Surrounded by extraordinary wilderness, the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a tranquil, natural escape, set in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. The lodge is a peaceful oasis with a stone-and-glass structure that offers beautiful views of the rugged mountains, stony outcrops and distant horizons.

The hotel has a lovely pool with cool water flowing in from an underground spring, a reading room with a fireplace, and a walk-in wine cellar. There is an adventure centre, which organises hot air balloon rides and nature drives for guests on request. There is also a state-of-the-art observatory, where the hotel’s resident astronomer shares the mysteries of the stars with interested guests.

With just ten villas designed with architectural elements of bone, slate, stone and timberwork, guests will find much solitary splendour here. The spacious, tented rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, private patios and simple furnishings, like a work desk and an electric kettle. Suites feature an outdoor shower, and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late-night stargazing. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto the vast desert plains, and guests can transition from the privacy of their bedroom to the breathtaking beauty of the landscape within seconds. The lodge bar has a menu that includes some of South Africa’s finest wines, and is a must-visit. Dinners are served on the open-dining verandah, or in a surprise location in the dunes.