Fodor's Expert Review &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

This gorgeous glass and natural stone lodge has a spectacular setting on the border of the NamibRand Nature Reserve–Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve. Its ultra-luxurious desert villas, which face a vast golden-yellow plain ringed by dune peaks, each have a private patio with sun loungers and couches and a large hydraloop swimming pool. Shower in your mega-size bathroom or outside in your own little walled garden. You can lie in bed and watch the stars through the skylight overhead or climb up to the observatory with its state-of-the-art telescope and resident astronomer. The food is as refreshing as the lodge, but if you don't feel like eating in the main dining area, you can make use of the butler hatch in your suite for in-room dining, accompanied by an extensive bar. Recent lodge renovations included the addition of a gym and spa facilities.