertained.
• Kids will love waking up at Gorah Elephant Camp , without a doubt one of the best safari lodges in Addo Elephant National Park for families! Relax in the cosy setting of your colonial-style tent as these gentle giants pass by, en route to the watering hole. Bask in your very own watering hole, in the form of a glistening infinity pool.

For a five-star luxury lodge

• One of South Africa’s best safari lodges, Jabulani Safari is a favourite amongst honeymooners and well-heeled travellers. A “homage to the elephant”, it is located just outside the Kruger National Park and is on the front doorstep for spotting The Big 5. Stunning suites include four-posters, roll-top baths, and sprawling views. For total privacy, the Zindoga Villa is available on an exclusive basis.
• An award-winning lodge, Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve , located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve provides a five-star stay with private pools, an impressive wellness menu, and opulent suites with four-poster beds and luxurious bathrooms. Sample your choice of 'bush cuisine' or Western flavours, paired with an excellent wine list.
• With numerous awards under its belt, Royal Malewane does not disappoint. The safari lodge of dreams, its recently added Farmstead provides unrivalled luxury and total privacy. Colourful rooms are designed by the owner herself, Liz Biden. Though it bears a hefty price tag, once you’re there it’s an all-inclusive stay.

For sustainability

• Set amidst 26,000-acres of private reserve, Gondwana Game Reserve provides the ultimate Out Of Africa experience, all in a convenient location – just a 4-hour drive from Cape Town. Committed to conservation, this is one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for an environmentally friendly stay. Their mission is to use education, training, and community involvement to create employment for the local community while actively protecting the endangered flora and fauna within the region.
• Boasting excellent value as well as commendable conservation efforts, Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco-Reserve is a collection of 16-cottages just a short drive from Addo Elephant National Park. In particular, their Cheetah Project and Elephant Conservation offers educational guided tours and contributes to the preservation of these beautiful animals.
• A lifelong project for the Tompkins family, at 1.3 million acres, Samara Private Game Reserve is South Africa's third-largest protected area. Home to all of The Big 5, they are committed to preserving the local ecosystem. Very luxurious, it’s also one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for families.

Sleep under the stars

• Total romance at Motswari Private Game Reserve . This stunning family house turned safari lodge - with interiors by famed designer David Strauss and artwork by Marion Geiger-Orengo is an aesthete's haven. And the very best bit? You can sleep out in the wild.
• Spa, dining, and sumptuous interiors, Klaserie Sands is a grown-ups only lodge amidst the Kruger Park. Made for romance, it's loved by honeymooners, many of whom opt to try their ‘Star Bed’ experience. One of best safari lodges in South Africa for couples.
• A five-star stay with commendable conservation efforts, immersive spa treatments, and a long list of activities, but what sets Tswalu Kalahari is the opportunity to sleep al fresco, under the Milky Way, in The Motse camp. An unforgettable stay.
• Voted one of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Top 20 safari lodges in Africa’, there’s a lengthy list of reasons that make Lion Sands Game Reserve . Its prime location amidst The Kruger Park, restaurant quality dining and five-star spa treatments are all up there, but the piece de resistance has got to be their treehouse stay – the ultimate romantic sleepover.

For a couples stay

• A much more modern setting than most safari lodges in South Africa, Kapama Karula Camp offers 12 suites, including private pools and indoor-outdoor living, as well as an impressive wellness menu and fine dining; it truly is one of South Africa’s most romantic safari lodges.
• Roll-top baths, al-fresco showers and candle-lit bush dining, Tanda Tula wows with design-led interiors and tents with private sit-outs. Set in the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve there’s no better place to experience wildlife with romance, and service to match.
• Nestled amidst the Kruger Park, Hamiltons Tented Camp is an adults-only safari lodge and unforgettable couples’ stay. Choose from candlelit dining served alongside a colonial setting and fine wines or indulgent spa treatments or why not opt for both!
• Set amidst the stunning Sabi Sands Reserve, Nkorho Bush Lodge is great for couples, but also one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for families (and adults looking for some alone time)! Babysitting services are available, whilst you dine by candlelight or indulge with a spa treatment.
• All-out luxury, Kariega Settler's Drift is a contemporary, architecturally beautiful lodge, providing chic accommodation in a rugged setting. Sprawling rooms boast sink-into bathtubs and epic views. Utterly romantic.
• Camp Ndlovu is a very intimate stay with just three suites – the best boasting private pools. Adults-only, their offering includes pampering spa treatments, sophisticated interiors and capacious four posters. A very romantic experience.

For a spa-fari experience

• With its award-winning spa, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a sanctuary in itself. Utterly romantic, enjoy an open-air massage in the Riverside Gazebo, perched alongside the tranquil waters of the Boontjes River. Using signature B|Africa products, facilities include crystal steam room, heated outdoor pool, health bar, fitness centre and tranquillity lounge – all the hallmarks of a five-star spa set amidst the African wilderness.
• With a more contemporary feel than most lodges in Limpopo, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has an excellent wellness offering, including juice cleanses and yoga breaks. It’s also reasonably priced, compared to other safari lodges, and provides excellent children’s facilities, including a kid’s club and babysitting services. Highly recommended.
• Light and airy interiors abound at Esiweni Luxury Lodge , off-the-beaten-track in Nambiti Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal – home to all The Big 5, without the safari footfall of The Kruger Park. A member of the Relais & Chateaux collection, gourmet dining is guaranteed, but what sets it apart from the rest is the comprehensive spa menu, including immersive outdoor treatments, overlooking the reserve.
• Boasting an extensive Africology wellness programme (as well as a fully-fitted gym) Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge has all the facilities of a five-star hotel, in the privacy of its very own reserve. Superb conservation efforts ensure guests look after themselves, as well as the local environment.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include all our recommended safari lodges in the Kruger Park, Addo Elephant National Park , Sabi Sands, and The Karoo
• or widen the net even further and take in all the best safari lodges in South Africa including the Western , Eastern , and Northern Cape , the Free State , KwaZulu Natal , the North West Province , and Limpopo and Mpumalanga (for the Kruger Park).
• Alternatively you can contact one of the gurus for advice .

Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco-Reserve Addo 16 rooms from $133

Traditional African style huts, with thatched roofs, concealing luxurious interiors and quirky bathrooms. Each includes its own private sit out from which to watch the birds and wildlife pass by. There's a pool, excellent safari opportunities, as well as a strong environmental ethos. See More

Khaya Ndlovu Manor House Hoedspruit,, Limpopo 8 rooms from $423

Filled to the rafters with antiques and local curios, all of the rooms are very cosy with sink-into-sofas, antique books, and quirky artwork. Bask in the panoramic views from the infinity pool and decking area. An excellent breakfast is served each morning; lunch and dinner à la carte. See More

Samara Private Game Reserve Graaff-Reinet,, Eastern Cape 9 rooms from $441

Surrounded by thousands of acres of wild terrain, with 360° views across the Plains of Camdeboo. Choose from cheetah tracking to walking safaris, and picnic out in the wild. With admirable sustainability efforts, this property is passionate about conservation. Beautiful suites and fine dining. See More

Gondwana Game Reserve Western Cape 28 rooms from $547

A four-hour drive from Cape Town airport, this 26,000-acre private game reserve provides the ultimate Out Of Africa experience, in a convenient location. Rustic luxury lodges are perfect for couples and the family. There's a spa, fine dining, as well as enough activities to keep you busy for weeks! See More

Motswari Private Game Reserve Mpumalanga 15 rooms from $733

Stunning family house turned safari lodge - with interiors by famed designer David Strauss and artwork by Marion Geiger-Orengo it is an aesthete's haven. Each of its suites boasts a private sit-out where you can listen to the sound of the bushveld. Superb dining, infinity pool, plus daily safaris. See More

Hamiltons Tented Camp Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga 6 rooms from $765

Nestled amidst the Kruger Park, this adults-only safari lodge boasts luxurious suites and superb wildlife opportunities. An utterly romantic stay choose from candlelit dining and indulgent spa treatments. Delicious freshly baked cakes and pastries are served - as are gourmet dishes and fine wines. See More

Nkorho Bush Lodge Limpopo, Mpumalanga 7 rooms from $769

Beautifully appointed suites nestled amidst the private Sabi Sands reserve. Great for couples and families. Babysitting services are available as are indulgent spa treatments. A buffet feast is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus there's a great wine list. Excellent safari opportunities. See More

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa Limpopo 6 rooms from $797

Luxurious hotel providing excellent wellness packages and family facilities. Billowing four-poster beds gaze out across the wilderness, some rooms include private pools. Gourmet dining makes for a very romantic stay. From kids' clubs to juice cleanses, there's something to keep everyone happy. See More

Kapama Southern Camp Hoedspruit (R40 Klaserie River) 22 rooms from $840

Excellent family accommodation boasting private pools and your choice of activities. Flexible accommodation and dining mean it's perfect for children, whilst adults will love the spoiling spa treatments. Modern suites include stylish accommodation with private sit outs and some have private pools. See More

Camp Ndlovu Limpopo,, Limpopo 3 rooms from $880

This adults-only hotel provides the ultimate romantic stay. Private terraces look out across the bushveld (the best include their own private pool). Daily guided safari drives allow you to soak up the local wildlife. Superb dining, opulent suites, and pampering spa treatments - a spoiling stay. See More

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat Clanwilliam,, Western Cape 16 rooms from $883

An utterly immersive experience. This hotel is committed to its conservation efforts, from protecting the local wildlife to ensuring that almost all of your cuisine comes straight from their organic garden. Boasting an indulgent wellness centre, a long list of activities, and stunning suites. See More

Gorah Elephant Camp Addo 11 rooms from $937

Five-star stay amidst the famed Addo Elephant National Park. Relax in the lavish setting of your colonial-style tent to the sound of the plains. Candle-lit dining is the height of luxury - every creature comfort is taken care of. There's an inviting pool (the guest's own watering hole) to unwind. See More

Klaserie Sands Mpumalanga 5 rooms from $942

This five-star stay, nestled amidst the Kruger Park provides lavish interiors in a very grown-up setting. Choose between lounging by the pool, head out on an expertly led safari drive, or relax with a spa treatment - you can even 'sleep under the stars'. Superb dining. A great stay. See More

Esiweni Luxury Lodge Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal 5 rooms from $1007

Utterly luxurious safari lodge in the heart of the Nambiti Game Reserve. This five-star stay provides guests with a romantic and indulgent base from which to head off in search of the Big 5. All inclusive, two safari drives are included in your stay. Modern and opulent suites are very romantic. See More

Madikwe Safari Lodge North West Province 20 rooms from $1043

A family-owned lodge that welcomes yours. This five-star stay is suitable for all ages and offers luxurious rooms and bathrooms alongside plenty of activities. Gourmet dining, al fresco and by candlelight is an unforgettable experience. A lavish and well-recommended stay. See More

Kariega Settler's Drift Kenton-on-Sea,, Eastern Cape 9 rooms from $1063

All out luxury this contemporary, architecturally beautiful lodge provides chic accommodation in a rugged setting. Sprawling rooms provide a lavish stay with sink into bathtubs boasting epic views. Superb dining, an inviting bar, and a picture worthy infinity pool. See More

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Grahamstown,, Eastern Cape 26 rooms from $1235

Private game reserve comprised of five different properties, all different, all equally as luxurious. Choose between exclusive use villas and stylish suites. Superb wildlife opportunities, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and plenty to keep the little ones busy. Excellent eco credentials. See More

Tanda Tula Limpopo,, Mpumalanga 12 rooms from $1602

Five star stay in the midst of the Timbavati Game Reserve provides opulent interiors with colonial style tents filled with antiques. Each includes a private sit out with unparalleled views and bathrooms with roll-top baths. Fine dining plus excellent activities. An indulgent stay. See More

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve,, North West Province 10 rooms from $1855

Luxurious ten bedroom lodge boasting extensive wellness menu. Rooms juxtapose organic materials, stone and wood, with capacious four-posters and white linens, opening out onto a private terrace and pool. Restaurant quality dining in the middle of the African bush. Superb conservation efforts. See More

Lion Sands Game Reserve Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga 12 rooms from $2095

One of South Africa's finest safari lodges guests are pampered beyond imagination. Gourmet dining, indulgent spa treatments, there is even treehouse accommodation for the ultimate romantic sleepover. Suites boast impressive views, indoor-outdoor living and enormous baths. Divine. See More

Kapama Karula Camp Hoedspruit 12 rooms from $2424

Modern safari lodge providing separate suites nestled in the heart of the African bush. Boasting private pools and indoor-outdoor living, it's a truly wild stay. Enormous suites spill over into luxurious bathrooms. An impressive wellness menu, fine dining, and excellent game drives. Wonderful. See More

Jabulani Safari Hoedspruit 7 rooms from $2474

Sumptuous five-star suites boasting private pools, opulent four-poster beds and baths that are meant for lingering - with views out across the savannah. Gourmet dishes are on the menu, from a hearty breakfast spread to candlelit dinners. Immersive spa and plenty of activities. Sublime. See More

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve Hazyview,, Mpumalanga 8 rooms from $2501

Award-winning lodgings, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve provides a five-star stay with private pools, an impressive wellness menu, and opulent suites with four-poster beds and luxurious bathrooms. Sample your choice of 'bush cuisine' or Western flavours, paired with an excellent wine list. See More

Tswalu Kalahari Northern Cape 15 rooms from $3340

Five-star lodge with excellent conservation efforts and immersive spa treatments. Choose from riding, walking, or 4x4 safaris to spot the local wildlife. Rooms are very romantic, and there's even the option to sleep under the stars. The full package, an unforgettable stay. See More

Royal Malewane Hoedspruit 6 rooms from $3459

Winner of countless awards, Royal Malewane is one of, if not the most luxurious stay in South Africa. With a hefty price tag it's one to truly spoil yourself, though once you're there, it's all included. Colourful rooms are designed by the owner herself, Liz Biden. Gourmet dining. A sublime stay. See More

Written by Megan Lambert

Search the best hotels in South Africa

• Where To Stay
• Holiday Rentals
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Ask the Guru

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti Hotel

from 1,821 $

Main amenities of the hotel

• Free Internet
• Suitable for children
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness centre
• Seronera Airstrip  •  20.1 km

Available rooms

Enter your dates of travel and we will display the current prices

No dates selected

If you don't know the specific dates yet, select approximate dates to see the price estimates.

Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park

Description of the hotel

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti Hotel is located in the Serengeti National Park. This hotel is 40 km from the city center.

At the hotel

You can stop by the bar. Taste the local cuisine and have a rest in the restaurant. Free Wi-Fi on the territory will help you to stay on-line. If you travel by car, there’s a free parking zone.

If you travel by car, there’s a parking zone. The following services are also available for the guests: a massage room, a sauna, a spa center and a doctor. Sports fans will be able to enjoy a fitness center and a gym. Tourists who can’t live without swimming will appreciate a pool, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.

You can arrange a business meeting, a board meeting, and even a job interview as there is a conference hall. There are playrooms for children at the hotel. They will be having so much fun that you might have to spend the evening with adults. If you want to make your journey even more comfortable, you can order a transfer. Accessible for guests with disabilities: the elevator helps them to go to the highest floors.

There are other services available for the guests of the hotel. For example, a laundry, dry cleaning, ironing, press, a safe-deposit box and a concierge. The staff of the hotel will be happy to talk to you in English, Spanish and French.

Room amenities

In the room, for you, there is a DVD player, an alarm clock, a shower, a TV, a mini-bar, a bathrobe and slippers. Please note that the listed services may not be available in all the rooms.

