#LifeAfterLockdown – andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
After the Atlantic Ocean, the Adriatic and the Sea of Cortes, we go to Africa with a complete different but stunning landscape to escape from our confinement (both mentally and hopefully physically too).
Episode Four: andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia.
In the vast Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve (over 12,000 hectares), the lodge is situated deep in the Namib, the world’s oldest living desert.
Designed by South African–based Fox Browne Creative, in partnership with Architect Jack Alexander, an emphasis has been placed on the surreal desert landscape in which the lodge is set. The architects were commissioned to extensively refurbish the existing lodge (launched in the 90s) using the same footprint.
Set amidst an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve.
The resort offers 10 appointed stone and glass suites, spread out along the curve of the escarpment, open onto ever-changing outlooks. Each spacious air conditioned suite offers a secluded, shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool, a living room with a fireplace, a large retractable skylight above the bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º desert views. The two-bedroomed Star Dune Suite is an ideal option for families or groups of friends.
The split-level guest area is an inspired masterpiece of glass, rock and steel. Large glass panels fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. Inviting amenities include a central-island bar, comfortable sitting room, walk-in cellar, interactive kitchen and rim-flow pool.
Other signature features include numerous shaded, private spaces; a sunrise-view gym and sunset-facing wellness centre which offers both a treatment room with a private spa-bath, and a separate wet-room spa.
The lodge’s Signature Shop showcases Namibia’s finest craft offerings.
Externally, the roofs have been clad in PV panels allowing the buildings to harness the harsh natural environment (where temperatures often reach over 50 degrees Celsius), and use the sun to create enough energy to ensure the lodge is entirely self-sustained.
The electricity generated is then used to power a series of environmentally responsive air-conditioning and water recycling systems to ensure the lodge positively affects the environment from which its design was derived.
The colours selected are neutral reflecting the colours of the rocks and shale rather than that of the more obvious orange dunes. The textures chosen are desert inspired. Decorative details feature ostrich egg and ostrich leather detailing. Bold black and white desert imagery play to the “less is more” design approach that was chosen.
Pictures by Dook Photography
