Paradise Lodge

Set on a cliff overlooking Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya in southern Ethiopia, Paradise Lodge uses the tukul building method of the Gamo and Konso peoples. Each structure rises in a conical rondavel form: wooden poles and bamboo frame walls of stone, roofs steep-pitched and thatched with savannah grass in patterns that shed rain. Juniper furniture is carved by hand. Cotton rugs woven in the Dorze region cover the floors. Stone walls insulate; air conditioning cools the interiors. The presidential suite holds two bedrooms, a lounge, and a terrace facing both lakes and the Amaro and Soyama mountains. Queen suites frame Lake Chamo from the bed. VIP and family suites sleep up to four. Twin and studio configurations offer garden or lake views. Two restaurants overlook the lakes from the cliff edge; menus draw on the lodge's organic farm. A spa occupies a cave-like interior with massage treatments, sauna, and steam room. The outdoor pool sits among indigenous trees. Excursions lead to the 40 natural springs that give Arba Minch its name, boat trips to the crocodile market on Lake Chamo, and guided visits to Dorze village. Nech Sar National Park lies nearby. Conference rooms and event spaces accommodate gatherings beneath the canopy.