Facts about the hotel

Year of construction

Type of electrical socket

230 V / 50 Hz

Number of rooms

What other amenities are there?

• Air conditioning
• 24-hour reception
• Elevator/lift
• Smoking areas
• Currency exchange
• Smoke-free property
• Security guard
• Express check-in/check-out
• Fire Extinguisher
• Non-smoking rooms
• Room service
• Family room
• Smoke Detector
• Flat-screen TV
• Shower/Bathtub
• Wardrobe/Closet
• Alarm clock
• Mosquito net

Accessibility

• Accessibility features
• Wheelchair Accessible

Services and amenities

paid for separately

• Luggage storage
• Safe-deposit box
• Concierge services
• Wake-up service
• Coffee/tea for guests
• Breakfast in the room
• Restaurant (buffet style)
• Breakfast/lunch to go
• Bottled water

Languages Spoken

• Free parking
• Parking nearby
• Free Parking on Premises

Pool and beach

• Swimming pool
• Outdoor pool
• Beach/pool towels
• Business center
• Fax and copy machine
• Meeting and presentation facilities
• Conference Hall
• Fitness facilities

Beauty and wellness

• First Aid Kit
• Babysitting and childcare
• Pets Not Allowed

Health and Safety Measures

• Temperature control for staff
• Personal protection equipment for staff
• Extra decontamination measures
• Temperature control for guests
• Personal protection equipment for guests
• Contactless check-in and/or check-out
• Individually packaged food
• Additional measures against COVID-19

Check-in terms and conditions

Additional information.

Based on 989 reviews from guests around the world

Cleanliness

Hygiene products

Value for money

Wi-Fi quality

Review sorting

• Company and team

Our app has lower prices and more options! You can also pay by Apple Pay and Android Pay there. Besides, you can easily access your booking vouchers in your personal account even if you're offline.

Registered service mark in the European Union

• South Africa Safari Lodges, Camps & Hotels

Standard Hotels

City lodge or tambo airport, nxamaseri island lodge, cape town hotels, abbey manor, cape cadogan hotel, cloud 9 boutique hotel, kensington place, moore quarters hotel, president hotel, the pepper club luxury hotel and spa, tintswalo atlantic lodge, trevoyan guest house, victoria & alfred hotel, vineyard hotel, winchester boutique hotel, durban hotels, protea hotel edward, teremok marine, the benjamin hotel, franschhoek hotels, avondrood guest house, babylonstoren, franschhoek hotel, greater kruger national park hotels, &beyond kirkman's kamp, &beyond ngala safari lodge, arathusa safari lodge, boulders lodge - singita, chapungu tented camp, dulini lodge, ebony lodge - singita, kapama river lodge, lion sands ivory lodge, moditlo river lodge, notten's bush camp, sabi sabi bush lodge, savanna private game reserve lodge, simbambili game lodge, simbavati hilltop lodge, simbavati river lodge, tanda tula safari camp, the royal malewane, thornybush game lodge, hermanus hotels, grootbos garden lodge, harbour house hotel, hluhluwe-imfolozi game reserve hotels, rhino ridge safari lodge, johannesburg hotels, fairlawns boutique hotel, protea hotel balalaika sandton, protea hotel or tambo airport, the peech hotel, kruger national park hotels, hoyo-hoyo safari lodge, perry's bridge hollow, rhino post safari lodge, oudtshoorn hotels, de opstal country lodge, surval boutique olive estate, phinda private game reserve hotels, &beyond phinda mountain lodge, plettenberg bay hotels, hog hollow country lodge, hunter's country house, port elizabeth hotels, radisson blu hotel, sabi sand private game reserve hotels, dulini leadwood lodge, dulini river lodge, tswalu game reserve hotels, tswalu motse, umhlanga hotels, the oyster box, zulu kingdom hotels, ghost mountain inn, south africa travel guide.

• All South Africa Trips
• All South Africa Travel Stories
• 3 Best Safari Lodges of Kruger National Park
• What to Expect on a South Africa Safari: A How-To Guide to Help you Prepare for Your Trip
• South Africa Tours: 7 Amazing Destinations!
• South Africa Safari: 10 Zany Creatures You Never Even Knew Existed
• South Africa FAQs
• Luxury African Safari

Favorite South Africa All Trips

• South Africa Snapshot
• South Africa Big Five Safari
• South Africa Luxury Snapshot
• South Africa Luxury Family Safari
• South Africa Luxury Winelands

Top South Africa Travel Destinations

• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
• Tswalu Game Reserve

South Africa Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 South Africa trips (22)
• 2025 South Africa trips (21)
• 2026 South Africa trips (13)
• June 2024 (15)
• July 2024 (15)
• August 2024 (16)
• September 2024 (16)
• October 2024 (16)
• November 2024 (18)
• March 2025 (17)
• April 2025 (15)
• August 2025 (15)

Top Experiences in South Africa

• South Africa Wildlife & Safari Exploration (18)
• South Africa Cruises (15)
• South Africa Luxury (10)
• South Africa Land Tours (10)
• South Africa River Cruises (8)
• South Africa Cultural (4)
• South Africa Scheduled Group Tour (4)
• South Africa Active (3)

South Africa Trips by Duration

• 9 day trips (6)
• 13 day trips (3)
• 22 day trips (4)

South Africa Trips by Activity

• South Africa wildlife viewing (24)
• South Africa village visits (10)
• South Africa wilderness lodge exploration (9)
• South Africa small ship cruises (8)
• South Africa land & sea exploration (5)
• South Africa hiking (5)
• South Africa adventure options (5)
• South Africa kayaking (4)
• South Africa wine tasting (4)
• South Africa helicopter tours (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Book Now Tickets + Safaris

Explore 600 acres of Kentish Savannah

A truly incredible safari experience.

Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah. 

There's never been a better time to visit Port Lympne. Bring your family to meet our family!

Bank Holiday Roast

Enjoy a mouth-watering May bank holiday Roast at The Garden Room Restaurant. Our chefs have prepared a feast fit for a king, with succulent meats, crisp roast potatoes, and locally sourced vegetables.

Book Day Tickets

Book a visit to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and come face-to-face with hundreds of rare and endangered animals in the Kent countryside

Spring Safari Staycations

Join us on our stunning Kentish savannah this spring and enjoy a magical getaway with award-winning accommodation, exotic wildlife, good food and spectacular views, right on your doorstep!

Sunday Roast at The Garden Room

One of the finest English traditions, a leisurely Sunday roast can be enjoyed in the Garden Room.

Bear Lodge Restaurant

Informal family dining overlooking the spectacled bear habitat, with a spectacular view across the reserve and to the Kent coastline.

How Your Visit Helps

Dinosaur forest, eat and drink.

Don't forget to book your seats aboard a safari truck and see how many magnificent animals you can spot on your way!

We’re home to over 900 animals across 75 species, including Kent's only spectacled bears as well as giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys and more! Find out more about our incredible animals here .

Your ticket will help to fund not only the care of the animals here at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve but will also support our overseas projects. Thanks to the generosity of visitors like you, we - in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation (charity number 326567) - have released more than 75 gorillas back to the wild and our released gorillas have had over 35 wild births! In Indonesia, we have released 41 Javan gibbons, 14 Javan grizzled langurs and 125 Javan ebony langurs. The Indonesian primates have over 35 wild births. We have also transferred 8 black rhino from our Kent parks to Africa, who have produced 25 offspring between them. Find out more about our conservation work around the world.

Steel your nerves and discover the forest that time forgot as you explore the UK’s largest outdoor dinosaur exhibition, Dinosaur Forest , featuring all your favourite beasts.

We serve home cooked food made with fresh, locally sourced produce at our restaurants and cafes . You'll find family favourites at Basecamp Cafe, Italian inspired dishes at Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza or dine in style at The Garden Room Restaurant & Bar.

Relax, unwind, and recharge with an overnight stay in one of our unique accommodations .

The BIG day out

Annual pass.

Go wild and enjoy the best value days out to two of Kent's most popular animal parks with our new Annual Pass.  Visit Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve as many times as you like in a year! 

Your next adventure awaits

Enjoy unforgettable short breaks with friends, family and loved ones. Stay as long as you like and even pick a different accommodation for each night! Choose additional experiences or just soak up the peace and quiet, recharge and reconnect.

Stay in our multi award-winning accommodation

There are so many amazing ways to stay at Port Lympne. Our award winning short breaks range from glamping to a luxurious 4* hotel , or a unique Treehouse stay . Set in this unique coastal location, with amazing views, surrounded by wildlife, it’s a short break you’ll never forget.

What’s more, all profits from the parks and short breaks go back into the conservation work of our partner charity, The Aspinall Foundation. So you can enjoy your stay, knowing that you are directly helping our conservation work.

Luxury Stays

Immerse yourself in the lives of the lion pride at Lion Lodge and explore the rest of the Reserve on your private golf buggy.

Tiger Lodge

Wake up in a tiger’s world, then head out in your own personal golf buggy to meet the rest of the animals in the 600 acre reserve.

Be part of the pack and watch our wolves from your private viewing window. Then discover over 700 animals as you explore the reserve on your golf buggy.

Rhino Lodge

Make friends with your wild neighbours and explore the reserve in your own personal golf buggy.

Enjoy stunning views from your award winning self-catering treehouse suite and explore the 600 acre reserve on your own personal golf buggy.

Mansion Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at our 4* boutique hotel.

Giraffe Cottage

A classic country retreat with a guided safari and a private chef!

The Treetop Bubble

Immerse yourself in a luxury romantic retreat amongst the treetops, with 180 degree panoramic views. Includes your own personal golf buggy.

Forest Hideaway

Exclusive hidden forest dens, for the ultimate romantic retreat. Includes a golf buggy to explore the reserve at your leisure.

Hog Deer Creek

Stay in the wilds of Kent in your cosy shepherd’s hut. Explore the 600 acre reserve on your own private golf buggy.

Glamping Stays

Unforgettable glamping getaway overlooking the spectacled bear habitat. Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience.

Giraffe Lodge

Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience - right here in Kent!

Put the fun back into camping without the need to pitch a tent at Pinewood, where you can sleep within roaring distance of lions!

Pinewood - Shepherds Hut

Camp in style and comfort at Pinewood's Shepherd's Hut and fall asleep to the sound of the roaring lions!

There's so much more to Port Lympne...

We’re not just an award-winning wild day out and we’re not just a charity with conservation at our heart. We take good care of our animals and good care of our guests, too! There’s nowhere in the world quite like Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.

• Book activities including animal encounters, keeper days and safari park tours
• Have a party or host your next conference or event 
• Book your next getaway
• Get married at our award-winning wedding venue
• Eat and drink

What's on

Experiences

Explore: dinosaur forest.

Steel your nerves as you journey through Dinosaur Forest !  Marvel at the tremendous T-Rex, stare at the Stegosaurus, feel the terror of the Pterodactyl, and delight at the sheer size of the diplodocus! Come face to face with prehistoric life-sized creatures in the UK’s largest dinosaur forest!

We’re not a zoo

• Port Lympne Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals and wherever possible we aim to send animals born here to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be.
• We always make sure that the animals come first, from enclosure design to diet, no expense is spared. We grow our own herbs and vegetables and source our meat from trustworthy suppliers.
• We design our enclosures with the animals in mind, so there’s lots of natural foliage and furniture to provide shelter and camouflage.
• We never lock our animals into viewing areas, so, just like in the wild, it may take some time to spot certain animals.
• We do our best to provide a fantastic visitor experience, whilst not forgetting the primary reason we’re here – to ensure the survival of endangered animals.

TRIPADVISOR Wonderful Day Out An excellent place to visit - see the animals close up and enjoy excellent food at Baby Dolls restaurant. Friendly helpful staff everywhere around the huge park. The Safari ride is a must do. A great day out at a great price. Ken S. Written August 26, 2021

TRIPADVISOR Super Safari The reserve is large and offers a lovely day out. I highly recommend booking the safari as this was the best part of our visit. Amy Rogers. Written August 6, 2021

TRIPADVISOR An unbelievable experience We were all amazed at just how good this place is. We stayed in the hotel for two nights so got two full days in the park. Everything is so well organised and the safari drives are brilliant. You get to see so many animals close up. We have been to a South African safari and we saw more animals here than we did there. We were very luck with the weather which added to the experience. You have to give this place a try, you will love it and the kids will too. Gary F. Written October 6, 2020

How to get here

Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne (Nr Hythe), Kent, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD

Share this page

All-inclusive Luxury African Safari Lodges, Resorts, Camps, Hotels (Where to Stay)

All-inclusive Luxury African Safari Lodges, Resorts, Camps, Hotels and Where to stay, Videos, Reviews for families, couple, seniors, couples.

The most Exclusive African Safari Lodges range from classic Big Five safari camps to sumptuous riverside retreats, the range of five-star African safari lodges, resorts, and Camps is nothing short of extraordinary. In no particular order, these are 100 of the continent’s best.

Our Trusted Luxury African Safari Lodges, Resorts & Camps

Some of the best chances in the world to see wildlife are in Africa. On a safari, the “ Big Five “—the lion, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, and the elusive leopard—take center stage, but it may also be fascinating and interesting to view the smaller, less famous species, such as impalas, zebras, and hyenas. Nothing compares to a safari that includes watching the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti. The Okavango Delta in Botswana and Kruger National Park in South Africa are two additional fantastic safari locations . It seems sense that the 100 most opulent safari lodges in Africa are all found in these regions.

African Safari Lodges, Resorts, Camps & Hotels

The majority of them are run by the three most prestigious safari firms on the continent: &Beyond , Wilderness Safaris , Sanctuary Retreats, Asilia, African Bush Camps, Desert & Delta, Governors’ Camp Collection, Wild Horizons, The Bushcamp Company, The Zanzibar Collection, The Safari Collection, Saruni Lodges, Porini Camps, Alex Walker’s Serian Camps, Angama Mara, Azura Retreats, Babylonstoren, Chem Chem Safari, Chiawa Collection, Constance Hotels, MORE Family Collection, Natural Selection Camps, Cape Grace, Newmark Hotels, Simbavati Lodge Collection, Time + Tide, Thornybush Collection, and Singita .

South African Safari Lodges, Hotels & Camps

Top Luxury Lodges & Camps

Even the pickiest tourists can get everything they need in South Africa. The Rainbow Nation has it all, whether you want to spend your days relaxing on the beach, enjoying exquisite wine in picturesque vineyards, discovering culture-rich urban cities, or going on a traditional Big 5 African safari. Beginning your ideal vacation in the perennially popular Kruger National Park, travel to Cape Town, one of the most stunning cities in the world.

Explore Lodges in South Africa

Botswana Safari Lodges, Camps, Hotels 

Best Luxury Lodges & Camps

The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are two of the most well-liked safari locations in Africa, and both are located in Botswana. The Kalahari and Linyanti are two undiscovered jewels. Botswana is a safari enthusiast’s dream since it is teeming with a variety of species and has a varied terrain that varies from lush riverine forests to dramatic salt flats.

Explore Lodges in Botswana

Mozambique Beach Lodges & Hotels

Top Luxury lodges & Hotels

In and around Mozambique, a wide variety of lodging alternatives are available. These range from basic backpackers to wild camping, but the lodges we’ve chosen offer an opulent and unique experience. The beauty of Mozambique is that there aren’t many big resorts, so you can truly escape the city’s flashing lights. The majority of our guests choose to stay in opulent beach cottages in remote seaside locations rather than hotels.

