Introduction

Over the past few years what we have looked for in a hotel has shifted considerably. Hot on the trail of originality and experience, we headed straight for the homespun and became suspicious of the overly manicured. The small, the eclectic, the one-off attracted the discerning crowd, while those with guns blazing seemed too showy, too brassy, overkill. Everyone fell upon the word boutique like it was the golden chalice and even printing the word luxury became taboo. Good taste, it emerged, seemed to be all about a hotchpotch effortlessness. And yet, now that everyone has become more conscious of how and where they spend their money (at least in public), we find out that what we really want has actually turned full circle. Hotels with old-fashioned star quality sing again, precisely because they are cosseting and thrilling and out of the ordinary. The Tatler Travel Guide, sponsored by the indomitable Africa Travel, encompasses the vast range of what the best hotels in the world actually means. We cover an extreme spectrum of hotels, B&Bs, lodges and camps that are simply united by being brilliant at what they do. Some are more obvious, some are less so; all are cause for excitement. So get out there and get stuck in.

Melinda Stevens, travel editor

Hotels are listed by category. To search by country, simply "view all" using the links below and pick a destination from the list provided at the top of the page.

Above and beyondAnimal planetBeach hideawaysGlorious weekendsHappy familiesHotel of the yearInto the wildIsland FlingParty playgroundsPocket wonderlandsSecret addressesShow stoppersStar qualityUrban savvy view all