Royal Chundu River Lodge

The communal areas include a large lounge, a restaurant-like dining room and outdoor boma, a library, spa, TV room, stylish bar and wine cellar. Outside is a swimming pool and, if needed, a business centre. Despite its many facilities, River Lodge still feels more like an elegant boutique hotel than a resort. The main area leads down to a little jetty where the lodge's boat is tethered, and there's a secluded beach nearby. The kids' club is, reportedly, "lovely fun".

Tucked neatly into the thick riparian woodland are the 10 charming river-front suites, each furnished with a king-sized bed, draped with mosquito nets. In front of the bed, a ridiculously comfortable sofa beckons you to gaze at the view; behind, an en-suite bathroom offers a double shower. A folding door opens on to a private deck with uninterrupted views of the Zambezi. There's a mini-bar, wi-fi and aircon. Feeling indulgent? Go for a room with a bathtub on the deck.

You're not short of things to do here. Lodge activities include sunset cruises, canoeing, fishing and fly-fishing, village visits, stargazing, guided walks and game drives. The staff will also happily arrange helicopter and microlight flights, white-water rafting (downstream of the falls), interactive elephant experiences, horse riding or a round of golf. Alternatively, ask for a packed picnic lunch to enjoy on a nearby island, or just kick back at the pool or on the beach. This is a blissful place.