Explore Lodges in Mozambique

Namibia Safari Lodges, Hotels, and Camps

Luxury lodges in Namibia

Luxury safari lodges and camps in Namibia are few and far between – the arid Namib Desert makes it one of the least densely populated places on Earth – but because we’ve been exploring this destination since 1998, we’re able to curate a definitive list.

Explore Lodges in Namibia

Zambia Safari Lodges and Camps

Top luxury lodges & camps

Both experienced and inexperienced safari travelers like Zambia. A Zambia safari has plenty to offer every kind of traveler thanks to wonders like South Luangwa National Park, which is famed for walking safaris across its wildlife-rich plains, and the legendary Victoria Falls.

Explore Lodges in Zambia

Zimbabwe Safari Lodges & Camps

Top luxury lodges and camps

With each region offering its own unique wonders, exploring the country’s top spots is highly recommended. To help you plan and find the best Zimbabwe accommodation, we’ve found the 19 best places to stay in Zimbabwe.

Explore Lodges in Zimbabwe

Kenya Safari Lodges, Hotels, and Camps

Top luxury lodges, and camps

Choosing a place to stay when embarking on a luxury safari in Kenya is almost as important as the national park or game reserve. To make things a little easier, we’ve rounded up the best spots for luxury accommodation in Kenya:

Explore Lodges in Kenya

Congo Safari Lodges and Camps

A unique safari lodges and camps

Stay in the most beautiful rainforest and bai sites in one of the many one-of-a-kind Congo safari lodges that are perfectly at home with the surrounding forest on a safari in the Congo that is centered on Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The best places to stay, eat, and wash your boots in between treks are listed here.

Explore Lodges in Congo

Rwanda Safari Lodges, Camps

Top safari lodges, camps, and hotels

Rwanda’s rainforests and savannahs, two of the country’s most spectacular regions, offer a wide variety of conservation tourism opportunities. Bisate, a town that has won numerous awards, is located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in an eroded volcanic cone. And the sophisticated Magashi in Akagera National Park, where you can take in breathtaking views of Lake Rwanyakazinga and a wide variety of the famous animals that make Africa what it is.

Explore Lodges in Rwanda

Seychelles Safari Lodges, Hotels

Discover safari lodges and hotels

Welcome to blue safari Seychelles, We are blazing a trail for a new kind of unique lodging and experiential travel in the heart of the Indian Ocean’s last untamed frontier while also actively safeguarding this precious area.

Explore Lodges in Seychelles

Malawi Safari Lodges, Camps, Hotels

An unrivaled safari lodges, camps and hotels

Affectionate and laid-back Anyone interested in a safari and beach vacation should consider visiting Malawi. Malawi has a wide variety of places to stay, from little guesthouses on the shores of Lake Malawi to sprawling luxury hotels on its rocky islands and even in safari hotspots like Liwonde National Park and the Nyika Plateau.

Explore Lodges in Malawi

Mauritius Safari Lodges, Resorts, Camps and Hotels

Experience safari lodges, camps and hotels

In the middle of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by coral reefs and white sand beaches, is the island paradise of Mauritius. Along the island’s shoreline are luxurious resorts with ginormous pools, an abundance of water sports, and shady sun loungers just steps from the water. The beauty of a vacation in Mauritius is that it is simple and stress-free because everything you could possibly need is in close proximity to one another. The service at these resorts is good, the amenities are excellent, and all tastes are catered for.

Explore Lodges in Mauritius

Tanzania Safari Lodges, Camps, Resorts, hotels

Top safari lodges, hotels and resorts

Tanzania is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, from sun-drenched savannas and lush forests to pristine beaches and exotic islands. The variety of available lodgings, from rustic safari camps to modern eco-lodges and romantic getaways, is a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage. There are safaris that are suitable for families, others that are ideal for lone travelers, and still others that are tailored to larger groups or private excursions.

Explore Lodges in Tanzania

Uganda Safari Lodges, Camps, Hotels, and Resorts

Luxury Safari lodges, resorts, and camps

Forests, mountains, and river valleys are where you’ll find the most impressive resorts on your Uganda safari. Check out some of our top picks for the best safari lodges in Africa to decide where you want to stay.

Explore Lodges in Uganda

Ethiopia Safari Lodges, Hotels, Camps & Resorts

Luxury safari lodges, hotels and camps

There was a dearth of high-end lodging options in Ethiopia until very recently, and this is still true to some extent. Camps and safari lodges of varying degrees of complexity, some of which remain both basic and simply practical, make up the bulk of the country’s offering. There used to be a dearth of high-quality lodging options in Ethiopia, but that’s changing, especially in popular destinations like Lalibela and Addis Ababa.

Explore Lodges in Ethiopia

Tunisa Safari Lodges, Camps, and Hotels

Luxury lodges, camps and hotels

Tunisia, a country in North Africa on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is a great vacation spot for people from all over the world. This tiny country is jam-packed with historical sites and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-see for any adventurer. The country’s diversified geography is typified by the sandy Mediterranean coast and its beaches, the wide expanse of the Sahara Desert, forested coasts, dazzling salt flats, and busy cobblestone alleyways scented with jasmine and sea wind.

Explore Lodges in Tunisia

Egypt Safari Lodges, Hotels, Camps

Lovely Safari Lodges, hotels and camps

Some of the world’s most famous hotels may be found in Egypt. These hotels, many of which date back to the colonial era, were frequented by famous figures like Howard Carter, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie.

Explore Lodges in Egypt

Ghana Safari Lodges, Resorts, Camps & Hotels

Exclusive safari lodges, resorts, and camps

Although many visitors and would-be visitors associate Africa with safaris, the promise of gazing at gorgeous wild game is not true in the vast majority of Africa’s varied ecosystems. West Africa is an enclave of cultural tourism, where the people rather than the wildlife are the main appeal. This is in contrast to the eastern and southern extremities of Africa, which are characterized by various safari offerings in mystical natural surroundings.

Explore Lodges in Ghana

Morocco Safari Lodges, Resort, camps, spa and hotels

Luxury safari lodges, spa, hotels and camps

There are numerous sides to Morocco, each reflecting the country’s extensive history and diverse cultural traditions. This primarily Muslim nation is well-known for its mouthwatering cuisine, stunning buildings, exotic souks, and vibrant Berber culture. Morocco’s varied landscape includes towering mountains, lush oasis towns, historic walled seaports, and stunning deserts. It is one of just three countries in the world to have both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline.

Explore Lodges in Morocco

The Safari Hotels of South Africa

South Africa’s parks and private game reserves are not only filled with the country’s “Big Five” wild animals, they also boast some of the world’s most respected and remarkable safari hotels.

The safari as we know it today was developed in Africa throughout the 1900s. But it was only toward the end of the century, on the land in and around South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, that the modern luxury safari began to take shape. That area, along with other game reserves in the country, are a haven for Africa’s Big Five — elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo — and a breeding ground for the types of hotels we like to see protected and cherished nearly as much as those amazing animals: unique, purpose-built, slightly indulgent accommodations that exist best in the place they were born.

On a safari, you get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. How much you’d like to maintain that intimacy back at your safari hotel is entirely up to you. Intrepid travelers might relish being roused in the middle of the night by the rustling of leaves and the scraping of canvas as an unknown creature saunters by the outside of their tent. Others might opt for taking a few steps back from all that realness, preferring instead a less immersive slumber a little higher off the ground. You know what we’re going to say next: On Tablet, we’ve got options to meet either taste.

Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge

Ladysmith, south africa.

The safari experience has changed in many ways since Hemingway’s day. For one thing, you’re here to photograph the wildlife, not bring it home. Perhaps most important, from the perspective of a lover of high-end hospitality, is that safari lodges are only getting more and more luxurious. Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge is a case in point. Its setting, in the Nambiti private game reserve, is stunning, varied, wild, and chock full of animals. And back at the lodge, the living is easy indeed.

Barrydale, South Africa

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, in South Africa’s Western Cape, is not one luxury lodge, but four. Tilney Manor is built around the estate’s original manor house, while Dwyka Tented Lodge offers a futuristic vision of safari-camp life; Explorer Camp’s tents are closer to roughing it, though each still comes with a private deck and a heated Jacuzzi; and at Gondwana Family Lodge, a large swimming pool awaits and wildlife experiences are specifically designed with children in mind.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Sabi sand game reserve, south africa.

Lion Sands is in the top tier of South African experiences. Four unique modern lodges and two private villas serve as guests’ home base for unforgettable safaris along the Sabie River. This region is rich in biodiversity, and it’s all for the benefit of those staying at Lion Sands — this is the only sanctuary located between the Sabi Sand Game Preserve and Kruger National Park. In addition to guided tours, where minimal human contact is promised, lodge treehouses — seemingly floating above an expanse of grassland — are reservable.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Grahamstown, south africa.

The six suites at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge offer an unforgettable view over a private reserve of thick vegetation and steep shale cliffs in southern South Africa. The suites are constructed in order to feel as close as possible to nature; natural light is plentiful, views expansive, and showers open-air, facing the lush foliage beyond. Game rides, fishing trips, walking tours, and other safari activities are available for reservation. And a South African barbecue class/meal offers a grounding in the traditional braai style.

Shamwari Sindile

Paterson, south africa.

Shamwari Sindile’s nine freestanding tents are slightly elevated above the veld along the side of the Bushman’s River, each one minimizing its environmental footprint while also paying tribute to the habitat of the solitary leopard. Tents or not, these are luxe accommodations, with Nespresso machines and indoor fireplaces as well as plunge pools and outdoor showers. From here you’ve got a front-row view of the Eastern Cape wildlife in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps

Kruger national park, south africa.

The Manyeleti Game Reserve encompasses nearly a hundred square miles of wild bush bordering Kruger National Park, and is populated by all manner of game, including the Big Five. It’s home to some humans as well, namely the Mnisi tribe, who own and manage the lands, and guests of the Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps. The park is private, but within the camps there’s a refreshingly egalitarian, community-oriented vibe — meals are taken communally, and there’s every opportunity to indulge in a bit of camaraderie.

Makalali River Lodge

Hoedspruit, south africa.

Bordered by the Makhustwi River and opening out onto more than 60,000 acres of grassland and savanna, Makalali River Lodge is an immersive setting that puts guests in close contact with the continent’s most unique wildlife. The lodge’s private suites have raised viewing decks and thatched roofs, but rough and rugged they’re not — sumptuous bedding, picture windows, and rich woods accent each suite, putting a spin on the safari aesthetic that is modernizing without being sanitizing.

Royal Malewane

Some modern luxury safari lodges differentiate themselves by pushing against the boundaries of tradition. Others set themselves apart by pursuing the traditional concept of the safari camp to its logical conclusion. The sublime Royal Malewane, in Kruger National Park, falls squarely into the latter category: eight palatial thatched-roof suites, decked out in elegant colonial style, stand on stilts above the bush of the nature reserve, connected by walkways offering an elevated view of the surrounding landscape.

Vuyani Safari Lodge

Moditlo private game reserve, south africa.

The Vuyani makes its home in the Moditio Private Game Reserve, where it’s the only place to stay. The Moditio is adjacent to the 36,000-acre Blue Canyon Conservancy, and Kruger National Park, itself one of the largest, oldest and most wildlife-rich reserves in the world. The safari-lodge charms of the Vuyani include two daily game drives led by expert local trackers, three over-the-top meals a day, accommodations that look rustic on the outside but contain such features as marble bathrooms within.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Hectorspruit, south africa.

Nestled in Kruger Park near South Africa’s eastern border, Lukimbi is a tasteful, comfortable throwback to the days when Ernest Hemingway was tramping around the continent. Guests can expect to see lions, rhinos, leopards, and more on this boutique hotel’s guided safaris, where they might also encounter any of the park’s 420 native bird species. Suites are furnished with classic South African décor, and the premier suites feature a bath big enough for two, a private patio and pool, and the occasional visit from the neighborhood’s elephants.

Jock Safari Lodge

You can’t get closer to Kruger National Park than at Jock Safari Lounge. This luxury lodge is located in the southern end of the 15,000-acre park, and offers a variety of game drives, wilderness walks, birdwatching tours and even safaris designed specifically for children. The main lodge’s twelve suites feature thatched roofs and privacy provided by lush trees and reed walls, each one with a beautiful view of the scenic riverbed, as well as a path to a private deck with plunge pool.

Shamwari Bayethe

Another lodge that falls under the Shamwari umbrella, within the private game reserve of the same name, Shamwari Bayethe’s twelve tents aim to provide top-flight luxury alongside total immersion in the landscape of the Eastern Cape. It’s a classic luxury-safari experience, with ample opportunity for viewing the so-called Big Five, and accommodations that expand what you thought possible from a mere tent, including outdoor showers, plunge pools, and living rooms warmed by fireplaces.

Skip to Content

OPENING IN 2021!

Check availability…, lodges on sale until september 2024, register for the latest updates and booking exclusives.

Be the first to know all the latest details & availability!

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE

Introducing the award-winning Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park. A mixture of beautiful lodges and premium cottages, designed to give you an up-close and immersive overnight wildlife experience like no other.

Safari Lodges short breaks include dinner and breakfast, spectacular views of the animals, admission to the Park during the day and Theme Park ride wristbands*.

*Summer season only. Generally from mid-February to end of October. Please see wmsp.co.uk for exact dates.

WATCH THE VIDEO…

Eight exclusive, luxury lodges, designed to give you an up-close and personal overnight wildlife experience like no other.

They will be integrated into the newly-updated reserves, with spectacular views overlooking the elephant and cheetah habitats.

Nestled into their own secluded area, there will be six lodges offering the only overnight accommodation experience with African elephants in the UK.

Two more lodges will offer incredible views of our majestic cheetahs.

Watch the wildlife as night falls over the reserves, whilst you enjoy a sumptuous evening meal, freshly-prepared by our chefs.

Wake up with views of elephants or cheetahs enjoying their morning feed while you feast on a delicious breakfast.

Safari Lodges short breaks include exclusive views of the animals, admission to the Park during the day and Theme Park wristbands*.

*Summer Season only.

• Conservation
• Accessibility
• Keep in Touch
• Privacy Policy

WINTER VIP TOUR – EXTRA INFO

What’s included:

• Tour of the Safari in one of our jeeps
• A chance to feed a number of our animals
• Admission to the Safari Park
• Lunch voucher
• Pictures from your day on a memory stick, taken by your guide

Important Info:

• Minimum age for participants is 6 years. Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult.
• VIP Experiences can either be booked for a specific date or on an open-dated basis valid for the season. Whilst we will always try to accommodate changes in date, this is subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.
• Once an experience has been purchased, refunds will not be considered.

VIP INDIAN RHINO FEED – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting and feeding our Indian rhinos
• Minimum age for participants is 6 years.
• Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult
• Once an experience has been purchased refunds will not be considered.

VIP LEMUR & MEERKAT FEED – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting and feeding our lemurs and meerkats
• Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult.
• Only available during our Summer Season.

VIP FAMILY CREATURE FEATURE – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting some smaller animals which could include chinchillas, tenrecs, rabbits, cockroaches or giant African snails

VIP MINI KEEPER EXPERIENCE – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting, feeding and helping to care for animals such as chinchillas, rats, meerkats, ferrets, rabbits and even some fascinating invertebrates
• A keeper certificate
• Suitable for children between the ages of 5-9 years.
• One parent may accompany the Mini Keeper to watch during the Experience, but they will not be able to participate.  They will only have access to the Safari Walk areas, and will not gain access to the Safari Drive.
• Maximum two children per day.

