Lockdown was tough. The four walls of our homes have become oh-so familiar. As the colder months draw near, many of us are looking for cosy locations to escape to. Whether you want to soak in the scenery or get close to nature, ASA has you sorted with plenty of options. Here’s our list of favourite 5-star luxury lodge getaways.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge – Kruger National Park
The epitome of luxury, Ivory Lodge is known as the jewel in the Lion Sands crown. Situated in Sabi Sands, it has nine one-bedroom villas which offer guests every amenity that they would possibly need from pools to maxi bars to relaxation areas. For families, there is the two-bedroom, Fish Eagle Villa which also boasts a spa, a gym and a personal chef. Every experience is tailored for the guests to ensure the perfect vacation.
Amenities: Safari tours, spa facilities, wi-fi, pools, a fireplace, laundry service, gym and even a helipad.
Rates: Per person per night sharing: ranging from R23 995 to R52 935 depending on the time of year.
Website: https://www.more.co.za/lionsands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morefamilycollection/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morefamilycollection/
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge – KwaZulu Natal
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded then you should give the Phinda Vlei Lodge a try. From the comfort of your suite, you can enjoy picturesque views as you’re surrounded by the Big 5. The lodge has six thatched suites with air-conditioning and large en-suite bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy the main area which has a library, a fire pit and more. Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and bask in absolute luxury.
Amenities: Each suite has a private bar and gym-in-a-basket sets. You can also get Healing Earth massage treatments in your room. Every suite has its own private pool to enable you to soak up the sun in private. Included in the rate is also twice-daily game drives and Swarovski Optik binoculars which you can use during your stay.
Rates: R11 400 per person per night sharing.
Website: https://www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/africa/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/phinda-private-game-reserve/andbeyond-phinda-vlei-lodge/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andBeyondTravel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/andBeyondTravel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andbeyondtravel/
Shamwari Bayethe Lodge – Eastern Cape
For the ultimate luxury tenting experience, you must go to Shamwari Bayethe Lodge. Here you can immerse yourself in nature without having to give up the splendour of luxury. Each tent comes with everything you could possibly desire as well as a fireplace for colder nights. You also have access to the Bush Relaxation Retreat which offers a variety of spa treatments. Shamwari also gives nature lovers a feast of activities such as game drives, walking safaris, bird watching and visits to the animal rehabilitation centre.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, minibars in your tents, outdoor showers, private deck and plunge pool and lounge area with a TV
Rates: R14 360 for one adult per night; R22 090 for two adults per night.
Website: https://www.shamwari.com/our-lodges/bayethe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamwariprivategamereserve/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShamwariReserve
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shamwarireserve/
Kapama Karula – Limpopo
Karula is the flagship lodge of Kapama Game Reserve and is known for its beauty and elegance. The 2020 winner of the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Award goes above and beyond to make sure that your experience is unique and the absolute epitome of luxury. In this untouched area of South Africa, you can see wildlife up close on one of the safari game drives or snuggle up in one of the unique villas.
Amenities: The villas have minibars, heated pools, outdoor showers, an extensive wine list and Nespresso machines. The family villas even have a second bedroom with a flat-screen TV and a Wii console to entertain the kids. The award-winning Karula Spa and Wellness Centre offers gym facilities, a steam room, a spa pool and more. You can also fly directly to Karula!
Rates: Superior villa per person sharing ranges from R5 550 to R18 500 The Family Villa per villa prices ranges from R16 650.00 to R60 000.00.
Website: http://www.kapama.com/kapama-karula
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapamaprivategamereserve/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KapamaReserve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kapamaprivategamereserve/
Tsala Treetop Lodge – Garden Route
Have you ever imagined what it’s like to live in a treehouse? Tsala Treetop Lodge, situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is a picturesque treehouse location that will impress even the most seasoned of travellers. It has a romantic ambience for the perfect honeymoon, and for families looking to travel, kids can have a treehouse all to themselves. With splendid decor, delicious meals at the award-winning Zinzi restaurant and all the luxury that you will ever need at your fingertips, you’ll have no trouble relaxing while gazing over the beautiful landscape.
Amenities: A fireplace and dining area, private deck and infinity pool.
Rates: Suites range from R4 860 to R19 225
Website: https://tsala.hunterhotels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TsalaTreetop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsalatreetoplodge/
CONTRIBUTORS
Words | Caryn Welby-Solomon @carynwelbys
Editor | Nikki Temkin @nikkitemkin
