1. Shakti Himalaya, India

Few journeys restore our souls the way walking across the Indian Himalaya do. Shakti Himalaya offers village walks in the remote mountain states of Kumaon, Sikkim and Ladakh, providing privileged access to places far removed from the noise and clutter of the modern world.

The Shakti journeys see guests taking privately guided hikes through remote villages, visiting ancient temples and monasteries, savouring authentic Indian cuisine, and then relaxing in beautiful beds in secluded village houses. These provide proper comfort without compromising on authenticity, and are comfortable havens after a day’s walking in the mountains and enable guests to take in breath-taking views that will soothe even the most tired souls.

Go there: Shakti Himalaya offers a typical 5-night / 6-day itinerary at Shakti Kumaon and 360 Leti from £5,742 per person based on 2 sharing, and including private accommodation in two village houses and at Shakti 360 Leti on a fully inclusive basis.

All meals and beverages, all activities, an accompanying English speaking guide, a private chef, support guide and porters, car at disposal with transfers between Kathgodam Station / Pantnagar Airport and the village experience. International flights not included. Shakti 360° Leti & Kumaon is available from 1st October – 20th April annually.

2. Hemingways Ol Sei Mara, Kenya

Fly west from Nairobi over vast African plains to the Maasai Mara and touch down at the heart of the Naibosho Conservancy, home to Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. A private enclave of just ten luxury safari tents with 270º views over the Mara plains, Ol Seki offers an intimate safari experience and with far fewer vehicles than the main reserve, wildlife viewings are quite spectacular.

Naboisho has one of the highest densities of lion in Africa, as well as an impressive population of giraffe and elephant so there is plenty to see. Breathtaking views, unforgettable wildlife and the warmest Kenyan hospitality characterise each stay here.

Go there: Ol Seki Hemingways Mara offer nights from 575 US$ per person, per night. This includes full board accommodation, all drinks including standard alcoholic drinks, one shared bush breakfast, one shared night game drive and return transfers to the air strip. Price excludes conservancy fees.

3. Burgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Switzerland

The newly built Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa is in this best hotel beds list thanks to its incredible views. 500m above lake level, its 102 rooms and suites all have incredible views across Lake Lucerne. The resort was originally built in 1873 and the arrival has to be one of the most spectacular – catching the resort’s catamaran across Lake Lucerne, and then taking the funicular railway from the lake shore straight up into the base of the Bürgenstock Hotel. Heaven!

Go there: The Niche Traveller can arrange stays at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa from 1,500 EUR per room, per night.

4. The Lighthouse Hideaway, La Palma, Canary Islands

Play lighthouse keeper at this 150-year-old, active, lighthouse, in a truly unforgettable family holiday experience. The Lighthouse Hideaway, which sleeps six, has been lovingly restored and now features chic interiors, a breath-taking infinity pool and extraordinary Atlantic Ocean views – with La Palma’s famous banana plantations and wild coastline on your doorstep.

Three stylish rooms, as well as a variety of activities in the area will keep everyone happy, whilst the remoteness of the location offers excellent bonding time. Ideal for multigenerational holidays this is best suited for grandparents, parents and children over six.

Go there: The Niche Traveller can arrange stays at The Lighthouse Hideaway from €280 including breakfast. The Lighthouse Hideaway can be taken by the room or as an exclusive rental from €1,220 per night.

5. Cruise the Nile on Nour El Nil, Egypt

Pelorus  offers a journey down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, sleeping in the utmost comfort, with the gentle lapping of the river outside your bedroom. Nour El Nil is a magnificent river cruise on a traditional dahabiya boat, with deeply comfortable bedrooms, wonderful dining and an expansive top deck and salon for relaxing and watching the world go by.

The boats have been designed in an eclectic but authentic style. The rooms are spacious and offer panoramic views of the Nile with comfy beds and private bathrooms, as well as a small sitting room area. With a crew of over 15, guests immediately feel part of a larger family, with impeccable service and genuine hospitality; their passion for their culture and landscape is infectious.

All meals are freshly prepared and authentically Egyptian, with the produce procured each day from the farmers and fisherman on the riverbanks. Exploring the Nile Valley with Pelorus’ expert guides is a journey never to be forgotten.

Go there: Pelorus offers five nights travelling the Nile from $1,200 per person.

6. Milaidhoo, Maldives

When searching for picture-perfect hotel beds, the Maldives is sure to come up. A small intimate island, Milaidhoo embraces its naturally beautiful setting with an effortless mix of understated luxury and striking design. Milaidhoo’s 40 private and secluded pool villas embody the very essence of Maldivian outdoor living, however for a truly memorable night’s sleep it has to be a night on the island’s own deserted sandbank, the perfect place for couples to have a romantic picnic or sleep out under the stars.

Go there: Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights at Milaidhoo from £5,169 per person. This price includes a 35% discount for stays in 2022, 7 nights half board in a Water Pool Villa, seaplane transfers and international flights. Travel between May and October 2022. Must book by 31st October 2021

7. Jade Mountain, St Lucia

Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, Jade Mountain is a bold, stylish architectural feat which blends perfectly with the glorious surroundings. The bedrooms have three solid walls; the fourth is open to the epic views yet still ensures total privacy.

Most extend out to an extravagant infinity pool, which alongside plenty of space for swimming has shallow water lounging areas. The bathrooms are out of this world and all have a bath with view. Do not expect telephones, TV’s or internet – this is total escapism in all its guises and is deliberately ‘tech free’.

Go there: Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights at Jade Mountain from £3,299 per person. This price includes international economy class flights, private airport transfers and accommodation in a Sky Whirlpool Suite with daily breakfast. Based on travel in September 2021.

8. Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland

Just across the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland, perched among the conifers is the iconic Artic Treehouse Hotel. With dramatic skies and often a viewing of the Aurora Borealis, the unique layout provides jaw-dropping views across the icy wilderness.

A showcase of Scandinavian design, the Treehouse is a nest of cosiness and the surroundings afford it a space on our best hotel beds list. From the comfort of your bed, gaze through the floor to ceiling windows at the Arctic skies, in awe of the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. With neutral soft furnishings and ambient lighting conducive to a warm glow in the evenings, they are the epitome of luxurious comfort.

Go there: Pelorus offers rooms at Arctic Treehouse Hotel from 400 EUR per room, per night.