VIP CARNIVORE KEEPER EXPERIENCE – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting, feeding and helping to care for carnivores, which could include tigers, lions or cheetahs
• Ride wristband to use in the Adventure Theme Park
• Suitable for guests aged 16+.

VIP ULTIMATE TOUR – EXTRA INFO 

• A half day experience
• Minimum age for participants is 6 years. Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.
• VIP Experiences can be booked for a specific date. Whilst we will always try to accommodate changes in date, this is subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.

VIP LION FEED – EXTRA INFO 

• A 45-minute experience
• Meeting and feeding our lions

VIP RHINO KEEPER EXPERIENCE – EXTRA INFO

• A half-day experience
• Meeting, feeding and looking after our Indian rhino
• A keeper for the Day Certificate
• Minimum age for participants is 16 years.

VIP GIRAFFE FEED – EXTRA INFO

• A 30-minute experience
• Meeting and feeding our herd of giraffes

VIP JUNIOR KEEPER EXPERIENCE – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting, feeding and helping to care for animals like rhinos, lemurs, meerkats and more.
• A certificate
• Suitable for children between the ages of 10-15 years.

VIP GUIDED TOUR – EXTRA INFO 

• A 90-minute experience
• A guided tour of the Safari Drive-through in one of our jeeps
• Minimum age for participants is 3 years. Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.

VIP STAR OF THE SEA LION SHOW – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting and feeding our sea lions during a Sea Lion Show
• Certificate
• A picture from your day
• Minimum age for participants is 5 years.
• Only one ‘Star’ per Sea Lion Show.

LION LODGE – OPENING SOON

We will be offering luxury overnight stays with lions in early summer 2023! The accommodation will be authentically integrated into the brand-new lion habitat, located past our African Village. Guests will experience an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife encounter, like no other.

The Lion Lodges will feature open-plan living and luxury interiors, with breathtaking views from every room into the new lion habitat, through floor-to-ceiling windows.

More details will be announced soon. To be the first to hear about updates, sign up to our e-Newsletter! Click Here .

TIGER LODGE

We will be offering luxury overnight stays with Sumatran tigers in autumn 2022! The accommodation will be authentically integrated into the newly built tiger habitat, giving guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife encounter, like no other.

The tiger lodges will feature open plan living and luxury interiors, with breathtaking views from every room into the new tiger habitat through floor to ceiling windows.

Asia Chevron

Thailand Chevron

Koh Samui Chevron

The Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui, Thailand

By Hannah Summers

From safari-style tents to private island villas and life-altering wellness retreats to splash parks and ball pits, the small Andaman island of Koh Samui in Thailand has it all when it comes to hotels. The island’s first five-star hotel opened here back in the mid-1980s, followed by a slow trickle of new openings to what exists today: Thailand’s most luxurious island, but also somewhere with hotels for virtually every type of traveler. And where there’s a beach, there’s now a palace to sleep—and drink and eat—right next to it.

Many of Samui’s most luxe places sit in the northeast corner, some with their own bays—some even on their own islands. And although it’s one of Thailand’s livelier destinations—with its bars, markets, massage parlors, and impressive restaurant scene, you will still find serene stays. It’s also the starting point for hops over to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao—but with Koh Samui hotels this good, you may not see the need to leave.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Arrow

It’s the island’s priciest place to stay (just shy of $1,250 a night in the low season, and double that in high), but it is also the very best. A stay at Four Seasons Samui is like stepping into the White Lotus life—part of the reason why season three of the hit HBO series was reportedly filmed here. It’s easy to see why it was chosen—it’s serene and seriously photogenic, with 78 residences and villas cut into a steep jungly hillside (and former coconut plantation). Architect and interior designer Bill Bensley can take full credit for the stylish and luxe feel, from the jazzy artwork to the very cool Coco Rum pool bar, where striped sofas line a palm-dotted pool with sea views beyond.

Koh Thai, the open-air restaurant, has food as good as the views (handily, you don’t have to stay to eat here). It’s the same spot for breakfast, where an incredible French pastry chef prepares the most delicious matcha madeleines, vanilla brioche, and chocolate financiers—every morning is a surprise. There’s a spa, naturally, with treatments using Thai herbal products, a breezy outdoor yoga pavilion, and a small kid’s club in a treehouse. Snorkel offshore, laze on a lounger the size of a super-king bed on the beach, or sip spirits in the rum vault (one of the many drinking spots) before a lantern-lit meal on the beach.

Six Senses Samui Arrow

One of the most sustainable stays on Samui is on a sloping jungle-clad headland on the island’s northeastern tip. The bamboo walls and high thatched roofs of 66 multi-level villas (most with private pools) give the feeling of staying in a luxe treehouse.

The vibe is chic, yet fun: natural wood tones are combined with pops of color from the neon-green and sherbet-yellow cushions and loungers, and staff stroll around in millennial pink and dusty rose linen two pieces. The first is quiet (one of the island’s best and biggest infinity pools), the other buzzier and next to the beach, on a cove shared with neighboring hotels—one of the only clues that you’re on a popular island rather than a remote hideaway. Mornings start with a shot of ‘rocket fuel’ (cider vinegar and citrus) at breakfast, and there’s an excellent menu of mocktails, free ice cream, and several scenic restaurant options, where fragrant curries are served up next to sunset views (although the best views at sunset are from the spa). Little and large guests love the on-site farm, where they can pet and feed a herd of well-preened goats.

Anantara Lawana

Couples and families mingle happily together at Anantara Lawana, a resort-style hotel located close to the nightlife of Chaweng on Samui’s east coast. Sociable types should go for one of the standard bedrooms, located in the soft gray two-story Thai-style houses. For sunshine? You’ll need to head to the buzzy pool or beach, a great spot for a paddle at low tide or a proper swim at high tide, when colorful long-tail boats bob on the water just along the shore.

Those seeking quiet may prefer the private pool villas—with their tiled floors and traditional dark wooden furniture, including four poster beds, they feel very grown up. The spa is another sanctuary in the hotel, where discreet therapists deliver back-crunching bamboo massages and Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy. Crab Shack is your sand-between-the-toes sunset cocktail spot, while Tree Tops, built in a treehouse-style wooden structure wrapped around a century-old tree, is the hotel’s romantic dining option (book early to catch the sunset here). The kids club is a hive of activity, with wooden tractors and play kitchens.

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

There are plenty of lovely beaches on Samui, but Tongsai Bay? This curve of golden sand, with its gently tumbling turquoise waves, feels impossible to beat—and, unless you’re willing to paddle in by kayak, it’s only accessible to Garrya guests. The hotel that opened here back in the mid-80s was the first five-star resort on the island and has been welcoming loyal guests, some of them as many as 20 times, since.

A recent rebrand to a Garrya resort has kept some of the much-loved elements of the hotel, like outdoor bathtubs, and refreshed others: high-ceilinged rooms are simple yet luxurious, with calming beige and burnt orange palette and varnished wooden floors. There’s a spa, breezy outdoor massage cabanas set inches from the waves, and three restaurants, including beachside dining at Fish Tales (don’t miss the vegan chocolate ice cream), and Evo, where much of the food is made with produce taken from the hotel’s garden. Then there are decisions to make—the half-moon adults-only pool, the curvy beach-level pool, or a spot on the beach itself.

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

This sprawling hotel, built across 58 hilly acres on a former coconut plantation, works hard to impress—and delivers. Kids will be overjoyed at the island’s best kids club: a huge light-filled space of ball pits, slides, and toys, with an outdoor crazy golf course and playground. For adults there’s the Spa Village, which is indeed a village—with eight standalone treatment rooms (try the pre-spa Songkran Spa Ritual) and a large barely-used adult-only pool dotted with cabanas.

The View serves up some of the island’s highest sea views alongside creative tasting menus, while Baan Talta is modeled on a Thai street food market, but there are several more options should you dine here each night. A Muay Thai boxing ring, basketball, and tennis courts are great if you get restless, while a beautiful beach of cream-colored sand and a large curvy pool if you long to just laze. There are 175 bedrooms, suites, and villas, but oceanfront pool villas have the real wow factor: outdoor decks and infinity pools, you can gaze over the edge and see nothing but turquoise water and hear nothing but the waves meeting the rocks below.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa Arrow

To call Kamalaya a hotel wouldn’t be doing it justice: yes, there are hotel rooms and villas dotted across this bougainvillea-draped hillside on the island’s quieter south coast, but at the heart of this sanctuary is a focus on wellness, both physical and mental. Most guests here book in on dedicated programs, whether it’s detoxes and cleanses or programs such as Embracing Change, in which you’ll spend time with Life Enhancement Mentors, unravelling past trauma with talk therapy and meditation. Treatments—many of them Ayurvedic—are all tailored to your specific issues, with acupuncture and heavenly massages. The site is built around a 300-year-old mediation cave, which you can still use today, plus there’s walking meditation, yoga, and a peaceful stretch of sand for late-afternoon siestas. Solo travelers here may like the communal dining, where everyone from opera singers to burnt out CEOs gather to knock back green juices at breakfast and feast on sugar-free curries in the evening, but you’d also feel entirely comfortable dining solo, reading a book over meals, or simply gazing out at the water.

One of Samui’s best—and most luxurious—places to bed down isn’t actually on Samui, but even better: a private island around 100 yards offshore (you’ll be whisked there and back in a small speedboat or glorified tractor depending on the tide levels). Here, you’ll find 24 villas, from Ocean Cottages to two-bed family villas, all with private pools where you can snooze to the sound of birdsong and gently lapping waves.

All other spaces are pure bliss, too: like the breakfast terrace views and the peaceful, sun-soaked adjoining room, not just because of its pretty canary yellow cushions and bamboo-style chairs, but for its spread of pastries, baked in house; or Hue restaurant, where you can gaze out past the pin-stripe loungers, pool, and palms to the shimmering sea beyond. Long Dtai, overseen by Michelin-recognized chef David Thompson, is worth a visit even if you can’t stay here: not just for the panoramic views over the turquoise Andaman, which are arguably some of the best restaurant views on the island, but for the menu: the Southern egg curry being a highlight. Despite being one of the Samui’s most expensive stays, it’s also one of the most relaxed: where retired business owners wander the same winding paths around the small island as young honeymooners .

Twenty-three contemporary villas, cut into a meticulously landscaped flower-filled slope on the north-east of the island, every one staggeringly luxurious and big on views: strictly speaking Samujana isn’t a hotel, but it operates very much like one, with added privacy and space, making it particularly popular with large groups of family and friends.

Unlike a lot of villa stays, you won’t need to lift a finger: breakfast is provided in the villa every morning, rooms are made up and turned down, and there are team members on hand to rustle up meals. It’s hard to choose the best: perhaps it’s villa 12, with its own boxing gym, basketball court, games room, and cinema room, or maybe the ludicrously photogenic villa 30, with 360-degree views and the country's best infinity pool—a serious accolade when the competition is fierce. Others, with their sun-flooded, open-plan, open-air communal areas, large pools, and calm-inducing minimalist styling are so lovely that you could happily lose a week or two here, never venturing out at all.

Kimpton Kitalay

Choeng Mon beach, with its fire shows, jet skis, and beach bars, sets the tone for Kimpton Kitalay , a buzzy hotel in Samui’s north. It’s built in the style of a fisherman’s village, with six low-rise blocks of rooms wrapped in dark wood. You can bed down in two-bed villas, but entry level rooms are large and stylish, with Victorian-style tiles, curvy freestanding bathtubs, and jazzy blue rugs.

The main pool is a sociable spot, as is the splash park and kids club, but there’s always a quieter place to escape to—especially if you opt for a swim up suite on the ‘quiet’ side, or book time in the spa. There are four restaurants and bars, and if you tire of Thai food, Fish House serves excellent steak and huge sides, plus fresh-off-the-boat fish. You may spot one or two dogs strolling the grounds: the hotel works with a local rescue dog charity, and dogs that are up for adoption visit every fortnight to meet guests.

Silavadee Resort

Young honeymooning couples and equally loved-up retirees happily mingle at Silavadee, a boutique resort built across a hillside on a quiet peninsula on the east coast of Samui. Although the entry-level rooms are pretty, with their outdoor hot tubs and airy interiors, if you’re staying here it should be an Ocean Front Pool Villa. Our pick? Number three: With its separate living room, freestanding bathtub, huge bedroom, and even bigger pool, you could happily spend your entire stay in the privacy of your villa, floating in your pool or gazing out at miles and miles of empty sea. There’s a simple spa where efficient therapists expertly deliver tension-relieving Thai massages, and the two open-air dining spots are both romantic and well-priced (the wine pairings, in particular, are generous and a steal). Lively Lamai beach is a short scooter ride away, or if that’s too taxing, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling on the island right off the hotel’s quiet curve of beach—handily, for guests, it’s a small cove that’s near impossible for anyone else on the island to access.

Travelers gather for days to months to work from their laptops, live well, and eat well at Kapuhala, a boutique hotel that has the relaxed vibe of an Airbnb . Food is central to a stay here—a small but perfect menu of Sicilian plant-based recipes (Kapuhala’s second outpost is on the Italian island), features delicious spaghetti soy ragu and light arancini, all topped with pipettes of extra virgin olive oil, with the olives plucked and pressed at their Sicily property. Breakfast, meanwhile, is a feast of fruit and freshly baked muffins and strong Italian coffee.

You can venture high up the hill in Chaweng Noi on a moped for a meal, but then you’d miss what makes this place so special: easing into your day in the open air restaurant space, with its swaying rattan lamps and hessian bean bags, getting to know the friendly team and feeling inspired by the island’s remote working views across the infinity pool and over the sea below. Choose from four simple light-filled ‘ tiny houses ’ or one of five large safari-style tents, where the sides fold up so the breeze can flow in while you gaze out.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Best Ways to Redeem Points and Miles for Safaris

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

This page includes information about the Discover it Miles that is not currently available on The Points Guy and may be out of date.

The first time you come face to face with African wildlife in their native habitat, it will literally take your breath away. I've been fortunate enough to have been on several African safaris in my life, and I'll never forget that feeling. It's even a great experience for families with young children . While being an award travel enthusiast makes it much more affordable to travel to Africa, using your rewards to stay at a safari lodge can be a challenge.

In this post, I'll show you the best ways to leverage your points and miles to check an African safari off your bucket list.

The Main Problem

You can easily use your hotel rewards to stay at a ski area or sleep in an overwater bungalow , but to put it bluntly, there are generally no brand-name hotels in the middle of the jungle. Perhaps that's a good thing, since a true safari experience is far more rustic, and the development of large, corporate chain properties would be a threat to the animal's habitat.

What you are left with are two options. The first is the handful of hotels that participate in a major loyalty program that also happen to be located in (or near) wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Of all the major hotel programs, here are the ones that I've found

Marriott Rewards

Protea Hotel Mahikeng, South Africa : This property is located about three and a half hours west of the Johannesburg Airport and is adjacent to the Mafikeng Game Reserve which includes white rhino, buffalo, gemsbok and giraffe. This is a Category 1 hotel, with standard rooms requiring just 7,500 points per night. Once peak and off-peak pricing are implemented in March 2019, you'll see award rates as low as 5,000 points points per night and up to 10,000 points per night during peak season.

