Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best hotel suites & villas I’ve ever stayed in

Over the past two decades, I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some of the world’s most exclusive hotels. On several of these trips (some of them taken prior to the launch of my blog & YouTube channel), I was upgraded to a suite or villa. Some of these hotel suites were so exceptional that they stand above the rest, whether it’s because of the indulgent amenities or the uniqueness of the location. From the Maldives and Thailand to Vietnam and the Caribbean, here’s a round-up of the 10 most amazing hotel suites and villas I’ve ever stayed at.

There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slideshow. What’s the best hotel room, suite or villa you ever stayed in? Leave a comment.

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10. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA

Jade Mountain offers one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing and luxurious resort experiences, especially for honeymooners. The resort’s unique and impressive design, with individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool suites and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky, have wowed guests since more than a decade. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of  St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea. The hotel’s top suites are the Galaxy infinity pool sanctuaries numbered JC1, JD1, JE1. These are located on the south-west corner of the resort and enjoy the most commanding panoramic views plus biggest square footage and largest in-suite infinity pools.

• Hotel website: Jade Mountain
• Other accolades: Jade Mountain also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in the Caribbean, the hotel rooms with the best views, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and the world’s best resorts with private plunge pools.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD spa credit).
• Review: read my review of Jade Mountain here.

9. QASR AL SARAB BY ANANTARA, ABU DHABI, UAE

On the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest sand desert – the Empty Quarter – beckons. Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara rises up from flame-colored dunes like a mirage, inviting adventure in the most luxurious of styles. Guests here traverse the Rub’ al Khali by camelback, dine under desert skies, and unwind with the Moroccan hammam and desert rose rituals at the resort’s impressive spa. Boasting exquisite comforts and opulent luxury, the resort’s three bedroom family villas lie on the edge of the desert, with unrivalled views of the shifting dunes. Regal indoor spaces open onto a terrace, private pool and garden beyond, with endless desert panoramas and spectacular sunset views. The villas’ bedrooms are furnished with bespoke pieces from local craftsmen, and the bathrooms include rain showers, oversized tubs and luxury spa services on tap.

• Hotel website: Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara
• Other accolades: Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara also features in my top 10 list of the best desert resorts in the world.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD resort credit).

8. AMANOI, VIETNAM

Amanoi is an ultraluxe retreat situated on a gorgeous golden sand beach overlooking spectacular Vinh Hy Bay in Vietnam’s Nui Chua National Park. The property offers total privacy in beautifully designed accommodations that are located in 31 pavilions, a number with private swimming pools, and five Aman Villas, including two incredible wellness pool villas – the first of their kind in Asia. The Thuy Lien Spa House (meaning Lotus Spa House in Vietnamese) borders Amanoi’s tranquil lotus lake while the An Son Spa House (meaning Peaceful Mountain Spa House in Vietnamese) affords serene vistas of the national park. Both provide guests with completely private facilities together with one or two beautifully appointed guest pavilions. Facilities include a double treatment room, a contemporary hammam or a wooden-clad Banya, a 15 m (50 ft) swimming pool, relaxation deck, outdoor dining area, steam room, cold plunge pool and Jacuzzi.

• Hotel website: Amanoi
• Other accolades: Amanoi also features in my top 10 lists of the best Aman hotels in the world, the 10 most fabulous luxury hotels in Vietnam, and the 10 most astonishing beach retreats in Asia.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary lunch for two).
• Review: read my review of Amanoi here.

7. NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

North Island Seychelles is the holy grail of luxury travel. The private island property features eleven palatial guest villas, all of them offering direct access to magnificent Anse d’est Beach. They are raised more than one meter (3 feet) above the ground to catch the cooling island breezes. Each villa features two air-conditioned bedroom pavilions: an incredibly spacious master bedroom and a second bedroom that can be turned into a study lounge. All villas also have an open-sided lounge (with sofa and dining table), an adjoining kitchenette (including a minibar that has to be the world’s most generous one), an outdoor plunge pool with roofed sala (to relax in the shade at midday when it is too hot for outdoor activities), and expansive outdoor deck which floats above the oversized garden, and an insanely beautiful, semi-outdoor bathroom that has the dimensions and feel of an ultraluxe bath house.

• Hotel website: North Island
• Other accolades: North Island also features  in my top 10 lists of the best resorts in the Seychelles, the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and Africa’s most astonishing beach retreats.
• Review: read my review of North Island Seychelles here.

6. MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE, MADAGASCAR

Located on an idyllic island off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Miavana by Time + Tide is one of the most exclusive castaway escapes ever built in the world. There are 14 supremely luxurious beach villas, offering one, two and three bedrooms (I stayed at a two bedroom villa during my holiday). Space is no issue as these palatial hotel suites are enormous in size. And what’s more, they are dotted on the island’s western side along the magnificent beach, affording spectacular views of the ocean, mainland Madagascar (at the horizon), and the sunset. Each villa features a private pool, lush garden, stylish dining and living area, well-stocked kitchenette, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, and a study room which can be converted into a children’s bedroom. Each villa also comes with its own bicycles and electric buggy to explore the island.

• Hotel website: Time + Tide Miavana
• Other accolades: Time + Tide Miavana also features in my top 10 lists of the most remotely located luxury hotels in the world, the world’s best hotels for a honeymoon, and the best things to see & do in Madagascar.
• Review: read my review of Time + Tide Miavana here.

5. SONEVA JANI

The scale of Soneva Jani’s villas is extraordinary, with both one bedroom (catering to couples and families with young children) and multi-bedroom villas (catering to larger travel parties) available. The 51 overwater villas are located along two jetties, which are connected to Medhufaru island, curving over the blue water like a snake. Each villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. Inside, there’s a spacious master bedroom with a kids’ sleeping area, open-air bathroom, glass-encased kitchenette, study room, walk-in wardrobe, living area with sunken seats, and an upstairs seating lounge and a dining sala. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Jani (e.g. resort credit, and two personalized Soneva experiences).

• Hotel website: Soneva Jani
• Other accolades: Soneva Jani also features in my top 10 lists of the most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives, the best luxury resort in the Maldives, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and my favorite hotels in the world.
• Review: read my review of Soneva Jani here.

4. ROYAL MALEWANE, SOUTH AFRICA

Located in Thornybush private game reserve, Royal Malewane is one of South Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in the utmost colonial splendor of six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites, and one Africa House. Elevated walkways connects all accommodations with the main lodge. During my holiday, I stayed in the hotel’s Royal Suite, which ranks among the most opulent villas that I’ve ever stayed at. The extravagantly proportioned villa featured a large living room with fireplace, and two separate bedrooms, each one with a Mahogany four-posters bed and an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victoria bath. The villa was surrounded by a huge outside deck complete with crystal-clear pool and two thatched gazebos, so you could take the most of the surrounding wild beauty and enjoy the warmth of the African sunshine in complete privacy.

• Hotel website: Royal Malewane
• Other accolades: Royal Malewane also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in South Africa, the most insanely beautiful safari lodges in Africa, the best hotels in the world, and the most exclusive safari lodges in South Africa.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, free breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary one way transfer from HDS airport).
• Review: read my review of Royal Malewane here.

3. SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVES

Soneva Fushi features massive, Robinson Crusoe-style, multi-bedroom luxury villas and private residences hidden among dense tropical foliage. In keeping with the castaway theme, many are built to resemble tree houses. All open to their own private stretch of sugar white sands, and most boast their own private seawater swimming pools, some of them even featuring their own slides. One of the hotel’s most stunning suites is the four bedroom Jungle Reserve, located on the sunrise side of the island. The immense reserve surrounds you in nature while offering up caverns and terraces of luxurious space: three sumptuous bedrooms, huge open-air garden bathrooms, an indoor lounge with dining table for up to 10 and a separate outdoor sunken dining table just as large, an in-villa wine cellar, full kitchen, library, and your private spa suite with couple’s treatment room, gym, sauna and steam.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Fushi (e.g. resort credit and two Soneva experiences).

• Hotel website: Soneva Fushi
• Other accolades: Soneva Fushi also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels in the Maldives, the best family hotels in the world, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling, and the world’s most insanely beautiful hotel beaches.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via  Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, breakfast, early check-in , late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of Soneva Fushi here.

2. CALILO, GREECE

Enjoying a remote location on Ios (Greek cyclades), Calilo features 32 uniquely designed suites, all featuring hand-crafted mosaics, scalloped tiles, driftwood-inspired chairs and waves of marble (most suites also have private pools). The hotel’s top villa is the “Sea of Smiles Suite”, named by its owner Michalopoulos for its focus on water. Located on the hill side of Calilo with panoramic views of the resort and beach, this incredible suite offers three bedrooms, each with palatial en-suite marble bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs. The suite’s generous outdoor space included a dedicated sitting area, waterfall, natural rock shower, water pond and two swinging beds. To top it all, there’s a private swimming pool made from 65,000 pieces of marble.

• Hotel website: Calilo
• Other accolades: Calilo also features in my top 10 list of the best beach resorts in Europe.
• Review: read my review of Calilo here.

