Published on: January 31st, 2025
Last updated: January 31st, 2025
Traditional lodges are often rural retreats, surrounded by the spectacular wilderness of national parks, wildlife reserves or remote corners of the globe. Our favourite luxury lodges elevate the experience of staying in these stunning locales with beautiful design and world-class service.
The best lodges in the world are diverse in their settings, styles and offerings, but they all have at least one thing in common: an unfailing dedication to creating the best possible guest experience. Here are a few of our travel designers’ top picks to inspire your next trip.

SUJÁN Sher Bagh, India
SUJÁN Sher Bagh promises a wholly authentic and immersive stay in Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places on earth to see Bengal tigers. Its elegant tented suites reflect a classic safari aesthetic, complemented by sleek dining spaces and an open-air spa.
Embark on a game drive to spot not just tigers, but also leopards, sloth bears, antelope, monkeys and many other animals wandering among the park’s ancient ruins. The lodge can also organise special safaris focused on birdwatching or photography.

Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan
Located in the lush valley of Punakha on the banks of the Mo Chhu, Punakha River Lodge offers an exceptional combination of luxury, wellness, adventure and culture. Along with a handful of opulent tents and suites, the lodge features a phenomenal spa where you can enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and rejuvenating yoga sessions.
Punakha River Lodge is also close to nearby sites like the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (an ornate Buddhist stupa) and Punakha Dzong (a beautiful riverside temple) if you feel like sightseeing.

El Questro Homestead, Australia
El Questro Homestead is a remote outpost amid the rugged terrain of Western Australia. The adults-only lodge has just ten suites, some of which hang over the edge of a cliff above the Chamberlain River. You can explore the surrounding gorges and thermal springs on guided or self-guided excursions.
El Questro has immense respect for the heritage and history of this area; it even returned 165,000 hectares of land to its Traditional Owners under the Indigenous Land Use Agreement, part of which it now leases from the local community.

Deplar Farm, Iceland
A 15th-century farm turned luxury lodge, Deplar Farm is a place unlike any other. Its turf roof helps to camouflage it among northern Iceland’s traditional buildings, but inside it’s been transformed into a haven of relaxation. Each of its 13 ensuite rooms is delightfully cosy, while its extensive spa facilities include indoor and outdoor geothermal pools, hot tubs and saunas.
Venture outside for fishing and hiking in summer or skiing and snowmobiling in winter. Between September and April you might even get the chance to see the night sky illuminated by the northern lights.

Rio Palena Lodge, Chile
The sparsely populated region of North Aysén, Chile is a dream come true for lovers of the outdoors, and Rio Palena Lodge is the ideal home base for discovering its wonders. This warm and inviting lodge is set right beside the river it’s named after; you can go kayaking, whitewater rafting or fly fishing on its waters and hiking or mountain biking nearby.
The lodge itself has just seven suites with views of the river. Each evening you can relax in the wood-fired sauna and hot tubs before sitting down to a meal of locally sourced cuisine paired with Chilean wines.

Titilaka, Peru
Directly on the shores of Lake Titicaca, this lodge occupies a secluded peninsula with nothing but water and sky in almost every direction. Titilaka has 18 rooms, all facing the lake. Some are oriented to the east for sunrise views, others to the west for gorgeous sunsets – and the corner rooms offer both.
Most activities at Titilaka revolve around the lake, with boat trips, canoeing, kayaking and sailing on offer. You can also visit the floating islands of the Uros people, experience local festivals and enjoy spectacular stargazing.

Copal Tree Lodge, Belize
Imagine sleeping high in the treetops of Punta Gorda, surrounded by a verdant canopy, and swimming in a private infinity pool with bird’s-eye views of the tropical rainforest. Copal Tree Lodge offers all this and more, and is easily one of our all-time favourite rainforest and jungle lodges.
In addition to its incredible canopy suites, the lodge boasts jungle suites and a three-bedroom villa for families. The vast property also includes an organic farm and a rum distillery – plus easy access both the Rio Grande and the Caribbean Sea.

Pikaia Lodge, Galápagos Islands
Choosing to explore the Galápagos Islands by land or by sea is a difficult decision, but Pikaia Lodge offers the best of both worlds. The lodge is located on the edge of a volcanic crater in the middle of the archipelago, with a private fleet of yachts and expedition boats ready to whisk you away to smaller islands, hidden beaches and diving spots.
As for the lodge itself, Pikaia’s rooms and suites are modern and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and, in some cases, private plunge pools and gardens.

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
High on our list of the world’s best sustainable hotels and lodges is the breathtaking Bisate Lodge. Tucked into the forested hills of Volcanoes National Park, its six villas boast curving thatched roofs and panoramic views of Mount Bisoke. The main lodge features a lovely spa, wine cellar, dining area and bar.
The main attraction here is undoubtedly the mountain gorillas who inhabit the park, which you can observe on unforgettable gorilla treks. We also recommend visiting the nursery to learn about the lodge’s renowned reforestation programme.

Jao Camp, Botswana
Occupying a privileged spot in the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp is the quintessential place to stay in this legendary destination. Elevated walkways connect its guest suites and common areas, including a whimsical pool gazebo and a grand library. Opt for one of the villas to have your own personal chef, butler, guide and vehicle throughout your stay.
Jao Camp is a proud member of our Positive Impact Collection and works to promote food security, access to clean water and peaceful coexistence between local farmers and wildlife.

Angama Mara, Kenya
It’s hard to picture a more iconic setting than that of Angama Mara. Perched atop an escarpment in Kenya’s Rift Valley, the lodge looks out over the iconic landscape of the Mara Triangle. The building is designed to take full advantage of its location, with massive windows and raised decks offering 180º views everywhere you turn.
Fill your days with game drives, walking safaris and hot air balloon trips, or set aside some time to visit the traditional beading studio and wend your way through the bountiful shamba (vegetable garden).
Ready to plan your adventure?
Whatever you want from your trip to the worlds best lodges, our travel designers are ready to help:
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