African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa, Autograph Collection : This property is located in Magaliesburg South Africa, about one hour west of the Johannesburg Airport. It's situated near the Krugersdorp Game Reserve , home to giraffe, zebra, antelope, roan, sable, hippo and gemsbok. As a Category 2 hotel, a standard award room will set you back 12,500 points per night (or 10,000 points on off-peak dates and 15,000 points on peak dates).

Protea Zebula Lodge : This property is two and a half hour's drive north of the Johannesburg Airport in Limpopo, South Africa. It appears to be about as close as you can come to a true African safari while still being part of a major hotel loyalty program. It's located near the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, the Phala Phala Wildlife Refuge and the Bateleur Nature Reserve. From this property, you can depart on game drives, horseback rides and walks. It's also a Category 2 hotel, so award nights will range from 10,000 - 15,000 points per night.

Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge : Here's another Category 1 hotel that's 5,000 - 10,000 points a night, but this one is located in Chisamba, Zambia. The property is on a private game reserve and offers its own game drives.

Protea Hotel Zambezi River Lodge : This Category 1 property is in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, on the banks of the Zambezi River, which is full of hippos and other wildlife. It's also near Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park.

Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, Skukuza South Africa . This hotel is located just 100 meters from the entrance to Kruger Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Here you can actually take your own self-driving safari. It's also a Category 2 hotel, so you can stay here for 10,000 to 15,000 points per night.

Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort : Another Category 1 hotel is in Plokwane, South Africa, close to the Polokwane Bird & Reptile Park and its 280 species of birds and snakes. The property is also near several other wildlife preserves and sanctuaries.

Accor Le Club (Fairmont)

AccorHotels first announced plans to acquire the Fairmont brand in December 2015, and the two were integrated into the Le Club loyalty program in 2018. While there's no longer a credit card option for US residents, there are two Fairmont locations that are ideal for safaris:

Fairmont Mara Safari Club : This luxury tent-camp safari lodge is located on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Farimont Mount Kenya Safari Club : This Fairmont property is situated in the Nanyuki region of Kenya and offers game drives and other safari activities along with luxury accommodations.

At either of these properties, you can redeem 2,000 points for a 40 Euro credit towards a stay (worth ~US$45.50 based on current exchange rates).

Alternate Safari Redemption Options

Just because you may not be able to use use your hotel points to book a stay in a safari lodge, it doesn't mean you can't use other points and miles to pay for most (or all) of the cost of going on a safari. Here are other ways other that you can use your reward points and miles for a safari of a lifetime.

Redeem points and miles as statement credits towards safari lodges

There are several credit cards that offer rewards that can be redeemed for statement credits towards any travel expense. This option can be ideal for independent safari lodges that don't participate in loyalty programs. You can also use these statement credits to pay for bookings made through travel agencies, as is often done when booking a safari package.

Here are some examples of these cards:

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : This card offers 2x miles on all purchases, and you can redeem those miles at a rate of one cent each as statement credits toward hotels. And as of November, you can also transfer your Capital One miles to 14 different airline partners if you're looking to defray another cost. There's a $95 annual fee for this card that's waived the first year, and it imposes no foreign transaction fees.

Barlcaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard : This card also offers 2x miles on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed for one cent each as statement credits toward hotels. In addition, you get a 5% rebate on all your miles redeemed. There's an $89 annual fee for this card that's waived the first year, and it too waives foreign transaction fees.

Discover it Miles : This card offers 1.5 miles per dollar spent, and miles are worth one cent each as statement credits toward travel expenses or as cash-back. While the Discover card doesn't impose foreign transaction fees, it's not accepted in all African nations. According to its map of international acceptance, you can use your Discover card in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Botswana. Nevertheless, you may still be able use your Discover card if you book your travel through an American travel agency or if the safari lodge has an overseas office that processes credit card payments. There's no annual fee for this card.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : This card earns 1.5 points per dollar spent, and points are worth one cent each as statement credits toward any travel purchase. Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients can also increase that bonus to 25% - 75% by carrying certain balances with the bank. There's no annual fee for this card, nor will you need to pay foreign transaction fees.

Booking safari lodges and other activities through credit card reward programs

For some, an even better way to use your reward points can be directly redeeming them through your credit card's reward program.

Chase Ultimate Rewards : When you have a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, your points can be redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards travel center for 1.25 cents each. But if you also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, your points are worth 1.5 cents each towards these reservations. Thankfully, there appears to be a wealth of safari lodges listed through the issuer's new Expedia travel portal. For example, when searching South Africa's famed Kruger Park, I found options ranging from the Jock Safari Lodge at 73,600 points per night for two down to the Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge for as low as 5,333 points per night. While these redemption values are lower than TPG's most recent valuation of 2 cents each, it's still a solid (and simple) option for using your Chase points. For more information, see my post on The Sapphire Reserve Math: When to Book Travel Through Chase and When to Transfer Points.

American Express Membership Rewards : While you can use your Membership Rewards points to book some great safari lodges, I don't recommend it (unless you're this guy). American Express only offers you 0.7 cents in value for each point redeemed, which is downright terrible compared to TPG's valuation of 2 cents apiece.

However, if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express in your wallet, you may have luck utilizing the Fine Hotels & Resorts program to book a luxury property for your next safari. Booking through FHR will include perks during your stay like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a space-available room upgrade and a unique amenity (like a spa or dining credit). Applicable properties include the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania and Belmond Safaris in Botswanna.

Citi ThankYou points : You can redeem your points for one cent each towards hotel reservations that you book through the ThankYou Travel Center, but you probably shouldn't given that TPG values them at 1.7 cents apiece. You'll generally get much more value when transferred to airline partners like Avianca LifeMiles. Bear in mind too that Citi Premier® Card holders can also receive 1.25 cents in value per point when booking airfare directly through the ThankYou Travel Center.

In addition, cardholders of the Citi Prestige Card should be able to utilize that card's fourth night free benefit to book many safari lodges (as long as the Citi website and/or concierge has the ability to make reservations at the given property). Just bear in mind that this benefit will be capped at twice per year starting in September 2019, giving you several months to utilize it before it's devalued.

Defray Other Costs

While it's not always easy to redeem your points specifically for the lodging portion of your safari itinerary, there are ways to leverage points and miles to negate (or minimize) other costs of the trip. This is a great way to keep cash in your pocket that can then be put toward a fancier resort or on-property spa treatments without breaking the bank.

Using hotel points for gateway nights and visiting other parts of Africa

Since it's unlikely that you'll arrive in Africa and immediately proceed to your safari lodge, you can use your hotel points upon arriving and departing in cities such as Nairobi (NBO) or Johannesburg (JNB). Most major hotel loyalty programs offer several properties in major African capitals and near international airports, though you'll want to crunch the numbers to make sure that you're getting a solid value for your points.

Using points and miles for your airfare

Of course, one of the largest expenses for your safari will be your flights to and from Africa. We do occasionally see deals for flights to Africa, so you'll definitely want to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see these when they're posted. However, using airline miles (especially for premium classes) can be a great option for these long-haul flights.

For more information, check out the following posts:

• The 6 Best Ways to Get to South Africa on Points And Miles
• Top 9 Ways to Fly Business Class to Africa Using Points and Miles .
• 3 Ways to Do Johannesburg on Points

Use the Right Credit Card

Finally, if you do wind up paying for some, most or all of an African safari out-of-pocket, be sure you're swiping the right credit card for these purchases. Most safari lodges should code as travel on cards like the Sapphire Reserve, though there may be other factors that come into play. You may want to focus on a new card on which you're trying to earn a welcome bonus , or you could prefer a card with solid travel protection in case something goes wrong. Of course, you'll also want to make sure your card waives foreign transaction fees or else you could wind up paying a premium of 2-3% on your purchases abroad.

For more information, check out our guide to the Top Rewards Credit Cards for International Travel .

Bottom Line

Taking an African safari can be an incredible experience, but booking the trip can be a challenging and expensive proposition. Thankfully there are many ways to leverage points and miles to cut back on these expenses, whether it's for lodging, flights or a combination of both. Hopefully this post has inspired you to start planning a safari adventure for your next vacation.

Featured photo courtesy of Darren Murph / TPG

THE 5 BEST Moscow Safaris

Safaris in moscow.

• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Gear Rentals
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• District Eastern (VAO)
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Lomonosovskiy
• Ostankinskiy
• Meshchanskiy
• Krasnoselskiy
• Maryina Roshcha (Jewish Quarter)
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia

Moscow hotels & places to stay

Search to compare prices and discover great deals with free cancellation, hotels in moscow.

• Airport transfer
• Pets allowed
• Shuttle service
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
• Front desk [24-hour]
• Check-in/out [express]
• Luggage storage

• Laundry service
• Wi-Fi in public areas

• Valet parking
• Swimming pool [outdoor]

• Family room
• Smoking area
• Car park [charges apply]

• Restaurants
• Room service

4-star hotels in Moscow

This hotel is really close to a subway station, which makes travel within Moscow very easy. Unfortunately the weather did not allow to take a walk. Within walking distance there is a Belorussky railway station, where you can pick the express to Sheremetyevo. The staff in the hotel is friendly and helpful. Pets are allowed, which in our case, was great benefit. Room is...

This hotel is really close to a subway station, which makes travel within Moscow very easy. Unfortunately the weather did not allow to take a walk. Within walking distance there is a Belorussky railway station, where you can pick the express to Sheremetyevo. The staff in the hotel is friendly and helpful. Pets are allowed, which in our case, was great benefit. Room is quite comfortable and big. I would like to take a chance and to mention that Agoda indeed gives very good rates. I couldn't find such rates even within Russian sites. even more, as I need to extend check out time till 6 p.m. I have paid almost same amount as I paid to agoda for the full day. Overall, I do recommend the Holiday Inn Lesnaya to travelers in Moscow. Value for Money - it's nearly best, but assuming you got the right rates in internet.

Will place 2nd book for my next trip to Moscow.

We nearly had a complete bad time in Moscow during a 1-day visit to the city due to a robbery event near the Kremlin, but the hotel staff team had helped us deal with the process of police report with great speed and attention. They coordinated with the police and called for them to come to the hotel at 3 a.m. in the morning, acted as our translator, helped us through ...

We nearly had a complete bad time in Moscow during a 1-day visit to the city due to a robbery event near the Kremlin, but the hotel staff team had helped us deal with the process of police report with great speed and attention. They coordinated with the police and called for them to come to the hotel at 3 a.m. in the morning, acted as our translator, helped us through 1 hour of document filling which had to be done in Russian language, and made us feel comfortable. In the next morning when we asked for a copy of the report, they efficiently coordinated with the police and when we had to leave the country they sent us the requested copy via email within the same day. We were so impressed by the professionalism and kindness of the hotel staff to the extent that our faith in Moscow had been restored. We will never forget your help.

Staff doesn't speak English and not helpful. Very far and not well connected to the city center

The room was very nice with Russian style. The bathroom was very clean and the water pressure was good. Though - the walls were very thin, you could here coughing loud and clear, also the phone call our neighbour called was easily heard. The breakfast included and was adequate though it wasn't anything special. The Sukharevsky metro station was nearby, so it was easy t...

The room was very nice with Russian style. The bathroom was very clean and the water pressure was good. Though - the walls were very thin, you could here coughing loud and clear, also the phone call our neighbour called was easily heard. The breakfast included and was adequate though it wasn't anything special. The Sukharevsky metro station was nearby, so it was easy to get around.

The place is fantastic! The views from your room are exceptional. Staff is very accomodating but NOT for kids. No cribs. If your traveling with kids don’t recommend but couples you will be totally loving it.

we stayed for 3 nights and was surprised at the level of quality the hotel offered for the price very reasonable in any city but great for moscow. hotel is easy to find and a short walk from novokuznetckaya metro station. also 1 station from the main station where airport trains arrive.you could walk to red square if you wanted to approx 2 klm 15 minute walk. atm avail...

we stayed for 3 nights and was surprised at the level of quality the hotel offered for the price very reasonable in any city but great for moscow. hotel is easy to find and a short walk from novokuznetckaya metro station. also 1 station from the main station where airport trains arrive.you could walk to red square if you wanted to approx 2 klm 15 minute walk. atm available in lobby. great place to stay will stay there again.

Good hotel i stay here everytime when i visit moscow.

It is nice to stay in this hotel with family

We stayed 3 nights in the hotel . The location was perfect : walking distance from all the most famous places to visit( Kremlin , GUM, Bolchoi...)Staff were very efficient and nice and spoke very good english which was something amazing in Moscow:) Very clean ,spacious and comfortable room. Will definitely recommend this hotel as a 5 stars!

The Hotel Gallery (remember to learn how is written in Cyrillic alphabet, since I had some problem to find it out when I got outside the tube station...) is located just above the orange metro station, so you can reach the city centre very easily. I had some problem during the chekc-in, because they told me they changed (arising) the tarifs the week before, but I didn'...

The Hotel Gallery (remember to learn how is written in Cyrillic alphabet, since I had some problem to find it out when I got outside the tube station...) is located just above the orange metro station, so you can reach the city centre very easily. I had some problem during the chekc-in, because they told me they changed (arising) the tarifs the week before, but I didn't get any email of these changes neither from them or Agoda. Breakfast is good, the hotel is clean, interiors maybe a little bit "fanè, wilted", but I think for this price is pretty good for Moscow.

DTH is great place to stay! some distance from Vodniy and Voykovskaya metro stations, but the package you get is worth 10 min walk. Breakfast is amazing, various dishes on all tastes. Great place for business travelers as hotel provides big number of meeting rooms of all sizes. Rooms themselves are very comfortable. In some of the you can find both shower and a tab. Ho...

DTH is great place to stay! some distance from Vodniy and Voykovskaya metro stations, but the package you get is worth 10 min walk. Breakfast is amazing, various dishes on all tastes. Great place for business travelers as hotel provides big number of meeting rooms of all sizes. Rooms themselves are very comfortable. In some of the you can find both shower and a tab. Hotel has amazing SPA-center with a free gym with trainer, pool,hamam and sauna. You can also rent a bike on reception. I stay here all the time and highly recommend it.

It’s a wonderful hotel with facilities which you need, at which you could find nice foods, restaurants as well as convenient stores and nice coffees. And it’s just next to the metro station. For another thing, the people in the hotel are very friendly, nice and helpful. I did a very early check in to enjoy more in this hotel. I would highly recommend it to my friends....

It’s a wonderful hotel with facilities which you need, at which you could find nice foods, restaurants as well as convenient stores and nice coffees. And it’s just next to the metro station. For another thing, the people in the hotel are very friendly, nice and helpful. I did a very early check in to enjoy more in this hotel. I would highly recommend it to my friends. And I would absolutely stay here again next time I am in Moscow. Btw, Baumanskaya is a lovely district, too.

Pros: Great price. Very clean! Large room, Large bathroom, Beautiful grounds, Helpful staff Cons: WIFI was awful! No fitted sheets, no phone in room. No microwave. No Iron, Hotel is in the middle of nowhere . Hotek charges a fee to drive

Good price, good location, convenient to reach Moscow center as well as the SVO hotel.

Our visit to Moscow was enhanced by the stay at the Borodino. It was close to Metro stations and Railway stations. So it was easy to access the city and its attractions. We have already recommended to our friends via social media and e mail. But have also recommended to Real Russia, who organised our rail tickets etc to get here. We would definitely stay again

Luxury hotels in Moscow

Just 150m. from Tverskaya Metro Station (2 stations from downtown AeroExpress) or less than 3 mins walk. So many cafes, restaurants, KFC, McDonald, Starbuck, pubs, .......... around there. We took 15 mins to walk to red square whick pass H&M and so many shopping shops. The room’s very good and comfortable. We stay on 6 floor street side with the view of Seven Sister St...

