Sora Lodge Lalibela

One gets the feeling that Sora is part of, rather than built on, the hillside – an impression that's reinforced by its stone walls and thatched roofs. The interiors are spacious and comfortably furnished, with large windows letting in the light and framing the views. The traditional stone-walled restaurant is cosy. (On the menu are both local and European dishes.) Walkways meander through gardens filled with plants from oleander to pawpaw, and plenty of look-outs to take in the sights.

There's accommodation in the main three-storey building, in new rooms built of rock, and in six round tukuls. Those in the main building have wide views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The stone-and-thatch tukuls have intricately carved entrance doors, ceilings elaborately decorated with reeds, and views through glass doors and from private outdoor patios. The rock-hewn rooms are the most recent addition. Rather more spacious than the tukuls, they're equipped with all the essentials. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with hot showers.

A UNESCO Heritage Site, Lalibela's 11 stone-carved churches are among Ethiopia's most prized artefacts. Indeed, they're still in use and are visited regularly by religious pilgrims. The city is also prized by history buffs and travellers keen to marvel at the wonders of human skill and devotion. The Church of Saint George is thought to be the most magnificent and best-preserved, though all deserve inspecting. Hire a knowledgeable guide to make this sacred place come alive.