National Geographic Creates Luxury Lodge Collection

Each residence in the collection “embodies the values National Geographic and our travellers hold close", the magazine said.

"These are not simply hotels,” a representative said. “They are the concepts of dreamers come to fruition: unique lodges that defy the imagination in their design and detail, founded on a deep desire to protect the cultures and precious ecosystems that surround them.”

The Lodges range from Lizard Island on Australia's Great Barrier Reef to Kasbah du Toubkal in morocco's Atlas Mountains and Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland. The only European property is the Kapari Natural Resort on the Greek Island of Santorini.

The properties all boast a high level of luxury, sustainability and "rich and meaningful" guest experiences. Browsers can search, the official website, www.nationalgeographiclodges.com, by destination, property or activities – which include snorkelling and diving, birdwatching, wellness services and wildlife encounters.

"In order to join the Unique Lodges network, every lodge was thoroughly vetted for its commitment to sustainable tourism, authenticity, and excellence in service," according to the official website.

"Our lodge experts spent time at each site, evaluated operations, and met with everyone from the general manager to the kitchen staff, ensuring that our high standards were met."

The lodges can be booked individually, as part of private expeditions, or packaged with National Geographic trips.