The Palm River Hotel

A tiered infinity pool is perched mere steps away from the river's edge, complete with a shallow kids section as well as a lap pool, and nearby, the spa takes care of any extra pampering. Food-wise, there's a high-ceilinged dining hall flowing onto a large, shaded patio for main meals, a café/bar serving a selection of drinks and pastries, and a riverside boma for barbecue-style dinners overlooking hippo, elephant and buffalo wallowing in the river. Throughout the hotel, palm motifs provide a splash of green and bring nature inside.

The Palm River has a variety of room types, all decorated in soft shades of grey and cream, and artwork inspired by the scenery along the Zambezi. Plush beds, wicker furnishings, and private balconies with river views complete the (beautiful) picture. The Honeymoon Suites are a dream (newlyweds or not) with hanging day beds, luxurious double showers and a spot amongst the treetops, while the Presidential Suite enjoys a super king-sized bed and oodles of space.

The hotel has a well-equipped activities desk who can help you plan all your outings. There are river cruises from breakfast to dinner, and the boats are designed to manoeuvre around the smallest of islands and idle in close proximity to wildlife, including over 450 species of birds. Of course, marvelling at the Falls from one of its many viewpoints is incredible, or up the ante with a helicopter flight, bungee jumping or white water rafting. And of course, it's a must to end the day with a cocktail at the hotel's Al Fresco Bar...