In the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, La Bergerie is in a rustic setting and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere which will appeal to nature lovers. La Bergerie is located just outside the Berber village of Ouirgane, only one hour drive south of Marrakech. The 16 comfortable rooms are situated around a central courtyard with its own private garden terrace with views of the surrounding countryside. Each room is spacious with en suite bathroom and decorated in a rustic style, using authentic materials, with whitewashed walls and wooden ceilings. The fact that your room does not have air conditioning is not a problem, as they are naturally cool in summer and in winter heated by open wood fires or wood stoves. 

La Moka Hotel has 26 air-conditioned rooms spread over 2 floors. This eco-hotel overlooks the ‘model’ village of Las Terrazas which was the focus of a major reforestation project in the 1970’s. The area surrounding the hotel offers good birdwatching opportunities.  

La Plume Guest House is a working ostrich and alfalfa farm with vineyards, and spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and Olifants River Valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming Victorian homestead dating back to 1902. Each bedroom has a unique sense of style and design, with every comfort, including private entrance, air-conditioning and mini bar. A swimming pool is available. 

a Sultana Marrakech, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is situated in the heart of the golden triangle, at the entry of the Imperial City’s walls, just next to the Royal Palaces, to the Bahia Palace and to the famous Jemma El Fna square. With 21 bedrooms and suites, each has been individually decorated with antique furniture, painting and works of art, painted or sculpted ceiling, marble and precious wood providing a luxurious atmosphere and sophisticated elegance. Room amenities include air conditioning, TV, DVD/audio CD player, phone, internet, marble bathroom with bath and shower, hair dryer, mini bar and safe. Relax by the outdoor swimming pool (heated) or take advantage of the Sultana Spa which offers a hammam, Jacuzzi, sauna, beauty centre, hairdresser and massages. Enjoy a number of the chef’s speciality dishes either in the restaurant, in the living-rooms, the patios or the terraces. The elevator also makes this riad uniquely convenient for the disabled and eld 

a Sultana Marrakech, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is situated in the heart of the golden triangle, at the entry of the Imperial City’s walls, just next to the Royal Palaces, to the Bahia Palace and to the famous Jemma El Fna square. With 21 bedrooms and suites, each has been individually decorated with antique furniture, painting and works of art, painted or sculpted ceiling, marble and precious wood providing a luxurious atmosphere and sophisticated elegance. Room amenities include air conditioning, TV, DVD/audio CD player, phone, internet, marble bathroom with bath and shower, hair dryer, mini bar and safe. Relax by the outdoor swimming pool (heated) or take advantage of the Sultana Spa which offers a hammam, Jacuzzi, sauna, beauty centre, hairdresser and massages. Enjoy a number of the chef’s speciality dishes either in the restaurant, in the living-rooms, the patios or the terraces. The elevator also makes this riad uniquely convenient for the disabled and eld 

In Kinabalu National Park, for those who have chosen to climb Mount Kinabalu on the extension, a night is spent at Laban Rata Resthouse (located at around 10,500 ft). Accommodation is very simple, with bunk beds, dormitory-style, and basic toilet facilities. Because of the altitude it can be very cold (around or below Freezing Point) so warm clothing will be required. You will be provided with blankets but may wish to take a sheet liner. You may also wish to consider bringing some thermal clothing for extra comfort. 

Opened in 1994, Laguna Lodge was built to appreciate its surrounding. All rooms are accessible by a long covered patio with rocking chairs that overlook a 12-acre tropical garden. The hotel itself sits on a narrow strip of land 600 feet wide bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Tortuga Lagoon, and includes a butterfly farm. Recently expanded to 52 en-suite rooms, the hotel offers comfortable rustic accommodation with wood furniture, ample pool area with jacuzzi and waterfall, and home cooking from its open-air restaurant and bar under a palm-thatched roof. The hotel’s beach is not for swimming, but rather for observing thousands of Green turtles who lay their eggs there from June to October. Exploring Tortuguero National Park and lesser-known jungle canals are easily accessible from Laguna Lodge.  

