Sitatunga Private Island
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Vibe
Elevated timber walkways wind through the ebony canopy, connecting open-air thatched lounges to a sunken boma firepit over the delta.
“Delta island sanctum”
Suites shaped like traditional Bayei bamboo fishing baskets, constructed from railway sleepers and topped with shaggy thatch.
Private butler teams, personalized water safaris, complimentary professional camera gear, and climate-controlled beds overlooking the delta.
Silent mokoro dugout canoe excursions and custom boat safaris tracking rare aquatic sitatunga across Okavango papyrus channels.
On an isolated Okavango Delta island, reached only by helicopter or boat through papyrus channels.
Rooms
Canvas suites evoke woven fishing baskets, featuring timber decks with private plunge pools, copper soaking tubs, and headboard cooling over king beds.
Wellness
Private deck plunge pools pair with in-suite yoga kits and outdoor massage therapies tailored by dedicated therapists.
Backstory
Founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert designed the camp entirely from salvaged railway sleepers and recycled materials to honor Bayei fishing traditions.
Eat & drink
Communal meals in the thatched mess tent feature seasonal local dishes, accompanied by South African vintages from the on-site cellar.
The neighborhood
Surrounding papyrus channels and open waterways host rare aquatic sitatunga, bathing elephants, and pods of hippos around the island.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.