Situated in the new section of the Nelson Mandela Square, the Legacy Corner Mall – the hotel boasts 166 en-suite hotel rooms, 50 one, two and three bedroom suites and four penthouses. All residential suites and penthouses were already sold before the final paint had completely dried showing investors’ interest in what Legacy produces and the appeal of the attractive new building and its central location in the heart of the Sandton CBD.

The art on every level and surface of the hotel is what sets it apart from most local establishments. From the wallpaper and carpeting to ceramic chandeliers and specifically chosen pieces for each room, there is something to appreciate everywhere you look. You are greeted at the ground floor lobby by a mural made of melted plastic images by acclaimed artist Mbongeni Buthelezi and taken to each level of rooms by elevators tastefully adorned with panels by Bron Stofberg who uses specially formulated paints.

Stephen Falcke’s special flair is evident from the start as you enter the hotel from the Legacy Corner Mall via the winding staircase, elegantly graced by a carefully assembled ceramic chandelier. The black and white colour theme is obvious throughout the hotel without being overbearing. The team spent a long time collecting black and white pieces from various artists around the country who would reflect the talent of South Africa. The rooms also carry the colour theme but are designed to appreciate the sophistication in simplicity while still carrying all the usual frills we enjoy.

Noting the importance of sustainable living and the need to conserve energy, especially during a time when we are welcoming hundreds of thousands more people to our shores, the DaVinci flaunts a state-of-the-art solar energy system. With 117 solar panels at the top of the building, 30 000 litres of heated water are produced per day, sent throughout the hotel, restaurant and mall – reducing the annual electrical usage by 60 percent. Efforts were made to ensure energy efficient light bulbs, water saving showerheads, energy saving glass and even energy saving escalators were implemented.

The hotel’s reception level is set to become a hub of activity for guests and walk-in visitors, with a party vibe easy to imagine. The outside area with infinity pool, deck and 24-hour restaurant welcomes all guests to enjoy some snacks and cocktails after a hard day at work. Get the day off to the right start with a session in the high-tech gym followed by a muscle-easing pampering in the spa, with its extensive menu of treatments.

There is a wealth of things to do at this Legacy establishment from high-end shopping just one level down from reception in the Legacy Corner Mall and the popular Maximillien restaurant and Maxim cigar lounge to tempt your taste buds to The Marco Polo gaming centre where you can spend the late night hours trying your luck on the slots. The hotel’s vibe is electric and is set to attract the young and old intrigued by great food, whisky and company.

It is sunset when we arrive at the main gate of Thanda and as we step out of the car to stretch our legs after the three-hour drive from Durban we are met with the hushed sounds of nature and wildlife confined within the soothing silence of the bush. Bliss already. “Thanda” means love in Zulu and the philosophy of Thanda Private Game Reserve, “For the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones” is one that is held fiercely by its Swedish owners Dan and Christin Olofsson and their staff.

Architecturally, Thanda Main Lodge is inspired by traditional Zulu culture and resembles a Zulu village of circular homesteads nestled on a hillside, blending naturally with the elements. One of nine individually appointed suites, our spacious accommodation comprises a series of round shaped interleading rooms, tastefully decorated in rich fabrics, jewel colours and sensuous textures, and air conditioned of course. Sliding open the glass doors I walk out onto a wooden deck, skirt the plunge pool and stroll along the walkway to a private sala – our own thatched viewing deck, complete with gigantic circular bed!

But first, dinner calls. It’s a cool evening, so after a steaming shower beneath the stars we are chaperoned the short distance along the wooden walkway to the public buildings and shown to our table inside the warmly lit restaurant. Head chef Richard Phiri makes his rounds to each table, eagerly discussing the menu selections and wine choices available from Thanda’s generous cellar. Fine dining is undeniably a priority at Thanda and we were repeatedly delighted by the constant source of surprising concoctions at every mealtime; the most succulent herbed calamari steaks imaginable, sublimely rich and rare eland fillet, and melt-in-the-mouth homemade espresso and passion-fruit ice creams. There are a variety of dining venues too; opt for an intimate dinner on your private deck, a Zulu-inspired feast in the boma, or request a private bush dinner, all enhancing the African experience.

