The Royal Livingstone is an extremely classy, colonial five star hotel on the banks of the Zambezi River. It is practically on top of the Victoria Falls and the spray can clearly be seen from the gardens and beautiful sundeck terrace. The Royal Livingstone is an ideal retreat for those with a more refined taste. You needn't lift a finger at this superb hotel. The residential part of the hotel consists of 17 colonial-style villas, which make up 173 rooms, that stretch in a half moon along the banks of the river.

Each villa has 10 luxury rooms, and forms a unit in itself. This is great as you don’t have to share a building with a hundred other people. There are four different room types ranging from standard twin, standard king, standard suite and presidential suites. Of these 118 have twin beds, and 49 king size beds, pictured top right. The latter have their own private verandas with breathtaking views of the Zambezi and the edge of the Victoria Falls.

Three of the hotel’s suites have a separate lounge and bedroom while the presidential suite offers an additional separate bedroom (optional).

All the rooms have air conditioners, satellite television, radios and videos. Each room also has a mini bar, a small safe, a telephone with message and wake up facilities and coffee and tea making station. Cots are also available to families with babies. Disabled guests will be pleased to know that the hotel has two paraplegic-friendly rooms with twin beds. These are fitted with railings in the bathrooms and are easily accessible by wheelchair. The décor is colonially inspired yet not overwhelming and creates a welcome, understated atmosphere of comfort and style. The bathrooms are all en-suite and have large luxurious showers and Victorian baths.

They have a fabulous sundeck with a bar that overlooks the spectacular spray of the falls at the ‘end’ of the Zambezi River. Here guests can sit and enjoy the tranquillity, lie on their extravagant sun bed or simply sip on a delicious cocktail. In the evenings this is the place to be if you’re after a great view and a good sundowner. Golf carts are available to transport you to and from your room and over the beautifully landscaped property. The pool is huge and surrounded by classy sun loungers. The main hotel consists of thatched buildings that house the classic lounge, bar and restaurant.

There are lots of dining venues available ranging from the dining room, the beautiful old-fashioned a-la-carte restaurant, the sundeck, the poolside bar (snacks), your private veranda (for a romantic candlelight dinner) and finally - your room (the hotel offers 24 hour room service). If its pampering you’re after, this is the place to be. Not only is there a hairstylist on the premises to ensure you look your best, but you can have a manicure and pedicure in your room. You can also choose to have a massage in your room or alternatively at their beautiful private massage gazebo near the pool, overlooking the river. This is truly a haven of luxury in the heart of the Victoria Falls region and it isn’t difficult to see why the hotel is called the ‘Royal’ Livingstone. Its attention to detail, great service and wonderful facilities easily makes it one of the best in Zambia.