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Hotel · Saint John Figtree
"A long-standing favourite with travel writers, Montpelier is a breath of fresh air in the sultry Caribbean heat. Of the several sugar plantation houses that have been converted into intimate hotels on the unspoilt island of Nevis, Montpelier is the most exclusive. Perched 750ft above sea level in a 60 acre estate, it's famed for hosting the wedding of Horatio Nelson to Fanny Nisbet in 1787. These days it is a beautiful hideaway with a graceful and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for those in need of rest and recuperation, and for couples seeking a romantic retreat. The house feels like a tropical version of the English country manor, with a blend of traditional charm, stylish décor, informal luxury and gracious hospitality. In the evenings you are invited to join the other guests for drinks in the Great House, before dining on delicious local food served on the candlelit veranda. Walk, read or just simply relax in the sunshine. For the energetic, there's a tennis court and a large freshwater swimming pool; golf, riding and mountain walks can be arranged nearby. Highs The service is among the best in the Caribbean - nothing is too much trouble The food is fabulousJust 18 beautifully appointed guest rooms with wonderful views of the gardens and distant sea Montpelier's private beach offers secluded cabanas and a shaded beach bar with dazzling ocean viewsEasing yourself into the island's slower pace of life - the atmosphere is extremely peaceful and relaxed Lows The hotel's private stretch on Pinney's sandy beach is a 20 minute drive away (a complimentary shuttle is provided)Don't come expecting wild nightlife, Nevis is a sleepy island and Montpelier, as with the other plantation inns, is located in tranquil countryside" - Anita Naik
St Johns Parish Montpelier Es 4CF5+6RR Pond Hill, Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis Get directions
Hotel · Saint John Figtree
"Full of history, character and classic style, Hermitage Nevis is known not only for its beautiful location on the slopes of Mt. Nevis, but also for its amiable and sociable hospitality. This alone makes it an ideal place for families, as well as those seeking a romantic and private destination. Here you'll find a hint of old Nevis: the Great House, built 250 years ago and said to be the oldest wooden house in the Caribbean, is filled with antiques, oriental rugs, a library, a veranda restaurant, a sun terrace and a well stocked bar. The individual guest cottages, some with distant sea views, are scattered in the gardens - a botanist's dream. Mostly planted by the owner Maureen Lupinacci you'll find cocoa, mango and breadfruit trees, spider orchids, and sandpaper flowers. For animal lovers there are horses, dogs, rabbits, pigs, ducks, geese and even the occasional monkey wandering about. A freshwater swimming pool and tennis court are also on site and in room spa treatments are available. Highs Relaxed, friendly atmosphere - the Lupinaccis are great hosts who welcome children as well as romantics Steeped in history and West Indian charm: gingerbread cottages, polished wooden floors, huge four-poster beds, verandas with hammocks... Tropical rainforest, animals, horse riding and walking trails make it ideal for nature lovers Delicious cooking and fine rum punches Lows Nearest good beach is a 15-minute drive away Not for those seeking glitz, nightlife, casinos or shopping - people come to Nevis to get away from it all, unwind and do very little amid beautiful scenery" - Anita Naik
Hermitage Road 4CM6+CQ6 St John's Parish Gingerland, Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis Get directions
Punjabi restaurant · Ghole Road
"Attention to detail and effortless hospitality permeate every corner of this peaceful guesthouse - aptly named Amrapali - House of Grace. An oasis of calm, it took almost 3 years of renovations to convert the once-dilapidated villa into its current state of splendour, and today it feels more like an expertly run aristocratic home than a boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive, you're incredibly well taken care of. There's no formal restaurant; rather, a casual dining space where you're asked for your personal preferences. As a result, everything we ate was superb: a bespoke fusion of Goan and European flavours, with as much homemade, locally sourced and organic produce as possible. Overlooking the peaceful Zuari river, this is perfect for those in search of complete relaxation and an authentic experience. Ayurvedic massages will help you unwind, and once you're restored in body and mind, Old Goa and its picturesque Latin Quarter are only a 15-minute drive away. Truly a House of Grace. Highs Only 30 minutes from Goa airport, so ideal for a couple of nights before or after your international flight Just 5 spacious bedrooms, with gorgeous antique furniture and a generous price tag Friendly staff are attentive without being obsequious A true sanctuary, well away from the tourist crowds Lows Strict cancellation policy Noise from the nearby NH-66 highway Recommended bars and restaurants are a drive away for a change of scene and you're a day trip from Goa's famous beaches (note, the nearest beach isn't clean enough for swimming) No twin rooms" - Meg Lambert
