An ultra-luxurious safari camp in South Africa's Kruger National Park has been named the top hotel and resort in the world by readers of CN Traveler magazine, who gave the Londolozi Game Reserve a near perfect score.
In the latest edition of the magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards 2014, the Londolozi -- which means "protector of all living things" in Zulu -- emerged the highest-scoring resort in the Top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World list, in a tally of 7,720 votes.
Africa pulled off a particularly impressive performance this year, snagging three spots on the top 10 list. All are luxurious safari destinations.
With a history that stretches back more than 85 years, the family-run Londolozi is known for being among the early pioneers of South Africa's ecotourism industry and continues to manage a conservation program for its 35,000-acre property.
Guests have their choice of five lodges or camps that bring city sophistication and glamour to the bushlands with plush furnishings, natural earth tones, clean modern décor, private pools and vintage touches including gramophones and old suitcases.
Safari expeditions are led by expert game drivers who look for fresh animal tracks and lead guests across the 16,000 hectares of bushland to meet the Big Five.
Other activities at the resort include yoga, massage, fitness room, walking expeditions, animal tracking tours and fishing.
The Londolozi was also the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Chateaux status.
Overall, a scan of the top 25 performing hotels and resorts on the list suggests that readers are most enamored with nature-inspired retreats in stunning and bucolic settings, be it a luxury dude ranch near the Rocky Mountain wilderness in Wyoming, Montana or an ocean-view lodge on Kangaroo Island, described as Australia's version of the Galapagos islands.
Here are the top 10 hotels and resorts according to readers of CN Traveler:
1. Londolozi, Sabi Sands, South Africa
2. Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming, USA
3. The Mulia, Bali, Indonesia
4. Singita Sabi Sand, Sabi Sands, South Africa
5. Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana, USA
6. Nayara Springs, Arenal, Costa Rica
7. Singita Grumeti Reserves, Serengeti, Tanzania
8. Aro Hā, Queenstown, New Zealand
9. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand
10. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Source: Relaxnews