Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Off the Beaten Path Luxury in Morocco
Morocco is often associated with markets, mosques, and the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and Fes. But beyond the well-trodden tourist trails lies a world of hidden luxury awaiting discovery. Remote desert retreats, secluded riads tucked away in ancient medinas, and beachfront villas perfect for relaxation provide an alternative experience of Morocco.
For a true getaway, head to the Sahara Desert. Camping under star-filled skies, exploring sand dunes by camel, and experiencing Berber culture is magical. Bivouacs like Scarabeo Camp provide luxurious tents, locally-inspired cuisine, and unmatched views of the milky way at night. Or opt for Kasbah Bab Ourika, an eco-lodge with a stunning mountain setting, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
In Essaouira, Riad Villa Maroc's intricate tilework, antiques, and Argan oil-infused treatments encapsulate Moroccan style and hospitality. The boutique property sits within the old medina walls but its rooftop overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. For beachfront seclusion, consider Villa Harris in Tamraght. This villa exudes laid-back luxury with direct sandy beach access. Lounge by the pool or enjoy private surf lessons on a secluded stretch of the coastline.
Deep in the Atlas Mountains lies Sir Richard Branson's Kasbah Tamadot. The former palace offers just 24 rooms amidst tranquil gardens. Unwind at the spa, dine on Moroccan specialties like tagines, or trek through nearby villages and the National Park. Similarly, Kasbah Bab Ourika provides a peaceful mountain retreat under an hour from Marrakech. Relax by the pool overlooking Atlas peaks or partake in excursions like visiting Berber villages.
Within the Fes medina, Riad Fes and Palais Amani provide oases of luxury. Behind plain exterior walls lie intricate tiled courtyards, plush rooms adorned with Moroccan furnishings and intricate woodwork. Dine on delicious local cuisine on romantic rooftop terraces overlooking the ancient city. Then retreat to the spa for a pampering Hammam treatment.
For a truly remote experience, consider Domaine Malika, nestled in the Little Atlas Mountains. This renovated ancient village offers charming bungalows in a stunning natural setting. Onsite experiences range from riding horses to hiking, cycling or relaxing by the pool. Sample regional dishes at the restaurant featuring locally-grown produce. Then gather around evening campfires under starry night skies for a magical end to the day.
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- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Off the Beaten Path Luxury in Morocco
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Desert Oases: Boutique Hotels in Egypt's Sahara
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Luxurious Lodging with Views of Kilimanjaro
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Safari in Style: Luxury Tented Camps in Tanzania
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Boutique Hotels with Persian Flair in Iran
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Discover Petra from a Small Jordanian Inn
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Beachside Boutiques on the Seychelles
- Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Private Villas and Seclusion in South Africa
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Desert Oases: Boutique Hotels in Egypt's Sahara
Beyond the temples and tombs of the Nile lies Egypt's vast Western Desert. The Sahara's rolling dunes, dotted with oases, offer a landscape vastly different from the country's well-known attractions. Intrepid travelers willing to venture off the beaten path will be rewarded with a serene setting for stargazing, camel treks, and exploring ruins virtually untouched by tourism. Boutique hotels nestled in desert oases provide luxurious and eco-friendly lodging options to experience this serene setting.
The White Desert near Farafra Oasis is a prime destination. This otherworldly landscape of wind-carved chalk rock formations somewhat resembles a snowscape, hence its name. Standing out against golden sand dunes, the White Desert's alien appearance makes you feel transported to another planet. Basata Camp offers glamping with 15 fully-furnished tents complete with beds, carpets, private bathrooms and electricity. Guests dine Bedouin-style around a campfire under dazzling night skies. Activities include safari-style jeep excursions, camel treks, and hikes around unique rock formations and crystal mountains.
Further west lies Siwa Oasis, brimming with natural springs and palms. Shali Lodge provides charming lodging in traditional mud-brick architecture with commanding views over the oasis. Its restaurant celebrates local specialties like stuffed pigeon and date honey. Guests can partake in cycling tours, visit ruins like the Oracle Temple, or trek to a natural pool for a dip. Adrère Amellal is an eco-lodge with solar and salt water pools surrounded by gardens. Stay in tastefully decorated rooms or private villas with fireplaces. The kitchen serves up organic produce and traditional recipes. Arrange excursions to hot and cold springs or stargaze in the pristine night skies.