1227, Fergusson College Rd, Ganeshwadi, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India Get directions
Hotel · Valparaíso
"Overlooking Valparaíso bay, this converted 3-storey house, built in 1880, has been carefully restored to create a spacious and elegant boutique. Original features are retained, and modern twists add a touch of 21st-century style. The rooms are homely and inviting, the common areas cool and laid-back. Perched atop Cerro Alegre - 'Cheerful Hill' - the hotel is in the heart of Valparaíso's hilly old town, and shares its charm. This UNESCO World Heritage site comes complete with cobbled streets, colourful façades and arty murals, and provides easy access via one of the dozens of century-old ascensores - funicular railways - down to the hustle and bustle of the port and town centre below. This is the perfect base from which to discover this vibrant port city, which buzzes with an energy sometimes lacking in the neighbouring capital, Santiago. After a tough morning exploring, crash on your bed for a siesta while a warm breeze wafts through the French doors. Later, help yourself to a glass of wine, settle back into a wicker chair on the bougainvillea-festooned terrace and watch the long shadows of the sunset move across the bay below. Highs Location location location. The solid foundations of the 19th-century houses in this district enabled them to withstand a massive earthquake in 1906, unlike most buildings in the city. The area is historically significant as a result - not to mention very trendyGuests are trusted to settle their dues later at the well-stocked honesty barClassic architecture and superior craftsmanship give the building a strong character, enhanced by beautiful original features - coving, French window frames, wooden floorboards and stained glass windows The lush Winter Garden breakfast room on the first floor with its panoramic views is picturesque and inspiring Lows The hotel has no restaurant, but there are plenty of top-notch local eateries to discover While the best rooms enjoy fabulous harbour views, some rooms at the top have a less privileged view of a corrugated iron warehouseParking is a nightmare in Valparaíso, but the hotel has 7 parking spots set aside which can be booked in advance" - Emma Whiteacre
Hotel · Zermatt
"This small but decidedly exclusive collection of pristine designer apartments is perched high on a rocky spur overlooking the Swiss resort of Zermatt. It attracts a style-conscious clientele of families and groups of friends who come year-round for the breathtaking outdoor scenery (the resort is overshadowed by the mighty, Toblerone-shaped Matterhorn), and the vast range of activities on offer. Owned by Rudy Julen (from one of the 4 separate Julen families who seem to own most of the resort), what makes these apartments so special is their plum location, hotel-style services and cool interiors. Rudy is a hobby sheep farmer, keeping 300 Blacknose Valois sheep in his spare time, and this detail has been imaginatively picked up by the apartments' interior designer. There are sheep-themed features throughout, from balls of wool and giant black-and-white photos to cosy sheepskins artfully draped over chairs. Even the lift linking the floors is lined with a sheep print. Highs Combines the privacy and relaxed vibe of a chalet with the services of a first-class hotel, including breakfast delivered to your door, a wellness area and a concierge A mere 2-minute stroll down to the main square in buzzy Zermatt, a resort where many chalets and hotels are out on a limbSpacious, light-filled accommodation with lots of luxurious touches - bathrobes, Apple TVs with movies and a NespressoThe flexibility of being able to self-cater some meals, order in others via room service, and stroll to great restaurantsAll bedrooms can be set up as doubles or twins, and all have their own bathroom - perfect for couples, friends and families Lows No communal bar area or restaurant so it feels a little like the building lacks a heartNo pool, just a shared large whirlpool, wooden sauna and steam roomExpensive, but worth it" - Belinda Archer
Hotel · Ko Samui