The sound of a deep gong gently awakens us at 5:00am signalling the 5.30am departure of the early game drive. After wolfing down rusks and strong coffee provided in the main lounge, six of us clamber onto an open Land Rover with our field guide Ronnie Brink driving and tracker Bheki Ngubane up front. There is no masking the hum of the bush in the morning air and we are all enlivened by the anticipation of what might lie ahead. Ronnie asks what game we would most wish to see and after agreeing on cheetah and lion, our expectations are heightened. After a few quiet kilometres we screech to a halt and Bheki drops down off his perch to point out a couple of dung beetles rolling a dung ball in the middle of the road. “Did you know that the males do all the work and the female instructs?” Ronnie laughs.

Suddenly Bheki’s radio alerts us to a cheetah sighting and we speed off into the savannah, determined to spot them. Passing a herd of wildebeest, many with pregnant bellies, we draw up alongside a pair of cheetah brothers patrolling the fence line and follow closely for some 500 metres. Clad in slinky spotted coats, their long, lithe bodies seem to sashay – supermodel-like – upon a runway as they move through their territory, alert and purposeful. “They’re built for speed and long distance,” advises Ronnie as he swings the vehicle around and heads towards a pride of lion on the opposite side of the reserve. We approach just in time to watch as a male lion is spurned by one of the females in the pride when he tries to mount her. Clearly not keen on an audience she begs a headache and he turns forlornly towards three cubs that are wrestling affectionately with each other, before going back to sleep, a pastime that accounts for 18 hours of a typical lion’s day.

Elated at our sightings, we stop on a hilltop for piping hot coffee and muffins to marvel over the primal instincts of animals in the wild, before returning to the main lodge. A sumptuous breakfast later, we ensconce ourselves on our sala bed, binoculars and books on hand to assuage any guilt we might feel at succumbing to such artless daytime pleasure.

A member of the select Leading Small Hotels of the World group, Thanda main lodge also contains the award-winning Wellness Centre, an elevated circular sanctuary overlooking an outdoor heated Jacuzzi and pool, offering a collection of rejuvenating treatments, some exclusively designed for Thanda. It came as no surprise to hear that Thanda Private Game Reserve was crowned “the world’s leading luxury lodge” at the 2009 World Travel Awards in London, just a week after our visit to this extraordinary hideaway.

St Andrews Boutique Signature Hotel & Spa in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, opened its doors less than six months ago and already it has become a sought after venue for business executives and out-of-towners looking to explore the city. By Denise Mhlanga

It is located close to the highway, the city, Sandton and the O R Tambo International Airport. Guests are treated to the beautiful view of the Gillooly’s Lake while relaxing either in the comfort of their rooms or the lush Zen garden.

Being a signature hotel, attention to detail is very pronounced in the décor in each of its rooms, all have stone or gem names ranging from Diamond, Pearl and Tanzanite. Tadej Peric, the general manager of St Andrews says instead of buying a whole lot of furniture for its current functioning 16 rooms, décor and furniture in each of the rooms was carefully thought of adding all the little luxuries to resonate with its signature style.

Of the 16 rooms, three are different from the others as they open from the outside with their own private entrance, a marvellous Gillooly’s Lake giving guests the much needed privacy.

The Pearl room has a bath in the middle of the room, with bright yet elegant colours chosen for the décor. The décor differs from each of the rooms giving each room character and energy of its own.

The hotel will add 30 more rooms in June and it caters for conferences, small intimate parties, wedding venues and targets corporate personnel, high profile people who prefer privacy and luxury without being in Sandton.

Peric says the superior suites have been specially decorated to suit the needs of the busy traveller. The rooms are spacious, and sport an Afro- Chic style with opulent yet minimal intriguing décor. The three storey hotel has been constructed with a green philosophy which includes eco-friendly air conditioning, underfloor heating and a chemical-free pool.

The conference room caters for 30 people and the rooms have personal work stations and 24 hour wireless internet connection. Trent’s restaurant in the hotel accommodates up to 60 people for fine dining and up to 80 when buffet is served. The burgundy colour décor creates a relaxing ambience for dinners in the restaurant.