Just 150m. from Tverskaya Metro Station (2 stations from downtown AeroExpress) or less than 3 mins walk. So many cafes, restaurants, KFC, McDonald, Starbuck, pubs, .......... around there. We took 15 mins to walk to red square whick pass H&M and so many shopping shops. The room’s very good and comfortable. We stay on 6 floor street side with the view of Seven Sister Stalin Building! There’s standard amenity with daily inroom instant tea and coffee, and also there’s bathtab seperate from shower room. Guests can use gym room and relaxing area for SPA on -1 floor, sauna, Turgish stream room, very nice color light shower room, and seperate locker rooms. The staffs were so kind and very helpful, they speak very well English. For us this hotel is one of the best choice! in Moscow with very reasonable price!

The hotel is very easy to find and is located in a very nice location, except being a little far away from the nearest metro station. The staffs were all very friendly and most of them speak good English. The room was cozy and nice! I would recommend this to my friends if they are going to visit Moscow!

I liked the hotel. The only complain was about the charges that i had to pay for the taxi to the airport. It was four times higher than it should have been. The hotel strangely didn't have a shuttle to the airport.

This hotel is very far from everything so if you decide to go with them than be prepared to spend money on taxis. if you do need a taxi do not get one directly from the hotel. they left me 30 min before reaching my destination because the driver did not know where he was going and his phone had died. However George the manager was extremely helpful and he did his best ...

This hotel is very far from everything so if you decide to go with them than be prepared to spend money on taxis. if you do need a taxi do not get one directly from the hotel. they left me 30 min before reaching my destination because the driver did not know where he was going and his phone had died. However George the manager was extremely helpful and he did his best to help me with my luggage that went missing at the airport and even gave me toiletries to take with me. and One more thing request a room away from all the construction because it starts at 9 am and theres no way to step through it.

If you have to stay 1 night or long time wait in Moscow it is the best hotel you can find. Direct access from the airport

We had a lovely stay. The staff were friendly and helpful. The conscierge was more than helpful. She went out of her way to organise things for us and gave us directions to places. The hotel is old and this can be seen in it's decor, which is very charming. This helped give an expectation of old world service. We will stay in this hotel again when we return to Mo...

We had a lovely stay. The staff were friendly and helpful. The conscierge was more than helpful. She went out of her way to organise things for us and gave us directions to places. The hotel is old and this can be seen in it's decor, which is very charming. This helped give an expectation of old world service. We will stay in this hotel again when we return to Moscow.

Visited Moscow with wife on Vacation, had a splendid time. The hotel was exceptional with very active and friendly staff. Had inadvertently left my phone in a Taxi, the staff was clever to retrieve the phone within the hour. Definitely shall recommend the hotel. Will becoming back.

This was my first time staying at the Savoy and I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone. I have stayed at other hotels in Moscow and will always return for future stays at the Savoy. The hotel is located a few minutes from the Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, restaurants and shopping. The Savoy's breakfast buffet is the best I had and have traveled throughout Ru...

This was my first time staying at the Savoy and I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone. I have stayed at other hotels in Moscow and will always return for future stays at the Savoy. The hotel is located a few minutes from the Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, restaurants and shopping. The Savoy's breakfast buffet is the best I had and have traveled throughout Russia. The hotel staff were very friendly, speak English and always ready to accommodate. The hotel built in 1913 is beautiful and has many amenities. The rooms are nice and the bathroom is lush. My only regret is that I didn't have more time to stay and relax more!

Great location in old Moscow, charmiong district. Metro around 10 min away. friendly staff. Swimming pool rather basic but enough to get wet and relax. Pool, Sauna and Hammam free of charge. Accesible for families with chilren till 6PM, for other guests till 9. Room cleaning daily. towel change upon request. Spędziliśmy 5 dni z dziećmi. Świetne miesjce dla zwiedzan...

Great location in old Moscow, charmiong district. Metro around 10 min away. friendly staff. Swimming pool rather basic but enough to get wet and relax. Pool, Sauna and Hammam free of charge. Accesible for families with chilren till 6PM, for other guests till 9. Room cleaning daily. towel change upon request. Spędziliśmy 5 dni z dziećmi. Świetne miesjce dla zwiedzania i eksploracji centrum. lokalizacja w jednej z najpiękniejszych części Moskwy. Bezpłatny basen dostępny dla dzieci do 18stej, dla pozostałych do 21ej. Polecam

I got to your facility without my luggage key. Your people in housekeeping were wonderful and helped to open my bag without calling me a follis have Americian. Thanks to them for a great experience in Moscow.

Do not stay anywhere else in Moscow. Awesome palace/ hotel . Five minutes walk to the metro and just four stops from the red square. Huge rooms and the most friendly staff especially Vlad the conceage. Sitting in the palace outside courtyard drinking tea is the best experience ever. No need to even go outside to enjoy the lovely place. Don't think twise and book now.

Comfortable bed, clean shower room, convenient facilities, delicious breakfast. Regina, Rateb! Thank you.

Quality at every turn, from the food, decor, furnishings, bedding... They don't do many things but everything they do is executed with perfection. The polar exact opposite of chain hotels and a lesson to fussy and badly executed "boutique" hotels.

Nice living choice for business purpose, the hotel has the business lounge that can be used as free facility for thr swiss business executive room guest. However it is also good option to stay for sightseeing and shoping purpose. Between your busy business time you can enjoy the hotel as one of Moscow landmark as it has city sky lounge to see Moscow city light. Besides...

Nice living choice for business purpose, the hotel has the business lounge that can be used as free facility for thr swiss business executive room guest. However it is also good option to stay for sightseeing and shoping purpose. Between your busy business time you can enjoy the hotel as one of Moscow landmark as it has city sky lounge to see Moscow city light. Besides it is only 2 metro station to Moscow Red Square or Arbat street wellknown as Moscow souvenir shoping centre. It is also quite easy to reach Moscow Domodedovo airport by catching the train from the station close to the hotel.

The hotel is not like a Marriott, just like a 3-star one with old and dilapidated interior, not much choice of breakfast. Really disappointed.

I was in Moscow for 6 nights. Kremlin is 12 minutes walk from the hotel. Really good night life around the area. The surrounding is very beautiful. Recommend for 1st timers to Moscow to stay at a good location like this to enjoy Moscow.

Love the location of Kempinski Moscow. We booked 3 night there. We got a wonderful view to kremlin red square. Our breakfast view to Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Best location ever. Thank you Kempinski for upgrade our room to have the Moscow iconic view:

4th time to Moscow. Will return to Lotte Hotel,

Luxury hotel at a prime location! Very near to all of the attractions and train stations, there are many cafes and restaurants around the hotel area as well. Excellent butler service, all of the staff are polite and accommodating, and it made my stay in St Regis Moscow an unforgettable one... in a good way! My husband and I were very happy with room; gorgeous bathroom ...

Luxury hotel at a prime location! Very near to all of the attractions and train stations, there are many cafes and restaurants around the hotel area as well. Excellent butler service, all of the staff are polite and accommodating, and it made my stay in St Regis Moscow an unforgettable one... in a good way! My husband and I were very happy with room; gorgeous bathroom and super comfortable bed. Highly recommend this hotel for a fantastic stay in Moscow!

This is the 2nd time we stayed at the hotel, after our trip to Saint Petersburg and we got upgraded to a huge suite with 3 separate large rooms, very large guest room with sofas and TV, dining rooms enough for 6 people, comfortable sleeping room. And the view from the windows are spectacular, Redsquare, Kremlin and also from afar the Church Of Christ the Saviour can b...

This is the 2nd time we stayed at the hotel, after our trip to Saint Petersburg and we got upgraded to a huge suite with 3 separate large rooms, very large guest room with sofas and TV, dining rooms enough for 6 people, comfortable sleeping room. And the view from the windows are spectacular, Redsquare, Kremlin and also from afar the Church Of Christ the Saviour can be seen. Really the VERY BEST Hotel at the VERY BEST LOCATION in Moscow, right at the Red Square and just steps away from the Kremlin and GUM. Bolshoi and most 1st class restaurants are in walking distance. Basically near all main attractions and sights in Moscow. Staffs and services all very good. Should be 1st choice to stay in Moscow. Cannot be more than perfect.

This is one of the best hotel rooms I've ever stayed in. It was a total value for money. The location is not that great, since it's around 7-8 mins walking from the closest metro station, but the facilities and room make up for the location.

Just viewed by other Agoda travelers

Real reviews for hotels

Great architecture. although super cold and snow = its still amazing to walk there and see exactly that.

Great food at good price... lots to see and a mix of old and new... a vibrant and interesting city.

There are 96 parks and 18 gardens in Moscow, including 4 botanical gardens. There are also 450 square kilometres (170 sq mi) of green zones besides 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi) of forests.

Moscow is a very green city. Moscow is also the heart of the Russian performing arts, including ballet and film. There are 93 theaters, 132 cinemas and 24 concert halls in Moscow. Among Moscow’s many theaters and ballet studios is the Bolshoi Theatre and the Malyi Theatre as well as Vakhtangov Theatre and Moscow Art Theatre.

I visited mid October just as the weather started turning, and it is recommended to bring appropriate warm clothing as it can be extremely cold.

The metro has many stops to get you around the city, but it might take a moment to understand how it all works. There are plenty of sights to see both inside and on the outskirts of the city. Lots of shopping available, and many cafes to enjoy food and drink. I didn't find it very busy, but then it is much more spacious than most cities. Very friendly people.

Moscow was one of the best city i have ever visited and people were freindly , the only thing i faced was the language since they do not talk English , but overall was just perfect .

Moscow is a vibrant City with plenty of restuarants and plenty of architectural buildings to see, like The Kremlin, and St.

Basils Cathredral There is a lot of walking involved when in Moscow as it is a large city.

It's better to use a service from hotel for taxi. If you call taxi by your own, you would be over charged from Moscow taxi.

They didn't use a meter.

it's a more or less a cold city, in that i mean the person is not very welcoming and not with warmth!! generally cold and without smile!!

it's very difficult to communicate in Moscow, they don't speak English, and no English sign board, I have to take metro to go everywhere at the same time read through the map, otherwise I make sure i got lost!

Nice city with many cultural sites and historical memories. My short visit was impressive (after 25 years).

People were more friendly than 25 years ago and more relaxing from my very short observation and interaction at public transport and restaurant. Nice city and will come back for cultural and historical visits.

People are calm and cool. They don't smile and with no facial expression. No one talks inside the subway.

Staff everywhere are not helpful at all. Be positive and don't get upset nor mad when ignored by the staff in tix office/conceirge. The funny thing is even though they aware that you don't speak Russian, they will still continuesly speak Russian to you blablablablabla.... Architecture are amazing and subway station is unique!

Moscow is a wonderful place to visit, there are lots go interesting place to see. Transport around the city is well,organised and on time.

By a good book and a map, where good shoes because it's huge. There are lots of reasonable places to eat and drink. Of course it's a wonderful cultural place.

Moscow is a great city. Plenty to see and do. Cheap at the moment with the Ruble to GBP rate! Excellent shopping.

Metro very easy to use.

Among the world's great cities. Very much recommended. Leave the stereotypes at home and embrace the city and the inhabitants and you will love the experience.

People in Moscow seem not to be friendly but they are actually helpful and kind. We were reluctant at the train station to buy a ticket for the metro and there was a guy gave us a hand, took us to the right ticket booth and explain us everything.

He is really kind. There are a lot of impression about people in Moscow and if we have a chance, we will definitely go back there.

Wonderful city for history and culture. The Metro stations, Alexander Garden, the Kremlin, St Basil Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre and the architecture are all awesome.

The local people were friendly and helpful even though they didn't speak English. I had a brilliant time as a solo traveler.

- Big and cold city. - All Hotels are very expensive. - Aint good and cheap food. + Awesome underground stations.

+ A lot of pretty girls).

Moscow is a nice city, its just too expensive. The traffic take the most of your time. The best way to get to your hotel is to take an express tram from the airport to the city and then continue in a taxi.

People are very rude, they are up themselves and they expect you to speak their language.

Sales in shops, even hotel staffs and people in the city hate travelers. They willfully let you now it.

People generally do not speak one single word in English. I rent a car and drive. A police car stop me. Tell me I run a red light. As me put USD300 in his police car before let me go. Otherwise, they said that they will detain me and take away my drives license.

I like the city centre and the architecture in Moscow., but outside it is a bit messy. You can really experience the extreme of rich and poor in this city.

This is quite interesting, but besides, a bit scary for a girl who travel alone, as people looks a bit defensive.

Red square area is the only area we think we are happy for.. Apart from that, it's nothing and overestimated from advertisement.

People are mostly not friendly, they never smile, thanks or say sorry before you say.. They response to your question with an annoy feeling with the annoy face. However, we try to understand it is thier nature. Anyway, some are better, they try to help with no smile and feeling of annoy.

I loved Moscow despite everything I had heard. Red Square and the Kremlin were interesting, the National Museum was very well presented and the shops in the area (including the famous GUM) provided a delightful shopping experience if you like that type of thing.

I was lucky enough to have friends who were able to drive myself and my Mum around to show us a lot more than we could have seen otherwise (as my mother is elderly). The main drawback is the public transport is only in Cyrillic so be prepared with a translated map to figure it out if you don't speak Russian. Russians were very friendly, with several offering assistance with Mum's bags and a couple of elderly folks striking up conversation with us, despite the language barrier. Visa requirements are difficult for most travellers to Russia but well worth the effort. We did not feel unsafe, but have travelled a lot in a lot of different countries, also we were travelling in the very low season so there were not crowds to deal with. The train from St Petersburg to Moscow was very modern, comfortable and clean. If you are thinking about it - GO you will love it too.

Moscow is biggest city. For sure You should know what are U looking for and find the right places.. Amazing city.

It is a very beautiful(probably the most beautiful) city in view of the very impressive classical building styles, etc.

Citizens are very law-abiding. Weather must be one of the reasons to create a people that are quite resilient in facing life. (Russian people don't complain at all!)

It is nothing to add if everybody have a travel book. History of Moscow is very long and interesting, especially when you want to see how looks the capital of collapsed Soviet Union, how people lived in so called "building communism society".

Russian people in Moscow and St.Petersburg are very much difference but People in Moscow is worse who usually have attitude, fierce and not helpful and friendly.

You can't be relax there as there is no English sign at anything and people don't speak or try to speak in English. If you speak English with them even at the airport, they will stare at you badly. There is no tax refund like most of the country in the World. All brand name stuff is even more expensive than Hong Kong. The only attractive is Red Wall...that's it.

MOSCOW IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL CITY. THE ONLY THING THAT I CAN COMPLAIN IS THAT THE INHABITANTS ARE NOT FRIENDLY ANDIF YOU ARE TRAVELLING WITH ENGLISH AS YOUR LANGUAGE, IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO YOU .

ALL THE METRO STATIONS ARE IN THE CIRRILIC ALPHABET AND THEY HAVE NO INDICATIONS IN ENGLISH OR ANYOTHER LANGUAGE .

Moscow appeared to be trying to overcome 70 years of austerity, despite the obvious attraction of most visitors to this period of its history.

Moskwa is good city with old fashion nice metro stations. It's reflect from the buildings and cultures.