"The beach is small and can get busy, but that is really the only downside of Zazen Boutique Resort on the north coast of Koh Samui. Sitting at one end of Bo Phut, it’s a romantic and intimate place to escape with a partner, and it prides itself on its restorative qualities ('zazen' is a meditative pose). There’s a spa with a very long treatment list, a romantic restaurant serving Thai fusion cuisine, and you can idle away the days sipping fantastic cocktails by the pool, taking boat trips or exploring the nearby fishermen's village. The 26 bungalows are spacious and spoiling, with enormous beds, open-plan lounges and sleek bathrooms. Scattered through exotic gardens and coconut groves, large windows show off the bird of paradise flowers, and the glass doors give onto private terraces. Active types can go diving and snorkelling, visit an elephant sanctuary, swing through the rainforest canopy or head out into the blue for deep-sea fishing. So if you’re wound up, wiped out or in need of something wonderful, take my advice and treat yourself to a week here. Highs Really easy to get to; just 9km from Koh Samui airport, and a 5-minute taxi ride (or 15-minute beach walk) from Fisherman’s Village Extremely kind staff who get to know you by name, serving chilled face towels and authentic Thai smiles We loved our spacious suite, with its calm decor and its patio with a lazy swinging chair Award-winning restaurant serving exotic Thai fare alongside fine European cuisine - among the island's best dining The spa treatments are superb - our Thai massage was the best of a dozen we tested in southern Thailand Lows The beach is small and can get busy with people and boats; not great for swimming The Suites are only a few metres from each other - opt for a Garden Villa if you can Food and spa treatments aren't cheap, but they're heavenly The music by the pool can be quite loud for what is otherwise a tranquil sanctuary" - Michael Cullen
177 Beach Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand Get directions
Hotel · Mjini
"This boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town was once a ruin. Now it has been transformed into a palace worthy of a spice-trading Sultan. The tall thin building wraps around an atrium, with just 3 rooms on each of its 3 floors. At the top are 2 superb suites, with al fresco bathrooms and private decks overlooking the town's ramshackle roofscape. The other 7 bedrooms are no less magical, combining antique furniture, Persian rugs, colourful silks and locally-crafted four-posters to regal, Arabic-Indian effect.But it's the friendly multilingual owner Frans and his manager who bring it all together with their tireless personal service: rescuing guests from papaasi (touts), doing late night airport runs and generally making everyone feel instantly at home. French-style dinners are served in their cosy restaurant, shopping or diving trips are easily planned, there's a small spa and the enthusiastic staff keep the house dhow-shape. Highs The stylish and tasteful interiors showcase Zanzibari and Arabic craftsmanship, with luxurious modern touchesThe hugely helpful and hands-on hosts make it feel more like a home than a hotelThe generous breakfasts include grapefruit, eggs, cheese and real coffeeIt's conveniently placed for shopping, boat trips, taxis and town tours Lows Expect some street noise - Stone Town is a busy and bustling little place and you are right in the middle of itThere's no pool to relax by, though that's what the east coast is forIt's quite expensive, but there's a high level of detail and service and the 2 Luxury Rooms are a little cheaperThe stairs are steep, especially leading up to the Palace and Honeymoon Suites on the top floor" - Rachel Hamada
Hotel · Gibeon
"There's nowhere else on earth like Sonop. Set in the heart of the Namib desert, 10 luxury tents straddle an outcrop of giant boulders - all built on stilts and connected together by meandering walkways. On arrival, a buggy twists you safely round a steep trackway to be greeted at reception perched high above. Once there, the views will end all views. Yes you really are far, far away. But you are also far from roughing it. Old style comfort harking back to the 1920s mixes with an age of adventure and exploration. You're spoilt at every turn. Pith helmets, brass telescopes, antiques and Persian rugs all lend a distinctive colonial feel: there's even billiards in the bar. Jetsetters can arrive by charter plane (little over 1hr flight) from Windhoek or from their sister game lodge Omaanda. We chose an excellent 8-hour ground transfer through breathtaking Namibian landscapes; and we loved every second. Once installed, they'll guide you to explore on horseback, electric bike, jeep or on foot. Cool off in their spa or beautiful pool afterwards, or star-gaze at night. Every day, your jaw will drop afresh at the epic scene before you. Pinch yourself! It's remote, spectacular, unforgettable. Highs It's a hugely ambitious feat to have created not just this lodge, but this atmosphere: relaxed, yet frissoned with a sense of adventure We loved languishing by the beautiful spa and pool, hypnotised by vast plains, changing light and mind-altering cocktails These are some of the most mesmerising and inspiring landscapes we have ever seen Solid canvas tents combine old style luxury with creature comforts Wonderful service and dining for somewhere so far removed Lows It's a long drive from Windhoek - but we really enjoyed our journey, and you can always fly in if you prefer Communal dining might not be for everyone, but most people love it, and should you wish to dine alone it can be arranged Nights can be a little nippy, but the beds are exceptionally comfortable and they'll do whatever it takes to keep you cosy Not cheap, but worth every penny" - Aidan Forestier-Walker