1. SONEVA KIRI, THAILAND

Hidden in the jungle, the Six Bedroom Sunset Ocean View Pool Reserve at Soneva Kiri stretches over a hilltop on the western part of the fabulous resort. Secluded away in an exceptionally peaceful spot, the Reserve towers over the sea, enjoys a serene atmosphere away from the buzz of the resort, but is only a short 5-minute electric buggy ride away from all the rustic-luxe facilities. The villa’s eco-chic design melts in with the spectacular natural surroundings and adds to the sense of being at one with nature. It features a cluster of pavilions, which are built using local materials, topped with a palm-leaf roof, decked out in stylish bright cushions, and decorated with simple but chic furniture. This is barefoot luxury at its best, albeit in a low-key and environmentally conscious way.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Kiri (e.g. resort credit and two Soneva experiences).

• Hotel website: Soneva Kiri
• Top 10 accolades: Soneva Kiri features in my top 10 lists of the most insanely beautiful hotels in Thailand, the world’s most amazing beach resorts, the world’s most outrageous hotel experiences,  the best private plunge pools in the world, the world’s most beautiful hotel beaches, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s best family hotels, the world’s most remote hotels, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, breakfast, early check-in , late check-out, and $100 US resort credit).
• Review: read my review of Soneva Kiri here.

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The post Top 10 best hotel suites & villas I’ve ever stayed in appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel and/or flight review.

In recently enjoyed a terrific holiday in South Africa. You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Iberia A330 Business Class from Madrid to Johannesburg
• Review: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
• Review: River Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve
• Review: Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve (today)
• Review: Kapama Karula, Kapama Private Game Reserve
• Review: Rovos train from Pretoria to Cape Town
• Review: 12 Apostles hotel, Cape Town
• Review: Cape Grace, Cape Town
• Review: Ellerman House, Cape Town
• Review: South African Airways A340 Business Class from Cape Town to Johannesburg
• Review: British Airways A380 First Class from Johannesburg to London

Today: Review of Royal Malewane (Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa)

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: Royal Malewane
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge with one- to six-bedroom villas, located in Thornybush private game reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The lodge, which has Bill Gates, Bono, Oprah and Elton John among its repeat guests, exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort and convenience. Here, the classic safari experience is unsurpassed with unrivaled Big Five game viewing and the country’s most qualified guiding team, who will provide detailed insights into the complex and fascinating ecosystems of the South African bushveld. Guests can also indulge in sensual treatments at the tranquil waters of Royal Malewane’s Bush Spa and enjoy nightly feasts under the African stars.

Royal Malewane features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in South Africa, the most insanely beautiful safari lodges in Africa, and the best safari lodges in South Africa.

In this review (more info below the slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Royal Malewane is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg in under 5 hours. Most guests though will prefer to travel by air, by making use of a commercial flight to one of the nearby airports (either the Hoedspruit Airport or Nelson’s Kruger Mpumulanga International Airport), or by chartering their own flights directly onto the lodge’s private airstrip.

• The lodge is located in the Greater Kruger National Park, which refers to the Kruger National Park itself – operated by the South African National Parks Board – as well as the private game reserves on the Western border of the Kruger National Park such as the Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Manyeleti and Thornybush Private Game Reserve. The latter is the home to Royal Malewane, and set in the heart of the rolling Lowveld savannah. As there is no fence separating the reserve and the park, animals move freely between the two wilderness areas.

• The distinction between the Kruger National Park and its adjacent private game reserves (such as Royal Malewane) is an important one as the latter offer a superior safari experience where nature is paramount: there are no restrictions on access or driving times; only specialized safari vehicles with guides are permitted (and they are permitted to go off-road in search of the wildlife); and a maximum of two vehicles at a time are permitted on a single sighting resulting in a more intimate wildlife experience and fantastic photographic opportunities.

• Royal Malewane’s open-sided, thatched roof, main lodge provides an elegant colonial-style refuge in the heart of the African bush. Two bronze cheetahs guard the entrance. Besides a boutique shop and the dining room, it features several seating and lounge areas, all of them boasting unparalleled views of the nearby waterhole (which attracts plenty of big game) and the raw uncompromising wilderness.

• The stunningly beautiful décor is classic colonial bush style, brimming with old world, timeless elegance, and mixed with Oriental antique ornaments such as Persian carpets. The lavish decor was created by design maven Liz Biden, who is also the mastermind behind Royal Malewane’s sister properties La Residence in the Cape Winelands and Birkenhead House in Hermanus.