From the airport we took airport taxi to avoid 'black taxi' to the hotel. We had to prepare city map and metro map to travel in group by our selves. Some peoples couldn't speak English. Nice place to see are : Kremlin, Red Square, Kievkaya mall, river cruise tours. There were a free city tour in the city to travel around. Nice to visit Moskwa.

great City to visit, Kremlin Museums incl. Diamond Fund, Red Square and St. Basils are mandatory, Art Museums are great, walled monasteries good, Army Museum good.

Metro is best and fastest way to get around City.

i was worried about visiting Moscow alone without knowing Russian language but most people were super nice.

if you practice some basic Russian and have the map of the metro in your language, itll be fine! ;)

Moscow hotels with breakfast

Great hospitality

nice hotel clean every thing is prefect

Great hotel

Excellent and very comfortable hotel, beautiful location.

Explore more travel vacation rentals

Other popular destinations in Russia

More about moscow, discover moscow: fun facts and reasons to visit, how to go to moscow: travel tips and transportation guide, top things to do in moscow: a must-see list for travelers, why book with agoda.com: best hotels in moscow, the best time to visit moscow: seasonal guide, traveler's guide to moscow: tips and recommendations, where to stay in moscow: neighborhood guide, what to eat in moscow: local cuisine guide, getting around moscow: transportation tips.

• World ( 4,317,121 )
• Russia Hotels ( 50,052 )
• Moskva Hotels ( 5,344 )

Book Hotels in Moscow

Cabins, apartments, houseboats! We offer comfortable & private vacation rentals

Save an extra 10% or more on select hotels with Member Discounts

Access exclusive hotel deals, only with the Travelocity app

Check hotel availability in Moscow

Moscow Hotel & Travel Guide

Moscow, the entrancing capital of Russia, is a hub of science, culture, and education. Lingering monuments from the USSR era lend a fascinating glimpse into Russia's Soviet history, while remnants of its imperial past hearken back to the days of the tsars. Book yourself on one of many flights to Moscow , take your pick of the Moscow hotels, and prepare to be amazed by this dynamic and alluring city.

Out and About in Moscow

No trip to Moscow would be complete without a stop in the legendary Red Square. Gaze up at the candy-striped spires of St. Basil's Cathedral and stop by to take a picture of Lenin's Mausoleum. Visit the numerous museums and cathedrals within the red walls of the Kremlin, and even peek at the presidential palace. If you're in an artistic mood, the Tretyakov Gallery houses the finest collection of Russian art in the world, and the Bolshoi Theatre is renowned for its superlative ballet and opera. Even traveling between attractions and hotels in Moscow is an experience: The exceptionally beautiful and efficient metro is famous worldwide.

Eating and Drinking

You can find dining options for any budget along the Arbat, one of the most famous streets in the city. There are cuisines for any taste, but if it's traditional Russian food you're seeking, be sure to try some pelmeni (a type of dumpling), borscht (beet soup), or a shashlik (a Russian kebab). Blini, a sort of thin pancake, can be ordered with sweet or savory fillings and is a staple of the local cuisine. As for drinks, it isn't all vodka! Tea is one of the most common beverages, and you should also take the opportunity to try kvas, a fermented drink made from black or rye bread. Ready for your Russian adventure? Travelocity can help you find cheap hotels in Moscow and all the best Moscow vacation packages so you have more time to read up on all the great Russian literature before your trip.

Moscow hotels essential information

Frequently asked questions, types of hotels.

• Convention Center Hotels (355)
• Historic Hotels (314)
• Kid Friendly Hotels (246)
• Spa Resorts & Hotels (139)
• Cheap Hotels (69)
• Hotel Wedding Venues (63)
• Hotels with Hot Tubs (49)
• Boutique Hotels (19)
• Casino Resorts & Hotels (1)

Hotels near…

• Vnukovo Intl. Airport Hotels
• Sheremetyevo Airport Hotels
• Domodedovo Intl. Airport Hotels

An attraction

• Hotels near Moscow Kremlin
• Hotels near Embassy of the United States of America
• Hotels near Sparrow Hills

Areas of Moscow

• Northern Europe Hotels
• Eastern Europe Hotels
• Khimki Hotels
• Krasnogorsk Hotels
• Domodedovo Hotels
• Vnukovo Hotels
• Mytishchi Hotels
• Odintsovo Hotels
• Shishkino Hotels
• Rybolovskoe Hotels
• Istomikha Hotels
• Dmitrov Hotels
• Lyubertsy Hotels
• Razvilkov Hotels
• Podolsk Hotels
• Balashikha Hotels
• Ramenskoye Hotels
• Istra Hotels
• Sergiyev Posad Hotels
• Obninsk Hotels
• Kotelniki Hotels
• Polivanovo Hotels
• Privalovo Hotels
• Putilkovo Hotels
• Yubileyny Hotels
• Sorokino Hotels
• Pirogovo Hotels
• Petrovo-Dalneye Hotels
• Kamkino Hotels
• Noginsk Hotels
• Ershov Hotels
• Nikonovskoe Hotels
• Oksino Hotels
• Balabanovo Hotels
• Troitskoe Hotels
• Central Russia Hotels
• Nemchinovka Hotels
• Mamyri Hotels
• Kommunarka Hotels
• Otradnoye Hotels
• Moscow City Centre Hotels
• Central Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Moskovskiy Hotels
• North-Western Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Molzhaninovsky District Hotels
• South-Western Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Northern Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Arbat Hotels
• Shelepikha Hotels
• Tyoply Stan District Hotels
• Tverskoy Hotels
• Southern Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Kitay-Gorod Hotels
• Presnensky Hotels
• Eastern Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Butovo Hotels
• Izmaylovo Hotels
• Konkovo District Hotels
• Maryino District Hotels
• Rumyantsevo Hotels
• Zelenograd Hotels
• Zamoskvorechye Hotels
• Begovoy Hotels
• Danilovsky District Hotels
• Sokolniki Hotels
• Airport District Hotels
• Nagatinsky Zaton District Hotels
• South-Eastern Administrative District Hotels
• Western Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Lyublino District Hotels
• Brateyevo District Hotels
• Sosenskoe Hotels
• Zhukovka Hotels
• Usovo Hotels
• Novomoskovsky Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Rodniki Hotels
• Rogovskoe Hotels
• Yakimanka Hotels
• Meshchansky Hotels
• Meshchansky District Hotels

The Carlton, Moscow

A luxury Red Square hotel «The Carlton, Moscow» promises guests a front-row seat to Moscow, only steps away from the city’s invigorating riches. The breadth of experiences is amplified by newly transformed spaces, guest rooms and suites that celebrate the finest of Russian design and craftsmanship. Sip a pre-dinner cocktail at the Champagne Bar, savor seafood delights on the rooftop O2 Restaurant or slip into the serenity of our Spa.

Grand Deluxe

Club Room with Terrace

Club Room with a view of Red Square

Moscow Suite

Presidential Suite

Imperial Suite

Romance package

Family Journey

Earn miles with Aeroflot Bonus

Travel and enjoy new privileges of the partnership between The Carlton, Moscow and Aeroflot Bonus program

Save 10% on accommodation from 2 nights

Save 15% on accommodation from 4 nights

Save 20% on accommodation from 7 nights

Birthday Celebration in The Carlton, Moscow

Extend your Weekend

The Carlton Spa

Discover a delightful and unexpected oasis of tranquility and beauty in the heart of Moscow at The Carlton Spa.

O2 Restaurant

The landmark rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace located atop The Carlton, Moscow in the center of the city.

The Carlton Club Lounge

The Carlton, Moscow invites guests who are in search of a high level of privacy and comfort to enjoy the exquisite luxury of the Club Floor.

The Carlton Lounge & Bar

The Carlton Lounge & Bar invites for afternoon tea ceremonies, cocktail classics and a signature menu for every taste.

Champagne Bar

Take a deep dive into a carefully curated collection of vintage Champagne paired with caviar bites in the sophisticated Champagne Bar.

Weddings inspired by Russian Elegance

Wedding in The Carlton style for your perfect celebration in the heart of the city.

From its location in the heart of Moscow’s business district, The Carlton, Moscow offers a comprehensive approach to meetings.

Wedding with a magnificent view

A true fairytale wedding in a magical and romantic location awaits you on the 12th floor of the hotel.

Address: 125009, Russia, Moscow, Tverskaya Street, 3

Coordinates: 55.7574,37.6133

We use cookies to improve the way you interact with our website. Cookies policy

Michelin releases first list of Key Hotels in the US under new rating system guide

Share this article

French company Michelin has released its debut list of US hotels awarded at least one Key under the Michelin Guide's new hotel rating system, with California and New York being home to the most exclusive of the bunch. Photo / Getty Images

In recognition of the “most outstanding hotels in the country”, French company Michelin has released its premiere list of Key Hotels in the United States as part of the Michelin Guide ’s new hotel rating system.

Included in the list are 124 hotels across the US that have been awarded between one and three keys. The keys are part of a new system designed to award hotels with the same type of ratings that the Michelin Guide awards restaurants through its Michelin star system .

The team that curates the list is required to assess what hotels make it using five criteria: “architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.”

Hotels with one Key denote “a very special stay,” two keys signify “an exceptional stay,” and three keys - the highest rating a hotel can be given - indicate the hotel provides “an extraordinary stay.”

The Michelin Guide released its first list of key hotels in the US, with 80 hotels given one key, 33 handed two keys, and 11 lucky spots awarded three keys.

The Michelin Guide selection team said hotels in California , New York , Florida , Chicago , Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Colorado were “eligible for the distinction” through the company’s guidebooks.

Of the 11 hotels in the US awarded three keys, seven are in California and four are in New York .

The West Coast of the US had most of the winners, with California also taking the spot as the US state with the most key hotels.

Hotel Bel-Air, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Canyon Ranch Woodside, Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena, SingleThread Inn in Healdsburg and Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur were some of the treasures in California’s hotel scene awarded keys in the list.

“Its sheer breadth of size and variety means it’s no surprise to announce California as the state with the most key hotels in America,” the selection team said.

“Here, we’ll point you towards coastal gems like the sublime architectural achievements in Big Sur (Post Ranch Inn and Ventana), beachside luxuries in Santa Monica (in particular: the newly opened Georgian), and wine country favourites like SingleThread and the Madrona.

“What we love: how each one of these hotels opens the door to the very best of their locations - and gives us a look at each setting through fresh eyes.”

On the Atlantic side, New York’s The Whitby Hotel, The Aman, Crosby Street Hotel and Casa Cipriani were selected by the Michelin team for the list.

They said people would find “the highest luxury and impeccable design in Soho, Midtown, and the Financial District.“

“The Aman New York (Midtown) and Casa Cipriani (the Financial District) both make use of glamorous Beaux Arts buildings, the former a gold-crowned skyscraper in Midtown, the latter a glamorously restored ferry terminal at the very southern tip of Manhattan. Each is a refuge: an elegant, painstakingly designed escape from bustling city life,” the selection team said.

“Meanwhile, two Firmdale hotels round out the list of three-key hotels in New York City . Each is a quintessential example of the style and execution of the group’s co-owner and interior designer, Kit Kemp.”

Hotels with two keys were typically found in other states and cities, including Illinois , Florida and Washington, D.C.

The Jefferson and the Rosewood Washington, D.C. were two hotels from the capital to earn the priceless two-key rating.

Miami Beach was also home to several two-key hotels, including The Setai Miami Beach, Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden and the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.

In Chicago, The Peninsula, Pendry Chicago and The Langham made the exclusive list.

Once more, California had a stellar debut on the list with plenty of hotels awarded two keys. These hotels could be found in places such as San Francisco (Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero and The Battery), Carmel Valley (Bernardus Lodge & Spa), Sausalito (Cavallo Point Lodge) and Napa (Milliken Creek Inn & Spa).

When it came to one-key hotels, Georgia managed to make the selection team’s list with three hotels in Atlanta: the Stonehurst Place, The Candler Hotel and Hotel Clermont.

California’s Palm Springs also sported success with hotels such as Dive Palm Springs, Sparrows Lodge, La Serena Villas and Holiday House Palm Springs being awarded with a key.

Colorado managed to slip on the list, too, with alpine hotels such as Vail’s Sonnenalp Hotel and Four Seasons and Aspen’s Mollie and The Little Nell falling into the one-key category.

New York didn’t miss out here, either, with prominent establishments such as The Mercer, The Beekman, The Ludlow Hotel, and The Hotel Chelsea getting the tick of approval from Michelin’s selection team.

Latest from Travel

Inside the luxury safari of a diamond billionaire

How the super rich safari in South Africa.

Barcelona's crafty but very clever way to curb mass tourism

Flight attendant lifts the lid on passengers' gross toilet habit

France's best chateaux stays from as little as $160

‘Dark delights’ of Great Barrier Island

• Destinations
• Hotels & Homestays
• Food & Drink
• People & Culture
• Mindful Travel
• Readers' Travel Awards
• Escape to Rajasthan
• READERS TRAVEL AWARDS
• #LOVEGREATBRITAIN
• TAJ SAFARIS
• BOUTIQUE HOTELS
• CNT TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS
• DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
• DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT
• #UNDISCOVERAUSTRALIA
• ESSENTIALLY RAJASTHAN

The best new hotels in India: 2024 Hot List

By Condé Nast Traveller

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. This year's best new hotels in India include a beautiful safari camp, a Gangtok hotel with stunning Kanchenjunga views and a vibrant 10-bedroom garden retreat in the Himalayas. Here are the best new hotels in India.

