FIRST SHOT
One of Namibia’s favorite safari lodges gets a major revamp.
Namibia is heating up—and not just because of the southern summer temperatures. Recent years have also seen a flurry of notable hotel openings and revamps, the latest of which is AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge ( andbeyond.com; from US$629 per person, per night). Fresh from a nine-month overhaul, the two-story main building of this remote property, a 90-minute flight from Windhoek, has been almost completely rebuilt with clean lines and ocher-hued corten steel canopies recalling the harsh environment around it. Stretching out on two sides are 11 remodeled glass-fronted suites that feature private infinity pools, fireplaces, and bars stocked with local gins. Specialistled tours around the Namib Desert beckon by day, while a resident astronomer at the on-site observatory is on hand to point out the constellations come nightfall. And thanks to skylights positioned above each bed, guests can even fall asleep under the stars.