Polar attraction

After ten years of tackling the arctic weather that comes with being located on a 200ft icefall, White Desert was due for an upgrade. Guests can now enjoy the benefits of six heated fibreglass sleeping pods that are set between a frozen lake and a towering ice shelf.

The pod interiors are inspired by the old-world luxury of Victorian explorers and feature wooden skis, bamboo headboards, thick parka jackets, fur throws, Saarinen chairs and sustainable toiletries from The Lost Explorer.

Guests can spend the day with 6,000 emperor penguins or take an eight-day mountain hike and enjoy the comforts of a refurbished dining area including three-course meals cooked by a professional chef and wines flown in from Cape Town on their return.