Elite Traveler Winter 2020

EUROPE , MI DDLE E A ST A ND A FR ICA

One&Only Cape Town, The One Above Penthouse CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Mixing natural landscapes with an urban setting, this One&Only hotel is on Cape Town’s buzzy V&AWaterfront and nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Comprised of man-made islands (be sure to visit the Spa Island) and surrounded by canals (on which you can paddleboard), it has a surreal private-island vibe in the middle of the Mother City. The One Above Penthouse is the largest in the city at 13,725 sq ft, split over three stories connected by a grand marble staircase. The first story houses four bedrooms, a study, library, gym, plus a deck with an outdoor shower, pool, bar, barbecue and dining table. The second floor has a wraparound terrace, another pool, barbecue and outdoor seating. The third floor has the largest of the three swimming pools and yet more alfresco dining spaces. The views of Table Mountain are phenomenal from pretty much everywhere in the penthouse. Samantha Coles Best feature Glass wine cellar that can be stocked with your preferences by One&Only’s sommelier From $9,500 per night. Contact Adielah Misback,

reservations manager, adielah.misbach@ oneandonlycapetown.com, +27 832 942 173, oneandonlyresorts.com

Royal Mansour, Grand Riad MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

A firm entry in Elite Traveler ’s Top 100 Suites, the Royal Mansour has so many dazzling features it would be impossible to fit them all in this space. What you do need to know, though, is that the Grand Riad is a three-floor wonderland with four resplendent bedrooms, a cinema, gym, Moroccan hammam, plush living room, neoclassical dining room, office, bar and snooker room, plus staff quarters. The roof terrace has phenomenal views of the Atlas Mountains and is where you’ll find the swimming pool and outdoor dining space. The decor is impeccable: Think fine artworks, sumptuous fabrics and intricate details. Guests of the riad also enjoy 24-hour butler service. Samantha Coles Best feature Private Moroccan hammam From $43,500 per night. Contact Mohamed Attaf, reservations manager, mattaf@royalmansour.ma, +212 529 808 081, royalmansour.com

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Silverback Suite RWANDA

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is in the foothills of the volcanic Virunga range on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. This unmatched location is a big enough draw, but the enchanting treehouse-style resort is truly remarkable. The Silverback Suite looks out over a forested canopy of verdant shambas and eucalyptus forest. You’ll want to soak up the staggering surroundings from the suite’s private swimming pool, lounge and barbecue dining terrace and, come nightfall, gather around the outdoor firepit. Inside, there’s an impressive master bedroom and a large living and dining room, all centered around an atmospheric fireplace. Samantha Coles Best feature Cozy outdoor firepit From $12,000 per night. Contact Bonita Mutoni, director of sales and marketing, bonita.mutoni@oneandonlyresorts.com, +250 782 500 598 00, oneandonlyresorts.com

Photos Dookphoto, Elsa Young, Adriaan Louw Photography