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WHATS NEW FOR 2024?
Whilst we do not believe “new” means “better”, we naturally keep an eye on the movers and shakers in The Exceptional Travel world. We are delighted to see a number of exclusive use properties opening up in some of our key destinations as well as seeing recently opened, or soon to be open, places that […]
- 20th March 2024
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Colours of Morocco
With vibrant landscapes, diverse communities and a rich history, Morocco is a tapestry of colours. From the fish markets of Tangier in the north to the arid Sahara Desert in the south, the bustling markets of Marrakech to the tranquil blue alleys of Chefchaouan, colours hold deep cultural significance within Moroccan culture. Here we delve […]
- 19th February 2024
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Beyond the Tourism Map
Our planet is blessed with many beautiful, wildlife rich islands that have been embraced by travellers far beyond their shorelines; The Maldives, Barbados, Bali and even the remote Galapagos. We know and love them too! However, there are also islands we are proud to have supported over the years that lie refreshingly under the radar, […]
- 03rd October 2023
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Posts from the past
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Tuningi Safari Lodge is a family-friendly lodge located in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free big five reserve easily accessible from Johannesburg. With endless views over pristine bushveld, best appreciated from the wrap-around decks, this property is...
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Ant’s Hill
Ants Hill is perched on an escarpment, on its own private reserve in the malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere. With spectacular views of the Waterberg plateau and mountains beyond, this gorgeous bush home is owner run and very family-friendly, priding itself...
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The Oyster Box
Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, a pretty suburb of Durban, The Oyster Box first opened its doors way back in 1947. The combination of colonial charm, impeccable service, lush tropical gardens and breath-taking coastal setting quickly earned it a...
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Phinda Private Game Reserve
Covering over 25,000 hectares of protected wilderness, the vast Phinda Private Game Reserve is Kwazulu Natal’s most exclusive safari destination. Phinda is home to six luxury lodges, each with its own individual charm and character: Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge,...
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Thonga Beach Lodge
Thonga Beach Lodge is set above a secluded bay and nestled into the indigenous coastal dune forest of the KwaZulu Natal’s Maputuland coast. This rustic luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of South Africa’s last unspoilt...
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Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Set within the vast 22,000 hectare Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge offers arguably the best family friendly Big Five safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Innovative, stylish and intimate, Ecca Lodge has just six expansive suites with...
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Marataba Safari Camp
Marataba is located in a 23,000 hectare private concession adjoining the vast, malarial-free Marakele National Park with dramatic views of the Waterberg escarpment.
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Samara Private Game Reserve
Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Samara Private Game Reserve sits in 67,000 acres of pristine malaria-free wilderness in South Africa's Eastern Cape, just 2.5 hours by car from Port Elizabeth,
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Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Hog Hollow Country Lodge is perched above the dramatic Matjies River Gorge, at the Crags, a short distance inland from Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's Garden Route.
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The Plettenberg
Laidback yet effortlessly chic, The Plettenberg is perched on the rocky headland overlooking endless stretches of pristine coastline and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains.
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Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is a working wine and fruit farm in the glorious Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Lovely white-washed Cape Dutch buildings form the exteriors, while the interiors showcase a combination of heritage and modern living.
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Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Set at the foot of Table Mountain, in the heart of the City Bowl, the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson, fondly known as the Cape Towns’ Pink Lady due to her pink facade, opened her doors in 1899 and has...
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La Residence
Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30 acre wine farm, La Residence sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation in the Cape Winelands.
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Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel is authentic Cape Town at its loveliest, with sophisticated charm, and quirky personality in equal measure. Set just off the buzzing Kloof Street, you can live like a local and still be treated as a...
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Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane is situated in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger. Luxury meets the wild in some of South Africa’s finest safari accommodation exuding the beauty of a bygone age while offering...
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Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Luxury doesn’t come much more spoiling than the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, set on the border of Thailand and Laos overlooking the mystical Mekong River. Accessed by river boat, and set amidst Thailand’s exotic bamboo forests, this...
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The Sarojin
The Sarojin is a stunning beach property designed in a contemporary Asian style on the quiet coastline of the unspoilt Khao Lak, ideally located an hour north of Phuket. The resort is set in lush tropical gardens on a...
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Belmond Napasai
The Belmond Napasai enjoys a stunning position in a sheltered cove on the exclusive north coast of Koh Samui. Here you are cossetted from the outside world amongst 49 acres of immaculate tropical gardens yet just a few short...
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Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
The first luxury boutique property found on Koh Phangan, Anantara Rasananda Villas is an oasis of tranquility in the remote north of this picturesque small island.
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Heritage Line Ginger
Heritage Line Ginger is a luxury wooden junk offering one or two night cruises around the beautiful Lan Ha Bay area of the Halong Archipelago.