Near Bahariya Oasis, the glittering crystals of the White and Black Deserts meet the golden dunes of the Western Desert. El Mercado Bahareya is a newly opened property with views of surreal desert landscapes. Its modern rooms are decorated in earthy tones with local artwork. The gourmet restaurant celebrates Nubian cuisine. Visitors can explore attractions like the Crystal and Black Deserts and White Desert National Park's rock formations. Arrange desert safari excursions by jeep or trek to sights by camel. With its central location, El Mercado Bahareya provides a comfortable base for exploring Egypt's magical and remote desert destinations.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Luxurious Lodging with Views of Kilimanjaro
Rising majestically above the Serengeti plains, Mount Kilimanjaro beckons visitors with its snow-capped peak despite lying just south of the equator. Trekking to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain is on many a traveler’s bucket list. While making the multi-day ascent requires fortitude, those craving a glimpse of Kilimanjaro without the strenuous hike will find rewarding options. Scattered around the mountain’s base lie boutique lodges and eco-friendly camps offering luxurious stays with jaw-dropping vistas.
Sanctuary Retreats' properties provide exclusive lodging and wildlife encounters with Kili always in sight. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp’s luxury tents enable viewing animals grazing on the crater floor from your private balcony. Or stay in one of eight private villas at Sanctuary Kusini, tucked away near the southern Serengeti. Wake up to dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the plains. Both eco-friendly camps offer game drives, stargazing excursions and fine dining showcasing Tanzanian cuisine.
Lemala Ewanjan ticks all the boxes for quality game viewing, stylish accommodation and spectacular mountain backdrops. The camp borders Serengeti National Park near the Mara River, prime territory for spotting wildlife. Unwind after a thrilling game drive in one of 15 luxury tents with handcrafted furniture and clawfoot bathtubs. Head to the dining room's viewing deck for sundowners and sweeping Kili views. Lemala Ndutu, nestled in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, likewise provides a stylish wilderness escape surrounded by stark beauty.
Gibb’s Farm is a historic working coffee plantation near Kilimanjaro cultivated since the late 1800s. Stay in charming cottages, stylish suites or the magnificent owner's house overflowing with antiques. When not enjoying activities like mountain biking or cultural visits, laze by the pool or feast on garden fresh organic cuisine. With Gibb’s Farm’s location on the forested slopes of Kilimanjaro, you’ll feel closer to the mountain.
Ol Donyo Lodge uniquely borders Chyulu Hills National Park, where Kilimanjaro views unfold from your private villa. Designed for relaxing couples retreats, the lodge pampers you with personal valets, private pools, massage pavilions and rooftop star beds. During the day, participate in activities like hiking Chyulu Hills, horseback riding or touring Kilimanjaro's base. Return to your secluded villa to continue soaking in the vistas.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Safari in Style: Luxury Tented Camps in Tanzania
For those seeking to truly immerse in the untamed beauty of the African bush while still enjoying creature comforts, luxury tented camps in Tanzania provide the perfect blend of nature and indulgence. Sleeping under canvas allows you to feel intricately connected to the sights and sounds of the wildlife outside. Yet modern-day tented lodging maintains the pampering and service expected from high-end accommodations. This best-of-both-worlds experience enables adventurous travelers to comfortably enjoy active safaris and remarkable wildlife encounters.
One shining example lies in the extraordinary Lemala collections of intimate, eco-conscious camps. Their properties place you in Tanzania's most game-rich regions where lions, leopards, elephants, and more roam just outside your tent flap. For instance, Lemala Ewanjan is strategically located on the Serengeti's central plains for witnessing one of earth's most incredible gatherings during the Great Migration river crossing. The camp's 15 lavish tents provide a relaxing oasis with four-poster beds, romantic outdoor showers, and private verandas overlooking the Mara River. Likewise, Lemala Mara overlooks the northern Serengeti's river valleys, delivering phenomenal wildlife viewing and stylish comfort.
