WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Defined by a philosophy of slow, conscious living, Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge offers guests the rare luxury of a true escape. Created to be experienced with intention, the lodge brings together thoughtful interiors and the calm of the countryside to form a restorative and deeply personal Winelands retreat.

“The aesthetic reflects the rugged beauty of the Paarl and Franschhoek mountains,” says interior designer Lisa Bellamy, who carefully curated the retreat’s look and feel. “Every finish is a deliberate nod to the local environment. It is a study in ‘quiet luxury,’ where functionality meets an understated, festive spirit that celebrates the art of living well.”

The lodge features a communal entertainment area – The Clubhouse – with a bar, lounge and pool, and six private luxe suites, each spanning an ample 60 sqm and designed to cater for every comfort. Balancing intimacy with space, the suites include luxurious amenities, generous minibars, private patios with outdoor showers, and indoor lounge areas complete with attention-grabbing fireplaces. “The double-sided fireplace serves as a sophisticated focal point within each suite, providing a visual link between the bedroom and the lounge. The placement allows the warmth and glow of the fire to be enjoyed from both sides while maintaining an essential sense of privacy,” says Lisa.

Thoughtful design maximises indoor-outdoor flow, with large openings that frame views of the olive groves and wildlife – including free-roaming springbok, ducks and geese – just beyond. “We focused on verticality and versatility, using high-end materials to blur the lines between the interior and the natural deck environment,” explains Lisa. “Increasing the ceiling and glazing height was a critical move to maximise natural light and volume. By utilising bi-parting glazing systems, we achieved a space where the sash sections move independently. This allows for precise control over ventilation and gives the guest the option to have the space fully open to the deck or partially closed, depending on the weather.”

Every element of Olijvenkraal’s interior and exterior, from the material finishes to its colour palette, has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the lodge’s immediate setting. To achieve visual harmony and ensure the lodge blends into the groves, Lisa selected a green exterior palette that allows it to sit harmoniously within its natural surroundings. “Throughout the lodge, we utilised the quiet hues of olive leaves to create a seamless connection with the environment,” she explains. “The use of timber furniture on the deck reinforces an earthy aesthetic and strengthens the connection to the surrounding landscape,” she adds.

The Clubhouse was designed with relaxation in mind. “The entertainment area needed to be a multi-functional, inviting space – accommodating summer parties with sliding glass doors, while remaining a cosy retreat for long winter days,” says Lisa. Its bar and lounge open onto generous outdoor spaces, with views that stretch across the estate. “To maintain the views, the bar was designed as a focal point that doesn’t obstruct the vista. For added flexibility, the curved sofa is on castors, allowing it to be easily moved for large gatherings. Additionally, shutters provide privacy for the outdoor braai and dining area without obscuring the view of the groves or the visiting wildlife.”

Wining and dining also form an integral part of the Olijvenkraal experience, where guests are invited to slow down and savour the flavours of the farm. At FYRE Restaurant, open-fire cooking takes centre stage, with seasonal menus complemented by curated on-site wine tastings. Rooted in a deep connection to the land, each culinary offering reflects the character of the Winelands, allowing guests to indulge in an immersive farm-to-table experience without ever needing to leave the estate.

“At Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge, we created a space where the materials don’t simply decorate; they tell the story of the olives and the wine itself,” says Lisa. Between sweeping views, thoughtfully crafted interiors, and the slow rhythm of farm life, the lodge offers a retreat where guests can reconnect with the land and with themselves. | olijvenkraal.co.za

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WORDS Danielle Weakley PHOTOS Max Bohme/Unsplash; Supplied

Voaara, Madagascar

This is barefoot luxury at its finest and most toes-in-the-sand, with tropical-style thatched bungalows scattered along the northern tip of the island of Sainte-Marie off the coast of Madagascar. The island is renowned for its swashbuckling pirate past (Captain Kidd’s loot was said to have been buried here), and is one of the best spots in the world to view the humpback whale migration. With just seven stripped-back but quietly luxurious bungalows and one stunner of a three-bedroom villa, Voaara – designed by South African-Chilean architect Luis Mira – boasts a rustic, unbuttoned style thanks to the inclusion of local artisanal furniture and a wholly unpretentious energy. Do not miss the private dining experience of Bird’s Nest – it offers 360-degree views from its elevated top deck, making it perfect for sundowners and a romantic night of stargazing, telescope included – or a pizza while catching a movie at the outdoor cinema. | voaara.com

Cheval Blanc, Seychelles

This is the first Cheval Blanc maison in Africa, and LVMH’s newest property in its uber-luxury hotel portfolio. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s sculptural buildings curve around Mahé’s rugged Anse Intendance in the south, with villas ensconced in sunny eyries or perched atop the ridge, surveying the sprawling blue bay. The design is a sublime blend of modern and Creole – a dialogue between the tropical island and contemporary architecture. Expect floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted spaces with clotted-cream interiors offset by intricate latticing and African art – like the works of Madagascan textile artist Joël Andrianomearisoa. Slide back the glass doors to a private infinity pool and wraparound wooden deck. No luxury has been spared by parent company LVMH – the interiors are designer, the spa is by Guerlain, and the public spaces are utterly swoon-worthy. | chevalblanc.com

Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Seychelles

Think the Seychelles, think private island – and this particular secluded escape integrates nature and conservation with architecturally airy beachfront villas that snake along the ivory sands of remote Platte Island. Inspired by the largely untouched lagoon, palm tree forest and coral reef of the island, the resort’s design echoes its natural surrounds. The main buildings take cues from the patterned shell of the native hawksbill turtles, forming faceted shapes that create canopies of dancing light; while the villa interiors surrender to nature’s palette of sage-green and off-white. The resort is not just eco-conscious in design, but in sensibility too – sustainable with its own solar field and produce gardens, respectful of the local ecology, and minimally intrusive towards the turtles nesting in the lush gardens. That said, you do need to arrive by plane… | hilton.com

Four Seasons Resort, Mauritius

Sustainability and luxury are the beating heart of this freshly renovated property at Anahita, on the lush east coast of Mauritius. From the seagrass meadow nursery that encourages marine biodiversity (you should be able to spot turtles, fish, stingrays and even seahorses in the newly planted underwater meadows) to an on-site seahorse conservation initiative, the biophilic resort is dedicated to preserving the natural splendour of the island. This same natural splendour is echoed in the contemporised interiors, where golden, beachy-toned colour palettes and natural finishes offer seamless integration between indoors and out, complete with basalt- encrusted private infinity pools. There’s a wellness spa that hugs the lagoon, as well as a spectacularly verdant oceanfront golf course designed by Ernie Els – both are not to be missed. | fourseasons.com

Soneva Secret, Maldives

There are just 14 villas tucked away at Soneva Secret, in the startling aquamarine waters of the Maldives’ Makunudhoo Atoll – a hyper-exclusive, super-private island enclave that includes a much-talked-about floating villa. Yes: the floating Castaway Villa can be dragged to different anchor points around the island to catch both the sunrise and the sunset as you live out your best Robinson Crusoe fantasy. Quirky Soneva touches are everywhere, from the reclaimed driftwood decks and rustic-chic upcycled decor to the pops of signature sunshine yellow, the retractable ceilings for stargazing, and the curvy water slides that deposit you straight from your deck into the water below. The villas are completely self-contained, so you’re off the grid in the best way possible – with endless unobstructed views, and your own so-called barefoot guardian and chef to cater to your every desire. | soneva.com

Jaz Amaluna, Zanzibar

Situated along the unspoiled shores of Uroa Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar, Amaluna is pure relaxation. Yes, there’s a mix of garden and ocean-facing suites – but there are also private swim-up terraces, a vibrant beach bar set along the powdery white sand, the sanctuary of an island spa, and three sprawling pools. The property pulls its exterior inspiration from Zanzibar’s diverse cultural heritage, with softly spoken interiors that are designed to take full advantage of the seemingly endless azure-toned vistas. | jazhotels.com

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WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS The Aficionados

There is no better study in restrained drama than the traditional architecture on the Greek island of Santorini. Half of it comes courtesy of the geography – living on the lip of what’s still an active volcano tends to add some spice; the other half is the whitewashed cubic volumes, soft barrel vaults and terraced retaining walls that seem sculpted from the volcanic escarpment itself. Perch that on the edge of a blackened cliff with the deep-blue Aegean stretched out before you, and it’s all pretty dramatic.

Yet there’s an oasis of serenity among this that goes by the name of Aenaon Villas.

Built between the villages of Imerovigli and Oia on the caldera’s northern horn, the villas are situated on an ancient connecting path overlooking the beaches that span the east coast of the island. Conceived by engineer-owner Giorgos Alexiou and his wife Alexandra, together with architect Giorgos Zacharopoulos, the buildings are carved into the island’s rugged contours. Walls of volcanic stone, olive trees, and traditional Cycladic lines frame terraces, while interiors embrace the minimalist grace of Santorini’s white-on-white vernacular.

Behind this purity of form lies a narrative of identity and locality. The buildings seem to emerge organically from the rocky slope, sculpted by the cliff rather than imposed upon it. Windows and terraces are carefully arranged so that each view is framed: sea, volcano, sky. Pergolas made of timber and reed provide shade, while the volcanic stone offers texture and earthy contrast. Each villa has its own veranda; many feature infinity pools at the edge of the caldera so that water becomes a visual extension of the sea itself.

Interiors are generous in scale, yet proportioned so that no space feels cold or cavernous, with small stairwells, terraced floor plates and gentle curves softening the geometry. The decor embraces a pared-back aesthetic with sweeping windows that invite the Aegean light inside. The interiors preserve the sense of serenity and simplicity with walls, floors and much of the built architecture in layers of brilliant white, letting natural light bounce deep into living spaces. The furniture reflects this, restrained and designed for ease with deeply cushioned sofas, wooden pieces, often local craftsmanship and modern fixtures. The palette is almost ascetic; where colour enters, it’s in natural tones – warm wood, muted stone, soft fabrics.

This thread of serenity as the true luxury is also evident in the villa’s service. Instead of a restaurant, the owners designed a thoughtful room-pool-service concept: simple tastes of the island, served wherever the mood takes you. From breakfast on a private terrace overlooking the caldera to Greek salads by the pool and pre-sunset bites, dining here flows in step with the natural rhythm of the island. Some villas include kitchenettes for self-catering; there’s also a list of Giorgos and Alexandra’s favourite nearby tavernas and restaurants, ensuring guests will be welcomed like locals.