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An Lam Saigon River
For those who prefer to avoid the busy pace of Ho Chi Minh City centre, An Lam Saigon River is a soothing sanctuary nestled under a tropical canopy on the banks of the river.
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Azerai La Residence Hue
Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, this elegant art deco style boutique hotel has uninterrupted views of Hue’s Imperial Citadel, over the water.
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Azerai Can Tho
Surrounded by serene waterways and lush mangroves, Azerai Can Tho is a new addition to the Mekong Delta, setting the bar to a new high. Built on its own private eight acre island, it is the perfect location to...
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Anantara Hoi An Resort
Anantara Hoi An Resort has an enviable setting overlooking the Thu Bon River, less than a kilometre from the historic quarter of Hoi An.
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La Folie Lodge
Set on the northwest side of tiny Dong Daeng Island in the middle of the mighty Mekong river, La Folie Lodge gives the wonderful opportunity to escape the outside world, relax by the pool and soak up the glorious...
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Satri House
A stay at Satri House is like being hosted by royalty in a bygone era, designed with a style inspired by Lao culture in a truly relaxing environment.
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Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
With an enviable hilltop location overlooking the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang, Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is every ounce a luxurious colonial retreat.
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The River Resort
The River Resort enjoys a lush setting amongst paddy fields and tropical gardens overlooking the vast expanse of the Mekong River.
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Ngapali Bay Villas and Spa
Ngapali Bay Villas and Spa is a stylish beachfront hotel set on a secluded bay at the Northern end of Ngapali Beach. Designed by acclaimed British architect David Wordsworth, 32 thatched stand-alone villas are uniquely designed and decorated with...
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4 Rivers Floating Lodge
4 Rivers Floating Lodge is set on the mighty Tatai River with a backdrop of the Cardamom Mountains in South West Cambodia. This unique ecolodge is an ideal getaway for those looking to explore Cambodia’s pristine wilderness in comfort...
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Knai Bang Chatt
Unique Knai Bang Chatt is a chic boutique hotel situated in the quaint fishing village of Kep, a beach destination on Cambodia’s South Coast, once the 1960s escape for the elite.
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Phum Baitang
Phum Baitang, which means ‘Green village’, is a 5-star luxury hotel on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Set within 20 acres of lush gardens, lemon-grass meadows and rice paddies, this elegant retreat is ideally located...
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The Strand Hotel
The Strand Hotel in Yangon is one of the most iconic 5 star hotels in Asia. Built in 1901 and acquired soon after by the Sarkies brothers, famed for the likes of Raffles in Singapore and The E&O in...
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Villa Inle Boutique Resort
Villa Inle Boutique Resort is nestled beneath the mountains of the Shan State in 20 acres of exotic gardens on the eastern banks of Inle Lake. This idyllic retreat offers 27 spacious free standing villas, designed to blend harmoniously...
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Bagan Lodge
Situated just south of ancient Bagan, Bagan Lodge strikes a tempting balance between modern comfort and historic Burmese elegance, within a short distance for the many temples, pagodas and stupas for which Bagan is famed.
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Hotel by the Red Canal
Located by Mandalay’s famous Red Canal, this four star hotel is one of the only boutique properties in town. With lush tropical gardens and tranquil water features, it is a breath of fresh air in Myanmar’s former...
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Legado Mitico
Legado Mitico is a sophisticated boutique hotel in fashionable Palermo district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is elegant in style, with excellent service.
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Finca Valentina
Small and perfectly formed, Finca Valentina hotel is a rustic, refined ranch just outside Salta in the grape-strewn foothills of the northwestern Andes.
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Cavas Wine Lodge
Cavas Wine Lodge was the first Lodge of its kind in South America, blessed by the natural beauty of Mendoza, an idyllic wine growing region at the foot of the Andes.
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The Vines Resort & Spa
The Vines Resort & Spa in Mendoza Argentina is a boutique wine & culinary resort set amidst 1,500 acres of private vineyards.
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Clouds Mountain Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in Nkuringo, bordering the south western corner of the Bwindi National Park. It is at 2100m with a sweeping panoramic view of the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes and the Great Rift Valley.
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Heron House
Heron House is a beautiful French colonial styled villa set in a tranquil location in Hoi An, on the coast in central Vietnam. A home away from home, the relaxed atmosphere and rural setting make it the perfect escape.
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Mahongany Springs Lodge
Mahogany Springs is situated in one of the most intimate, secluded, beautiful and most importantly natural settings in the world and only around 2 minutes away from the Gorilla tracking starting point.
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Magashi Camp
Perched on Magashi Peninsula, Magashi Camp looks out over scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga towards the Mutumba Mountains in the west.
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Inle Princess
The Inle Princess Resort sits nestled beneath Blue Mountain, offering a serene refuge to unwind in and modern comforts alongside Burmese culture and tradition.
