Le Mirage Lodge: Our full report

Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa is a somewhat imposing sight, a castle-like building in the middle of the desert that doesn't particularly blend in with its surroundings.
Being a spa as well as a lodge, Le Mirage offers a range of treatments and massages.

Le Mirage is decorated in a Moroccan style, with bright blue contrasting with the orange of the desert outside; in fact the building is would be better suited to Morocco than Namibia, where it sticks out for being different. There are thirty one twin rooms, most of which have balconies that look out over the lush garden below or the distant mountains. The rooms are spread over two separate buildings, with six rooms in the smaller building, which also has a courtyard full of plants and waterfalls, and the rest in the larger. The rooms are laid out so that every second room is much larger than the two either side of it.

Within the stone walled rooms, the four-poster beds are covered by monogrammed sheets and the rooms are decorated with Moroccan style antiques. All rooms have air-conditioning, a safe and an empty minibar (guests must request the drinks to go in it) with tea and coffee making facilities. Two of the rooms in the larger building have access to star decks where guests can sleep on one of the 'castle turrets' under the night sky.

The main facilities of the lodge include a turquoise outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a wine cellar. A choir sometimes performs in the sundowner spot, which also has a fire. Take a look at the cascading waterfall in reception, surrounded by tropical plants.

Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa offers a decadent spa with all types of massage including Thai and Indian. There are five treatment rooms for facials, manicures and pedicures. Three of the treatment rooms offer a 'massage with a view'.

When not being pampered in the spa, other activities that guests can take part in include a Sossusvlei drive with a dune breakfast, bush dinners and sundowners. The lodge can also arrange scenic flights over the area. For those wishing to drive themselves to Sossusvlei, note that the Sesriem Gate is around 20km away.

Our View

If you don't mind staying in a larger lodge, Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa offers a comfortable base for trips to the dunes, although smaller lodges located closer to the dunes are more convenient.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights

Directions: Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa is located on the C27 around 20km south of Sesriem.

Key personnel

Owner: Leading Lodges of Africa

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa.

Central communications

Communications: Internet is available at reception.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Mariental.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge.