The best places our editors stayed in 2024

In 2024, we travelled farther and explored deeper than ever before, rooting down into destinations that spanned from weekend jaunts across the UK to time-zone-hopping trips to Hong Kong, Rwanda, Bali and beyond. Throughout each of these extraordinary trips runs a common thread: an exceptional sleepover in one of the best hotels, Airbnbs or villas. As travel editors, we’re unashamedly passionate about the spots we choose to bed down in, getting nerdy about everything from the quality of the bedsheets to the view from the bathtub. So which places, among the many we visited, ranked at the top of our travels this year? These are the best stays our editors booked in 2024.

Babylonstoren, South Africa

Sarah Bannerman, acting commerce editor

Earlier this year, I went to South Africa for the first time, and after spending two days in Cape Town, we headed to the Winelands and a true bucket list destination: Babylonstoren. This working farm is something special. The gardeners are passionate about the land that they harvest and the produce on-site, and we had a tour of the grounds by one of the longest-standing employees who – in the best possible way – was like a real-life woodland fairy. Experiences are a big part of the offering, and a particular highlight was the sunset drive, which took us to the top of the hills to watch darkness fall over the vast and picturesque landscape, accompanied (of course) by a glass of home-grown wine. Babylonstoren is the perfect blend of wholesomeness and indulgence, and it's a place I'll remember for a very long time to come.

Hestaaland, Iceland

Charley Ward, commerce writer

I had a bucket list moment in 2024 when I stayed at Hestaland ranch in Iceland for a five-day horse riding trek across the country’s glorious western region while driving the farm’s herd of 60 horses with us, loose throughout. Forget taking a guided tour or driving the ring road – there’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in Iceland’s utterly beautiful landscapes than traverse them on horseback. We rode around 20 kilometres a day through lava fields, over rivers and beaches and vast grassy fields, with volcanoes and mountains rising up around us – and watching the guides expertly control the herd was as impressive as the vistas. Evenings were spent chatting over homecooked meals and soaking in the hot tub (needed after eight hours on a horse!) at the ranch, before picking up and continuing the next morning. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Grand Hotel Timeo, Sicily

Sarah James, deputy digital editor

During an October trip to Sicily, I was pinch-me lucky enough to check into Grand Hotel Timeo in the White Lotus village of Taormina for one exceptionally glamorous night. It was, without a doubt, the most extraordinary place I've ever seen. It's been operating as a hotel since 1873 and has bags of heritage and history among its dark-panelled walls without ever feeling buttoned up or stuffy. Timeo is set high on the hills, meaning most of the hotel overlooks Etna's smoking peaks and the glittering sea beyond. The swimming pool appears to tumble down the cliffside, there's a Dior spa among the treetops, and the restaurant and bar have such jaw-dropping views that you might forget to chat with your dinner date at all. Sitting here with a glass of Champagne and a cannoli at breakfast during our stay was the most outrageous travel experience I've ever had.

Singita Ebony Lodge, Kenya

Toby Skinner, former features director

This year I adored Singita Ebony Lodge, the original Singita property, which first opened in 1993 on a stretch of river in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve – but recently had a richly textured redesign led by Cape Town designers Cécile and Boyd, who kept the old oversized adobe fireplaces but really opened everything up to nature, replacing walls with glass and canvas in the epic suites. The whole experience was next-level, from watching a leopard chillingly devouring an impala in a tree to watching a family of elephants amble the riverbed from our private plunge pool. Everything’s so beautifully done, from the canvas and leather game drive bags to the racing green Land Cruisers with heated seats, driven by the best guides in the business. A Singita safari isn’t cheap, but god, they’re good.