• The main lodge accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in the utmost colonial splendor of six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites, and one Africa House (an exclusive bush villa with six bedrooms). Elevated walkways connects all accommodations with the main lodge. During my holiday, I stayed in a Royal Suite, which ranks among the most spacious and opulent villas that I’ve ever stayed at. Luxuriously appointed and fully air-conditioned, the extravagantly proportioned villa featured a large living room with fireplace, and two separate bedrooms, each one with a Mahogany four-posters bed and an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victoria bath. The villa was surrounded by a huge outside deck complete with crystal-clear pool and two thatched gazebos, so you could take the most of the surrounding wild beauty and enjoy the warmth of the African sunshine in complete privacy.

• The Farmstead is a beautiful new lodge at Royal Malewane just a 12 minute drive south of the existing lodge. Contrary to the main lodge’s classic and grand style, The Farmstead is more intimate and contemporary. Guests here enjoy the same remarkable service and delicious cuisine synonymous with Royal Malewane while experiencing the ultimate Big 5 safari. The complex consists of a main lodge area, three Luxury Farm Suites, and The Farmhouse. The Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse are either side of a central lodge area where guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in the elegant and comfortable spaces. After dinner guests can relax around the fire pit on the vast deck and reflect on the day’s adventures. There is a double spa treatment room offering a variety of indulgent treatments as well as a gym.

• The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is an oasis of a very special sort, a chance to refresh and restore mind, body and spirit amid the serenity and peace of the bush. Located at short walking distance from the main lodge, the spa is renowned for its beautiful setting and the sheer luxuriousness of its treatments, many of which make inspired use of indigenous ingredients. Facilities include a fully equipped gym, a rectangular heated lap pool, steam room, hot and cold African baths and private casitas for relaxation or treatments. It’s not uncommon to spot a passing impala gazing in fascination as you change position on your massage bed.

• Dinners at Royal Malewane are sumptuous affairs, with a constantly changing menu and a wide variety of beautiful settings in which to savor the contemporary cuisine prepared by Executive Chef, Brandon Souris and his dedicated team. Whether you feel like a light salad by the pool in the privacy of your villa or a decadent six-course dinner paired with fine wines on the main dining terrace, the culinary team at Royal Malewane will ensure that you are carefully looked after. All meals, soft drinks, spirits and wines are included in the accommodation rates at Royal Malewane, so you can completely relax and enjoy the endless temptations available.

• Once a week, Royal Malewane organizes a feast, served family style with one communal table for all guests, in a Bedouin Tent in the heart of the African bush. This is truly a remarkable and romantic experience with glowing lanterns casting a gentle light among the brightly burning braziers. The sounds of the wild and the local village choir provide the soundtrack to a very special evening where you can enjoy being out in the bush by the fireside under the African stars as the ranger and your fellow guests recounts the stories of the day.

• Of course, the main raison d’être for staying at Royal Malewane is the safari experience. With over 130 mammal species and over 300 bird species, the lodge delivers an unrivaled wildlife adventure, but most guests are here of course in the hope of spotting one of the Big Five animals: lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and black rhino. The Big Five phrase was coined by hunters back in the day, and referred to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot and the degree of danger involved. Your chances of observing the Big Five at Royal Malewane are extremely high (although never guaranteed of course) and the property is especially famous for its leopard sightings.

• The game drives at dawn and dusk form the basic rhythm of the day, when the wildlife is most active and the temperature more moderate. To engage with the landscape even more intimately, you can also explore the bush on foot with Royal Malewane’s expert guides and trackers at your side. You are encouraged to relax and experience the African bush at your own pace. There are no set meal times and the guiding team will accommodate your needs and interests as far as possible. Below is a schedule of what to expect on a typical day at Royal Malewane:
  • 5 am: wake up call
  • 5.30 am: light breakfast
  • 6 am: game drive
  • 9 am: return to the lodge for full breakfast
  • 9.30-1 pm: time at your leisure
  • 1 pm: lunch
  • 2-4 pm: time at your leisure
  • 4 pm: afternoon tea
  • 4.30-7 pm: game drive
  • 7 pm: return to the lodge for dinner
  • 9 pm: guided escort to your room

• A game drive takes three to four hours and all game drives are included in the rates. Royal Malewane’s game drive vehicles seat only 6 guests in order to optimize each guest’s game viewing experience and comfort affording ample space for photographic equipment (and some refreshments of course). Top of the range, specialist Land Cruisers & Land Rovers ensure that the guides can go off-road in search of the ultimate wildlife sightings no matter what the conditions.