Chef Rico Carlinsky prepares innovative South African cuisine and says his food always compliments the main dish and brings out natural flavours.

Speaking of spa guests, he says they are health conscious so dishes such as smoked chicken salad, seafood pasta and beef fillet are popular spa lunch dishes. After my spa treatment, I was treated to a delicious meal with a starter of prawns served with aromatic herbs, yoghurt and chilli, with an oriental twist on the palate. The main course, was rock cod with Chinese noodles, courgette spaghetti, Cape Malay curry sauce and sun dried tomatoes.

For day visitors and hotel guests who need pampering, the Healing Earth Spa has a selection of treatments to soothe both body and mind. The spa takes a holistic approach to restoring the natural balance between body, mind and soul through the use of organic skin and body care products. Spa manager, Marelise Lamont explains that all spa products used contain no artificial colours, chemicals or other harmful ingredients.

Healing Earth spa is decorated in earthy colours such as browns to resonate with their natural healing concepts. It has single treatment rooms for guests who need absolute privacy and offers double treatment rooms for couples.

Treatments begin with the signature welcoming ritual which is designed to encourage relaxation and grounding with African techniques, such as Egyptian Midline foot pressure and Body Palming.

It offers a variety of treatments including facial hydrating treatment, glow and radiance facial, Pinotage Rituals, organic hand and foot touch, reflexology and manicures among others. During my visit to the spa, I was treated to a 90 minute long Healing Earth Signature Massage, the Pure Being Body Balance. This unique massage is designed to assist with body detoxification, reduce the feelings of lethargy and tiredness and reduce tension headaches and stress levels.

With the luxury accommodation, the decadent food served at Trent’s restaurant and unforgettable spa experience, there is every reason to visit to St Andrews Boutique Signature Hotel & Spa. For further information, contact (011) 453 4242 or visit www.st-andrewshotel.co.za

For as long as there are game lodges there will be game rangers named Dave. He’s typically 26 years old, he’s being doing the job for five years and he’s a senior ranger who knows the lodge and its land and its animals like his own back yard. Dave’s from a respected big city school and got into the job during a gap year in which he worked in London and rattled around Katmandu.

Our Dave not only found us the big five with a smile on his face but found us each the special animal that we wanted to see. I like buffalo, they look at you as though you owe them money; they have gravitas. Dave found me a motley bunch of youngsters in the company of an old bull, looking for the herd from which they had been separated. Heidi’s hyena that had eluded us for two days, appeared out of the bush and then disappeared into it on the last hour of our last game drive. Our Burchell’s Coucal showed up in a shrubbery along the banks of the Sand river as we watched a herd of the Hungarian pianist’s elephant.

The German banking couple wanted to see leopard, as did we all, and Dave and his tracker obliged with a youngster atop an anthill waiting for his mother to bring him the daily kill. It was also the case with the lion that the South African businesswoman had ordered. We all wanted to see lion and found an exhausted mating pair that Dave suggested were on honeymoon…nice quip Dave.

Harry Kirkman came to the Sabi Sand reserve early in the last century to clear the land for cattle. He set up camp and began eliminating the lion population until he realised (after 250 odd trophies) that this land will always be wild country. Some might struggle with the fact that he is referred to as a conservationist after so much bloodshed of the local animal population but that debate is for another time. What stands today is testament to the efforts of conservationists throughout the Sabi Sand reserve to preserve the natural fauna and flora.

Kirkman’s Camp is perched on a hill overlooking a meander in the Sand river. The 18 rooms take advantage of the aspect, and activity in the valley, mostly lion roaring at night, sounds as though it were happening on your private balcony. November is the start of the rainy season so days are oppressively hot and the rain, when it comes, does little to relieve, adding further discomfort by inviting every living insect out of hiding. But that’s the bush for you with a reminder that lodges of the quality of Kirkman’s offer every luxury to make your brush with the African wilderness as pleasant as possible.

