From stunning South African cliffside suites to quiet luxury in the Himalayas, here are 10 of 2025’s top luxury lodge openings.
Lodges offer discerning travellers more space, unique locations and exceptional experiences and there are plenty of these new properties popping up around the world, but what makes them stand out? We pick a few that tick all the boxes.
Luvhondo Lodge by Few & Far, South Africa
Recently opened, Luvhondo Lodge is tucked in the majestic Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo. The six elegantly designed cliff suites have a private plunge pool and expansive viewing deck.
Immersive attractions include wildlife safaris in Mapungubwe National Park and a treetop solar-powered cable car ride over the region’s staggering biodiversity.
Surrounded by some of South Africa’s largest baobab trees, this stunning new property is committed to sustainability, authentic cultural experiences and offers farm-to-table dining.
Kittawa Lodge, Tasmania
Perched on the serene landscapes of King Island, KIttawa Retreat opens in April, offering a stylish two-bedroom lodge that mirrors the elegance of Kittawa Lodge’s award-winning one-bedroom offerings. The new addition will have an expansive outdoor seating area and outdoor hot tub with spectacular panoramic coastal views.
Wine lovers rejoice in the onsite wine cellar with games and books. Guests can also add gourmet provisions, massages, guided yoga, and meditation to their stay.
Entirely off-grid, the property is set on close to 29 hectares offering an intimate and luxurious escape for those ready to disconnect, reset, and rejuvenate.
Chichele Presidential Lodge, Zambia
Steeped in history, this property opens in April after an extensive refurbishment. Originally built in 1972 as a retreat for Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda, the luxury retreat now features ten reimagined air-conditioned suites, each with a private terrace, outdoor shower, and plunge pool.
There’s a lounge, pool, spa, and yoga deck and the rich biodiversity of South Luangwa National Park is right on the doorstep. Exploring the wildlife-rich rivers, streams, floodplains, and forests on nature walks and game drives perfectly complements the relaxed atmosphere.
Monarto Safari Resort, South Australia
Bringing a slice of African adventure to Australia, Monarto Safari Resort is within the expansive Monarto Safari Park. Set to reopen on 28 May, the upmarket lodge offers 20 luxury tents and 78 elegant guest rooms overlooking the vast plains of the park’s new wild Africa precinct.
There’s a wellness spa, dual swimming pools, conference facilities, and a premium restaurant.
Dawn and dusk private guided tours allow guests to encounter free-roaming animals like southern white rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes. Canapes and sundowner drinks also set the tone for a South Australian stay like no other.
&Beyond Suyian Lodge, Kenya
For travellers seeking an intimate safari escape, this property opening in July 2025 is set to impress. Tourism-led conservation is part of the &Beyond blueprint; evident across the 17,800-hectare Suyian Conservancy.
Guests can explore the region’s rich biodiversity on twice-daily safari game drives, guided bush walks, horseback safaris, local community visits, and more. Home to more than 100 mammals, wildlife sightings may include the rare black leopard and Grévy’s zebras.
The retreat harmoniously blends with the natural landscape, mimicking the ancient granite formations of Kenya’s northern regions. The 14 luxury lodges have a private plunge pool, alfresco showers and a personal bar.
One&Only Moonlight Basin, USA
Moonlight Basin is One&Only’s first venture into the United States, a close to 77-hectare enclave in Big Sky, Montana. Opening this July, it seamlessly blends the Big Sky State’s rugged charm with luxurious features across the 73 main rooms, 19 villas, and a residential component.
Big Sky Resort, one of the largest ski areas in the US, is accessible from One&Only Moonlight Basin with direct gondola access. There’s also an observatory for Montana’s reliably dark skies, a mountain golf course, and a delightful hidden whiskey shack in the nearby woods.
One&Only’s forest-to-plate restaurant and comprehensive wellness program are set to elevate every stay, complementing the well-being benefits that Montana naturally provides.
Yarlington Lodge, UK
An extension of The Newt in Somerset, this property is a Georgian country house set to welcome groups of up to 16 guests this (English) summer. The property boasts an outdoor pool, tennis court, private spa, and customisable menus crafted from seasonal produce grown on The Newt’s grounds.
This exclusive-use luxury lodge will offer a quintessential English countryside experience, blending historic charm with high-end amenities.
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, Rwanda
Within Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is an intimate eight-bed luxury property opening in September 2025. Guests have a choice of a four-bed villa or two twin rooms. There’s also bespoke dining, wellness treatments, and personalised wildlife excursions, including guided night drives, sunset cruises, and more.
Designed with sustainability in mind, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is run entirely on solar energy with a minimal environmental footprint. Guest stays contribute to local conservation initiatives, like predator monitoring and education programmes.
Prana Lodge, India
Perched at 2,100 metres above sea level in India’s Kumaon region, Prana Lodge offers a serene retreat bordering Tibet and Nepal. Set to wow in October 2025, Prana Lodge replaces the highly acclaimed 360 Leti from the experiential Shakti Himalaya brand. It will offer a seven-suite, solar-powered lodge constructed from stone, glass, timber, and copper.
Besides spectacular views of the Nanda Devi range, guests can join wellness activities like yoga and meditation, embark on guided walks and treks through the Himalayan landscape, and learn to cook from guest chefs.
Serengeti Explorer by Elewana, Tanzania
An unrivalled vantage point over the legendary Serengeti plains is on offer for guests at the recently opened Serengeti Explorer by Elewana. It’s the first lodge in the luxury accommodation brand’s new Explorer collection.
The lodge offers the Serengeti’s first on-site wildlife hide and the opportunity to witness the famed Great Migration. Guest experiences include captivating game drives, guided walking safaris, bespoke dining experiences, and a stargazing deck, complete with an experienced astronomy guide. African culture is woven across the lodge, including at the on-site art gallery featuring local talent.
