Since starting the business over 15 years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to travel across much of the world, all in the name of research for our travel company, Untravelled Paths. Along the way, I’ve experienced every kind of accommodation imaginable – from the absolutely sublime to the downright unforgettable (for all the wrong reasons!). It’s been quite the adventure, but through it all, I’ve discovered some truly special places that have left a lasting impression. Here’s a list of my top 10 favourite places to stay – tried, tested, and loved. These are the ones I return to again and again, and they’ve never let me down!

Kasbah Bab Ourika, Morocco

Everytime I visit, my laptop at the ready, to combine downtime and catching up on admin but on arrival, I instantly acknowledge that my laptop isn’t going to leave my bag! It never does, Kasbah Bab Ourika is just one of those places that makes you want to relax. Perched high in the Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah is a luxurious eco-retreat offering breathtaking views and unrivalled tranquility. Surrounded by lush gardens and traditional Berber villages, this boutique hotel combines sustainability with Moroccan elegance. Guests can relax in stylish rooms adorned with local craftsmanship, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the serenity of the stunning infinity pool overlooking the valley. Perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers, the Kasbah offers activities like hiking, village tours, and traditional cooking classes. With its warm hospitality and stunning setting, Kasbah Bab Ourika promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Morocco and certainly delivers. It leaves you wanting to come back for more and I do, year after year! Check out our Sahara Desert Experience if you’r interested in combining the desert with the Kasbah.

Klinci Village Resort, Montenegro

This is a the recent find, with my parents visiting while I was on a stint in Montenegro this year, I wanted to find somewhere for them to relax after a busy adventure in the mountains and Klinci Village Resort didn’t disappoint! Nestled in the picturesque hills of Lustica Peninsula, Klinci offers a tranquil escape for guests seeking authenticity and serenity. This charming boutique hotel is a restored Montenegrin village, blending rustic stone architecture with modern comforts. Guests can unwind in beautifully furnished apartments, enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic, or take a dip in the inviting infinity pool. The resort’s proximity to pristine beaches and historic sites makes it a perfect base for exploration. With warm hospitality, farm-to-table dining, and an intimate connection to nature, Klinci Village Resort is an idyllic retreat for couples, families, and adventure seekers alike. It’s ideal for those wanting to add some downtime to recharge after an adventure in Montenegro and before returning home.

Northern Lights Ranch, Finland

Even after multiple stays, it still feels surreal staying in glass accommodation and I still get a bit giddy at the possibility of a perfect night under the Aurora Borealis. Northern Lights Ranch, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This unique resort combines modern luxury with breathtaking Arctic scenery, offering cosy, glass-roofed cabins perfect for viewing the mesmerising northern lights from the comfort of your bed. What I love most about this place is that due to the practical shape of the room, everything fits and feels like it belongs and the same cannot be said for the awkwardly shaped igloo shaped rooms where nothing fits comfortably. Guests can explore snow-covered landscapes, enjoy reindeer safaris, or relax in private outdoor hot tubs under a starlit sky. The ranch’s on-site restaurant serves gourmet Nordic cuisine, adding a culinary delight to the magical experience. Ideal for couples, families, or solo explorers, Northern Lights Ranch offers an unforgettable stay in a winter wonderland. To hear more about this magical place check out our blog review post.

Bayala Safari Lodge, South Africa

It took me a while to find an affordable safari lodge where the quality of the game viewing wasn’t reduced as a result. Then I can across Bayala Safari Lodge which literally offer 5 star game viewing without the price tag (check out this post to find out more). Located in the heart of South Africa’s Zululand, Bayala offers an unforgettable safari experience in a serene and family-friendly setting. Surrounded by lush savannah, this charming lodge is a gateway to thrilling wildlife encounters, including game drives to spot the Big Five in the nearby Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Guests can relax in comfortable, thatched-roof chalets, enjoy refreshing dips in the pool, or savor delicious, locally-inspired meals on the terrace. With its warm hospitality and emphasis on conservation, Bayala Safari Lodge is perfect for families, couples, or solo adventures seeking an intimate connection with nature and African wildlife.

Beldi Desert Camp, Morocco

I didn’t know it until I first visited but I love deserts. The stillness, the camp fire, the stars and of course the sand dunes – it’s just a mystical and magical place. I’ve now been to a number of deserts from the Atacama to Wadi Rum but no where offers quite the local flavour in its hositality and accommodation like Morocco. Beldi Desert Camp is a fine example of this, set amidst the stunning dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, offers an authentic and luxurious desert experience. This eco-friendly retreat features beautifully crafted Berber tents, adorned with traditional furnishings and modern comforts, providing a serene escape under the endless desert sky. Guests can savour delicious Moroccan cuisine by a campfire, embark on camel treks across golden dunes, or enjoy breathtaking sunsets that transform the landscape into a masterpiece. Evenings bring stargazing opportunities like no other, with crystal-clear skies revealing a galaxy of stars. Perfect for adventurers and dreamers alike, Beldi Desert Camp offers a magical journey into Morocco’s desert heart.