The design of Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge was inspired by the abundant birdlife in the area. Swooping curves are complemented by soft, geometric patterns with striking murals adorning the walls. Located on the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment the lodge boasts breathtaking views over the Great Rift Valley. The outdoor swimming pool is particularly special with a vanishing horizon to Lake Manyara. Traditional dance performances are usually held in the evening. 

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge is situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The lodge has standard rooms and suites fitted with ceiling fans. It has park-like grounds visited by a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The facilities available at the lodge include a heated swimming pool, poolside snack bar, pub, gift shop, tennis court and health club. 

The Lake Palace Hotel in Alleppey in located on the Vembanad Lake and all rooms have private facilties, mini Bar, refrigerator and Television. As well as a swimming pool, the hotel also offers a 24 hour coffee shop and money changing facilities.  

The Lake View Hotel is situated in attractive gardens overlooking the picturesque spectacular Inle Lake. All 36 rooms are tastefully decorated in Burmese colonial style and all have a private balcony with a view of the lake. Each room is equipped with private facilities, mini-bar and television. The hotel has a restaurant, serving Asian and continental cuisine plus a cosy bar.  

The Laleh Hotel is centrally located and adjacent to a large and pleasant park of the same name. The hotel has 370 bedrooms and boasts a Persian & French restaurant, a coffee shop and 2 shopping arcades. The hotel swimming pool is for gentlemen only and is open during high season (mid June to mid September). 

Lamanai Outpost Lodge is located on the edge of the 28 mile long New River freshwater Lagoon amid the remnants of a major Maya City. There are 18 cabanas, which are rustic yet comfortable. Each cabana has a palm-thatched roof, en-suite bathroom, a ceiling fan and a verandah overlooking the tropical gardens and the lagoon. This is a perfect location for bird watching, home to over 300 species. Other activities include a spot light river safari, fishing, crocodile encounters, star light canoeing, night walks and a sunset cocktail cruise. Please note that there are no televisions. 

In Vientiane accommodation will be at the Lao Plaza Hotel, a modern centrally located hotel. The 142 rooms are well equipped including mini bar and digital safety deposit box. Other amenities include a 24 hour coffee shop serving both local and international dishes and a Chinese restaurant. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa and steam room.  

A recreated colonial style farm building situated in the grounds of New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Lodge offers boutique accommodation, amidst 35 acres of gardens, just a 20 minute drive from Dunedin City. Its 12 themed bedrooms are each individually decorated and comfortably appointed, offering spectacular panoramas of Otago Harbour and the Peninsula, as well as some quite breathtaking views down to the ocean. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive and unique experience of dining at the award-winning Larnach Castle itself, a privilege reserved for guests only, whilst breakfast can be enjoyed in the historic old Stables 

Las Brisas Ixtapa is a combination of traditional and modern design. Created by world-renowned architect, Ricardo Legorreta, this hotel offers plenty of private and open spaces that allow guests to enjoy as much solitude or public interaction as they desire. The hotel features 416 guest rooms and suites each with breathtaking ocean views and oversized terraces equipped with a hammock. The room décor is a modern twist on traditionally lively Mexican interior design that blends white walls, tile floors, and brightly coloured furnishings. The hotel has 6 restaurants and facilities include swimming pools, a gym and tennis courts. 

The low-rise Las Dunas Sun Resort at Ica has 106 comfortable rooms all with private facilities. The resort has 3 swimming pools and other leisure and sporting facilities. The hotel has 2 restaurants and several bars. 

Laxmi Niwas Palace was the personal residence of Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. The residential rooms were designed keeping in mind the fact that they would be used by the royal family itself or by the personal guests of the Maharaja as only guests of equal status to the Maharaja would be invited to spend the night in the Palace. Most of the rooms are decorated lavishly using gold wall paintings and have painted or carved wood ceilings. These rooms have now been refurnished keeping in mind their original decor. 