As a member of The Aficionados – a travel resource of more than 90 hotels, guesthouses and designer homes for those seeking lodgings that meld luxury, design and authenticity – it’s the villas’ name that captures the spirit of this retreat. “Aenaon” means “flowing continuously, unstoppably, eternally”. It’s a circular rhythm of timeless architecture, elemental design and quiet luxury. It’s design that respects silence, scale and tradition, but doesn’t shy away from modern comfort. For lovers of understated elegance and natural drama, Aenaon is both a sanctuary and a stage. theaficionados.com | @theaficionados

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With a profound respect for its past and a clear vision for its future, Vergenoegd Löw stands as a meticulously restored tribute to 18th-century Cape heritage. As one of the oldest working wine farms in Stellenbosch is home to two wine-driven, seasonally inspired restaurants, as well as an intimate boutique hotel and spa. Together, they offer an experience that feels deeply authentic yet effortlessly refined.

For those seeking a quietly luxurious Winelands escape, the Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa provides the perfect base from which to explore the estate’s rhythms – from art walks and duck-watching to wine tastings and lingering seasonal lunches. At its heart lies the reimagined 1773 Homestead, once the working centre of the farm and now reserved exclusively for hotel guests, offering a deeply immersive and private stay experience. Breakfast, however, is available to the public by pre-booking, allowing day visitors a rare glimpse inside this historic space.

Among the estate’s accommodation offerings are the four vineyard suites which serve as private retreats, combining sweeping vineyard and mountain views with refined, contemporary luxury. Set just a short stroll from the historic 1773 homestead, the suites pays homage to the estate’s Cape Dutch heritage, echoing the whitewashed clay-and-lime walls of the original homestead, while contemporary lines and modern finishes bring them firmly into the present. Inside, the design is quietly sophisticated – a considered blend of clean-lined furnishings, natural textures and warm, earthy tones that reflect the surrounding landscape.

Beyond the accommodation, the estate’s culinary offering expresses its terroir at the table. At the heart of this are Clara’s Barn – one of the oldest surviving barns in the Cape, currently under renovation – and Geuwels. Geuwels’ refreshed interiors are quietly sophisticated, with warm timber tones, natural textures and contemporary furnishings that mirror the estate’s surroundings, creating a setting as inviting as the cuisine itself. The menu is thoughtfully composed, and with gastronomist Michelle Theron at the helm, the food draws confidently on local flavours, underpinned by a considered approach that is at one with the estate’s wines.

On the plate, dishes champion produce from the estate and its surrounds – think traditional werf chicken pie scented with fynbos; nostalgic Merino lamb frikkadelle; and carefully composed bites that let farm-picked vegetables shine. On Sundays, Geuwels extends its farm-led philosophy with harvest lunches served family-style –generous, seasonal feasts designed for convivial gathering and shared at the table, in keeping with the estate’s warm, communal spirit.

The wine list is, unsurprisingly, a focal point, and those keen to explore can settle in for a guided tasting or pairing at Geuwels’ Wine Lounge. A highlight among the curated wine flights and artisanal platters is the Indigenous Tasting. Celebrating South Africa’s rich culinary heritage, it brings together often overlooked local ingredients such as Kei apple, spekboom and kaiings, complemented by a selection of estate wines.

For those wishing to linger after a lunch and savour the estate’s natural beauty, the art walk provides the perfect way to spend the afternoon exploring the grounds on foot. Along the route, sculptures by local artists Manuela Holzer and Dylan Lewis punctuate the landscape, while flora- and fauna-inspired paintings and thoughtfully landscaped garden scenes invite discovery at every turn.

And of course, no stay at Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa is complete without watching the estate’s famous Indian Runner ducks waddle across the lawns while you eat breakfast. These charming residents are more than a playful presence; they are an integral part of the estate’s regenerative farming practices – a gentle reminder slow down, hit pause and appreciate the harmony that exists between the land and vineyards at Vergenoegd Löw. | vergenoegd.co.za

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WORDS Annette Klinger PHOTOS Dook

As far as site-responsive architecture goes, the designers of &Beyond Suyian Lodge could hardly have asked for a more captivating muse than the Laikipia Plateau in Kenya. The 17 000-hectare Suyian Conservancy – where architects Nick Plewman of Nicholas Plewman Architects and Alex Michaelis of UK-based Michaelis Boyd, together with interior designers Fox Browne Creative, were tasked with creating the luxury hotel – comprises five diverse habitats, including grass plains, riverine areas, acacia woodland, granitic inselbergs and a phonolite escarpment. The lodge perches on a ridge overlooking a rock sanctuary, its design DNA undeniably evocative of its diverse surroundings, yet singular in execution.

The main lodge is situated at the heart of the development, its composite, stratified form echoing the granite outcrops of the rock sanctuary. Fourteen domed clay-and-stone-clad suites fan out across the landscape. Nick and Alex describe the structures as being in perpetual dialogue with their geographical context. “The main challenge was embedding quite a big development in a relatively small, pristine site in such a way that it would recede into its environment,” says Nick.

