The main lodge appears to have been carved out of the desert rather than built atop it so natural are the materials and so sensitive the architecture. At the base of a rocky mountain, Namib Outpost looks out across what must be one of the most spellbinding views on Earth: an uninterrupted panorama so vast it beggars belief, no hint of human habitation and an ever-shifting spectrum of blondes, browns, yellows and reds framed by a mountain range of Martian hues topped with a deep blue sky only the world’s oldest desert can produce.

The rooms are huge stone-walled, thatch-roofed suites that line the mountain base, spaced far apart and angled just right for you to enjoy the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows or your large shaded balcony. The décor is luxurious and elegant, the en suite bathroom is huge with a double-volume shower and twin basins. You have your own lounge area and outside loungers to relax in the heat of the day or watch the night sky. With zero light pollution it does its level best to top the daytime viewing.

The main lodge serves a set menu dinner under those same stars, or indoors beside a towering chiminea on wintry desert nights. Two swimming pools, bar, viewing deck and cool lounge offering whiskey and cigars, cover all the de-stressing bases.

Despite the arid conditions, you will likely see oryx - the national animal of Namibia - ostrich, mountain zebra and springbok dotting the plains below. Keep a pair of binoculars at hand and you might be lucky enough to see cheetah or leopard - a good excuse for another cold drink thank you very much. High above the lodge is an unmissable sunset viewing deck and the Outpost has a well-marked 10km running trail. Another activity you should seriously consider is an overnight horse riding trail, where you spend a night at an open-air camp beneath the stars. Sister lodge, the Desert Homestead is most famous for its desert rides either short outrides or multi-day treks - could there be a better way to experience this magnificent place? A hot-air balloon at sunrise might come close. And did we mention a day trip to Sossusvlei? Don’t forget about Sossusvlei.