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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay sits on a dramatic bay with golden sand and a backdrop of towering mountains. The family friendly resort has 62 pool villas, several bars and restaurants serving local and international specialities, complemented by delectable...
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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
With a rich history and a host of famous guests including Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is in our opinion the Capital's finest heritage hotel.
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Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
For more than 143 years, travellers have followed the Chao Phraya River to stay at the legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. A luxury five-star hotel in one of the world’s most exciting cities, we enjoy a reputation for style, service...
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Habaraduwa House
Habaraduwa House is a beautiful 4-bedroom villa with panoramic sea views in the small village of Habaraduwa, close to Koggala. Perfect for families and friends, the stylish villa comes fully staffed with its very own chef. Habaraduwa House is...
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Duba Plains
Duba Plains Camp sits in the heart of the Okavango Delta. A matrix of palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland, the 77,000 acre private reserve typifies the region’s unique landscape and is home to one of the Delta's finest...
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Kwetsani Camp
Kwetsani Camp, one of the most remote camps in the Okavango, is situated on an elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees. Depending on the water levels, Kwetsani offers excellent land and water activities, viewing wildlife by...
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The Blue Train
The Blue Train combines five-star accommodation with the charm and romance of train travel. Take a journey into a timeless world of grace and elegance, where breath-taking scenery stirs your imagination and luxurious comfort soothes body and soul. Sit...
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Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Wild Coast Tented Lodge is adjacent to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, renowned for its leopard population. This spectacular luxury tented camp is situated on a rugged, empty beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
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Cape Weligama
Cape Weligama is a gorgeous cliff top resort that inhabits twelve manicured acres above the Indian Ocean on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, just thirty minutes south east of Galle.
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Chelinda Lodge
Situated in the north of Malawi within Nyika National Park, Chelinda Lodge overlooks the open grasslands of the High Nyika Plateau.
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Mvuu Lodge
Mvuu Lodge nestles discreetly on the banks of a lagoon just off the Shire River on the western boundary of the wildlife-rich Liwonde National Park in Malawi.
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Sand Rivers Selous
Sand Rivers Selous is located in the remote heart of the Nyerere National Park (formerly The Selous Game Reserve) in Southern Tanzania, on the banks at the mile-wide point of the Rufiji River.
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Kuro Tarangire
Located in the central part of Tarangire National Park, Kuro Tarangire is set away from the busy north and in easy reach of the Silale and Gursi Swamps plus other excellent game areas. An intimate tented camp...
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Serengeti Safari Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp was designed to be in the best possible location to view the wildebeest migration as it covers hundreds of miles of the Serengeti National Park each year. The wildebeest move and this is what our Serengeti...
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Kigelia Ruaha
At Kigelia Ruaha, your soul seeks the humbling solitude of giant baobabs, and the exhilaration of encountering Africa's big cats or great herds of elephant.
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Blue Safari – Cosmoledo Atoll and Astove Atoll
Situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean in one of the last untouched frontiers, Blue Safari are pioneering a new style of distinctive lodging and experiential travel, all while actively conserving this pristine region.
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Sarara Camp
Sarara Camp is a romantic tented camp found within the vast Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in the southern corner of the Mathews Mountain Range. This remote and dramatic landscape in Northern Kenya is also home to the Samburu people whose...
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Richard’s River Camp
Perfect for the discerning traveller, Richard’s River Camp is a luxury tented camp in the very heart of the Masai Mara. Designed with privacy, exclusivity as well as adventure in mind, you are ensured a warm and memorable safari.
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Serian ‘The Original’
Serian perfectly captures the essence of its name: meaning ‘peaceful, calm, serene’ in the Maasai language. Designed to be a retreat from the bustle of contemporary life, Serian offers a chance to experience untamed Africa in traditional tented splendour.
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House in The Wild
Perched on the bank of the Mara River, House in the Wild is tucked away within the award winning Enonkishu Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara Reserve. With five guest cottages, beautiful lawns and a freeform swimming pool, House in...
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Tau Pan Camp
Tau Pan is the first semi-permanent camp inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and offers truly incredible views from the elevated ridge of an ancient sand dune, an unusual experience in a land as flat as Botswana, and overlooks...
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The Lindis
Nestled in the pristine Ahuriri Valley in New Zealand’s South Island, is The Lindis. A unique iconic luxury lodge has been created for guests to unwind and relax while taking in the surrounding idyllic setting.
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Alila Villas Koh Russey
Alila Villas is located in Koh Russey, Southern Cambodia and offer a luxurious and modern haven for those visiting the region. The resort has a fantastic spa, luxurious and well-designed villa accommodation and excellent dining choices.
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Shinta Mani Wild
Shinta Mani Wild is a radical new fusion of world-class design, hospitality and conservation. The camp was born when world-renowned designer Bill Bensley identified an unprotected, 350-hectare wildlife corridor – and set out to save it from poaching, mining...
