2 Best Hotels in Windhoek, Namibia

Just on the outskirts of Windhoek, this well-appointed lodge has all the safari charm and sophistication of a luxury lodge. Perched on top of a rocky hill, in a 6,000-hectare (14,000-acre) reserve, the lodge blends in with the surrounding countryside due to the use of natural elements in the building and decor. Glossy wooden chalets have thatched roofs and sunken baths that look out over the bush. Two waterholes, on either side, are well-visited all day long by antelope. GocheGanas offers a unique wellness village with an indoor pool—set in a high-roofed cave-room—surrounded by loungers, a spa, and endless bush views. The 360-degree Toko Bar is a perfect spot to catch an African sunset before heading to a delicious Namibian dinner.

This is your chance to stay in a turn-of-the-20th-century castle, a white fort with battlements set high on a hill and commissioned by a German count for his fiancée in 1914. The spacious interiors have a luxurious fairy-tale quality, with handmade furniture, mirrors, and chandeliers, and beautiful fabrics that transport you to a stylish bygone age perfectly mixed with state-of-the-art modern comforts. The hotel also has amazing views of the city, and offers an excellent breakfast on the gorgeous outdoor patio. The fine-dining food and wine at Leo's at the Castle are synonymous with the style of the hotel.

Book well in advance, as this is a sought-after hotel in the city.