Vast open spaces, wilderness areas and unique experiences combined with luxury make Southern Africa well placed to meet the desires of high-end travellers. Dorine Reinstein rounds up some of the region’s new and upcoming luxury offerings.
1. New luxury tented camp at Entabeni Safari Conservancy
Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts has announced a new addition to Entabeni Safari Conservancy. Launched as Southern Sky Safari Camp at Indaba last year, the property has since been bought and developed by Albatros Travel, which owns the independent portfolio of Honeyguide Camps in South Africa.
The new lodge opened in January 2015 as Honeyguide Ranger Camp and consists of 13 thatched tented rooms on wooden decks, all en-suite with outdoor showers and a private balcony. The furnishing is quite classic and consists of a double bed or two single beds (two of the tents are suites/family rooms), chair, desk and closet. There is also an outside boma dining facility and a waterhole for up-close game viewing.
The food is a highlight. At both camps it’s a communal affair, usually served outdoors at a long table, with log fires and torches to create a really authentic bush feel. Simple homemade dishes, using predominantly local produce, are plentiful and exquisitely presented.
“Not only can guests look forward to seeing the Big 5 roam free, they can also visit the Legend Wildlife and Cultural Centre, with conservation projects including, white lions, wild dogs and disease-free buffalo,” says Mariki Theron, International Sales & Marketing Manager for Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts. “Legend Golf & Safari Resort is close to the camp and offers a variety of activities, including helicopter flights, a health spa, adventure and water activities and, of course, the world-famous Extreme 19th and Signature golf course.”
For more information, click here.
2. Kariega Settlers Drift
“It is always so exciting to hear of new luxury product, whether it be accommodation, restaurants and experiences introduced into market, each time raising the bar,” says Janine Southwood, Product Development for Thompsons Africa. She says the latest luxury product on board for Thompsons Africa is Kariega Settlers Drift in the Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape. “This is not only a stunning lodge with true safari elegance but is also set in such a peaceful and spectacular location in the Eastern Cape where it quietly sits in amongst the hills.”
Officially opened at the end of 2014, Settlers Drift is located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness. The lodge consists of nine spacious luxury tented suites, each with secluded viewing decks overlooking the Bushman’s River. Each tent is about 110 sqm in size, which is ample space for a large bedroom and comfortable sitting area. The luxury bathroom features a bath and indoor/outdoor shower. One guest commented: “I feel ensconced in luxury and surrounded by rugged natural beauty at the same time.”
The main lodge has a rim-flow swimming pool with lovely views out across the valley, as well as numerous wooden decks. There's also a well-stocked wine cellar, an elegant restaurant as well as a boma for dinners out under the stars, a library with satellite TV, a curio shop and a spa.
Kariega Game Reserve is home to a great selection of wildlife including lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, a variety of antelope and an abundance of birds. Settlers Drift is fantastic for photography, not only because of the animals but also the sheer beauty of the reserve itself: the unspoilt landscapes, dramatic vistas and green, rolling hills.
For more information, click here.
3. New Cape Town Italian Eatery
Giorgio Nava, well-known chef and proprietor of Cape Town’s award-winning 95 Keerom, has recently opened his second signature restaurant – Carne SA – situated directly opposite 95’s front door in Keerom Street.
Carne SA’s singular split-level concept and Italian butcher shop design create a vibrant atmosphere with the modish bar lounge and an ultra-contemporary 70-seater restaurant. The design is inspired by the building’s original construction of wood and steel interiors.
Nava says: “It has taken us a long time to develop this space for our meat restaurant as we wanted to create something exceptional from both a design and quality viewpoint that would have longevity and style to match our food.”
For more information, click here.
4. The Leonardo in Sandton
Legacy Hotels & Resorts and Nedbank have announced plans for a new property, the Leonardo, within walking distance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Sandton Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Square and the Gautrain Station.
Located in Maude Street, The Leonardo offers eight luxury Penthouses Suites crowned by the 360-degree view ‘Leonardo Suite’. The Leonardo Suite is 2880 sqm of opulent sophistication of luxury lifestyle living, making it the most sought-after collector’s item and home in Africa.
A common area will have a crèche, spa, gym and heated swimming pool and a restaurant. There will also be full concierge service, a coffee shop, business and conference centre in the lobby, 24-hour security, housekeeping services on call, an in-house maintenance team and secure parking.
Construction of this 150m-high apartment building is expected to commence early this year with completion scheduled for late 2017.
For more information, click here.
