Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

You'll struggle to find a more idyllic setting, overlooking the lagoon beneath the shade of traditional thatch and old-growth trees. The main area is extensive and impeccably stylish. With weaver's nest light fixtures, bronze and yellow-gold tones and dark, earthy furnishings, the interior decor rivals that of any five-star hotel. Browse the carefully stocked curio shop or the well-curated library. Try a homemade wood fired pizza, curtsy of the clay pizza oven. But the unanimous favourite, the Fish Eagle Bar, is perched at the tip of a peninsula - here you can enjoy a cocktail, some scrumptious bar food and stunning uninterrupted scenes, any time of day or night.

You may be tempted to simply sleep the day away, given the view from the comfort of your own bed - not to mention the oversized mattress, draped on all sides with sheer netting. Each of the twelve rooms is perfectly poised for privacy and outfitted with a host of luxuries, including (discreet) air-conditioning, a mini bar, a walk-in closet, an indoor and al-fresco shower and a deep bathtub. Take your pick of soft places to lounge - outside on the day bed or nestled in the cushioned window seat indoors. The rim flow pool is a necessity during the long summer months. Oh, and get whatever you need, day or night, with the in-camp phone that is a direct line to the lodge staff.

Because of the water-intensive location, boat and mokoro rides are the primary year-round activity here. However, it's still possible to get out on foot on a guided walking safari, where you'll see a myriad of smaller, easily overlooked life: insects, plants and birds. Game drives are still possible, with occasional highly successful results, though year-round access to large tracts of dry land is limited.