Beyond the architectural form, Nick and Alex tethered the structures to the landscape with a deliberate deployment of materials. Volcanic rocks from the surrounding escarpment form the cladding of the cylindrical walls; the wild grasslands of the plateau are recreated in miniature on turf rooftops; and even the reddish-brown volcanic soil of the site is used as external rendering on the domes, arches and walls.

“The volcanic stones have oxidised and aged with time, so cladding the walls with them helps to embed the structures in the plateau,” says Nick. “Similarly, the roughened soil-and-lime-plastered surfaces of the domes and walls will eventually grow mould, lichens and mosses that will age naturally and accrue the kind of patina of time that is attached to the rocks around here.”

Echoing and inverting the form and materiality of the architecture, the interiors speak to the creative synergy between the teams. For every earth-rendered dome outside, there’s a vaulted lime-plaster ceiling counterpart; for every convex stone-clad external wall, there’s a concave of polished concrete inside. “The granite outcrops inspired the architecture, which led the way for the interior design to follow,” says Chris Browne of Fox Browne Creative – a joint partnership with his wife Debra Fox. “We had to tell a story of the intersection of nature and culture.”

Deftly sidestepping any luxury lodge interior clichés, Chris and Debra opted for a cool, muted palette and tactile yet refined materials, keeping adornment minimal. “Our sense is that most guests have had enough of ‘stuff’ and amenity creep,” says Chris. When decoration is deployed, it’s done intentionally – like the nod to the endemic Euphorbia tanaensis in a sculptural chair by Georgina Anderson of High Thorn in the boot room, and a Sarah Kelly painting in the pool room.

Paying tribute to the culture and craftsmanship of the local Samburu – including the hand-built Laikipia homesteads of the surrounds – Chris and Debra commissioned almost 80% of the furniture and fittings in Kenya. Rugs by Jireh Hand Woven Craft, earthenware by Ceramiqa Pottery, outdoor furniture by Kaa Hapa and glassware by Kitengela Glass punctuate the lodge with a design language that feels unique and uncontrived. “As design professionals, we listened to each other, so a real ‘truth’ started to emerge,” says Chris. “‘Less is more’ sounds like a cliché, but in this instance it worked.”

Nick agrees: “There is a calm minimalism to the place that allows the guest to focus on the environment – but it’s also quite a celebratory space.” And right about now, a little serene celebration sounds like something most weary travellers can get behind. | andbeyond.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Set along one of Cape Town’s most iconic beach strips, the new 90-room hotel in Camps Bay – the first Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection property in the city – draws heavily on its surroundings.

Brought to life by award-winning interior architect Tristan du Plessis, Morea House’s interiors are a celebration of contrasts: bold and sculptural, yet softened by natural textures.

Each of the 90 guest rooms and suites is layered with bespoke furniture and tactile embellishments. Hints of timber, stone and bronze combine with organic silhouettes, creating interiors that feel refined and inviting. The public areas unfold as a sequence of sensory discoveries, from the expansive terrace to intimate corners showcasing works by South African artists, with every detail designed to evoke delight, foster connection and nurture the spirit.

“From the architecture and interiors to the sweeping views of the ocean and mountains, the hotel unfolds as a place to pause, explore and connect with the Mother City and its people. Every detail invites guests to savour life’s pleasures, creating an experience that is personal, soulful and exactly like nothing else,” says Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

Wellness is woven seamlessly into every moment at Morea House – from bespoke holistic spa offerings designed to restore balance through multi-sensory experiences to curated activities and a variety of dining options. “When guests arrive, our intention is for them to feel as if they’ve discovered a sanctuary created just for them. We want them to leave restored, reconnected and carrying with them the essence of this place,” says Albert Smit, General Manager of Morea House. “Whether our guests are seeking a romantic escape, a personal reset or a base for exploring the Cape’s beaches, vineyards and mountains, Morea House delivers a distinctive experience rooted in place – unlike anywhere else.” | marriott.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Perched eight metres above the Namibian bushveld, SkyBoma – the latest addition to Mokuti Etosha – is unlike anything seen in Africa’s safari tourism landscape. Developed by O&L Leisure, this innovation blends elevated dining, indigenous storytelling, and dramatic wilderness views.

“Every lodge has a boma,” says Sven Thieme, managing director of O&L Leisure. “We wanted to build something no one else had, so we moved it up eight metres. From SkyBoma, guests can now see the Etosha Pan. It’s the only structure of its kind in the world.”

Inspired by the local environment, SkyBoma’s sculpted base reinterprets the organic geometry of Namibia’s termite mounds, while its canvas roof mirrors the bold silhouette of the native Omajova mushroom. From above, the looping walkway forms an infinity symbol – a subtle nod to the enduring nature of the bush.

Guests are guided on a ten-minute bushwalk by members of the Hai//om community. Along the way, they stop at a termite mound, beneath a marula tree, and at SkyBoma’s base for traditional fire-making before ascending the winding walkway to dine.

“We’ve designed this experience to be a cultural journey. Everything from the architecture to the menu pays homage to Namibia’s landscape and traditions,” explains Thieme.

