The best hotels for me this year have been -

Gravetye Manor, UK - Wonderful country house experience.

Ca'Sagredo in Venice - just a low-key palazzo right on the Grand Canal.

Villa Maya in Flores, Guatemala - Stunning new room, idyllic setting on the lake.

Cromlix in Dunblane, Scotland - Andy Murray's place, brilliant blend of tradition and contemporary.

Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland, UK - The ideal country pub with modernised rooms and great food.

The Table Bay in Cape Town - Absolutely gobsmacking view from a perfect hotel room.