Singita's remote mobile camps present an even more adventurous tented experience. Their four exclusive safari camps relocate periodically to maximize wildlife sightings in the Serengeti's most unspoiled sectors. Singita Faru Faru, Grumeti, Sabora, and Sasakwa each accommodate only 8 to 12 guests in spacious canvas suites perched near wildebeest herds and undisturbed nature. Enjoy bush picnics, walking safaris, spa treatments, and exceptional cuisine between thrilling game drives. With a stay at Singita, prepare to be deeply immersed in the tranquil essence of the African wilderness while traveling in luxury.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Boutique Hotels with Persian Flair in Iran
Beyond Iran’s famous historic sites like Persepolis and Isfahan’s storied bridges lies a world of design-forward boutique hotels awaiting discovery. In the past decade, Iran’s accommodations have evolved beyond cookie-cutter five stars and budget guesthouses. A new wave of boutique properties celebrates regional heritage while incorporating contemporary elegance and amenities. Exploring this fresh side of hospitality presents a window into Iran’s rich culture and architecture, not to mention a restful oasis after busy days exploring.
In the countryside outside Shiraz, Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel translates to “America’s Palace,” named after the previous owner who spent years abroad before constructing this oasis. Intricately painted domes cap Persian-style architecture accented with stained glass and woodwork. Indulge in the spa offering rejuvenating local treatments before lounging in courtyard gardens surrounded by the Zagros Mountains. Saraye Heyrat earned its name meaning “Palace of Amazement” for incorporating architectural details salvaged from crumbling ab-anbars around Yazd province. Corinthian columns, stained glass windows, and antique decorative tiles together create a kaleidoscopic masterpiece. Enjoy regional specialties in the a Tobacco Museum onsite.
Within Yazd’s Old City, Laleh Hotel Yazd sprawls over 8,000 square meters but only has 18 spacious rooms, blending into the historic neighborhood. Its sleekly modern white structure incorporates wind towers and vaulted ceilings paying homage to traditional Persian architecture. Relax after a long day on the rooftop terrace surveying views of the city. The Dad Hotel charms with an ancient Persian mansion exterior while inside stylish rooms boast upgraded amenities and airy ambiance accented with colorful glass. Unwind in the traditional restaurant savorying local dishes or with shisha in the courtyard.
Isfahan’s Abbasi Hotel first opened during the 1600s as a caravanserai before evolving into today’s five-star luxury. The lavish property occupies a prime location on the ancient main square. Arabesque geometric shapes decorate vaulted chambers throughout the hotel and mosque, exemplifying traditional regional motifs. Dine on Persian delicacies at the stone and brick restaurant silently watching the square. Kashaneh Hotel offers an intimate boutique experience just steps from the Khaju Bridge. Combining Persian and Art Deco influences, rooms exude understated glamor with stained glass windows opening onto the Zayanderud River.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Discover Petra from a Small Jordanian Inn
Far from the large resorts frequented by package tourists, Petra’s treasures can be uncovered from charming local inns perfectly encapsulating Jordanian hospitality. While everyone dreams of glimpsing the ancient Nabataean city’s majestic Treasury peeking out from within wind-carved red rock, staying overnight presents opportunities to avoid daytripper crowds and experience Petra’s magic at dawn, dusk and night. Opting for a night within the archaeological park boundaries provides hiking access to monuments like the Monastery sans jostling tour groups. Small lodging nestled beside the site additionally presents special perks and perspective.
Taybet Zaman, for instance, is a family-run inn located in a 19th-century village inhabited by the Bdoul Bedouin tribe throughout its history. The eight deluxe historic stone cottages bring you back centuries while modern amenities add coziness. Savor regional specialties at the open-air restaurant against a backdrop of candle-lit ancient architecture. Marvel at how villagers hosted weary traders along the old caravan route, which you now travel to Petra’s once-bustling hub. Wake before sunrise to traverse deep canyons lighting up with brilliant colors. Or linger past sunset to watch Petra’s Treasury and monuments glow by magical candlelight on 2.5-hour guided night tours.
Cleopetra Hotel, meanwhile, began as simple lodging for archaeologists in the 1990s. Early risers here gain walkable park access before the rush. The rooftop restaurant serves delicious Jordanian mezze, perfect for chatting with fellow guests about the day’s discoveries. For extra seclusion, opt for one of Cleopetra’s newer Jacuzzi suites with views overlooking Wadi Araba's striking moonscape.
