The Kenyan safari lodge crowned the world’s best hotel

There are amazing hotels dotted all over the world which, whether they’re historic city-centre boutiques or sprawling coastal resorts, encompass top-tier service, showstopping locations and really lovely places to rest your head.

But which are the best of all? Well, that’s all subjective, but Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, which are based on a humungous survey of its readers who weighed in on the rooms, locations, service, food and value of hotels where they’ve stayed, is a darn good place to start. 

The publication has just dropped a list of the world’s 100 best hotels, and the crowning champion for 2025 was (drum roll, please) andBeyond Bateleur Camp on the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. 

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The site is home to just 18 tented suites (plus a deluxe family suite) across its two locations, giving a seriously low-key ambience, and that paired with a highly experienced team – many of whom who have worked at the hotel for at least 10 years – means andBeyond has ‘an air of confidence and camaraderie’, according to Travel + Leisure. 

Whether you’re on the north or south site, you’ll be guaranteed stunning views over the Masai Mara plains, and wildlife even passes freely throughout the camps – though don’t worry, apparently predators rarely venture so close.

As for what you’ll be eating, the site’s chef ‘Magic’ Jackson designs a new menu every day for lunch and dinner – just tell him what you’re craving after breakfast. Keen to read more? There’s a full review here. 

In second place was Raffles Istanbul, and in third place was Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – but read on for the full top 10. 

These are the world’s best hotels, according to Travel + Leisure

1. andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
2. Raffles Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye 
3. Mfuwe Lodge, the Bushcamp Company, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
4. Fauchon L’Hôtel, Paris, France
5. Kilindi Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania
6. The Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina
7. Joali Maldives, Raa Atoll, Maldives
8. La Casa de la Playa, Playa del Carmen, México
9. Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, Meadows of Dan, Virginia
10. Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao Island, Philippines

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