Wilderness Serra Cafema, Namibia

Karin Mueller, visuals director

In November, I was fortunate enough to journey to one of Southern Africa’s most remote and extraordinary camps, Serra Cafema. Tucked away in Namibia’s Hartmann Valley on the banks of the Kunene River, which marks the border with Angola, the camp’s sheer remoteness is breathtaking. The adventure begins with a three- to four-hour flight in a tiny four-seater Cessna 120 from Windhoek, soaring over ever-changing desert landscapes – the rolling hills of the Central Highlands, the rugged valleys of Damaraland, and the shimmering dunes of the Marienfluss. Each vista feels as though it belongs to another world as if stepping straight into the cinematic dreamscape of Dune. Arriving at Serra Cafema is to arrive at the edge of the earth – a serene camp on stilts framed by lush riverbanks alive with Nile crocodiles and encircled by endless desert for hundreds of kilometres. The sunsets here defy description, washing the golden dunes in fiery oranges and golds before softening into purples, pinks, and even the surreal greens and blues of an aurora. One unforgettable morning was spent with the women and children of a nearby Himba settlement, their grace and warmth illuminating conversations – translated by our guide – about daily life, children, and timeless beauty rituals. Moments like these stay with you, a vivid reminder of just how special this place truly is and I’m already plotting my return to the desert.

Tawana Safari Lodge, Botswana

Noo Saro-Wiwa, features writer

This smart new lodge lies in the corner of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the world’s last undefiled wildernesses. As it is the only camp in the concession, we had exclusive access to 53 hectares of unfenced land that teems with such high concentrations of wildlife (including cheetahs and leopards), I never needed my binoculars. We took serene canoe rides along the river, and scenic helicopter flights over the delta’s silver-ribbon rivers. The lodge’s main area is an open, elevated dining terrace with sweeping vistas of the grassy Gomoti River floodplain – a 180-degree stage for grazing warthogs, antelopes and elephants; hippos wandered thrillingly close to the terrace. My huge thatch-roofed guest villa had floor-to-ceiling patio windows that let me watch the animals from the comfort of my bed. Pure heaven.

Nirjhara Bali, Indonesia

Jessica Rach, global content planning manager

I visited Nirjhara, Bali, for a milestone birthday this year, and it certainly softened the blow of ageing. I stayed in their sprawling, two-story Jungle Villa – one of just 25 on the property – with its 14-metre infinity pool carved into the surrounding jungle. The hotel perfectly mixes traditional touches (think pavilion roofs and teak furniture made by local artisans) with modern comfort. Petal-filled baths appear as if by magic during turn-down. Their upper deck restaurant offers dramatic views of rice fields lit by lightning storms at night and the most delicious breakfast boards laden with dragon fruit smoothie bowls, sweet black rice porridge and nasi goreng by day. My birthday began with horse riding on the beach, followed by a Balinese couples massage and temple blessing, then rounded off with room service by the pool – beef rendang and burrata – to the sound of tropical birds and my toddler screeching happy birthday.. my best one to date.

Hotel du Couvent, France

Lucy Bruton, social media manager

Tucked away in the rabbit warren of Nice’s higgledy-piggledy Old Town, Hotel du Couvent almost feels like its own municipality. A large open courtyard is flanked by stone-clad buildings, while bountiful gardens wend their way up to the top of the grounds, boasting panoramic views over the city coastline. Although only opened up to the public this year, this hotel is more about celebrating the past than it is any sense of glitzy ‘newness’ often associated with the French Riviera. There is a nod to its history at every corner here, whether through the pared back room interiors, religious iconography, the remodelled apothecary or the original bakehouse that churns out hot loaves of Couvent bread every day. The brainchild of celebrated hotelier Valéry Grégo, this project has been 10 years in the making and is proof that good things come to those who wait. Like Brigette Bardot, Hotel du Couvent is the starlet of Nice, her charm is implicit, imposing, and effortlessly chic.

Gorilla’s Nest Rwanda

Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager

There are some hotels you know you'll remember every detail of, and for me, that's Gorilla's Nest, on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The hotel was, of course, perfect: immersed in nature, impossibly quiet and with top-notch service. But it was the buzz of excitement in the air that made it feel extra special. With almost all guests there to trek with gorillas, there's a constant feeling of gratitude from those who have just had the once-in-a-lifetime experience and are animatedly talking about it, or those listening with wonder, hoping for a similar encounter when it's finally their turn. Staying here was a reminder of the world's beauty and, without doubt, a highlight of my year.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Sophie Knight, senior visuals editor

Hong Kong is my favourite Asian city. Its futuristic infrastructure and traditional cultural influences make this city unique and timeless. Am I in 2030 or 1970? Pairing my love for the city with a stay at the Hong Kong icon, The Peninsula, makes the trip all the more exciting. The huge marble lobby is drenched in Christmas decorations and twinkly lights designed with help from Chanel. Our bedroom has an unbelievable view of the Victoria Harbour, giving us front-row seats to the light show every evening at 8pm. Breakfast is also up there, and it's the best I’ve ever had, with a mix of Asian and Western favourites. My plate of dim sum, chocolate waffles and hashbrowns was an odd but delicious sight.