The lodge is situated in the south eastern corner of the Sabi Sand reserve, sharing traverse rights with its more famous Mala Mala cousin. It is part of the &Beyond marketing franchise, which has recently undergone a corporate identity change from its previous guise as Conservation Corporation, or CC Africa.

Harry Kirkman’s exploits are documented in detail throughout the main lodge building which is airy and typical of bush lodge architecture. Verandahs are deep, providing shade from a relentless sun, ceilings are high to exploit the draft from little air movement, and materials are natural, offering cool surfaces to the touch. Walls are adorned with pictures of the original lodge with Harry standing or sitting over one of his many trophies and the history of the property is well documented throughout the building including survey maps and old rusty implements. You are waited on hand and foot by your own personal butler, as well as any other staff member who is within spitting distance. Levels of luxury exceed the benchmark for the segment, from the quality of the linen to the personal touches of candles and petals for honeymooners. African luxury safari lodges set the standard when it comes to the top tier of hospitality with travel and luxury hotel awards confirming that trend. The formula is generally the same with a lot of food interspersed with morning and evening game drives. Your ranger gets to show you’re the big five and if he’s good, will introduce you to the smaller creatures that make up the biodiversity of the bush.

Kirkman’s Camp treads the line between old fashioned historical ambience and contemporary luxury in a highly competitive field. The balance is maintained perfectly and the experience, both hospitality and wildlife, is so much more than gin and tonic sundowners. It’s about the environment in which you find yourself and the sheer professionalism of those who make your stay a memorable one.

www.andbeyond.com

Capitalising on an outstanding location, just 300 metres from South Africa’s most glamorous beach, The Sea Five offers seven exclusive ensuite rooms with clear, sweeping mountain and sea views.

Aimed at the discerning traveller, The Sea Five highlights the real likeness between Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline and the European Riviera. Not content to rest on the laurels of its spectacular location, The Sea Five pays particular attention to the finest details. This is a ‘beach house’ with a difference.

Every room has been individually styled through the creative collaboration of top South African interior designer, Francois Du Plessis and the Sea Five’s Italian director Nicolò Pudel. The result is a stunning connection of the Mediterranean and southern African colour palette, an eclectic blend of the spaciousness of Nature and refined luxury. Guests can look forward to the rare treat of sleeping between the sheets of 100% pure Italian linen and waking up to the scent of fresh breads and croissants baked by The Sea Five’s exclusive Italian chef. There’s the harmony of a garden redolent with mandarin, lemon, lavender and rosemary or the sociability of a large blue pool and gorgeous bar.

The Sea Five’s upstairs rooms all have private terraces; garden suites open out into a secluded white-flowered oasis, while the large penthouse master suite boasts 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Exclusive lunches are served on request in locations that can match guests’ every mood. They can expect the likes fresh linguine and lobster served with organically grown herbs and salads from the garden, all set on tables with exquisite, particularly chosen linens. At The Sea Five, no effort has spared to offer guests a unique experience of the outstanding.

For more info visit www.seafive.co.za

Staff training ensures the utmost in service delivery and is at the core of the Oyster Box’s operation. Over 30 staff have been retained from the old Oyster Box and in preparation for the opening, have undergone extensive training both internationally, with the Red Carnation Collection in Europe and locally, at sister hotels within the Red Carnation Hotels Collection, the Twelve Apostles in Cape Town, recent winner of ‘Top City Hotel in Africa and The Middle East’ in Travel & Leisure’s 2009 Awards and ‘The Best Hotel Spa In Africa and The Middle East’ and Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Spa in the Cedarberg Mountains, winner of ‘Best Hotel in The World’ voted by Travel & Leisure 2009. Both Coetzer and Chef Kevin Joseph recently spent a month at the world-renowned ‘Raffles Hotel’ in Singapore.

There are 90 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, eight Garden Villas, each with its own private pool and a magnificent 450 sqm Presidential Suite, complete with private pool. For those who remember the old Oyster Box there are sure to be a number of nostalgic moments when elements of the previous building are recognised. Each of these has been innovatively woven into the fabric of the elegant, modern, new property.