As travellers increasingly seek authenticity, exclusivity, and meaningful connections, SkyBoma stands apart as a unique experience. “No other lodge or reserve in the world offers an elevated bush-dining experience of this kind – visually dramatic, culturally immersive, and architecturally bold,” concludes Thieme. ol-leisure.com

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WORDS & PRODUCTION Steve Smith PHOTOS Greg Cox

Ekipa looks nothing like its siblings. While the other two pods that architect Sven Staby designed for the Gondwana Collection tread gently in the desert sands of the Namibian landscape (see our story on the Reverie Pod and Desert Whisper), his latest structure is metal-clad – and far more imposing. From a distance, seeing it glint in the Etosha sunlight above a forest of gnarled mopane trees, you’d be tempted to reach for sculptural metaphors. Depending on your angle of approach, you could describe it as an abstract great anvil, the prow of a warship, a warrior’s helmet. Sven’s designs for the Desert Whisper and Reverie pods were softer, more feminine, sympathetic to their surrounds – and the armour-clad Ekipa seems anything but.

Yet when you hear him describe its inspiration, and his interpretation thereof, you begin to understand that this too is a nod to the environment it sits in. The pod takes its name and shape from the iconic round-edged ivory buttons worn by Aawambo women as a marker of status. In homage, the pod is a square with soft edges, and rotated 45 degrees so that its apertures face the rising and setting sun. “Volume-wise, it’s the mass of an elephant seen against the plain, or the presence of a colonial defensive structure – both undeniably significant spatial entities in these landscapes,” says Sven. Further symbolism is in the dark blue- grey, diamond-shaped cladding that nods to the scales of the pangolin anteater that’s found in much of Africa. Fixed to the inclined brick walls, the cladding ensures proper insulation and creates a sense of seclusion. “I like to think that the presence of Ekipa is as much a natural expressive intervention in the landscape as the hulk of an elephant is a natural presence in a plain. It wants to be left alone, at peace with itself and with all around it.”

The fact that Ekipa is at peace in its space is testament to its designer’s commitment to keep going until the most fitting iteration was inked on the paper before him. By Sven’s own admission, it was “a rather difficult birth”. “The biggest challenge we faced was finding a suitable site – one that was away from the park’s noisy feeder road and the light pollution of surrounding settlements, yet with a view that would focus on the expanse of bushland culminating in the hills and mountains. The first concepts were too-literal copies of the living things, rather than interpretations thereof. Graphically, the discarded plans resembled the shape of a mopane worm or had the profile of a pangolin, and did not evoke any deep emotional reactions.”

What Sven was after was a strong yet simple form that would be perceived as an obvious part of the surroundings. And there was the practical side to it, too. “It needed to be a design that could be built in a remote locality and function as intended (be an awesome experience for the guests), yet also be flexible enough to incorporate design and technical improvements during construction (a work in progress until complete).”

Ekipa is also a testament to the relationship Sven enjoys with the owners of the Gondwana Collection, one of Namibia’s leading lodge groups. The pods have all been collaborative efforts, spitballed over beers and biltong. “The most rewarding aspect is having a client who is supportive, believes in your way of thinking, and contributes critically to the evolution of the designs,” he says.

Another part of this team is self-styled interior artist Melanie Redecker of Unleashed Design in Namibia. She created soft, gentle interiors for both Desert Whisper and Reverie – but this project required a different approach. “Ekipa’s strength, geometry and presence demanded interiors that could stand shoulder to shoulder with that exterior – proud, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the tones and textures of Africa,” she says. “Ekipa’s identity became about strength, and the celebration of masculine forms, confident lines and the tonal depth of Africa itself. It honours boldness, it’s a celebration of place, yet it still holds moments of intimacy and warmth within that strength.”

From echoing the building’s rounded edges with painted interior walls, to the geometric tiles and fabrics that reflect the pangolin cladding, Melanie’s interior treatment is in constant dialogue with the structure. “We used the building materials as a paintbrush to colour walls with texture, patterns carved by shadow and light, surfaces that feel alive to the touch. Strong lines and tactile finishes give it a pulse of pride and presence – yet comfort too.”

Guests spending time in this fully catered two-person wonder will experience exactly that: African grandeur. In the expansive, luxurious bed on the upper floor, you’ll awaken to the orange glow of the Namibian sun rising above two distant hills. Filtered through a soft haze, it’s likely to be one of the few times you’re able to look directly at our star – now a deep orange rather than the usual fierce, yellow-blue-white blaze. And your view over the Etosha National Park will hold the promise of a memorable experience in a special place. | gondwana-collection.com

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COMPLIED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Dook; Micky Hoyle

Each of these lush getaways offers a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and unforgettable views. From the pristine beaches of Madagascar to the diverse marine life of the Maldives, here are some of our favourite tropical retreats from the VISI Archives that promise the experience of a lifetime.

Miavana on Nosy Ankao

Located on the largest of five islands in a remote archipelago off the north-eastern coast of Madagascar, Miavana’s villas look out over a picture-perfect white beach and shallow turquoise waters teeming with coral gardens and exotic tropical fish. To the east are views of the 10km2 island and a limitless ocean; to the west you can see the silhouette of the Madagascan mountains.