The Laxmi Vilas, Bharatpur is a converted royal residence. It should be remembered that this building was not designed as a hotel; the imaginative conversion has been based on retaining as many original features as possible, and this does preclude the full range of facilities found in a purpose-built hotel (for instance, the rooms are not standardised and so vary quite considerably in size).  

Le Baluchon is a charming auberge renowned for its fine cuisine, its excellent micro-brewery (producing the “Nouvelle France” beers) and its health centre. Its 90 rooms are set in four lodges located alongside the river. All rooms have private bathroom, television, telephone and hairdryer. 

In Marrakech you will be staying Le Jardins de la Medina, which is located in the heart of the Medina, just a short walk from the Jemma El Fna Square and the colourful souks. Whilst built in the very traditional style of a riad, it offers the comfort of a modern boutique style hotel. Hidden behind walls, the property has tranquil gardens filled with palms, orange and olive trees and jacarandas. The 36 rooms are all air-conditioned (and heated if required) with Satellite TV, minibar, IDD telephone, hairdryer and safe. They are all en-suite and have either a balcony or terrace.  

A modern hotel, the Le Meridien Amman is located in the heart of the city and within walking distance of both shopping and business districts. The hotel has over 400 spacious bedrooms with modern amenities and an extensive selection of restaurants (including Lebanese, Chinese and Japanese) and bars. There are also good leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped gym and Health Club and Beauty Centre. 

In the heart of Beirut, the 207 room Le Méridien Commodore is ideally located in the shopping and business district. All rooms are well appointed with private facilities, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities and cable television. Additional hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness facilities and a choice of restaurants to include Lebanese, Italian and Japanese. 

Towering 37 floors above the world famous Copacabana Beach with views of Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado Peak, Le Meridien Copacabana is a Rio landmark. The 496 recently redecorated guestrooms offer great views of the beach and beyond. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, beach service, coffee shop as well as the renowned restaurant, “Le Saint Honore”, located on the 37th floor. 

Le Meridien Merinides enjoys a fantastic location high up on the hillside overlooking the medina and the distant hills. The 107 rooms have air conditioning, television, mini bar, phone and ensuite facilities. The hotel has a swimming pool, tennis court and a number of restaurants including ‘La Kouba du Ciel’ serving Moroccan cuisine, ‘Le Imperial’ serving International cuisine and ‘Le Terrace de Fes’ for snacks and drinks.  

Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo is just a 3 minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station. The convenient location is just fifteen minutes away from Toyko’s world-renowned shopping and entertainment areas, Ginza and Roppongi. The hotel has 954 tastefully decorated rooms on 30 floors. Seven restaurants offer Japanese, Chinese, American and French cuisine. An outdoor pool is open in the summer only. 

Located 10 km southwest of Cairo, Le Meridien Pyramids has 523 rooms and has a superb view of the Giza Pyramids. The numerous restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine from snacks to a la carte dining. There is an outdoor heated pool, extensive gardens, shopping arcade and 24 hour bank. 

For the second stay in Cairo, accommodation is at the Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel. Located at Cairo International Airport, all rooms are soundproof and have private facilities with mini-bar, telephone and television with in-house video. Facilities include a 24-hour coffee shop; the gourmet 'El Sarraya' restaurant; shopping arcade; bank; swimming pool and two floodlit tennis courts. The hotel has a courtesy shuttle bus into central Cairo. 

Le Val de La Roseraie in Ouirgane is about an hour from Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in 50 acres of rose gardens, park and farmland. La Roseraie has 40 simple cottage style rooms with en suite bathrooms and patios opening out to the gardens. There are 3 swimming pools (1 indoor), a hydrotherapy centre with Hamman, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness equipment. They also have other facilities including horse riding, tennis and can arrange for walks into the countryside. Meals are served on the terrace or the main restaurant (please note that on occasion tour groups visit the hotel for lunch and it may get quite busy).  

