A compilation of 10 exquisite hotels on the continent.
By Mwai Yeboah and Victoria Taylor
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Another One&Only treasure, Gorilla’s Nest provides a front-row-seat to the Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary.
Swathed in Eucalyptus trees, this modern haven features 21 lodges and suites. It’s the closest resort to Volcanoes National Park where 340 gorillas, golden mountain monkeys and 300 bird species make their home.
Styled meticulously with African artefacts and geometric patterns, each room pulls you right into the essence of Rwanda. At the Nest restaurant and bar, you’ll enjoy seasonal cuisine sourced from local farms and beautifully presented by passionate chefs. Mixologists willinvite you to select from the lodge’s vast wine list or signature cocktails. And you can enjoy a guided taste tour of Rwandan coffee to learn what really sets it apart.
For info on the One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com/gorillas-nest
Mahali Mzuri
In the Swahili language, Mahali Mzuri means ‘beautiful place’. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this beautiful safari camp boasts 12 luxury tents on the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is a globally-renowned game reserve. It’s also an incredible honeymoon destination or bucket-list experience with a front-row seat to The Great Migration.
At this safari camp, the main tent features a lounge, open fireplace, library, iPads for guest use and a dining area for breakfast and lunch. Connected by a walkaway, all 12 tents are easily accessible to the main lounge. Each luxury tent features an ensuite bathroom, authentic African decor, an abundance oflarge windows with scenic views and a private deck. Enjoy a sundowner picnic engulfed in lantern light and the afterglow of an African sunset or sit around an open fire pit and watch the sun go down from the comfort of the camp deck.
For info on Mahali Mzuri, visit www.virginlimitededition.com/mahali-mzuri
La Tour d’Eole, Dakhla
Situated among Dakhla Bay’s awe-inspiring landscape, La Tour d’Eole luxury ecolodge harmonises with its surroundings, using the natural bounty of the desert dunes, turquoise waters and rugged cliffs as its building blocks.
Crafted primarily from Douglas wood, chosen for its sustainability and durability, the ecolodge blends into the sandy terrain, evoking a sense of unity with the environment. Stone, travertine and traditional Moroccan tiles adorn the interiors, further celebrating the local landscape.
With a range of rooms, suites and villas, including the four-bedroom villa for families or friends, La Tour d’Eole offers a tailored experience for every guest. With all the makings of a legendary holiday experience, La Tour d’Eole is making a scene.
For more info on La Tour d’Eole, Dakhla, visit www.latourdeole.com/fr
Jack’s Camp
At Jack’s Camp, the only thing dry is the desert and even then, it quenches you in a way we can’t quite explain. Bedouin-style canvas tents blend into the bush yet burst with dramatic interiors and Persian flair that awakens everything artistic, unconventional and a bit wild within.
Located in the Great Kalahari Desert and a relic of what was once one of theworld’s largest lakes, this prehistoric setting provides an incredible experience.
The camp features ten luxury tents with electricity, ensuite bathrooms and all-inclusive meals and drinks, including traditional afternoon tea.
Jack’s Camp puts a high priority on conservation, community and sustainability, ensuring that tourism is both eco-friendly for the animals and local people.
For info on Jack’s Camp, visit www.audleytravel.com/botswana/accommodation/jacks-camp
Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island
Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island’s symbol of refinement and sustainability, stands in playful contrast to its natural surroundings, offering a combination of modern elegance and tropical charm.
Each of the 15 tented villas, blend locally crafted treasures with modern comforts and promises an enchanting retreat. Surrounded by majestic trees and the rolling Atlantic, these villas boast breathtaking views and private plunge pools, ensuring holiday snaps in every direction. At the wall-less restaurant, indulge in culinary delights sourced from the island’s organic produce. Sundy Praia invites guests to fall head over heels for its tranquil ambiance and conservation-minded ethos.
For more info on Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island, visit www.hbdprincipe.com/sundy
Dar Ahlam
Framed by the majestic Moroccan desert, Dar Ahlam emerges like a mirage, a vision realised by Thierry Teyssier. Affectionately known to its guests as the Maison des Rêves or the House of Dreams, Dar Ahlam was born from a reverie, which, we suspect, is the only way such a place could come into being.
Located in the heart of the palm grove near Ouarzazate, it offers 14 suites each with its own tale to tell. Each moment here is staged to perfection, offering an experience where no day is the same. With interiors styled with plenty of Moroccan flair and a Garden of Eden with a swimming pool at your fingertips, this is where fantasies intertwine with reality.
For more info on Dar Ahlam, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at www.slh.com
La Maison Bleue
Experience the faultless blend of old-world sophistication and modern luxury at La Maison Bleue, a lavish 19th-century Mediterranean mansion in El Gouna. Embodying the grandeur of a splendid estate, this boutique hotel boasts ten charming suites, an exclusive beach, and a luxury spa that nods to timeless glamour.
Designed by antiques collector Amr Khalil, the opulent interiors feature antique European furniture from the 18th to 20th centuries. Stays here are guaranteed to be tasty with exquisite dining options, and you’re in good company, as celebrities and couples flock to this resort that strives to satisfy every wish and whim.
For more info on La Maison Bleue, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at www.slh.com
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
If Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel was a moodboard, it would lean heavily towards a potent hit of tranquillity and luxury, where moments that lose track of time are interspersed with the interiors influenced by exotic traditions. But step inside and you’re in a realm where classical splendour meets contemporary chic, curated with an eagle eye for detail.
Part of the considerable charm of this adults-only sanctuary in Mauritius lies in its secluded love nests by the new swimming pool and on the picturesque peninsula, offering intimate spaces for couples to relax amid coconut trees and bougainvillea framing stunning infinity views. The hotel also offers a Dine Around experience, allowing guests to savour culinary delights at three out of four restaurants and ensuring each stay is truly special.
For more info on Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, visit www.paradisecovehotel.com/en
Zambezi Sands
Located in the western part of the Zambezi National Park and only an hour’s drive from the world-famous Victoria Falls, the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge offers guests the chance to luxuriate in the glorious African bush where they can take in the exquisite waters of the mighty Zambezi or marvel at elephant, buffalo, lion, hippo and abundant birdlife.
In 2020, Batoka Africa acquired 100% ownership of the former Zambezi Sands River Camp and its sister attraction, the Gorges Lodge. The acquisition set the foundation for co-founder Vimbai Masiyiwa’s vision for developing a social impact model for their properties, which empower communities while providing a superior luxury experience. The 11 suites have been reconceptualised by contemporary furniture and décor firm The Private House Company, under the astute eye of South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien.
For info on Zambezi Sands, visit https://batokaafrica.com
Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili, and everything you encounter at this resort is beautiful. Whether you’re planning a celebration with close friends and relatives, you’ll have your pick of stunning bungalows, suites and villas filled with beautiful accents and lavish splurges.
The resort has started several long-term initiatives to promote sustainability, community upliftment and education, including a ‘pack to give’ initiative where guests can save room in their suitcases to gift everything from laptops to educational toys to books, clothing and more to the neighbourhood communities. Here, you can travel with a purpose.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience everything from cultural excursions to culinary masterpieces and water adventures, offering memories that last a lifetime.
For info on Zuri Zanzibar, visit www.zurizanzibar.com
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