Anantara Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel

The sprawling green lawns of the hotel offer a lovely setting to unwind between all the activity - take a spritzer on the terrace or find a shady alcove in the garden to put your feet up. The thatch and brick structure of the hotel is a nod to the colonial history of the country and the smart face-lift of the interiors has given a fresh elegance to the interiors. Dining outside on the terrace is encouraged, or on the lawns - staff like to cultivate an air of mystery and anticipation around your next meal!

There are 16 luxury suites in the grounds, and all are bright and elegantly furnished with soft netted beds. Each has a terrace outside where you can sit and enjoy the fresh air and bush sounds in solitude. As an extension of the room, there's a small but cushy lounge with a couch and coffee table. A spacious bathroom with a deep bathtub, shower and double basin, is standard, as are the requisite mod-cons: air-conditioning, a tea and coffee station, satellite TV. Two rooms have adjoining doors, ideal for families of four. And if you're hankering for a pamper session, the in-suite masseuse has you covered.

The key to experiencing Vic Falls full potential is planning. Firstly, bear in mind that from Feb-May it's in full flow, while from Oct-Nov it spurts the least volume. Most visitors begin with walking the path to the view point, directly across from the cataract (bring a parka!). But this is just the tip of the iceberg! Also available are bungee and gorge swings for the adventurous, sightseeing helicopter tours and walks to the edge at the Devil's Pool. Game drives on S&L's reserve offer a rare sight of their own - the highly endangered black rhino. In lieu of a drive, water-based excursions are exceptionally serene ways to view wildlife and connect with the surrounds.