Introduction

Hotels are peculiar beasts. We're always on to the next one, staring moonily at its picture in a magazine and hoping it's going to be everything we want and need. Like Russian mail-order brides, in other words, we get lucky or we don't. So, discovering great hotels - really special places that dig a little deeper - is toe-tappingly exciting. Sometimes it's an instant hit - that blood-rush to the heart - and sometimes it's a slow-burner. Either way, a hotel with that extra kick can end up giving you even more than you had prayed for. This guide celebrates the hotels that are individuals, the ones that go beyond the call of duty, that are true to their roots, that are passionate about the countries they're in and inspire that passion in others. The Tatler Travel Guide 2007, again sponsored by the mighty Africa Travel Centre, is all about getting out there and getting stuck in. Melinda Stevens, travel editor

Hotels are listed by category. To search by country, simply "view all" using the links below and pick a destination from the list provided at the top of the page.

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