Madagascar and its islands remain a place of intrigue and mystery, with legends of undiscovered treasure, dense rainforests and mangrove forests, underground caves, and exotic wildlife – and it’s a feeling echoed in the design of Miavana by architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, who created playful, carefree, uncomplicated spaces that capture the imagination of childhood.

Read the full story on Miavana.

Moofushi Maldives

I don’t think you could ever get used to it: the first glimpse of a sleek grey shape below. The pulse of your breath in the snorkel stops. Caught between fight and flight, you float. Two blacktip reef sharks slowly curve their way along the drop-off below. “Relax,” you tell yourself. “Stay calm.” Instead of putting distance between you and the sharks, you follow them. Look at you: David Attenborough in the Maldives!

The sharks remain at a tantalising distance before disappearing into the blue. You swim on through the dizzying variety and proximity – the infinity – of underwater life. You’ve already seen a large octopus, a moray eel, an eagle ray and a turtle, but nothing gets your heart racing like a shark. You turn to watch a jellyfish flap past, and there they are: the same two blacktips, right behind you. They must have circled round and started following you. Checking you out. Hunting you! Your heart leaps into your craw, and stays there until you sit giggling with relief on the beach of the resort.

Read the full story on Moofushi.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge Sri Lanka

A multidisciplinary team created the five-star 36-tent safari camp for Resplendent Ceylon, a subsidiary of Dilmah Tea, whose unique resorts offer curious travellers diverse experiences linked to Sri Lanka’s history, culture and nature. Nomadic Resorts, an interdisciplinary design and project development company servicing the hospitality industry with offices in the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and South Africa, was involved in the architecture and landscape design. The interior design company and manufacturer Bo Reudler Studio worked on the interiors.

The site comprises dryland forests that merge into the rugged sandy coastline overlooking the Indian Ocean. The intention was for the organic architecture to integrate seamlessly with the setting. The boulder-like pavilions of the camp’s main buildings reference natural formations in Yala’s landscape, namely the massive rounded boulders scattered throughout the park, at a macro scale, and termite mounds, at a micro scale.

Read the full story on the Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

Santorini Mozambique

You’ll certainly clutch at your water bottle when you see the bright-blue domed roofs of the buildings disappear into the azure-blue sky in the shimmer of the heat.

This vision certainly doesn’t seem out of place, glowing in the dazzling sea of Mediterranean blues. It’s these vivid Aegean hues that inspired the name and look of Santorini. Armed with only simple concept drawings, the builders had to build the five-bedroomed villa one manual bucket of cement at a time… not an easy feat on sand and without sophisticated equipment!

A large honeymoon villa was added soon after – called The Chapel, as the design is a dead ringer for one. That was followed by the three-bedroomed Villa da Praia. Now, they’re busy building a spa.

This cluster of detached buildings has contributed to making the property look like an authentic Greek fishing village, only grander… but not intimidatingly so. The Santorini Mozambique villas are comfortably homely yet luxurious. The airy, lavish bedrooms and vaulted public spaces give a sense of generous spaciousness.

Read the full story on Santorini Mozambique.

Xanadu Villas and Retreat

At first glance, Xanadu Villas & Retreat could be mistaken for a ’70s Bond film set – the extravagant “groovy pad” that serves as the villain’s hideout. (The large villa even looks as if it could fly into space!) There is something intangibly sensual about its abundant curves and palatial haremness of its Arabic influences. One would be very wrong to label it kitsch.

The cathedralesque thatch over the main pool dining area is made of makuti panels (the sun-dried leaves of the coconut palm), as tightly packed as fish scales on the inside, smooth and hairy as a prize dog’s coat on the outside. The walls are built of pink fossilised coral blocks. The floor planks, some furniture and all the windows and doors are made of mango wood taken from a hulking old sunken trading dhow, which could only be gradually removed piece by piece every day at low tide. Each plank was then carefully carved by machete to fit, jigsaw-like, into place. The curved boat ribs naturally formed the Arabic-style door and window frames.

Read the full story on Xanadu Villas and Retreat.

Essque Zalu

I know I’ve arrived at the five-star Essque Zalu hotel on the north-east coast of Zanzibar when I see the apex of the 40-metre-high makuti thatched roof. Borrowing from the local traditional construction style, the scale of this structure has been dramatically increased to create an airy, modern double-storey landmark.

On first impressions, the reception foyer seems plain inside, the most eye-catching feature being a series of half-funnel metalwork lamps mounted against the walls. The furniture has been kept to a minimum and a large, bare floor area in the centre dominates. Intuitively, I look upwards and it’s then, staring up at the casuarina wood rafters, that the drama hits me, with the sheer vertical scale of the makuti roof. The height – intended to make Zalu stand out from the impending tide of boutique hotels in the area – certainly is impressive.

Passing beyond the freestanding wall that separates the foyer from the rest of the hotel, I’m confronted with the horizontal outward flow of space. Upstairs is an art gallery, a sanctuary of stillness. On the lower level, the walls fan out in gentle curves, fading into a glass-walled restaurant on one side and an open-air bar with its own baobab tree on the other. The wide, flat ceiling, supported by large columns on either side, dramatises the shift in perception.

Read the full story on Essque Zalu.

