That’s according to Tatler Magazine, by the way. And it’s some accolade, and an award you’ll find hard to argue with when you experience the levels of luxury and personal service on offer here at Lion Sands.

Living history – and exclusivity

The Ivory Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the oldest private nature reserve in South Africa, established back in 1948. The grandchildren of one of the founders of the reserve currently run the lodge, so there’s a historic connection for you right there.

Uniqueness and exclusivity seem to be the watchwords around here, as staying in the impressive accommodation gives you access to 12,400 hectares (that’s 30,600 acres in old money) of exclusive space to explore which includes 10.5km (6.5 miles) of Sabi River frontage that’s only available to lodge clientele.

It’s right by the river where all 8 of the 1 bedroom suites and the lone private 2 bedroom Fish Eagle villa are located. That’s deliberate, of course, as the river’s banks attract all kinds of wildlife all year round for drinking, bathing and perhaps a little posing for your camera every now and then.

The villas

Each of the villas has floor to ceiling glass walls to help you take in panoramic views, and is located at least twenty metres from the nearest villa, so if you prize your privacy but don’t want to feel too isolated, booking the Ivory Lodge is a win.

Inside, well it’s hard to avoid cliches like breath-taking, stunning and luxurious, but we will and just say that you get plenty of extremely high quality private, air conditioned space to enjoy. That includes a large bedroom with kingsize bed, a sofa you can really stretch out on, a fireplace that’ll warm you from top to toe, and a bathroom with a freestanding tub.

Having two showers – one inside and one outside - seems obligatory for the safari experience these days, and Ivory Lodge gives you the choice, as well as a plunge pool that’s another great place for cooling down on hot days.

Of course, this being one of the world’s premier hotels, the concept of a mini bar is frowned upon. Instead, you get a Maxi Bar if you please, with champagne included, naturally.

Fish Eagle Residence

Believe it or not, there is a way you can upgrade the privacy and luxury levels still further at Ivory Lodge, and that’s by booking the Fish Eagle Residence – a villa you can make all yours for the duration of your safari experience.

Each of the two ensuite double bedrooms have room for an extra single bed, making Fish Eagle ideal for a family (Mack & Madi children’s activities and childminding services are also available here).

You get a lounge, deck viewing and patio area, as well as a 10 metre-long lap pool all to yourselves, and all with the services you’d expect from a top of the range hotel within easy reach. That includes a concierge, butler, housekeeper and resident chef, ready and waiting to see to your every need.

You also have a private wellness area in which experts will visit to pamper you to your heart’s content. And when you’re ready to explore the reserve, you can call upon a private safari vehicle and your own field guide team to take you out Big Five-spotting.

A well-earned reputation

The hotel features communal areas of course, including a library-style lounge, private bar, dining areas both indoors and outside, a traditional African Boma area for eating and relaxing, a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre and more.

It’s hard to fault the place really, and easy to see why many share Tatler’s opinion that this is up there with the best hotels in the world.