This is the list of 2012 best of the best hotels around the world [b]1. Singita Grumeti Reserves[/b] (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) [img]http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/wJcPE5n4atgfUq7qlWJc7w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/153/2012/07/11/best-hotels-singita-grumeti-jpg_204127.jpg[/img] [spoiler]Pioneering Singita has done it again with the new Singita Explore, a mobile safari camp that's the latest addition to the company's 340,000-acre concession in Tanzania's majestic Serengeti. Other lodges include tented (and stationary) Sabora, with mahogany chests, worn-leather campaign chairs, and thick Persian rugs. Faru Faru, with six chalets overlooking the Grumeti River, channels a Swahili beach resort; a swimming pool curves in front of an open-air lounge, where guests sip sunset cocktails as elephants gather at the watering hole below. The reserve's flagship is Sasakwa, an East African ranch house on a plateau. There are seven cottage residences, each with a garden and cliff-top plunge pool. Tennis courts, a spa, and a yoga center occupy guests between twice-daily game drives, where sightings include elephants, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Active travelers can take in the scenery via horseback or mountain bike.[/spoiler] [b]2. Triple Creek Ranch[/b] (Darby, Montana) [img]http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/do3xl_C7xkdYPgWlEVkYjQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/153/2012/07/11/best-hotels-triple-creek-jpg_205959.jpg[/img] [spoiler]Triple Creek is a service-driven, adults-only property in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains. The 40-acre landscape has 23 plush log cabins, each outfitted with wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs, original oil paintings and sculptures, and fit-for-a-rancher feather beds topped with locally woven woolens. Itineraries are tailored to guests’ interests and can include fly-fishing, dinners at the chef’s table, and helicopter tours. The Baker and Boulder cabins are the least expensive, but still have a sitting area and fireplace and offer access to a hot tub. In winter, don’t miss a snowshoe excursion across the Chief Joseph Pass—explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805—or the chocolate chip cookies served by cowboy-booted staffers on your return.[/spoiler] [b]3. Southern Ocean Lodge[/b] (Kangaroo Island, Australia) [img]http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/VTxI13gkrQu_0GzPvtsGKA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/153/2012/07/11/best-hotels-southern-ocean-jpg_214409.jpg[/img] [spoiler]On a sparsely populated island 30 minutes by plane from Adelaide sits this lodge, which is contemporary in design and green in attitude. The 21 spacious suites have limestone floors, locals' artwork, and outdoor terraces. Air-conditioning is unnecessary: the property was constructed to take advantage of natural weather patterns. Owners James and Hayley Baillie developed only one percent of their total acreage on the wildlife-filled isle, leaving the rest of the land in a preservation trust. Guests learn about the resort’s sustainability policy upon check-in, underscoring the Baillies’ appreciation of the area’s natural beauty.[/spoiler] [b]4. Oberoi Udaivilas[/b] (Udaipur, India) [img]http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/2Kmgk1RA31Nql0nZtT.O4g--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/153/2012/07/11/best-hotels-oberoi-jpg_204124.jpg[/img] [spoiler]This palatial, 30-acre property, located in central Rajasthan, presides over the banks of Lake Pichola, preserving the enchantment of a bygone era through a distinctly Mewari lens. Royal service is ensured from your arrival as a private boat ferries you across Udaipur's domed palaces. You're also provided with a personal butler who guides you to your room, situated in a private courtyard with silken parasols and views over the jagged Aravalli Mountains. It's hard to believe you're less than 3 miles from the city center and its landmarks like the 16th-century City Palace; the resort can arrange for an English-speaking expert to guide you through its countless corridors and gardens.[/spoiler] [b]5. Discovery Shores[/b] (Boracay, Philippines) [img]http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/R6rGb7QrgDebkvP3D4eE0A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/153/2012/07/11/best-hotels-discovery-jpg_204124.jpg[/img] [spoiler]Barefoot elegance is undoubtedly the vibe on this tiny island, where the 2 and a half-mile stretch known as White Beach is often singled out for being the softest in the world. The 88 spacious suites all have large glass walls that look towards a scenic rock garden, but chances are you'll spend more time by the water. Take a dip in the infinity pool, or jet-ski on the crystalline sea. For people-watching, head to The Sandbar, where they stir up delicious mojitos, infused with local flavors like lychee and mango. Once you're sufficiently refueled, karaoke your heart out, with over 1,000 songs (mostly in English) to choose from at the resort's recreation lounge.[/spoiler] For the rest of the list: [url=travel.yahoo.com/ideas/world-s-best-hotels-2012.html]Yahoo Travel[/url]

Last edited by mrjpc07 (2012-07-18 05:38:54)