Porto Zante, Greece

Charlotte Davey, fashion and lifestyle editor

This was the trip I had looked forward to all year. Recommended by a friend who also has a toddler, Porto Zante is the insider’s gem of a family holiday. A super smart, super discreet resort consisting of nine secluded villas, each with a pool and uninterrupted views of the Ionian across to Kefalonia, this is where royals and A-listers go to get 5-star service away from the paparazzi (the hotel even has a seafaring security wing to catch any long lenses). The main appeal for me is the kids club – which is more like a nanny service, where a team of warm and energetic staff will keep kids happy, planning parties, pushing them on swings, and even coming to build a sandcastle on the beach with them while you sit sipping margaritas nearby. There are two restaurants, one Greek, one Japanese, each with some of the best food I’ve ever had – the Greek tasting menu is unmissable – but breakfast is taken in villa (silver service), a spa, a small playground, as well as a nearby water park (the largest in Greece we were told), and the hotel also organised a boat trip to take us round the island. By the end of the week, my shoulders had descended. This was the most nourishing and relaxing family trip, and I’ll be booking our return soon.

Scorpios Bodrum, Turkey

Connor Sturges, digital assistant

Turkey’s Bodrum peninsula has seen many changes over the past decade, but it feels like 2024 was truly the year of the ‘Bodrum Boom’. High-end hotels have popped up along the country’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ for some time, from Mandarin Oriental Bodrum to The Bodrum Edition, but now they’re coming thick and fast – and the level of glitz and glamour is something that has to be seen to be believed. Scorpios is the latest in a long line of buzzy arrivals, with the notorious Myconion beach club concept making the jump here following an exciting expansion that’ll soon see it land in Mexico. Just 12 chic bungalows sit atop this rocky outcrop off of Göltürkbükü – long one of Turkey’s most opulent neighbourhoods – making it one of the most exclusive stays around. Spacious studio-style bedrooms lead into indoor-outdoor bathrooms to the back and sprawling terraces at the front, where breakfasts of bubbling Turkish eggs are served each morning with views of the sparkling Aegean. By day, the beach club is a hub of activity soundtracked by light sea splashing and deep house DJs, before weekends see the restaurant transform into a festival-esque wonderland once the sun throws its last tangerine rays over the hills beyond

Three Horseshoes, Somerset

Amber Port, senior audience development manager

There is something cosy beyond measure about a pub with rooms. I fell in love with the UK countryside when I first moved here – the rolling green hills, farm shops peppered off winding country lanes and chocolate-box villages to boot. So, I now make it a point each year to have a relaxing staycation in the British Isles. This year, I was determined to make it to the Three Horseshoes in Batcombe after it was chosen as one of the best new restaurants in the UK. This Somerset village sits in the heart of the picturesque River Alham Valley. Inviting, traditional, and yet contemporary simultaneously – the interiors are all down-to-earth minimalism. Our room was nestled under the eaves of the 17th-century pub in a cosy yet chic space comprised of Berber rugs and candy cane-striped headboards. The best part? You simply have to walk downstairs to have undoubtedly one of the best meals in the UK. I never felt so relaxed and removed from daily life, yet at home while on vacation, and that’s why it’s my favourite stay of this year.

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Olivia Morelli, senior digital writer

I’ve dreamed of visiting Le Manoir for years, and this year I finally had the opportunity to visit. We arrived and had a glass of Champagne in the cosy lounge area before heading straight out to explore the grounds outside. We strolled along the iconic lavender-lined pathway, roamed through the wildflower meadows and explored the vegetable gardens – there are 11, soon to be 16. We visited in spring, when the flowers were just beginning to bloom, and bees were starting to buzz about (there is a village of bee hives on the grounds). The highlight was, of course, the evening meal at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant. We feasted on a tasting menu of home-grown delights, including confit salmon with calamansi and fig leaf, Orkney scallops with pumpkin and fennel, and roasted duck with clementine, turnip and jasmine. It was just as magical as I expected if not more – a truly enchanting escape in the middle of Oxfordshire.