A Relais & Chateaux property, L'Heure Bleue Palais is a recently restored riad situated in the heart of the old town of Essaouira, on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Accommodation is in one of 35 themed rooms and suites varying from African to English colonial, with modern amenities including air-conditioning and Wi-Fi Internet connection. The Palace offers all the comfort of a traditional Moroccan house, equipped with the latest technologies. The public area includes a billiard room, DVD cinema, tea lounge and Moroccan lounge and food is a fusion of French gastronomic cuisine and Moroccan flavours. On the rooftop there is a large terrace offering panoramic views of Essaouira and its surroundings and a swimming pool and bar. Relax in the hammam and spa or take advantage of one of the many massage programs at the beauty centre. The elevator makes this property uniquely convenient for the disabled and elderly. 

A Relais & Chateaux property, L'Heure Bleue Palais is a recently restored riad situated in the heart of the old town of Essaouira, on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Accommodation is in one of 35 themed rooms and suites varying from African to English colonial, with modern amenities including air-conditioning and Wi-Fi Internet connection. The Palace offers all the comfort of a traditional Moroccan house, equipped with the latest technologies. The public area includes a billiard room, DVD cinema, tea lounge and Moroccan lounge and food is a fusion of French gastronomic cuisine and Moroccan flavours. On the rooftop there is a large terrace offering panoramic views of Essaouira and its surroundings and a swimming pool and bar. Relax in the hammam and spa or take advantage of one of the many massage programs at the beauty centre. The elevator makes this property uniquely convenient for the disabled and elderly. 

The Libertador Ciudad Blanca Hotel in Arequipa has 88 rooms and 4 suites, and is just outside the city centre in Selva Alegre and was built in colonial style in 1940. The hotel has three adjacent parks, as well as pleasant grounds and a swimming pool. It is located only 15 minutes from the airport.  

Located on the Pacific Coastline, the Libertador Reserva Natural Paracas Hotel has 114 comfortable rooms. The hotel has a restaurant and 3 bars and several outdoor swimming pools. 

The Hotel Libertador San Isidro Golf Lima has 53 rooms and suites all with modern amenities including internet access and mini bar. The hotel’s Ostrich House Restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes including ostrich meat. Other facilities include a bar, a modern gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.  

Established in 1991, the Libertador Tambopata Lodge is one of the most established eco-tourism lodges and it is situated on the banks of the Tambopata River in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. It has a capacity of 59. The buildings and cabins have been designed to exist in harmony with this exotic environment, being made from wood and thatched with woven leaves and screened to protect their occupants from insects. There is no electricity at present so lamps and candles are used. Some buildings, however have solar energy to provide lighting. Each bed is protected by mosquito nets and every cabin has a private bathroom with running water. The dining room serves typically Peruvian and international food. Other facilities at the lodge include a library, a conference centre, a small museum and a map library.  

In Beijing, you will stay at the Lido Holiday Inn, located away from the centre of Beijing but a short drive by the hotel’s shuttle bus from Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City. This large hotel has a wide choice of restaurants offering Chinese, Western, Indonesian, Italian and Mexican cuisine plus a selection of bars. It also boasts a range of recreational facilities including a heated swimming pool, a health centre and fully equipped bowling centre. All rooms have air-conditioning and heating, television and mini-bar. (www.lidoplace.com)  

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a historic five star, European style country house, set amidst two acres of manicured gardens just 1½ hours drive from Sydney. Ideally situated adjacent to the Three Sisters in the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park the hotel offers a breathtaking escape for romantics and a wonder for lovers of nature. All 86 rooms and suites are large, comfortable and welcoming and reflect Lilianfels' Victorian heritage, featuring many small, contemporary touches. Lilianfels features two restaurants, the elegant Darley’s fine dining restaurant boasting modern Australian cuisine and a more casual dining option, Tre Sorelle (Three Sisters) restaurant. The indulgent spa facilities offer a complete range of treatments and other leisure facilities include a gym, pool, tennis court and bike hire.  

