"Botswana’s wondrous Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta on the planet—and this contemporary retreat (recently rebuilt from scratch) lets guests observe the ebb and flow of life in this fascinating stretch of wilderness. The lodge’s new look and feel celebrates a sense of place, centering the local staff’s talents and the minutiae of Delta wildlife through walls of illustrations of smaller beasts and the beautiful weavings of staff members, displayed and available to buy. The 14 thatched bedrooms are connected by timber walkways—high enough to let a hippo pass under—and are spacious and contemporary. Seeing the waterways, palm islands, lagoons, and floodplains of this spiritual landscape is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, and Vumbura Plains is a magical launchpad from which to do it. Push the boat out and book a chopper ride over the surrounding floodplains to see crocodiles sunbaking on sandy white banks and hippos etching their channels under the clear water. Rooms from $1,650. —Lydia Bell" - CNT Editors
