andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Morning desert drives depart from andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge into the surrounding twelve-thousand-hectare reserve and the adjacent Namib-Naukluft National Park. Ten stone and glass suites spread along an escarpment curve, each with air-conditioning, a split-level layout, a living room with fireplace, and a veranda. A retractable skylight opens above the bed. An outdoor shower and a private plunge pool face the dunes. The Star Dune suite links two suites via a covered walkway and includes a private lounge and dining space.

The main lodge sits on two levels with fold-away glass walls, a bar, a wraparound veranda, a pool fed by an underground spring, and a walk-in wine cellar. Animals gather at a nearby waterhole visible from the terrace at sunset. Half-day excursions run to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei within the national park. Guided walks cross the reserve's four habitat types on foot. E-bike routes of eleven or nineteen kilometres traverse the desert. Quad-biking is available. A state-of-the-art observatory and telescope sit on-site; the reserve borders Africa's first Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve. Stargazing sessions reveal constellations invisible elsewhere.

The wellness spa offers treatments. Hot-air ballooning departs nearby at sunrise. Helicopter flights cross the dune belt to the coast. Laundry, mini-bar, and wireless internet are complimentary.