East Africa

In the heart of magical Rwanda, in a jungle of rich flora that has flourished for millions of years, One&Only Nyungwe House offers an idyllic eco-retreat and experiences that last a lifetime. Set out to meet the rare Mangabey monkey on its own territory, into places where majestic mahoganies, delicate orchids and exotic butterflies surround you as if by magic. Absorb the knowledge of local elders as they share the secrets of surviving in this remote jungle world.

The six forest villas that make up Wilderness Bisate in Volcanoes National Park, tucked among the trees like giant birds' nests, are simply breathtaking. This is one of the finest bases in Africa from which to set off in search of the famed mountain gorillas of the Virungas.

Mount Gahinga Lodge, lying at the foot of a volcano in the Virunga range, is the perfect base from which to track gorillas or the rare golden monkeys, climb a volcano, or meet the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rainforest — the Batwa pygmies — on walks through local villages. There are six traditional stone buildings with papyrus roofs, known as bandas, beautifully decorated by hand to reflect the charm of the aesthetic traditions of the people of Bufumbira.

Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson's East African retreat, set in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya and perfectly placed to make the most of the seasonal wildebeest migration. The Motorogi Conservancy is home to wildebeest, zebra, cheetah, giraffe and gazelle, as well as the Big Five. The area's greatest draw, however, is the annual great migration, and the camp, perched on a hillside, offers a natural amphitheatre from which to watch this unforgettable spectacle.

Set high above the floor of Africa's Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara is a remarkable safari base overlooking Kenya's Maasai Mara, considered by many the most beautiful reserve on the continent. A tour of the Mara Triangle is the cornerstone of your safari holiday. Shortly after leaving the lodge you find yourself on vast grasslands dotted with acacias, surrounded by more animals than you could imagine: from Africa's Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo — to the immense herds of the Great Migration.

Deep in an African reserve, the Safari Lodge welcomes you into a sanctuary of Four Seasons comfort. Come close and intimate with lions, leopards and elephants — and feel safe and thoroughly indulged throughout. Experience the thrilling game of the Serengeti and rare opportunities to connect with local people and culture.

Built by Czech investors, the Tulia resort has established itself as the leader of the luxury travel segment on Zanzibar. It stands directly on one of Zanzibar's most beautiful and least crowded beaches. The resort offers a holistic holiday experience including complimentary private yoga lessons, a week-long spa programme, outstanding gastronomy and a bespoke individual activity plan.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the only holiday resort on this 6 km long coral island. It offers contemporary accommodation, tropical gardens and 14 km of white sandy, palm-fringed beaches. You can dive into the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean or take up any number of water sports — from diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs to fishing or paddle boarding.

Discover the best-kept secret of the Seychelles — a tropical amphitheatre of treetop villas set around the idyllic white smile of Mahé's Petite Anse Bay. Descend leafy forest paths to a secluded beach of powder-soft sand, or climb to the dramatic heights of the contemporary spa, cantilevered out from the hillside with views over the open sea.

A favourite local pastime in the Seychelles is gathering with family and friends in the evening around the grill. This interactive culinary experience — the Creole Grill — lets you choose your meat, seafood and vegetables before they are cooked on a ceramic grill right on the beach. However you imagine paradise, you can be certain you will find it here.