Top Lodges to Visit in 2026

When planning a holiday, the place you stay plays a defining role in how a destination feels. For 2026, our travel specialists have curated a collection of lodges and hotels that go beyond beautiful design or standout service. These are places chosen for their location, their values and the way they connect guests to the landscapes, wildlife and communities around them.

Every lodge featured here reflects our approach to travel. Thoughtful luxury, responsible operations and experiences that feel grounded in place. From remote rainforest camps and classic safari lodges to mountain retreats and island hideaways, these are properties we trust and recommend with confidence for the year ahead.

Shinta Mani Wild, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

Set deep within Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, Shinta Mani Wild is a tented camp surrounded by protected rainforest. Guests arrive by zipline and spend their days hiking, kayaking and exploring the jungle with expert guides. The elevated tents sit along the riverbank, creating an experience that feels close to nature while still offering comfort and privacy.

Sustainability and conservation

Shinta Mani Wild operates within a protected national forest and directly funds anti-poaching patrols, ranger training and community initiatives. The low-density design minimises environmental impact, while every stay contributes to long-term rainforest conservation and local employment.

Why our expert picked it

“Shinta Mani Wild is a rare combination of bold design and genuine conservation impact. Staying here feels adventurous and purposeful, with wildlife and rainforest right on your doorstep.”

– Nia, Asia Travel Specialist

See Shinta Mani Wild

Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Chula Island Camp is a small, seasonal camp set on a private island in the Lower Zambezi. Wildlife viewing is outstanding, with elephants, lions and leopards frequently seen without needing to leave the island. Activities focus on walking safaris, canoeing and boat-based exploration along the Zambezi.

Sustainability and conservation

Designed as a lightweight, low-impact camp, Chula Island uses solar power and careful waste management to protect this sensitive river ecosystem. Small guest numbers reduce pressure on wildlife, supporting conservation efforts in one of Zambia’s most important safari regions.

Why our expert picked it

“On Chula Island, everything feels slower and more personal. The wildlife is exceptional, and the simplicity of the camp allows the environment to take centre stage.”

– Tamara, Zambia Travel Specialist

Longitude 131°, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Longitude 131° offers tented pavilions with uninterrupted views of Uluru, placing guests at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Guided walks, storytelling and outdoor dining under the stars provide insight into the region’s ancient landscapes and cultural significance.

Sustainability and conservation

The lodge uses lightweight structures and energy-efficient systems to reduce environmental impact. Close collaboration with local Anangu communities ensures Indigenous culture and knowledge are central to the guest experience, with conservation and respect for sacred land underpinning the stay.

Why our expert picked it

“There’s nowhere else that offers such a direct, respectful connection to Uluru. The views, the guiding and the cultural depth make this a truly special stay.”

– Otti, Australia Travel Specialist

Manda Bay, Lamu Archipelago, Kenya

Manda Bay sits on the northern tip of Manda Island, combining coastal living with access to wildlife, mangroves and marine ecosystems. Guests can snorkel, sail by dhow, fish or explore historic Lamu, returning to a lodge that feels informal and welcoming.

Sustainability and conservation

The lodge supports marine conservation, reef regeneration and community initiatives along Kenya’s northern coast. Its design blends naturally into the landscape, while employment and education programmes strengthen long-term community partnerships.

Why our expert picked it

“Manda Bay feels relaxed and genuine, with just the right balance of comfort and adventure. It’s a brilliant example of how beach travel can still feel meaningful.”

– Otti, Kenya Travel Specialist

Caiman, Pantanal, Brazil

Located within a vast private reserve in the Pantanal, Caiman offers expertly guided wildlife experiences focused on jaguars, birdlife and wetland ecosystems. Accommodation ranges from lodge suites to a private villa, making it suitable for couples, families and small groups.

Sustainability and conservation

Founded over 30 years ago, Caiman was a pioneer of ecotourism in the Pantanal. The lodge supports scientific research, habitat restoration and wildlife protection, playing a key role in conserving one of the world’s most biodiverse wetlands.

