Latitude 13˚

On a quiet, tree-lined street 10 minutes' drive from downtown Lilongwe and 30 minutes from Kamuzu International Airport.

The hotel is in the grounds of the former Japanese ambassador's residence and benefits from a mature garden and a private, residential feel. Angular buildings with metal-framed windows and a focal-point pool lend the hotel a Palm Springs vibe – but hand-beaded African textiles, locally commissioned art and clouds of lilac jacaranda say otherwise. Following a major refurbishment, this month saw the opening of six stunning garden suites in the legacy building (former residence), with also houses a second pool, a cocktail bar and a workspace hub.

The 18-metre heated pool has a handful of loungers and there is sofa-seating and tables for alfresco dining under a giant ficus tree. The fully equipped gym with modern and spacious charging rooms, classes and personal trainers punches above its weight for a hotel of this size. There are two spa treatment rooms; a sleep-inducing full body massage costs a reasonable 25,000 Malawian Kwacha (£25). Local tours can be booked via the friendly reception team. The service was friendly and informal. The 'goodbye and thank you for staying' note handed to me by the driver as we headed to the airport was a nice touch.

There are 24 in total, including 16 Junior Suites with stairs from a living area to a second-floor bedroom and en-suite (some with baths). Four larger suites have kitchens and a dining area (two of these have two bedrooms: a double and a twin). All have air-conditioning, satellite television, safes and a garden-facing patio with seating. Industrial-style décor – white-painted brick walls, steel girders, old sewing machine stands used as bathroom sink pedestals – is softened by hand-made wood furniture, Malawian art and stylish lampshades made from recycled glass.

The eponymous restaurant Latitude 13, where all meals are served, is a good spot for lingering over lunch or enjoying a sunset beer or cocktail, either at the stylish bar, or poolside terrace. The menu offers mouthwatering curries, Asian salads and stir fries, excellent steaks and delicious burgers with tasty wraps, salads and mezze platters for lunch. Breakfast is a buffet.

A halloumi salad with citrus segments, toasted almonds and roasted veg was a picture on a plate. Décor is a masterpiece in upcycling – from the mismatched chairs and pressed-tin wall panels to a magnificent hand-made chandelier, a screen fashioned from glass beads and intricately woven copper wire to a magnificent 'map' of Africa comprised entirely of bicycle cogs.

Double rooms from $292 (£209) year round. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi (up to 1GB for five devices). Laundry is charged at 1,000 Malawian Kwacha (£1) per item.

Not suitable; there are steps to every room.

Yes; large suites with separate rooms are available and there is a pool.