Golden Hill Parker Hotel

Set on a hill above Elmina in Ghana's Central Region, Golden Hill Parker Hotel looks down over the old town, its castle, and the Atlantic beyond. The hotel opened in December 2017 and holds 18 rooms across standard, deluxe and superior categories, several with private balconies facing the water. Evergreen gardens and fruit trees surround the buildings, which mix older and newer architectural styles. It is a compact stay. Superior rooms add a queen bed, working desk and a balcony with a 360-degree view over the town, castle and sea; standard rooms keep to a twin bed, mini fridge and electric safe. Guests can swim in the infinity pool, work out in the small gym, or eat at Sir Frenkel's Ocean View Restaurant, which serves local seafood alongside international dishes. Elmina Castle stands 1.2 km away, and Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park are both within a 50-minute drive. Closer still, at 1 km, is a salt-mining site where seawater is still evaporated by hand in shallow pans. You can hear the town's fishing boats from the terrace at dawn. The hotel also runs a boat cruise along the coast and organises drumming and dance performances by a local troupe. Airport transfers and laundry are handled by the front desk.