• On all game drives, guests are guided on specialized Land Rovers by a ranger who drives the vehicle and by a tracker who sits on an especially precarious seat at the front of the bonnet. And you are in good hands since Royal Malewane has the most qualified guiding team in Africa, with over 300 years of African bush experience between them. All the game rangers at Royal Malewane hold the highest FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) qualifications as well as advanced rifle handling certificates. These qualifications ensure guests an exceptional and safe game experience – not only while on game drive, but also on foot. Our guide Ryan and tracker Mumps were the best guides I have ever encountered on a safari on the African continent, and they managed to find the Big Five on all of our game drives.

• The gorgeously extravagant lodge has played host to a bevy of Hollywood actors, pop stars, royals and presidents who, like every guest, appreciate the privacy, opulence, and discreet attention they receive. A-List guests who have had stayed at the lodge include former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, Microsoft billionaires Bill Gates and Paul Allen, as well as Richard Gere, Oprah, Bono, and Elton John.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Royal Malewane is one of South Africa’s grandest and most famous lodges, and it doesn’t get better than this. The exquisite décor, incredible food and the unbelievable wildlife adventure with the best safari guides ever made this a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. The resort has no real cons, but you need to know the following when going in:

• This is not Disney land. While wildlife sightings are common, it is not guaranteed that you will spot the Big Five. Having said that, this is one of Africa’s most game-rich reserves and best places to spot the Big Five, especially the elusive leopard, but luck certainly plays its part as do the knowledge of the guides.

• The lodge is not fenced so wildlife freely moves around the lodge. Although it is uncommon, predators such as leopards have been spotted in the lodge and on the villa’s terraces. Although most wildlife enthusiasts would be thrilled by such a special sighting, some may feel a little uncomfortable with all the wildlife around them, especially when walking between the main lodge and villas on the elevated walkways. However, it should not be too much of an issue since the staff is always there to escort you.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 10/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 9/10
• Resort grounds: 10/10
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 10/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 10/10
• Service: 10/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: exceptional: 9,7/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, and the choice between a $100 USD gift from Royal Malewane or donation of $100 USD to the philanthropic projects of The Royal Portfolio Foundation.

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury resort like Royal Malewane (and receive many free perks).

• Room tip: The main lodge has only seven villas, all of them superbly located in the African bush and enjoying similar views, so you cannot go wrong with any of them. If you don’t like to walk to much between your room and the lobby, request a villa close to the public areas.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summer sees torrential rains, dramatic thunder storms and soaring temperatures. The vegetation is lush and verdant attracting incredible bird life while many new borns appear at this time of year. The winter months are drier and cooler – the vegetation is sparser resulting in improved visibility for game viewing as the animals make their way to the watering holes for hydration.

HOW TO GET THERE

Royal Malewane is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg in under 5 hours. Most guests though will prefer to travel by air, by making use of a commercial flight to one of the nearby airports (either the Hoedspruit Airport or Nelson’s Kruger Mpumulanga International Airport), or by chartering their own flights directly onto the lodge’s private airstrip.

PHOTOS

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The post Hotel review: PHENOMENAL Royal Malewane (South Africa) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (April 21, 2014): Top 10 ultimate safari lodges in Africa.

Africa offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. The “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and the elusive leopard) take the center stage on safari but don’t forget that 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 really beat 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 located within these areas. The majority of them is operated by the 3 most luxurious safari companies on the continent: &Beyond, Wilderness Safaris and Singita.

There is more info (with reviews and Youtube clips) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite safari lodge in the comments section, or take my poll at the bottom of the page!

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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 5 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 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 private plunge pool. An elegant entertainment area includes a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge and dining areas. Little Kulala’s interiors make use of neutral colours, 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 Greater 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. CHIEF’S CAMP, BOTSWANA

Named after Chief Moremi, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is located in the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve. The camp is ideal for an exciting African safari due to the vast numbers of animals that congregate all year round. Chief’s Island is one of the many islands created by the seasonal flood waters of the Okavango Delta and is well-known for the finest game viewing in Southern Africa, including both black and white rhino completing the Big Five. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp has twelve luxury bush pavilions, all with their own private decks as well as both indoor and outdoor showers. The split-level main deck offers expansive views over the floodplain while the dining area surrounds a fire pit on the very edge of the Piajio plains.

• Hotel website: Chief’s Camp

6. 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 7 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

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, Bono and Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen. 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 here my review of Royal Malewane

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

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 villas is surrounded by untamed African Bush and are operated as a private Villa. They all  include a private rim flow pool, exquisitely appointed large dedicated 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, South Africa, 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.

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