There's something about staying in a lodge that makes a holiday feel luxurious right from the beginning – the emphasis on the natural setting, the small number of rooms, the attention to detail that only a boutique accommodation can provide. Here are some of our top picks for luxury lodges you just have to try.
The Ongava is one of Namibia's best retreats, sited within the private Ongava game reserve. Stays here provide unmatched opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat, as it is also immediately next to Etosha National Park – but don't think you'll be roughing it. With only 14 lodges, guests enjoy privacy as well as plenty of staff attention, as well as air conditioning and, perhaps best of all, a private viewing deck to take in the scenery in perfect peace. See more.
Stay here on our Highlights of Namibia self-drive.
Ongava Lodge
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru
Sitting more than 2,000 metres above sea level, this gorgeous Inkaterra property boasts architecture and design elements reflecting local Andean culture, as well as 12 acres of private reserve land just below iconic Machu Picchu. White villas with terra-cotta roof tiles, heated plunge pools outdoor showers, even a personal butler... no detail at this one-of-a-kind retreat has been forgotten. See more.
Stay here on our Amazon Cruise & Sacred Valley of the Incas journey.
An unusual lodge, the Four Rivers Floating Lodge does what it says – moored on the banks of the Tatai River in Cambodia, this village of connected tented rooms is only accessible by boat. The tented exterior belies the comforts inside, which include ensuite toilets, air conditioning, television, and a private terrace with sun loungers so you can enjoy your own waterfront view. See more.
Stay here when you travel on Best of Cambodia.
Four Rivers Floating Lodge
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
Tin Tub Luxury Lodge
If your ultimate travel list involves seeing the great migration of wildebeest and zebra racing to the Serengeti Desert, you won't find a better vantage point than the Grumeti Serengeti camp from andBeyond. The Grumeti River is a locus of activity as the animals cross through it, making the camp's location perfect for enjoying all the action – or, at other times of year, the activity of the region's local animals. Of course, multiple daily game drives are on offer, but so too are afternoon tea, gourmet dining, and top-of-the-line accommodations decorated in vibrant local fabrics featuring woven roofs, outdoor showers and decks to take in the views in peace from your own private hideaway. See more.
Stay here on our Luxury Tanzania holiday.
On New Zealand's South Island, in the countryside of Lake Wanaka, is the Tin Tub Luxury Lodge. Strikingly named and strikingly situated in the mountains, with unmatched views, the lodge also features tin tubs for private outdoor bathing – along with Californian King beds, walk-in showers, timber ceilings and a comfortable, welcoming main lodge. Come here for good company as well as log fires, library and lounge. A true boutique hotel, offering only five rooms, Tin Tub is an outdoors paradise with unimpeachable service. See more.
Stay here on our Luxury Lodges of New Zealand holiday.