Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls River Lodge turns a safari stay into something cinematic: river-facing suites, private plunge pools and wildlife moving through Zambezi National Park. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones chose its secluded Island Treehouse Suites for a two-night family escape near the falls.

Meikles Hotel draws its character from an outdoor pool and a well-placed address in Harare. The stay remains closely tied to Harare.

The proposition at Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre is a clear one: a five-star hotel in Harare and a composed place to return to after a day in the destination.

Holiday Inn Harare sits in Harare, with an outdoor pool anchoring the stay. It is a well-placed base for exploring Harare, shaped more by its setting than by spectacle.

A fitness centre sets the tone at Cresta Lodge Harare, an unfussy retreat in Harare. From here, the wider experience of Harare remains close at hand.

The Monomotapa Hotel sits in central Harare, with an outdoor pool anchoring the stay. It is a well-placed base for exploring Harare, shaped more by its setting than by spectacle.

The N1 Hotel Harare occupies a distinctive address in Harare's locale, giving the stay an immediate connection to Harare. The atmosphere is unfussy, allowing the destination itself to provide the sense of occasion.

Set in Harare, New Ambassador Hotel takes a restrained approach to the stay. This hotel works as a practical base, with the character of the destination doing most of the work.

Set within the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel is around 15 minutes from the falls. The boutique retreat offers spacious suites, an outdoor pool, dining and access to guided wildlife experiences.