Safari holidays and tours

IF YOU are looking for your next hotel stay, then look no further as the world’s top new hotels to visit in 2027 have been named.

Condé Nast Johansens – which ranks the best hotels in the world – has revealed its 2027 Awards for Excellence for the best newly opened hotels across the planet.

Hotels are ranked against different categories including design, service, bars and culinary experience.

Named the best in the UK overall and one of the best in the world was Aethos London Shoreditch, which only opened in October 2025.

The hotel boasts a modern look throughout with calm and warming tones.

There are 164 rooms in total including balcony suites and the Aethos Panorama Suite with a private outdoor terrace overlooking the London skyline.

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The hotel is home to Aethos Cafe London, which is the ideal place for pastries and coffee, or a glass of wine in the evening.

If you want to head to a more fancy spot, then there is the hotel’s restaurant – Mitsu – which serves Japanese sharing dishes such as flame-grilled meats.

There is even a wellness floor with a studio and gym both open 24/7.

There is a dedicated members’ space as well called The Willow Room, which is open to members to meet, work and socialise.

The hotel is in the heart of Shoreditch as well, with attractions including Old Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road Flower Market.

The hotel costs from around £180 per night.

As for the rest of the world, Andaz Lisbon in Portugal was named the best new hotel in Europe and the Mediterranean.

The hotel opened in early 2026 with 170 rooms and suites.

It also has a restaurant which serves regional Portuguese seafood, with a rooftop overlooking the Tagus River.

It costs from £240 per night to stay at the hotel.

Birch House – A Private Coastal Club & Retreat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, won the best new hotel for the North, Central and South America category.

This exclusive hotel only has five suites nestled behind private gardens.

The hotel is also just a two-minute walk from Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Marina.

Suites start from around £370 per night.

And then Maloba Private Game Reserve in South Africa won the Africa, Asia and Middle East category.

The all-inclusive safari destination features the main safari lodge with luxury suites that include plunge pools overlooking the open bush.

There is also the farm and gardens villa, which is a private retreat set among the property’s farm.

Guests staying at Maloba Private Game Reserve often see zebras, white rhinos, cheetahs and Cape buffalos.

Staying at the Reserve typically costs from £2,100 per night, with a minimum stay of three nights.

For each location category, there are a number of other awards including best design and best for families.

Other hotels in the UK to get awards include Virgin Hotels Edinburgh in Scotland which won the best design award.

Best rural hotel went to Horsted Place Hotel in Sussex Downs, best hotel spa went to Sopwell House in St Albans and best for families went to The Belfry in the Midlands.