best bed: Gorilla’s Nest, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Most guests come for the gorilla trekking, but you want to stay for the fun. This is summer camp for grownups…  only with great food and cocktails. And wine. And comfy beds. And great service. Ok, so not like any camp you actually went to, more the camp of your fantasy.  The fun starts with a fantastic welcome by traditional drummers and dancers. So joyful! No one takes themselves too seriously and yet the service is spot on, thoughtful & professional. Lots of smiles and laughter while every need is being met. Of course, gorillas are the prime attraction and One & Only’s Gorilla’s Nest is the closest lodge to Volcanoes National Park. All tourists buy the same permit, but the lodge VIPs up the experience with a deluxe picnic, covetable backpacks & hat which you can borrow or buy and their own wonderful drivers. Many of whom are from the local area. As are most of the staff. And most of the food; the wine is primarily South African. There is a wonderful chef’s garden; meals are truly spectacular. Often Rwandan dishes with lots of vegetables but also the best burger of my life. Lodgings (it’s hard to call them rooms) are very private, hidden amongst the trees and gardens up on stilts with views through the Eucalyptus forest. They were designed by interior decorator Hubertis Feit with subtle African style that never crosses into parody. Even the smallest are spacious with large floor to ceiling windows and every comfort. I loved how much there was to do… in two days I managed to pack in a facial, morning yoga, a nature walk, high tea (seems there was always a chance to eat), a traditional performance and archery which I loved, challenging and full of laughs.  And still found chill time. I wish I’d had an extra day or two for foose ball, board games and reading at Jack Hanna house, a bike ride, coffee tasting and village visit.  Fantasy camp indeed! 

Sweet Suite: I loved the glamour & perfection of my Virunga Suite, very private with a huge deck for outdoor lounging or bathing. Indoors is no less wonderful… a large living room with a fireplace, comfy couches, a dining table, bar area and lots of treats. Meanwhile in the bedroom the pillows were so marvelous I was seriously tempted to stick one in my bag. The bathroom has everything you know you need and a few things you didn’t know like a Dyson hair dryer and outdoor shower. 

Favorite Thing: My outdoor rose bath…. I’m a tub fanatic. A long hot soak brings me infinite joy. When the hotel learned of my passion, they surprised me with a hot bath filled with rose petals on my huge deck. A perfect example of the lengths the team goes to thrill and delight their guests.

Near By: Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Trekking, Charming village across the street where you can shop for souvenirs & chat with locals, Volcano climbing (overnight camping can be arranged), hiking

Amenities: Spa my facial erased all signs of jet lag), outdoor yoga (also helped with jetlag recovery), Fitness Centre, Pool, Pool Restaurant, Nest Restaurant, complementary laundry, nature walk, archery, Jack Hanna House (where you can have a private dinner, learn about conservation efforts, browse the library, play games and cards, taste whisky or just hang out), chefs garden, mountain bikes, coffee tasting, adventure runs, cultural performance, private drumming class, personal trainer, birding, Pilates, meditation, banana plantation visit, outdoor movies, basket weaving

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Gorilla’s Nest is a Virtuoso Property. When you book through a Virtuoso Advisor like me you receive additional special amenities.