Holiday Type / The Great Outdoors

With a name that means ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, this ravishing retreat in the Atlas foothills transcends the merely luxurious. A forty five minute drive from Marrakech, Sir Richard Branson’s hotel lies in extensive grounds brimming with a lush variety of fruit trees, cacti and rambling roses – hidden staircases and courtyards appearing at almost every turn. Inside, eighteen antique-adorned rooms and suites marry traditional Moroccan colours and textures with more modern architectural notes. For added indulgence, nine spectacular Berber Tented S...

Conveniently located between Franschhoek and Paarl, Babylonstoren offers a unique opportunity to experience life at the heart of a three hundred year old working wine and fruit farm. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and overseen by majestic mountains, it’s a relaxed and welcoming place with a distinct village feel with Cape Dutch style cottages and new Farmers House suites. Central to the farm is the formally designed kitchen garden, brimming with seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables – guests are free to wander through the gardens, perhap...

Colonial-style architecture with contemporary accents, a sweeping crescent-shaped bay and myriad recreational and dining facilities define this world-class resort. Most guest accommodations lie along the curve of the bay; choose between ocean or garden views, deluxe rooms or spacious suites (some with private pools). Nestled in manicured gardens at the eastern end of the resort, the Royal Villas with private pools, two complimentary golf carts, dedicated butler, cook and housekeeper may be the perfect choice for families or groups of friends. T...

Amangani is balanced on the edge of a mountain valley 7,000 feet above sea level and boasts breath-taking views of the snow-capped Teton Mountains from two-storey windows. Forty guest suites are characterised by redwood, slate and cowhide, each replete with king-size platform beds, welcoming fireplaces and deep-soaking tubs. Relax and rejuvenate in Amangani’s award-winning Health Centre or admire magnificent mountain vistas from the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Creative American cuisine focusing on local, sustainable ranch meats and fresh...

An enchanting enclave of pools, terraces and gardens located oceanfront in Wailea, this award-winning luxury retreat includes newly designed rooms and suites offering spacious private lanais, many with views of the ocean and gardens. Days are spent relaxing upon the beautiful white-sand beach or around one of the three pools, including the chic adult-only Serenity pool. The pool and beachside service features special touches such as chilled water, fruit kebabs and refreshing sprays of misted Evian. Dining options encompass a fusion of Hawaiian ...

Set amidst colourful gardens leading down to three secluded white sand beaches, family-owned Blue Waters, Antigua is a remarkably stylish resort, offering plenty for both families and couples. The public areas feature a pleasing blend of classic Colonial and contemporary styling with elegant white décor and architectural features that make the most of their proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Perched on a breeze-cooled bluff with ocean panoramas, The Cove presents an exclusive collection of luxuriously furnished suites and penthouses within four vi...

Set amongst boulders on a hill in the heart of the reserve where black rhino and zebra roam freely amongst the Big 5, ten glass-fronted suites, each with sitting room, deck and plunge pool, offer absolute privacy and mesmerising views. In between game drives, relax at the spa or spot game at the watering hole. Especially suitable for families, the two bedroom ‘Little Madikwe Hills’ comes with a personal butler, private Land Rover and guide.

Flanked by towering limestone cliffs on one of the finest mile-long white sand beaches in the Langkawi UNESCO Geopark lies a resort both infinitely stylish and instantly captivating. The ambience is that of a typical Malay village, with Pavilions, Villas and Family Beach Villas woven through acres of beautifully landscaped gardens – the luxurious Beach Villas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a private garden with pool and reflecting pond, whilst generously sized Melaleuca Pavilions feature contemporary Malay designs. Delightful specialiti...

Sir Richard Branson’s first East African camp enjoys a scenic location in the heart of an expansive, game-rich Mara conservancy. Twelve luxurious tented suites are perched on raised platforms along the hillside overlooking a lush valley – ten being configured for two adults, two accommodating additional guests on sofa beds. The lodge tent features a lounge/library with iPads, TV and DVD and dining area where delicious meals are served around the communal table or alfresco on the deck with valley views. Recreations focus around the twice daily g...

Nestled amidst pine forests in the unspoilt northwest of Mallorca, this escapist enclave offers incomparable views of the Mediterranean, the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana Mountains and the picturesque fishing village of Port Sóller. Beautifully appointed rooms – all with terrace or balcony – offer every modern comfort, the Junior Suites being particularly spacious while the Lighthouse Suite is split over two levels with outdoor Jacuzzi, and the Mar Blau Suite has its own private access. A feast of dining options includes fabulous fresh seafood a...

Rugged Montana ranch land sets the scene for this Relais & Châteaux property outside Philipsburg. Resplendent with heritage, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers guests a lavish experience, tinged with Western adventure. For a taste of the Wild West, this is a great place to saddle up and play cowboy. There is accommodation to cater to every need, from cosy guest rooms in Granite Lodge to a selection of luxury cabins, whilst families will appreciate the spacious three-bedroom family suite at The Historic Barn. World-class cuisine, which excels in Mon...

Perched high on a Himalayan mountainside and flanked by dense pine forest this invigorating boutique retreat comprises nine private villas and twenty luxury rooms fashioned by Bhutanese artisans employing traditional methods to blend modernism with indigenous detailing. Sleep under Egyptian cotton linens and enjoy up to the minute amenities including satellite TV, DVD and internet access. At meal times, the chef fuses the best of Bhutanese cuisine with international selections, the main Bukhari restaurant being a glass-surrounded c...

Intimate and luxurious, the lodge-style hotel has a total of just eleven Zen-tranquil rooms, each filled with natural light and graced by oversized beds and wood-burning stoves. Most of the Deluxe Valley rooms come with private terraces, king size beds or twins and spacious bathrooms. Bali-based architect Cheong Yew Kwan has infused accents of traditional Bhutanese design including sheesham-wood furniture and hand-painted flower motifs. In the open-plan restaurant and lounge bar guests can sample Bhutanese delicacies as well as int...

Small, intimate and exclusive, this elevated sanctuary offers the very highest level of cuisine, accommodation and personal service. Game drives are conducted in state-of-the-art Land Rovers with bucket seats and fold-down armrests. With only eight beautifully appointed, glass fronted suites, privacy is assured. Romantic bathrooms feature indoor and outdoor showers, whilst air conditioning and overhead fans provide added comfort against the African heat. The private sundecks and plunge pools are perfect venues for relaxing and enjoying the bush...