Guludo Beach Lodge

It’s about a four-hour drive from Pemba (the nearest airport) on the northern coast of Mozambique to Guludo, and when I arrive in the mid-afternoon, it’s obnoxiously hot. The humidity is not helping me maintain my poise.

Thankfully, my private chalet, or banda – a whitewashed half-moon enclosure facing the sea – is a cool and spacious sanctuary. There’s no electricity at the lodge. In other words, no air-conditioning. Using only local materials, and some thoughtful design techniques, the breeze from the sea flows unobstructed through the fishing-basket weave windows and bamboo doorframe to cool the interior.

These passive methods of cooling, used to best advantage in the architectural form, are the type of innovative thinking that earned Cullum & Nightingale the BCCB British International Expertise Award in architectural design in 2005.

Read the full story on Guludo Beach Lodge.

Casa TO 

The port of Puerto Escondido is an escape. Travellers from all over the world retreat to its golden beaches and waves, to walk, meditate and help release turtles in local sanctuaries.

On the southern tip of town, Casa TO has added an element of thoughtful luxury to this tiny utopia. Completed in August 2022, the hotel was designed by renowned architect Ludwig Godefroy. Working to a very succinct brief of “nine rooms, and lots of freedom”, he and his team have married tradition and the avant-garde in a unique structure, surrounded by a tranquil natural setting.

Made largely of concrete, the materiality of the build was of the utmost importance to Ludwig. “My search for simplicity has led me to create clean and abstract architecture, composed exclusively of mass materials such as concrete, wood and stone. All these materials look better under the action of time,” he says.

Read the full story on Casa TO.

Constance Aiyana on Pemba Island

When you want to get away from it all – far, far away – the fantasy vision of a tropical Indian Ocean island destination seems idyllic, but chances are you’ll run into an acquaintance there. Ever since Thomas Cook organised his first “package tour” in the 1840s, travel has become accessible to many more of us. The downside is that the “ideal” holiday destinations have become so popular that they no longer offer solitude, personal attention, and rest for body and soul.

Okay, when most of us dream of getting away from it all, we don’t really mean it in the sense of forgoing all our comforts. This is where a resort like Constance Aiyana on Pemba Island pulls off a remarkable feat, offering an isolated retreat complete with all the luxuries and the service you’d expect of a five-star resort – minus the commercial trappings that tend to go with such destinations.

Pemba is reachable via ferry or a small Cessna aircraft, and then it’s a 90-minute 4×4 “safari” (as our driver called it), or much longer in the rainy season, to get to Aiyana on the north-west tip of the island. This trip through villages and settlements and farms and a forest reserve is absolutely worth it.

Read the full story on Constance Aiyana.

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The post Tropical Escapes: 9 Idillic Retreats appeared first on Visi.

COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied; Chad Batka

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list features properties from XX cities, with XX new entries spread across the globe. This year, one South African hotel made the prestigious list: Singita – Kruger National Park, which takes the No. 40 spot in the global ranking as well as a special award

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list of winners

The list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 winners, ranked from 50 to 1:

There were several special awards handed out during the ceremony, which took place on 30 October in London:

American Express Travel One To Watch Award

Winner: Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Stretched along a limestone clifftop in the rugged wilderness of Australia’s third-largest island, this luxury lodge was destroyed in catastrophic bushfires in 2020. Parent company Baillie Lodges didn’t take this lying down, engaging the original architect, Max Pritchard, to recreate his sculptural design and subtly enhance it. What was already an icon of wilderness-based luxury became more so when the lodge reopened in 2023, with its 25 glass-walled suites elongated and repositioned to take in more of the immense coastal view.

Southern Ocean Lodge’s Great Room provides one of the world’s great arrival experiences. The immense space houses floor-to-ceiling glazing framing 180-degree views of craggy coastline, sandy beaches, and an expanse of wild ocean that stretches, unhindered by any other land, beyond the horizon to Antarctica.

Lavazza Highest New Entry Award 2025

Winner: Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro

Built in 1923, the hotel sought to bring an element of European-style glamour to Rio de Janeiro. From its early days, it has attracted the famous and the powerful to stay in its beach-view suites (standard rooms looking back over the city are also striking, and a tad more affordable), and its appeal shows no signs of waning. The hotel is as opulent and fabulous as one might imagine, thanks to ongoing and sympathetic renovations and modernisations. The suites are old-school luxurious, with genuinely comfortable sitting rooms, and the public space in which to see and be seen is the famous pool area.

SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award 2025

Winner: Soneva Fushi, Maldives

As guests arrive via seaplane over atolls dotting the deep blues and dazzling azures of the Indian Ocean, a dreamy island escape awaits, with the dial permanently set to holiday mode. You’ll find world-class facilities galore on the island, including a full-size tennis court, a padel court and Soneva Soul – the resident spa offering advanced treatments such as hyperbaric chamber therapy, cryotherapy and IV drips alongside conventional, Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. There’s also superlative dining, including plant-based eateries and flagship restaurants with a rolling roster of international star chefs, and even one eatery that’s only accessible by gliding through the jungle treetops via a 200-metre zipline.