Viscri 125, Romania

If you like the simple life, which time to time I really do, then this is the place to visit. Tucked away in the enchanting village of Viscri, Romania, Viscri 125 offers a unique and authentic retreat in the heart of Transylvania. This lovingly restored Saxon property combines rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring charming rooms adorned with traditional furnishings and local craftsmanship. Guests can taste delicious, farm-to-table meals prepared with organic ingredients from the region, while immersing themselves in the peaceful countryside. Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified church, take leisurely bike rides through rolling hills, or engage with the village’s rich cultural heritage. Perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers, Viscri 125 is a true escape into Romania’s timeless beauty. Don’t miss my favourite highlight which is the “cows coming home” after a day grazing. Grab a drink and listen out for the bells as hundreds of cows return from the fields and make their own way home for milking, a truly wholesome and warming experience!

Calanoa Lodge, Colombia

I’ve stayed in various luxurious Amazonian lodges in Ecuador and Peru but as amazing as they were, nowhere quite captured the true essence of the Amazon, like Calanoa Lodge. This was largely due to the unique “wall-less” rooms, which allow you to drift off to sleep to the white noise of the Amazon rainforest. Of course, you’re not completely unprotected, there is an impenetrable, tight mesh that protects you from the insects – I didn’t get bitten once in 3 nights! Nestled deep in the Amazon rainforest of Colombia, Calanoa offers a truly immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. This eco-lodge blends sustainable design with local craftsmanship, open-air cabins that harmonise with the surrounding jungle. Guests can embark on guided hikes, canoe trips, and wildlife tours to discover the Amazon’s vibrant flora and fauna, or engage with local Indigenous communities to learn about their traditions. Meals are a delight, showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Perfect for eco-conscious travellers and adventure seekers, Calanoa Lodge provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and explore the magic of the Amazon.

Step Inn, Georgia

I have soft spot for the mountains, the crisp, fresh air and mountain scenery is the perfect place for getting lost in your thoughts and reflecting. Step Inn in Georgia, has this in abundance. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Georgian Caucasus, Step Inn is a charming retreat for explorers seeking tranquility and adventure. Located in the picturesque town of Stepantsminda, the inn offers panoramic views of Mount Kazbek and the surrounding peaks. Guests can unwind in comfortable, thoughtfully designed rooms or enjoy hearty, homemade Georgian meals. The inn’s warm hospitality creates a welcoming home base for exploring local treasures, from the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church to scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to relax in stunning natural beauty, Step Inn in Kazbegi promises a memorable mountain getaway. Weather permitting, the hotel picnic is well worth it!

Kol Gjoni & Villa Grecaj, Albania

Ok – I couldn’t split these charming, family run gems deep in the Accursed mountains but given you’re likely to experience both on a journey through the Albanian Alps I didn’t see the harm in pairing them together. First, you’ll discover the charm of the Valbona Valley at the newly renovated Kol Gjoni Guesthouse, where traditional Alpine architecture meets modern comfort. Surrounded by stunning peaks, this quaint retreat offers warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and delicious homemade meals. It’s the perfect base for exploring Valbona’s pristine trails, breathtaking landscapes and for relaxing after having travelled on the Koman Ferry, renowned for it’s journey through the stunning “Fjords of Eastern Europe”. From Valbona you’ll hike over the Theth Pass before experiencing authentic Albanian hospitality at the new Villa Gjecaj in Theth. Nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps, this charming guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation, traditional cuisine, and stunning views of rugged peaks. It’s an ideal retreat for nature lovers and hikers exploring Theth’s scenic trails and cultural landmarks. It also has some of the best views from their bathrooms I’ve ever seen!

Luxury Mobile Safari, Botswana

If you like adventure and luxury then look no further than a mobile safari in Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta. Surrounded by nature, wildlife and no signal, it’s really my happy place as I’m given no choice but to switch off and relax. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Golden Africa’s luxury mobile safari, where the untamed wilderness of Botswana meets unparalleled comfort. This exclusive experience takes you deep into pristine landscapes, from the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari, with each camp carefully set up in stunning, remote locations. Guests enjoy spacious tents with plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and fine dining under the stars, crafted by an expert chef. Daily game drives and guided bush walks offer close encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, led by experienced guides. Perfect for discerning travellers, Golden Africa’s mobile safari combines adventure, luxury, and intimacy with nature in one extraordinary journey.

So that’s the list of my personal favourite 10 lodgings from all the Untravelled Paths Experiences, it could easily have been a list of 20 places! If you’re interested in hearing more about any of the properties listed or would like to visit then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Written by James Chisnall