Having converted the neighbouring house, the van Vuurens of Na'ankuse fame, promptly pensioned off the old Pension BougainVilla and converted the two properties into the paired down, notched up Utopia Boutique Hotel.

Hyperbole aside, the Utopia Boutique Hotel enters the market at the not too expensive, not too nasty level and we think they've got it just right: you don't want to push the boat out on your necessary overnight stay in Windhoek; nor do you want a bargain basement flea pit.

The hotel (we think it still has more of a guesthouse feel to it) is easy to find in a verdantly affluent suburb of Windhoek, close to the main shopping precinct and with easy access to the airport road.

With a choice of standard or the spacious luxury suites, all rooms have lovely en suite bathrooms (the BougainVilla got a complete refurb), satellite TV, air conditioning, free wi-fi and a balcony or deck opening onto a park-like garden with two swimming pools and plenty of outdoor seating options.

The Taste Academy - they sure love to embroider - offers snacks and meals but is more geared towards organised functions and events. A short taxi-ride away, you'll find several good restaurants and shops if the Utopian life turns out to be on the quiet side for you.