South Africa’s Ellerman House in Cape Town

One of the most magnificent Edwardian houses on one of Cape Town’s most picturesque coastline locations, it was constructed in 1906 for the shipping tycoon Sir John Ellerman and boasts stunning views of sunsets and the boulder-strewn bathing bays below. With 11 rooms, 2 suites, 2 villas, and 1.5 acres of hillside grounds with lush lawns, swaying palm trees, and fragrant Cape fynbos beds, Ellerman House is located in the exclusive Bantry Bay neighborhood. By pressing clothing, providing bubble baths, bringing tea in antique silver pots of freshly picked mint, and offering wine recommendations, the staff members treat every visitor like a houseguest. Paul Harris, the home’s owner, has artwork in each of the beautifully furnished bedrooms that either the sea or the mountains. His private collection, which adorns the home and its adjacent gallery, includes modern portraits by Gerard Sekoto and landscape paintings by Thomas Bowler from the 19th century. It is among the best in South Africa. Its cheerful restaurant, well-stocked cellar, and spacious, light-filled spa all offer individualized treatment; cooks are happy to prepare guests’ favorite dishes, such as fresh lobster salads and rich Cape Malay curries, as well as daily goodies that are laid out in a self-serve pantry. Two additional modern villas for families allow kids to swim around in their own pool without bothering those enjoying a traditional English tea on the

seagulls wheeling over the Atlantic or relaxing on a pool lounger or on a covered veranda. This hotel has the sense of a gracious grande dame—a clubby setting that invites you to relax and indulge. starting at $900. Lisa Grainger

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In South Africa’s Sabi Sand, Singita Ebony Lodge

Singita, which operates 19 hotels and camps in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Rwanda, is a company that epitomizes the safari gold standard. It all began at Ebony Lodge, a private concession in the leopard-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve with a view of the Sand River.But until a beautifully textured revamp spearheaded by Cape Town designers Cécile and Boyd was launched in the spring of 2024, Singita’s other lodges—we especially love the nature-modernist Sweni lodge—had somewhat supplanted its traditional style. The 12 beautifully textured rooms at the new Ebony Lodge are more fluid and in tune with nature thanks to the glass and canvas that have taken the place of walls and the indoor-outdoor tiered center space that lowers toward the river. own views, such as a tree-bound leopard chillingly eating an antelope, were followed by lovely minutes by our own plunge pool while watching elephants loll in the riverbed. Singita’s wildlife drives are always on a whole other level. Happily, the new Ebony is still a classic while being smarter than before. starting at $2,580. —Toby Skinner

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Morocco’s Kasbah Tamadot in Asni

Behind guarded walls, every kasbah is a sort of peaceful haven, and Kasbah Tamadot is among Morocco’s best. Its name, which evokes the respite it provides under the shade of the Atlas Mountains, means “soft breeze” in the local Berber language. Originally constructed more than a century ago as a residence for a local governor, it joined the Virgin Limited Edition Collection of resorts and lodges in 2005. After significant damage from the 2023 earthquake, it is again reopening. With its exquisitely carved doors, private courtyards, hidden corridors, and terraces of reflecting ponds sprinkled with rose petals, Tamadot is an extravagant yet eccentric Amazigh castle. It is filled with the remarkable treasures of Luciano Tempo, a Venetian antiquarian who owned the property before Richard Branson bought it. In corners are enormous wooden and metal boxes that may have held Barbarossa’s riches. Pathways wind through sprawling gardens under jasmine trellises, and the cabanas surrounding the pool are framed by espaliered apple trees. The new accommodations provide a step up in luxury with six opulent riads that offer three-bedroom suites and private pools, as well as ten glitzy Berber tents in the gardens, in addition to the dramatic apartments in the original kasbah. starting at $728. Stanley Stewart