Elite Traveler Winter 2021

Royal Mansour, Grand Riad MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Mansour is where historic beauty meets modern-day luxury. The decor is just what you’d expect from such a timeless hotel, with mosaic tiles lining the floors and artfully hung drapes filling the doorways. In place of rooms and suites, Royal Mansour offers guests riads — the most prestigious of which is the Grand Riad. Accessed via a discrete dedicated entrance, the vast accommodation covers almost 20,000 sq ft, with a total of three sumptuous bedrooms, four bathrooms (some of which have freestanding stone tubs), an office, two dining rooms, multiple lounges (indoor and out, of course) and a bar. Head up to the roof terrace and you’ll discover three sunrooms, another dining room, a home cinema, a hammam and a gym. Best feature The landscaped private garden with a pool From $44,800 per night. Contact Mohamed Attaf, reservations manager, mattaf@royalmansour.ma, +21 205 298 080 82, royalmansour.com

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Silverback Suite RUHENGERI, RWANDA

Xigera Safari Lodge, Baobab Treehouse OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Since opening under the Red Carnation Hotels umbrella in 2020, Xigera Safari Lodge has been seamlessly blending environmental responsibility with total luxury — and the lodge’s Baobab Treehouse, which can be booked as an add-on to an existing reservation, is no exception. Set just over half a mile away from the main camp, the striking steel Baobab Treehouse stands tall (32.8 ft to be exact) above the surrounding floodplains, with unbelievable views across the Okavango Delta from all three floors. The first level of the treehouse is dedicated to the spacious bathroom, with the spiral staircase opening up to the canvas-walled guest bedroom on the second floor. It is up on the third floor, however, that the magic of this treehouse truly makes itself known, with an open-air deck perfect for gazing out at the wide open views. Best feature Open-air king-size bed, from which guests can gaze at the endless Botswana skies From $250 per night (in addition to main lodge room rate). Contact Kate Rethman, reservations manager, kate@redcarnationafrica.com, +27 877 432 388, xigera.com

Found at the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is the first of its kind in Africa. Surrounded by verdant forest (including eucalyptus trees, the leaves of which you’ll find in a cocktail at the Nest Bar), you’ll feel fully immersed in nature, especially in the Silverback Suite. The multilevel, one-bedroom abode has large, open interiors, with select artworks from local artisans adorning the walls. Look out at the lush forest that encircles the suite, enveloping you in greenery and providing an extra layer of privacy. Take a dip in the private pool and, when the sun begins to set, gather around the cozy firepit. Best feature Immersive experiences in the local community; tours into the National Park From $12,000 per night. Contact Bonita Mutoni, director of sales and marketing, bonita.mutoni@oneandonlyresorts.com, +250 782 500 598 00, oneandonlyresorts.com