SevenRooms Icon Award 2025

Winner: Ian Schrager

For more than five decades, Ian Schrager has shaped the world of hospitality. Born in New York City, the 79-year-old entrepreneur’s first steps into the field were as large as they come, founding the iconic Studio 54 nightclub in 1975, followed by a host of other party-centric discotheques in the city. After writing history in the Midtown club, Schrager adjusted his lens to the world of luxury accommodation to open Morgans Hotel in 1984… and the rest is history. At each stage in his career, Schrager has pushed existing boundaries to new heights. Behind each of his projects is an unmatched understanding of hospitality and the current and future trajectories of design and lifestyle trends that have allowed his hotels to transcend being simply a good stay.

Nikka Best New Hotel Award 2025

Winner: Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

Opened in 2024, Mandarin Oriental’s second property in Beijing upends the luxury hotel concept by doing away with traditional hotel boundaries. Instead of a central building with corridors, the property comprises 42 individual siheyuan (traditional courtyard houses) scattered throughout the laneways (hutongs) of Beijing’s historic Qianmen district. Each exquisitely restored siheyuan is a standalone sanctuary of traditional craftsmanship and comfort behind discreet wooden gates. Ranging from 110 square metres, they feature garden courtyards, original timber beams, grey-tiled roofs, and floor-to-ceiling glass that brings the outdoors in.

Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2025

Winner: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

There’s nothing understated about Atlantis The Royal. Hyped up well before it opened, this hotel is big, bold and in your face. It is home to 795 rooms and suites, 16 restaurants, 17 boutiques, a sprawling 32,300-square-foot wellness space and no fewer than 90 swimming pools – including Cloud 22, perched high atop the sky bridge. This is the place to stay if you want an all-out, bling Dubai experience.

Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award 2025

Winner: Four Seasons

The Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award was introduced to spotlight pioneers of the hospitality sector, whose ground-breaking initiatives or mould-breaking methods have made a significant impact on guest experiences around the world. In its second year, the winner, as voted for by the 800-plus experts who make up the global Voting Academy of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, is Four Seasons.

WhistlePig Highest Climber Award 2025

Winner: Royal Mansour, Marrakech

Royal Mansour Marrakech opened in 2010 under the watchful eye of King Mohammed VI, who was determined that it wouldn’t just be a Moroccan hotel, but instead a physical manifestation of all things Moroccan. This deep reverence for the region’s native culture is evident in every aspect of Royal Mansour, from the food to the fabrics and even the floor plan, which eschews the typical arrangement of suites and rooms in favour of multi-storey riads. The structures are scattered across a walled-in estate dotted with small pathways, immaculate gardens and numerous nooks and hideaways, all built to mimic a traditional medina.

Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award 2025

Winner: Singita – Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park

A new addition to the list of special awards for The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, the Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award celebrates how design in hotels goes beyond architecture to create a multi-sensorial experience for visitors. Every hotel ranked on the 1–50 list, and the inaugural extended 51–100 list, had the opportunity to be considered for the award, with each entrant judged by four external experts and senior representatives from 50 Best on a set of design criteria, including innovation, sensorial immersion, ecological longevity and all-encompassing aesthetics. Scoring the highest, the recipient of the inaugural award is Singita – Kruger National Park.

Singita – Kruger National Park, composed of two clusters of suites and villas (Sweni and Lebombo lodges) near the Sweni River in north-east South Africa on the border with Mozambique, has redefined contemporary modernism in the African bush. Its architecture blends rational functionality with organic forms: deconstructed, box-like structures softened by timber lattice veils that offer shade, privacy and a tactile link to nature. Inspired by the Lebombo Mountains, these lodges were the national park’s first to embrace raw African contemporary design, balancing nature and culture through natural materials and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Best Boutique Hotel Award 2025

Winner: Passalacqua, Lake Como

Set in an 18th-century villa whose former premises housed Pope Innocent XI, this Milanese-designed gem has played host to an aristocratic roll call of occupants, from Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua and composer Vincenzo Bellini to the current owners, the De Santis family. Situated within spectacular terraced gardens and with just 24 rooms, the boutique hotel showcases the finest Italian craftsmanship in a riot of ornate Baroque elegance, all curated under the watchful and always stylish eye of the current owner, Valentina De Santis.

Eco Hotel Award 2025

Winner: Desa Potato Head, Bali

Over the last decade, the property has become a beacon of sustainably minded hospitality across the globe, setting an example for the hotels of the future that ultra-luxury need not be wasteful.

While the hotel opened its rooms to guests in 2015, the establishment’s roots go five years deeper, when its visionary owner, Ronald Akili, debuted Potato Head Beach Club: a music club, restaurant and social space for the creatives of Bali on a quiet stretch of Seminyak beachfront. The catalyst behind its eco-conscious philosophy, however, came when Akili found himself surfing through a sea of discarded plastic along the shores of Bali in 2016, vowing from then onwards to do his part in cleaning up the island.

The World’s Best Hotel 2025 & Best Hotel in Asia 2025

Winner: Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong

In a city crowded with skyscrapers, Rosewood Hong Kong stands out. Soaring 270 metres above the city, the 413-room flagship of the ultra-luxury group commands an enviable waterfront location on Victoria Harbour, plus stunning views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Inside is a world of its own: 11 dining and drinking venues, extensive wellness facilities, gallery-worthy art, elegant rooms and suites, and top-notch service that attracts movers and shakers. | theworlds50best.com

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