Resort hotel · Siem Reab
"Phum Baitang (pronounced Baitong) is not a hotel: it's a serious commitment - to tranquility and rigorous style. This boutique resort is spread over 8 acres of perfectly level land and tries to recreate a Cambodian farming village as closely as possible, complete with rice paddies, towering sugar palms and clumps of verdant trees. Guests stroll across dykes and raised walkways from stylish villa to vast 50m infinity pool to airy restaurants, to end up without fail at the magnificent Angkor-temple spa, with its Zen-like treatment rooms. Surrounded by precisely nothing, the 45 generously spaced villas need to provide all the comforts of an isolated cottage, and they do: gorgeous untreated wood, natural fabrics, whispering air-conditioning, lovely antiques, and a fully loaded smart TV, plus either a lovely terrace or a plunge pool on your private lawn. And you’re just 15 minutes from Angkor Wat. Highs A rewarding sense of being one of the few, not one of the manyGorgeous design, and views over the rice paddies as far as the eye can seeAttentive, discreet staff dressed in immaculate white linen, and a lovely English general managerSpace for everyone: couples, friends, solos and familiesEnvironmental awareness Lows You’re in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you’re cut out for serenityThe paddy fields get hellish hot, and the young trees don't yet provide shade or privacy. You’ll need those pristine white umbrellasNot cheap but it's a one-off" - Nicolas Buchele
Hotel · Megève
"An Alpine getaway needs to be done in style, so you'll need a picture-perfect mountain village and a luxurious lodge to match. Zannier Le Chalet couldn't be more fitting. It perches above Megève, an affluent 1920s ski resort village long reputed as a playground for the rich and famous. It boasts a pretty, medieval centre, smart shops, fantastic restaurants, dozens of cross-country trails and access to over 400km of ski slopes. Though technically a hotel, this bespoke retreat champions exclusivity. Its 12 rooms and suites, spread across three beautiful old wood chalet buildings, are enormous yet give a real sense of cosiness. No two are the same, but they all showcase meticulously handcrafted design and come with sweeping Alpine vistas. Zannier Le Chalet has two distinct seasons: winter, for snowsports and a buzzy atmosphere; summer, for adventure activities and tranquility. A concierge service offers all manner of experiences – as wild as heli-skiing or canyoning - and in winter a private chauffeur will whizz you to the slopes every morning (a godsend when lugging clunky ski equipment about). Return to soothe achy limbs at the spa, complete with indoor pool, sauna and hammam, and refuel with an all-French affair at the restaurant, plus afternoon tea if you need a pick-me-up before that (yes please!). Open fires and moody interiors combine in the guest salon - bag a spot by the fire and round off the day with a book and a boozy nightcap. We'll toast to that. Highs Combines the best of a private homely ski chalet with luxury hotel services Seriously sumptuous (and enormous) suites have cosy rustic-luxe interiors and terraces overlooking the slopes Megeve is one of the most glam and charming resorts in the Alps (with lots on offer for non-skiers) and only an hour's drive from Geneva airport (ideal for short breaks) Access to a vast and varied ski region covering 445 km with some of the best views of Mont Blanc The private concierge service offers a myriad of adventure activities in winter and summer: dog-sledding, balloon rides, photography tours… you name it Lows It’s far from cheap, but guests always tell us it was worth every penny (and it's a nice touch that afternoon tea and local chauffeur service are complimentary) In summer, lunch and dinner are not available at the restaurant; ask the concierge about excellent dining options within walking distance Not all rooms have those gorgeous open fireplaces – check when booking The chalet-style decor (lots of wood, low lighting) means some of the rooms are a tad dark - but they do look very cosy!" - Aidan Forestier-Walker
