Sculptural thatched villa
The off-grid villa is reserved for one party and runs on solar power. Desert wildlife gathers at the floodlit watering hole.
“the isolated hideaway itself, with its thatched roof and soft lighting, is a barely-there silhouette in the landscape.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Porky Hefer shaped the thatched villa after the communal nests of sociable weavers.
Notable
Reeds from northern riverbanks and local granite integrate the villa into desert terrain.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
the newly opened villa is the Sossusvlei region’s premiere retreat whose flamboyant architecture mimics the bulbous bird nests of the endemic sociable weaver.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Nubib and Zaris Mountains border the valley, and the nearest town sits 125 kilometers away across the desert.
The rooms
Three double bedrooms and a bunk room have built-in timber beds, with thatched walls that insulate against desert heat.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The circular swimming pool sits directly in the desert terrain, built into the hollow of an old zebra dust bath.
At the table
Meals are served around the stone kitchen island or on the outdoor terrace under ancient camelthorn trees.
How it began
Conservationist Swen Bachran bought the land in 2010, pulling down 120 kilometers of farm fences to restore natural wildlife corridors.
Namib Desert
More like this
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Wolwedans Collection
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Kwessi Dunes
“Dark-sky dune outpost”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.