The Linyanti Discoverer Camp is Wilderness Safaris’ newly designed, spacious walk-in meru tents create a sense of connection to the Earth and nature, enhances both the view and the feeling of the wild and untamed. The style of accommodation in the private Discoverer campsites takes you back to the era of Africa’s exploration. Pure linens of heavy cottons, brass bucket showers and basins, separate flushing toilets and shower areas all add to the atmosphere, while luxury comforts and amenities are elegantly provided.  

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge overlooks Lake Nakuru, offering a unique vantage point. Each of the 67 appointed chalets has a separate lounge and secluded verandah with views over the lake and the distant hills. Situated in the heart of the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's most famous soda lakes. A major feature of this park is the birdlife, particularly the thousands of flamingos. A rhino sanctuary also provides the opportunity to see the greatly endangered black rhino. The lodge restaurant and bar open onto a large viewing deck with panoramic views. The lodge also has a swimming pool, sauna, laundry service, curio and gift shop, conference facilities and a medical clinic. Each evening guests are treated to a performance of traditional dance. 

Located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, about 45 minutes from Bariloche, in the area known as the Lake District, the Llao Llao Hotel is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, lakes, rivers and forests of larch, cypress, coihue and arrayanes. The hotel has 158 rooms and suites which all maintain their traditional style and architectural design. Leisure facilities include a spa, swimming pool and an 18 hole golf course. Additional recreation activities can be arranged locally. The hotel is the starting point for the Lakes Crossing to Chile. 

In Tofino we stay at the Long Beach Lodge Resort. Overlooking Cox Bay, the resort consists of a beachfront lodge (where your rooms are located) and rainforest cottages. The lodge is built in the style of a West Coast home, and has a welcoming atmosphere, with a huge granite fireplace in the ‘great room’. You are confirmed in Forest View Rooms, all of which have handcrafted Douglas Fir beds and furniture, TV, fridge, coffee-maker, tea kettle, iron and ironing board, and hairdryer. Bathrooms contain a large bathtub and separate shower, and offer bathrobes. The dining room offers fresh food, efficient service and meticulous attention to detail, and has superb views over Cox Bay.  

ongitude 131° is situated on private land 8 kilometres from Uluru (Ayers Rock), set atop an isolated sand dune close to the border of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The award-winning Longitude 131° has achieved new heights in ecotourism the world over, luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, the unique property offers immersion in the wilderness of the National Park. Each of the 15 lavish white domed tents affords every luxury, with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, CD player, mini bar, telephone and a private view of the brilliant changing colour display over Uluru. The Dune House offers communal dining facilities with the best of contemporary Australian cuisine, wine and exceptional al fresco dining. Other facilities include a library with TV and DVD, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required and includes full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily, a selection of beverages and a full touring progr 

The Los Cauquenes Hotel is located 7km from downtown Ushuaia, facing the Beagle channel. It has 54 rooms, including 5 suites and the restaurant offers a varied menu of both local and international cuisine. The Spa and fitness centre has an indoor swimming pool. 

Los Jazmines has 62 rooms in the main hotel, as well as a number of cabanas. All rooms have private facilities, and are air-conditioned. The hotel overlooks the Vinales Valley. It also has 2 restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.  

The Luang Say Lodge has 18 rooms, all simple but clean and with private facilities. It is located on the edge of Pakbeng and is very peaceful with its river location and open air dining & bar area. Cultural shows are sometimes staged in the evenings. US dollars or local currency are accepted but not credit cards.  

The Luna Salada Lodge, 22kms from the town of Uyuni, is located pverlooking the Salar de Uyuni. It is a hotel built from salt which makes it one of those most unique properties featured by Bales. All rooms have private facilities and heating, and the hotel has a bar and restaurant.