At Petra Guest House, lodging incorporates caves carved into sandstone cliffs 2,000 years ago as living quarters, stables and store rooms. Sip cardamom-spiced coffee as the sun illuminates ornate façades hand-carved by Nabataeans. The inn’s expert guides then escort you through hidden passageways to the Treasury, where Indiana Jones fans reenact the famous horseback entrance sans crowds upon daybreak arrival. With the site’s ancient pavements largely to yourself, you’ll feel like just another pilgrim or trader returning to the once-booming crossroads of incense routes.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Beachside Boutiques on the Seychelles
Far-flung in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles beckon as an exotic island escape mixing tropical nature, beaches, and laidback luxury. While most visitors flock to larger resorts, those seeking more personal and charming stays will find delightful boutique options across the archipelago's 115 islands. With their intimate scale and beachfront locations, independent Seychelles lodgings let you fully immerse in island life and the surrounding ocean.
On the main island of Mahé, decorators have transformed former plantation houses into stylish guesthouses called chambres d’hotes. Surrounded by dense forests, these converted retreats accentuate Creole architecture with their characteristic sloped roofs and open-air verandas. Example boutiques include Calou Guest House’s colorful Creole rooms near Port Glaud and Au Jardin D’O ancien on the west coast near Port Launay. Enjoy homecooked Seychellois specialties for breakfast before lounging on nearby white-sand coves or snorkeling crystal waters.
The island of Silhouette, the third largest in the archipelago, entices with its granite mountains cloaked in rainforest. On its west coast, La Bastille is an eco-friendly boutique where timber walkways connect thatched-roof villas tucked into the hillside jungle. Wind down in the spa tucked under an ancient Takamaka tree and savor Creole-Indian fusion dishes at the open-air restaurant. Then retreat to your private deck with uninterrupted views of beaches scalloped by granite boulders.
On Praslin, Hotel Lémuria stands out for its prime Côte d'Or Beach location facing Curieuse Island. The boutique hotel's contemporary suites with four-poster beds open onto terraces surrounded by palms. Multiple oceanview pools provide areas to relax between trying out water sports or lounging on one of Seychelles’ finest beaches. For a completely isolated escape, head to Denis Island. This private-island retreat offers just 25 beach cottages scattered amidst coconut groves fringing sandy shores. Enjoy leisurely days of snorkeling in the turquoise shallows and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
If seeking ultimate seclusion, book an exclusive-use island resort in the more remote southern islands. Desroches Island Lodge hosts just 20 guests within beach chalets elevated on stilts. Its location in the Amirantes archipelago within a marine park provides world-class snorkeling and diving. Or check into the sole boutique on Alphonse Island called Alphonse Island Lodge. Its individually designed bungalows sit steps from the beach on this protected atoll. Spend blissful days exploring the island’s forests and beach or paddling to deserted sand spits and reefs.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Top Boutique Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East - Private Villas and Seclusion in South Africa
For travelers yearning to have an entire luxury retreat to themselves, South Africa entices with outstanding private villa options promising total seclusion. Scattered across the country’s diverse landscapes from the Cape Winelands to the Garden Route to safari regions, extravagant villas provide indulgent amenities, breathtaking settings, and complete privacy and personalization. Aficionados of exclusivity are discovering South Africa as a premier destination for celebrating special occasions or simply relaxing in residential-style opulence far removed from crowded resorts and touristy areas.
In Franschhoek’s acclaimed wine region outside Cape Town, Leeu Estates brings countryside elegance with its spacious six-bedroom villa on a working winery. Book the entire manor exclusively for your party to enjoy full butler service and personalized experiences like private wine tastings, garden tours and stargazing under the Southern Cross. Unwind by your own sparkling pool overlooking vineyards or feast on farm-to-table cuisine. Nearby La Residence sets a new benchmark for luxury living with its uber-exclusive villa overlooking vineyards and plum orchards. The multi-level manor features dual master suites, a media room, gym and heated pool. Your personal chef utilizes the state-of-the-art kitchen to prepare bespoke meals to savor al fresco at your hilltop perch.
Seeking beachfront seclusion? Tintswalo Atlantic’s aptly named “Villa at the Edge of the World” clings to the base of Chapman’s Peak with floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly framing crashing waves and sunsets over the Atlantic. Book the five-suite Cape Dutch manor for total solitude on an otherwise deserted stretch of coastline dotted with boulders and coves to explore. Near Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, the aptly named Sanctuary House presents sheer exclusivity and amenities fit for royalty. The entire boutique hotel can be privately booked, giving your party run of all 10 lavish suites, the award-winning Jardin restaurant, sitting terraces, pool decks and MORE. A personal butler, chef, and host tailor the experience around your specific desires for the ultimate luxury escape.