Our Personal Favourites

I’ve been fortunate to stay at some outstanding places over the years, and narrowing my favourites down is nearly impossible. What I look for in a hotel or camp varies slightly depending on the destination, but my top priorities remain the same: excellent service that leans more towards friendly than formal, delicious food, and a beautiful location.

For a beach destination, I seek tranquility, with a variety of restaurants either within the hotel or easily accessible nearby. A great spa is always a bonus, and I love rooms that feel stylish and contemporary.

When it comes to a safari lodge, breathtaking views are a must—somewhere I can sit and take in the horizon between game drives. I also appreciate diverse wildlife that offers the chance for unique sightings. My favourite animal to see is always a leopard, so any area known for good leopard sightings is a definite plus. I’m far less particular about accommodation on safari; as long as I have a comfortable bed, I’m happy.

I'm always attracted to certain features in my favourite hotels, camps, and lodges.

For properties near the beach or in cities, I love the ability to explore the local area independently; anywhere with bicycles automatically gets extra points from me. I also love outstanding service, excellent on-site restaurants with delicious a la carte food offerings, and a well-curated wine cellar. When choosing a beach resort and hotel, I look for a variety of activities, especially access to a golf course either on-site or nearby, as well as complimentary water sports.

For a safari lodge or camp, I prefer somewhere off the beaten track, away from crowds, yet still offering fantastic wildlife experiences. I feel like a great guide really makes the trip special, particularly those who go the extra mile. As a keen amateur photographer, a photo hide is always a plus, and I love the opportunity to sleep under the stars in a star bed for that extra memorable experience.