Click here for the best new hotels in the world: Hot List 2024

JW Marriott Goa

Just off a busy corner packed with bars and beachwear shops in Goa’s Vagator is a little oasis of green and calm, perfectly suited for your next holiday. A spanking new 151-key property, done up with muted wooden panelling, intricate glassware chandeliers, water fountains and mother-of-pearl detailing, JW Marriott Goa quietly announces its location via its understated design. Located along a blue-green coastline and minutes away from Chapora Fort and Vagator beach, the hotel offers up idyllic backdrops for those family albums. The hotel offers a range of plush suite options and comfy rooms with attached balconies and all the latest mod cons, including free-standing tubs to soak in. Families can check into the adjoining suites, which allow guests to swim across via the private plunge pool that connects the rooms from the outside. Treat yourself to holistic treatments at Spa by JW, which features Turkish and Moroccan hammams. If you’re interested in therapy of the culinary kind, you can head to JW Kitchen, the all-day restaurant that serves a range of global cuisine and dishes from across the length and breadth of the country. Think Rajasthani thalis ; buzith chaman, a Kashmiri cottage cheese delicacy; Amritsari chole; and, of course, xacuti, caldeen, and cafreal. At Água Bar and Café—perched atop the hotel overlooking the infinity pool—enjoy signature cocktails and tuck into the ‘all things avocado’ section of the menu, dedicated to a range of toasts and sandwiches that star Insta-friendly food. The wide selection of nibbles, finger foods and heartier mains are ideal to take you from sunrise to sunset by the pool.For those looking to bring in a big birthday or host a celebration, pick from the 4,607-square-feet Grande Salão, an elegant ballroom with an outdoor section or the terrace of the hotel from where you can look out onto the shimmering sea. Doubles from Rs 19,950*; website —Smitha Menon

Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa, Gangtok

The one thing you should wish for before you visit Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa, Gangtok is clear skies—all-important for the hotel’s USP: views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, from every room. The property is set on the hill slopes of Pangthang forest, about 20 minutes from Gangtok, on land leased from Sikkim’s former prince, filled with Guras or rhododendron, the state plant. It is also all over the menu—from a colourful salad to the Guras Avenue cocktail with gin, pears, and the flower. The 69 rooms all have mountain views and the presidential suite comes with a pantry and butler. Only 2.8 acres of the 15 acres have been built upon and the rest is nature, with a waterfall where you can dip your feet. Here, I don’t need to go to a viewpoint. My king-sized bed itself is one. You can run on the treadmill at the gym, sit in the jacuzzi , get a couples massage at the spa, all with Kanchenjunga for company. But it does its best to offer more than the mountain. The front doors open onto a walkway lit by giant flaming cauldrons at night. The food has a local touch at Machan, with dishes like bhuteko bhaat, thukpa, and tingmo. This part of the world loves its noodles and momos, so Taj has brought its Asian specialty restaurant Soi & Sake. The curated décor—from the books in the lobby to the artwork over my bed—gives the hotel a curious intimacy. And of course, everything just feels better with a Kanchenjunga view. Doubles from about Rs 29,000*; website —Sandip Roy

The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel

Along a southern braid of the off-radar Ashtamudi Lake, two hours from Thiruvananthapuram airport, lies a gloriously secluded 93-key tropical getaway— The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel . In taking over the management of the long-standing Raviz property, The Leela makes its second foray into Kerala. Set within five lush acres of coconut palms, bamboo, and mango trees, it spreads across the Heritage and Tower wings, private pool villas, and two traditional, 200-year-old tharavadu cottages—wooden ancestral homes transported as is from Erattupetta and Anchal. The rooms offer lake views and cosy nooks to watch life play out—even the breezy lobby opens right onto the lake. An ode to Kerala in every aspect, the property’s sloping tiled roofs, grand pillars, and waterfront verandah are inspired by the Nalukettu style of architecture. Evenings bring with them a plethora of options: opt for a Mohiniyattam or Kuchipudi performance on the property or cruise through the lake on a houseboat under a sky painted golden by the setting sun. All-day restaurant Keraleeyam offers global and Indian staples, but the local cuisine is the highlight: coconut-loaded beef roast, a tangy raw mango prawn curry, and a snooze-inducing sadya, prepared for special occasions and served on a banana leaf. It’s impossible to think of dinner after a sadya, but you must, because the dinner-only restaurant Raanthal showcases the lake’s fresh catch. And the star of the show is the Fish Nirvana—a vibrant yellow coconut-infused kingfish curry cooked and served in a banana leaf alongside hot appams. Traditional Ayurvedic therapies are on offer at the Favourite Kerala Ayurveda and Spa, where treatment rooms offer magnificent views of the lake. If the expert massage doesn’t lull you into a stupor, watching the ripples on the water’s surface most definitely will. Doubles from about Rs 8,300*; website —Malavika Bhattacharya

Sitara Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh

Ever the creative, Anita Lal, iconic lifestyle brand Good Earth’s founder, has channelled her alchemist’s heart into a 10-bedroom garden retreat immersed in the spiritual magnitude of the Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 8,200 feet, 13 kilometres from Manali, on the way to Lahaul and Spiti, Sitara Himalaya is a celebration of Indian spirit with a global outlook. The splendour of the interiors is immediate—Tibetan rugs, ornamental blue and white china, bold brass work, hand-painted murals of mountain passes and hummingbirds, the earthy smell of juniper berry incense. Bedrooms are covered in hand-spun Banarasi silk wallpaper depicting a sacred Buddhist motif of a Himalayan cloud. Opening the curtains to a view of snow-capped peaks is an immediate uplift. Don’t expect room service menus, mini-bars, or TVs. There, however, is a dedicated library space, painted in teal and sky blue with red accents in homage to Buddhist monasteries. Food follows a journey through the Himalayan ranges: tandoori delicacies from the Khyber, decadent wazwan from Jammu & Kashmir, Anglo-Indian dishes from the colonial hill stations, the dham from Himachal and steamed momos from Ladakh. Sitara Himalaya can mould itself to guests’ needs—a solitary trek, a picnic, or dining followed by in-house sutradhar, Navarino Narah, playing his guitar. For a well-being retreat, head to the Svasthi area, set at the highest point of the property. The hot water plunge pool is scented with Himalayan Deodar; the infrared sauna, with walls made of bricks of Himalayan salts, relaxes the central nervous system. Therapies include a breathwork, sound bowl healing, reiki, and human touch centred on ancient marma massage. Sitara Himalaya offers a dance of colour, textiles, and texture, but it is also a catalyst for revelations and good conversations. My advice? Don’t hold back. Doubles from Rs 90,000* for a minimum three-night stay; website —Daisy Finer

InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road

The sprawling façade of the property sumptuously reveals itself at the end of a 20 minute-drive from the Jaipur airport through the industrial suburb of Sitapura. Despite being an hour away from the city centre, the snazzy 218-key hotel encapsulates the essence of the Pink City—from the bougainvillea-fringed periphery and the magenta stole draped around me upon arrival to the rose-hued chocolate shaped like Hawa Mahal in my modish one-bedroom suite. Even the thikri mirrorwork adorning the wall behind my bed echoes Amber Fort’s grandeur and reminds me exactly where I am. This also extends to its kitchens: Socorro, its global cuisine restaurant, whips up a mean Rajasthani thali, complete with a hearty masala baati-panchmel dal duo; zingy laal maas with the most tender mutton, brought in from Jaisalmer for its intense flavour; a curd-based creamy murgh Jodhpuri ; syrupy malpuas; and more. While The Royal Root spotlights regal Awadhi and Rajasthani flavours with a side of live classical music, House of Han hits the right Oriental note. Curated trips offer a crash course into regional craft like block printing and the city’s dying art of blue pottery in a local factory—the genial owner even promises to deliver the coasters I paint straight to my home once ready. Recently rebranded from Crowne Plaza, the first InterContinental in north India boasts enhanced interiors, replete with gold accents, and services. The small breakfast bag packed for an early-morning flight stuffed with freshly baked croissants, muffins, and fruits show that the little things matter. InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road strikes a balance between Rajasthani hospitality and world-class excellence. Doubles from about Rs 14,200*; website —Sneha Kanchan

Brij Anayra, Dharamshala

Before the Brij scooped up this 161-year-old tea estate in lower Dharamshala , it used to be White Haven, one-time resting place of weary English earls and viceroys. The 10-acre space retains all of its Raj regalia. Twelve massive rooms, carved into three blocks of a green-tiled colonial cottage complex, running along a fully functioning tea garden. Interiors drip with dark timber, dim lamps, and dainty furnishings. The Viceroy Block is the poshest with grand four-posters, dining alcoves, antique secretaires, armoury displays, and vintage watercolours, several of them painted by the lords and ladies. What elevates this discreet elegance are the down-home touches. Thukpas and momos arrive on demand, or a Himachali dham spread of khatte channe and a madra of your choice, is as easily delivered. Outdoorsy types can roam the extensive grounds, flitting from hibiscus to peaches to junipers, or head uphill for day-long jaunts to McLeodganj or Dharamkot, nearly 30-40 minutes by road. But why go anywhere when the daybed’s billowing drapes pull back on the Dhauladhar’s white-tipped majesty all along? Doubles from about Rs 15,000*; website —Lakshmi Sankaran

TUTC Sawai Shivir, Ranthambore

Our days at the safari camp start with birdcall and end with us perking our ears to distant howling of jackals marking their dominion around us. The 16-acre campsite of The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC) Sawai Shivir , the decade-old glamping brand’s newest property, is set among farmlands. An asymmetrical pool overlooks a crater that sounds like an ambitious plan: an on-site waterhole with its own ecosystem. The camp’s furnishings and artworks are sourced from TUTC’s locations like Thiksey, Kohima, and Bandhavgarh. The lounge tent’s roof is embroidered by a family in Leh and wooden stools are made in Nagaland from fallen trees. In the nine suite tents and one presidential suite tent, well-appointed bedrooms have air conditioners for the hot days and heaters for the cool nights. Behind each bedroom is a wooden-floored bathroom and a dressing room. Meals are discussed with guests but there is room for spontaneity, as they whip up local delicacies like ash-cooked baati and dal with churma and jungli murgh straight from a pot on a sigdi by the campfire. One of the days, after a safari , therapist Archana insisted we get a massage. As she moved her fingers through my hair, and across my scalp, she said I must let the oil seep in for at least half an hour. This glamping life, it asks a lot of you. Suite tents from Rs 80,000*; website —Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Breakfast by the lake, yoga under the stars, bird watching, nature hikes, outdoor movie screenings—no demand is too high at Mementos by ITC Hotels . The hotel, which is the first under ITC’s Mementos brand, promises mental souvenirs you’ll be tapping into days after your vacation. The hotel is situated 50 minutes from central Udaipur, but therein lies its charm. It’s a perfect alternative for travellers looking to spend time in the countryside, away from the thick of the throng yet within easy access of the historic centre. The 117 villas and suites start from 500 square feet and, depending on the category, come with either terraces, gardens, private plunge pools, or all of the above. All rooms offer a view—some overlook the valley, while others the lake. They are sumptuously decorated with golden accents simmered by a muted colour palette. Some bathrooms come with Victorian-style bathtubs that sit under sunroofs or the warm glow of a chandelier. For meals, there’s the ITC signature Royal Vega, where your silver thali gleams with recipes from the kitchens of maharajas of the past. At Kebabs & Kurries, feast on perennial favourites such as galouti kebabs, dal Bukhara, and nihari. But before you settle down in one of these restaurants, note that sunset drinks are de rigueur by the infinity pool at the Rock Bar. Doubles from Rs 31,254*; website —Shradha Shahani

Arundhati Ail , Condé Nast Traveller India

Condé Nast Traveller

Geetika Sachdev

Jahnavi Bhatt

Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud

Home to the country’s best-known start-ups and a whopping 11 of India’s Top 50 Restaurants , Bengaluru carries with it a happy, easy-going spirit. It’s no surprise then that the city became the first home in India of Marriott’s Moxy Hotels, a brand that pegs itself on cool. Located about 15 minutes from the airport, the no-frills Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud promises its guests a unique experience. Instead of a hotel lobby and a front desk, you are greeted by an open-plan floor where the bar, game room, lounge, restaurant, and co-working space blend into each other. The Moxy Bar, which also doubles up as a front desk, makes it convenient to offer you a welcome cocktail at check-in. If the lobby floor looks like Social and WeWork hooked up had a baby, the rooms are reminiscent of an IKEA catalogue. You wouldn’t be off the mark since Moxy was launched in partnership with the Swedish furniture brand. You are also nudged to do some things by yourself. This doesn’t mean you’ll be doing your own bed but you will most likely have to call in for that ironing board because not all rooms have one. Keeping with the young vibe, the minimalist rooms are stripped of wardrobes, writing desks, and cable TV. Wooden clothes pegs replace the wardrobe, a foldable wooden coffee table replaces the desk, and there’s a Smart TV to mirror your personal device screen. The workaholics can choose to work from anywhere, including at the island bar while sipping cocktails. The food menu includes the regular staples but also adapts to the local palate. Naans are reimagined as flat breads, topped with locally sourced burrata, or fresh mushrooms. The signature baos, topped with Andhra spices, too, are a nod to the local favourite. Among the other offerings at Moxy Bengaluru are conference rooms with bean bags and ping pong tables upon request. It is easy to label Moxy Bengaluru as a hotel for millennials and Gen Z. But you are constantly reminded that it is for ‘young at heart’. Doubles from Rs11,270*; website —Abhishek Mande Bhot

Ronil Goa—a JdV by Hyatt Hotel

Ronil Goa, a JdV by Hyatt property, is a new boutique resort in Calangute that is an unlikely bridge between the old laid-back Goa and the new buzzing one. Once a 125-room, budget-friendly hotel, the property, which goes back over 35 years, is now a 135-room JdV (short for joie de vivre) by Hyatt resort this year—the first such Hyatt property in India and Southwest Asia. Its entry on the Calangute-Baga Road is easy to miss, but once inside, the resort unfolds into two separate blocks, divided by two pools and the in-house restaurant. In true Goa fashion, I’m welcomed with a coffee -rum shot, an apt teaser of the resort’s energy. Check-in is not at the reception, but at the lobby bar Patrão’s, which is open 24/7. The heart of this property is “the hub”, the central area featuring a pool with a swim-up bar, cabanas, and sunken beds, and a wood-fired oven, where music plays almost all day and night. Rooms in this block are for those craving a high-energy holiday. The pool is open till 2am for spontaneous midnight swims. If you prefer a quieter holiday, book a room in the second block with the property’s second “tranquil” pool, which is open until 10pm and meant for a relaxed dip. Rooms feature several smart design elements—a sliding mirror which acts as a minimal door to the wardrobe, walls with monotone textures in place of the standard abstract paintings found in hotel rooms, door handles shaped like seashells, and more. Night owls can crack open the complimentary Maka Di lager in the minibar. I could easily get used to the prawn curry, rice, kismoor, and eggplant pickle at the Ronil Bistro for lunch, and the fresh, fluffy sourdough pizzas by the pool for dinner. Don't skip the ice cream, which comes from Goa’s well-loved Cream Choc. Ronil Goa is ideal for travelling with friends as the property can arrange bonfires, barbecues, floating breakfasts, and poolside picnics. As new as the property is, it unknowingly holds within it a sense of nostalgia. While the staff can arrange for bar crawls and Chapora Fort visits, if you are visiting to recreate old memories, you could just stay within the nostalgic cocoon that Ronil Goa offers. Doubles from Rs16,200*; website —Arundhati Ail

In a shiny post-pandemic Goa, Ashvem feels like a throwback to a slower and sleepier time. KAIĀ Goa , a new oceanfront boutique resort, across the tiny, white-washed Holy Cross Chapel, is right at the edge of Ashvem Beach. KAIĀ’s intuitive design immediately channels tropical sunshine and beach vibes with a profusion of cane, rattan, jute, and other natural fabrics. On-site coconut palms and trees were incorporated into an organic design with minimal use of intrusive construction material. The resort extends across two floors with rooms built around sprawling common areas. With high roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows, these rooms open up to sweeping views of the sea and mangroves. Minimalist design crafted from locally sourced bamboo, stone, and wood, along with jute curtains and statement light fixtures make you want to lounge about in your PJs. KAIĀ also has a four-bedroom stand-alone villa right across the road for larger groups. In the light-filled space at the edge of quiet backwaters with a sliver of beach , the large glass windows serve as a frame for the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The food is designed by chef Mohit Savargaonkar and his philosophy translates into a menu that traverses the world and back again with dishes that are high on taste and good for the gut. There are all-day breakfast offerings like the spectacular Turkish Eggs—poached eggs on a base of hung curd and chilli oil to be scooped up with freshly made poiee—and pesarattu with moringa sambhar. For the mains, pick from hearty Mexican, Mediterranean, Indonesian , classic European fare, or indulge in flavours of Malabar cooking with Kerala Kozhi Curry and an Alleppey Prawn Curry. KAIĀ’s bar programme presents craft infusions as well as a fresh tropical spin—like the Man … Gone Going with a raw mango tequila, spiced ripe mango and mango leaf liqueur, and a spiced rim with a mango leaf garnish—that makes the drinks fun and breezy. The island bar is a design win with an extended bamboo spiral roof open to the skies and seating around the counter that encourages conversations. In case you need more, there are a bunch of curated activities like village walks to art sessions, book readings, and more. KAIĀ celebrates the slow life and the lack of an agenda, a way of life that is becoming increasingly rare in Goa. Doubles from Rs 8,000*; website —Diya Kohli

*Prices are subject to change.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.