Naibor Camp, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Naibor Camp is set in a prime area of the Maasai Mara, offering excellent year-round wildlife viewing and access to migration routes in season. Walking safaris, open-vehicle game drives and bush dining create a traditional safari feel supported by warm, knowledgeable staff.

Sustainability and conservation

The camp operates with solar power and environmentally sensitive waste systems, while supporting local Maasai communities through employment and training. Responsible wildlife viewing and low-impact operations are central to how the camp runs.

Why our expert picked it

“Naibor Camp offers a classic safari without excess. The location and guiding allow guests to really understand the Mara rather than just chase sightings.”

– Otti, Kenya Travel Specialist

Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley, Malaysia

Located in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Borneo Rainforest Lodge provides access to ancient rainforest ecosystems. Guided treks, canopy walks and river activities reveal orangutans, hornbills and rare plant life, supported by expert naturalist guides.

Sustainability and conservation

Operating under strict conservation guidelines, the lodge supports biodiversity protection and environmental education. Local guides, research partnerships and carefully managed visitor access help preserve this critical rainforest habitat.

Why our expert picked it

“This lodge gives access to one of the most important rainforests on the planet without compromising its integrity.”

– Nia, Asia Travel Specialist

Gōra Kadan, Hakone, Japan

Once a summer villa for the Imperial Family, Gōra Kadan offers refined ryokan living with natural hot spring baths and seasonal kaiseki cuisine. Mountain surroundings and meticulous service define the experience.

Why our expert picked it

“Gōra Kadan captures the essence of traditional Japanese hospitality. The calm and attention to detail make it deeply restorative.”

– Nia, Asia Travel Specialist

Sustainability and conservation

The property preserves historic architecture and uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Natural hot spring waters and a focus on slow, low-impact travel support harmony with Hakone’s environment.

Playa Cativo Lodge, Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Accessible only by boat, Playa Cativo sits within a private reserve bordering a national park. Guests explore rainforest, mangroves and marine ecosystems, with wellness and farm-to-table dining forming part of the stay.

Sustainability and conservation

The lodge runs on renewable energy and follows strict conservation protocols. Reforestation, wildlife protection and sustainable farming are integral to operations, helping protect one of Costa Rica’s most biologically rich regions.

Why our expert picked it

“Playa Cativo offers one of the strongest eco-lodge experiences we work with, balancing comfort with meaningful access to nature.”

– Amanda, Latin America Specialist

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

Jade Mountain’s open-air sanctuaries frame uninterrupted views of the Pitons, each with a private infinity pool or whirlpool. Privacy, design and attentive service make it a favourite for honeymoons and milestone trips.

Sustainability and conservation

Local materials, organic farming and careful land use support the surrounding environment. The resort limits development density and invests in community projects across St Lucia.

Why our expert picked it

“Jade Mountain is architecturally striking, but it’s the connection to the landscape that really defines the stay.”

– Ruth, Caribbean Specialist

Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

Set on the shores of Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa offers relaxed island living with water sports, spa treatments and village visits. The design blends naturally with rock and sand, creating a strong sense of place.

Sustainability and conservation

Kaya Mawa was Malawi’s first lodge to run entirely on renewable energy. Built by local craftspeople, it supports education, healthcare and employment on Likoma Island through ethical, community-led tourism.

Why our expert picked it

“Kaya Mawa feels warm, personal and genuinely rooted in its community. It’s one of the most rewarding places to stay in Malawi.”

– Otti, Malawi Travel Specialist

Looking ahead to 2026

These lodges reflect what we believe makes travel truly rewarding. Strong values, remarkable locations and experiences that feel considered rather than excessive. As demand for meaningful travel continues to grow, planning ahead for 2026 opens access to the best properties at the right time of year.

If you’re starting to think about your next journey, our specialists can help shape a trip around the places that matter most, creating a holiday that feels personal, responsible and genuinely enriching.