Photos by T+S: The Olive Exclusive, Windhoek

Namibia

This intimate hotel is the first in Windhoek of the sophistication and style comparable to any top luxury boutique hotel not only in Africa, but beyond the continent too. It embodies the very essence of chic design and contemporary comfort.

The Olive Exclusive strikes an elegant balance between modern interior trends and African décor.

Central to each room are fantastic weaved furnishings: roughly-hewn rattan lampshades, rush baskets and enormous spherical hanging chairs suspended from the ceiling.

Friendly and expertly unobtrusive service defines the experience.

The suites are named after the regions of Namibia: Benquela, Namib, Caprivi, Erongo, Etosha, Kunene, Otavi—and are themed accordingly. It's a great introduction to the country.

Our room's glass wall opens onto a spacious terrace with a view over the hotel's well-kept greenery and the suburban hills of Windhoek.

The ethnic decor includes elaborate masks, painted oryx horns, bongo drums and antique carved doors—and is moderated by sharp edges of smooth concrete and massive floor-to-ceiling photographic prints.

Breakfasts steal the show. Our fave dishes were the Farmers Omelette and eggs with cream cheese.

The hotel is located in some distance from the city center, but it takes just few minutes to get there. It’s also only 15 minutes to the domestic airport.

Only the Premium suites have the private plunge pools, but all guests can use the main swimming pool.

The food at Olive Exclusive clearly makes it a popular hangout among the locals: we saw some expats popping in for breakfast, and they were regulars.