SA lodge is best in the world

The National Geographic Society has announced its Unique Lodges of the World, its newest collection of world-class travel experiences.

South Africa has three of the 24 properties across six continents that have been chosen to feature in a selection of places around the world that excel in a commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence. They range from a private lodge owned by the Oppenheimer family in the Kalahari, to thatched bungalows nestled in the coastal jungles of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, and luxury tented suites overlooking Ayers Rock in the Australian Outback.

Each lodge has been recommended for the outstanding quality offered to guests while maintaining the area’s cultural and natural heritage and embracing sustainable tourism.

National Geographic said many used renewable energy, and all contributed to the community by prioritising locally-sourced food.

Five that impressed were:

Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa

This family-owned lodge, in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, sleeps 30 guests, and includes activities such as night walks, game drives, horseback safaris, and bush walks in the price of a stay. Rooms are split across two locations; the main site, the Motse, has nine cottages with four-poster canopy beds, stone walls, outdoor showers, and wooden decks from which guests can watch wildlife. There is also a spa. The second site, Tarkuni, is the owners’ private retreat, and can be booked for groups of up to 10.

* See tswalu.com. Doubles from R10 600

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru

Made up of 85 casitas (small houses) tucked among the trees of the Peruvian Andes, this resort is surrounded by hot springs and walking routes; crucially, it is within easy access of the Inca Trail.

The houses overlook either the orchid gardens or the Vilcanota River, and are decorated with local materials – think eucalyptus-beamed ceilings and thick alpaca-wool blankets. Each has a dining area, and some feature fireplaces, terraces and plunge pools.

* See inkaterra.com. Doubles from US$319 ( about R3 776) , B&B.

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Located on an island off the coast of Newfoundland, this X-shaped lodge is perched on stilts. Inside, the lodge is decorated with traditional furniture, hand-crafted quilts and woven rugs. The 29 suites each have floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Atlantic surf outside.

* See fogoislandinn.ca. Doubles from CA$875, (R8 243) room only.

Longitude 131, Australia

Forget fighting the crowds for a view of the sunrise over Uluru; here you can admire it from your own room. These 15 luxury tented pavilions in Australia’s Red Centre are perched on stilts, and feature glass walls with sliding doors opening out on to views of the iconic rock formation. In the main Dune House is a library of books, maps, historical artefacts, movies and games, while outside there’s a pool with a terrace.

* See longitude131.com.au. Doubles from A$1 100 (R10 018), full-board.

Shakti 360 Leti, India

With just four private guest pavilions, this mountain lodge will suit those after peace and quiet. Ringed by the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, the lodge sits in stunning wilderness, 2 400 metres above sea level. Guests can enjoy mountain and village walks, go rafting or fishing in nearby rivers, or take yoga and meditation sessions.

* See shaktihimalaya.com. A three-night minimum stay costs $2 400 (R28 420) pp, all inclusive.

The world's top lodges:

Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa

The Brando, Austraila

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Canada

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, South Africa

Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia

Tierra Atacama Hotel Spa, Chile

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Tierra Patagonia Hotel Spa, Chile

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

The Ranch at Rock Creek, United States