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Six Senses Krabey Island
An idyllic 30-acre private island is the setting for Six Senses Krabey which embraces just 40 pool villas set in a lush jungle landscape with a rocky coastline, fringed by a boardwalk that is a glorious fusion of land...
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Las Balsas
Hosteria Las Balsas is a small luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina's Lake District. Located to the north of Bariloche, this Relais & Chateaux property offers the finest cuisine and accommodation in the...
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Kapamba Bushcamp
A romantic and tranquil camp situated in a remote corner of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Set on the banks of the shallow, spring-fed Kapamba river, this Bushcamp is surrounded by some of the park’s richest wildlife.
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Chindeni Bushcamp
In a beautiful location on the edge of a permanent lagoon where hippo chortle and elephant wallow, stands Chindeni Bushcamp, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful tented camps in South Luangwa, Zambia.
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Tafika Camp
Tafika Camp’s location on the east bank of the Luangwa River, north of the Nsefu Sector of the South Park, makes it ideal for those who enjoy the serenity of the bush.
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Coming Soon: A Cycling Tour of Rwanda
Working alongside The Slow Cyclist we are curating a journey that will give a small group of guests a once-in-a-lifetime cycling adventure into the heart of Rwanda. Our journey shows you this extraordinary country in a way that few...
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Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
The Lion Sands lodges, including Ivory lodge, are set along the banks of the perennial Sabie River, and each have breath-taking views – no one more inspiring than the next. Every day, the appearance of animals at the water’s...
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Four Seasons Casa Medina
Experience the historic, contemporary city of Bogota from your choice of two Four Seasons hotels that provide contemporary comfort blended with local influences and culture.
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Hacienda La Danesa
This charming six-bedroom farmhouse offers guests of all ages a delightful escape into a traditional way of Ecuadorian life that has been maintained by the Olsen family for over fifty years. The warm and friendly staff love nothing more...
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Mountain Lodges of Peru
Mountain Lodges of Peru offers a unique take on adventure travel to Machu Picchu. Cultural immersion, lodge-to-lodge journeying, exploration of breathtaking landscapes to experience the very best of the region in the hands of expert guides.
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Casa San Agustin
Casa San Agustin is one of our favourite properties in Cartagena. Set within a colonial mansion, the house maintains and reflects much of the city's rich culture and heritage.
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Corocora Camp
Corocora Camp is an exclusive Tented Camp set inside a private reserve, located in the Llanos Orientales region of Colombia.
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Casa Galavanta
Casa Galavanta is a private wooden lodge nestled between dense rainforest and lush coffee fields in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
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Coming Soon: The Exceptional Cycling Tour of Namibia
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Namibia's deserts and bushlands. With exclusive use of state-of-the-art bikes as well as the comfort of 4x4 land cruisers, we will take you on a journey of Namibia unlike any other.
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August 2020: Wildlife Photography in the Pantanal with Paul Joynson-Hicks
Capture the very best of Brazil's Pantanal alongside world-class photographer, Paul Joynson-Hicks. Whether you are an experienced photographer looking to explore the next level of skill or an amateur taking your first steps, this journey is designed to allow...
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Hoanib Valley Camp
Amongst the mountains and sand dunes of remote north-western Namibia is Hoanib Valley Camp, a joint venture between the giraffe conservation fund and local communities.
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Etosha Mountain Lodge
Serene yet full of character, the thatched chalets of Etosha Mountain Lodge are perched on a dolomite hill offering panoramic views of the iconic Namibian landscape with an abundance of big game and wildlife.
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Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel
Tucked into the foothills of this ancient Himalayan valley is one of the most peaceful retreats on earth. Every inch of Dwarika’s Resort has been carefully designed to provide a fully restorative and rejuvenating escape.
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Shipwreck Lodge
Located in the famous Skeleton Coast National Park Shipwreck Lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay this unique village of shipwreck-shaped chalets are nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean where the cold Benguela...
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Uxua Casa Hotel
Tucked away in the main 'Quadrado' Square of Trancoso, Uxua Casa Hotel remains one of the most sought-after boutique hotels in Brazil. The ten charming cottages, gardens and main house have been carefully designed to reflect Bahia's laid-back and...
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Lyngen Lodge
In about 2.5 hours, this charming arctic lodge can be reached by a scenic land or ferry journey from Tromso. The lodge is perched on the banks of Lyngen Fjord and can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight...
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Caiman Ecological Refuge
The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a pioneering ecotourism enterprise in the Southern Pantanal. The reserve takes great pride in the research activities it carries out alongside partnerships with leading universities and scientists from across the world.
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Fundu Lagoon
Fundu Lagoon is a stylish lodge on the small island of Pemba offering barefoot luxury in a unique Tanzanian setting. There are eighteen tented safari style bungalows, some on the beach and some on the hill side, but all...
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