PEAKLIFE invites you to be its guest: It’s all five-star service in this decadent countdown of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels at exotic locations.

If your summer holiday plans are still in the pipelines, or the much-needed exotic annual holiday is still in the planning stages, this article is a must-read for you. We are giving out a list of handpicked exotic hotels that caught our attention because of their exquisite service, fine amenities and picturesque location. Read on…

Azura Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique

Azura Quilalea is a hidden gem, somewhere to retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. AzuraQuilalea Private Island, a wholly uninhabited island paradise surrounded by the pristine waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary. Snorkeling, Kayaking, turtle beach picnic are some of the activities. It is also home to more than 50 giant baobabs and some 180 species of migrating birds. Blessed with a tropical climate.

DO TRY: The Sunset Dhow Cruise–A time-honored tradition in East African waters, set sail in a traditional Mozambican Dhow sailboat, and watch the sunset as you drift along on the ocean breezes. Time stands still as you sail on a 40-foot traditional dhow as the sun goes down.

Best time to go: June-Oct

 

& Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Surrounded by the mountains and sand dunes of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is an escape to the world as it should be. Sheer silence, total tranquility and romantic luxury…complete with an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late night star gazing, that’s your place of stay at the property. Featuring private verandas with sun-loungers, desert views and outdoor showers, the airy, tranquil suites offer living rooms with fireplaces, plus skylights and customized mini bars. There are no TVs, so this makes perfect sense if you’re looking for a romantic getaway.

DO TRY: Hot Air Balloon Safari Over The Desert– Awaken before dawn and set out in the early morning moonlight to a designated launch site, where you can watch excitedly as the balloons are brought to life. Giant, hot bursts of flame slowly inflate the brightly colored nylon, strung to robust baskets that rest on their side. As the sun’s first rays peek over the scarlet sand dunes, the hot air balloon drifts slowly upward, revealing the undulating landscapes of Sossusvlei.

Best time to go: April-Oct

 

The Brando, French Polynesia

For an island once owned by the late Marlon Brando, arrival only by a private seaplane is befitting the Hollywood legend’s legacy. With designer chairs ringing the private plunge pools and a vegan menu (optional) in the main restaurant, it’s aimed at trend-conscious travelers as well as wellness fanatics; judging by the giant nest spa set high in the treetops where the ‘sacred queen’s bath’ is a specialty.

DO TRY: VaruaTeOra, Polynesian Spa – This is the life and soul of Tetiaroa, and is a truly Polynesian sanctuary. In perfect accordance with the magnificent surroundings, it allows all to rediscover harmony, relaxation and inner peace. Blending into the lush vegetation, it is a hidden oasis at the end of a path through the tropical undergrowth.

Best time to go: June-Aug

 

Segera Retreat, Kenya

Segera proves that luxury can be sustainable. Its ecologically sound practices pro-actively enhance comfort, with vast solar installations providing all energy and heating dramatic outdoor baths, recycled and captured rainwater feeding the verdant gardens and homegrown vegetables pulled fresh from the earth enriching daily menus. Over the last decade what started as the degraded land was literally brought to life with Segerabeing the catalyst for change.

DO TRY: Holistic Wellness – The natural safari wilderness itself is a refreshing tonic for the spirit. At the end of the day’s adventure, take some time off and rest at the Rasul Steam Tower, enjoy a swim in the salt-water pool or arrange a nourishing massage treatment in the privacy of your spacious two-level villa. A state of the art gymnasium is also worth a visit.

Best time to go: June-Oct

 

Fregate Island, Seychelles 

Lying on the grass next to one of 2,200 Aldabra giant tortoises that rove an African island is pretty unbeatable as a honeymoon memory.Wildlife-loving couples might wake up to the sounds of some of the planet’s rarest birds, including magpie robins. Each of the 16 villas come with its own butler and infinity pool, and decks have ample space for candlelit private dining sessions.

DO TRY: Dining Everywhere– White linen anywhere you wish is a unique initiative on the Fregate Island, where the guests are welcome to dine wherever they want.It is a part of enjoying complete freedom and immersing yourself in the natural surroundings. Imagine breakfast in the branches of a banyan tree watching snowy fairy terns feeding their young. Catch your own bonito and have a sashimi lunch on the sea.

Best time to go: year-round but April-May and Oct-Nov are best for diving

 

Cotton House, Mustique

One of the few luxury hotels on the mellow, mangrove-braided island of Mustique, this property is adored by Britain’s aristocracy. It’s cute as a button, all sugar-pink walls, and fluttering muslin, and even the entry-level cottages – with their secluded, lush verandas and white four-poster beds – are wonderful for honeymooning couples. Duplex suites have plunge pools and balconies designed with couples’ spa treatments in mind. Make sure your stay includes a Tuesday night – pretty much the entire island attends a complimentary cocktail party.

DO TRY: Horse Riding – Explore Mustique on horseback, trekking up into the hills to enjoy the many wonderful views or gallop through the surf on a choice of deserted beaches. There are horses and ponies to suit all levels of experience and group or private lessons can be arranged. The very popular three-day pony camps for children are held throughout the year giving them the chance to learn about stable management and the daily care of their ponies.

Best time to go: May, June, and Nov

Nekupe, Nicaragua

Feng Shui mountain lodge which gazes out at the cloud-forest-covered slopes of the Mombacho Volcano is your place of stay. You’ll feel like you have the place to yourself; the estate is so big that guests zip across it on quad bikes, and there are just four hilltop villas, plus a four-suite residence is also up for takes. From horseback riding and nightly stargazing to volcano-hopping excursions and mountaintop meditation, there is no shortage of activities here. Nab a Grand Suite for a waterfall plunge pool and an outdoor hot tub for that perfect relaxing experience.

DO TRY: Ropes Course–Mentally and physically challenging, the Ropes Course consists of 10 team building activities. Experience this great group activity for personal development, leadership skills, team building, and family bonding.

Best time to go: Nov to Apr