From the grand, revolving door at the entrance, which has welcomed so many guests in the past, to the reception with its magnificent carved, antique marble clock, which once graced the lobby of Christies of London. The familiar wrought-iron balustrade and original hand-painted tiles are still intact. The restored ‘Ocean Terrace’ patio, overlooking the stylish rim flow pool and ocean beyond, will undoubtedly be a first-stop for the legions of Oyster Box fans.

A host of gathering spots such as the familiar ‘Chukka Bar’, with its authentic character, the new ‘Lighthouse Bar’ situated on the rooftop overlooking the famous lighthouse and the magnificent, marbled ‘Oyster Bar’, serving freshly plucked oysters from the hotel’s own oyster beds, offers something for everyone.
Guests can once again enjoy a traditional ‘High Tea’ with all the trappings at the new Oyster Box. Savour the freshly prepared, home-baked, cakes, biscuits, finger sandwiches and savouries daily from 14:00-18:00, in the conservatory-like, palm-lined ‘Palm Court’, resplendent with chandeliers purchased from The ‘old’ Savoy Hotel in London.

Live Out Loud will carry a full review in the November issue of the magazine

Once just a massive concrete shed built to house an Angora rabbit farm, the 2 400m² building on a massive property on the edge of a spectacular forest, caught the eye of Robin McIntosh who had the vision to convert the space into a boutique guest house. An experienced architect with a passion for restoring old buildings, McIntosh decided to buy the property. It took him 10 years to officially move, together with his wife, two kids and parents, to commit to country living – once he was sure he had created a beautiful enough home for them as well as a four-star luxury guesthouse that is unique.

Bramasole, meaning ‘yearning for the sun’ in Italian, is situated in the picturesque Magoebaskloof region, at the northern tip of the Drakensberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province, an area often referred to as the ‘Land of the Silver Mists’. A three to four hour drive from Johannesburg, Bramasole is a wonderful stopover option for those visiting the Kruger National Park which is an hour away.

There is plenty to do in the area with tea gardens, restaurants, shops and outdoor activities like fly fishing, mountain biking, abseiling and quad-biking on offer.

The guest house offers eight elegantly decorated suites including standard luxury rooms, self-catering suites and the luxurious ‘Paris’ apartment which also offers a lounge/dining/kitchen area and outdoor braai patio. Each room has the theme of a different country so guests can choose from the subtle influences of an African safari, feel like an Egyptian pharaoh or indulge in the rich colours of Morocco. The rooms are an oasis of relaxation with views of the bordering forest, picturesque lake or manicured gardens.

The interiors incorporate some unusual signature touches like the inclusion of recycled bullet proof glass stairs which illuminate the bottom floor of the house. An eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture and decor have been used and even reclaimed parquet flooring, taken from the old synagogue in Polokwane, was utilised for wall cladding and counter surfaces in most rooms.

For the more adventurous there are various activities at Bramasole and in the surrounds to keep guests entertained, including exploring the neighbouring forest, trout fishing in the lake on the property or going on hikes. Birdwatchers will stay amused with a wealth of bird life calling the area home, including the rare wood owl. But keeping busy isn’t for everybody when visiting such a tranquil place, so for those less active there is a library where you can choose a good novel and curl up by the fireplace or you could treat yourself to a hot rock massage which can be arranged in the comfort of your own room or in the Growth Centre.

Bramasole is a lovely location for team building and conferencing as well as intimate weddings for up to 60 people, and the hotel offers a package to help you plan your special day.

For reservations and further information call (015) 276 1223 or visit www.bramasole.co.za

From the outside you would not expect the unassuming white walls of the old post office building in Rosebank to house a modern and stylish boutique hotel but when you enter through the iron gates you are welcomed by warm and friendly staff, plush furnishings and a twist. The Monarch, although mistakenly appearing a bit cold from first glance with its antique and Victorian blend of design, is actually a warm and inviting establishment where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a mix of classic styles and modern contemporary as you would expect from your family home.

Co-owner and interior designer, Louis Boshoff of Faire Living added his style throughout the hotel, wanting a bit of a Moulin Rouge flavour to be evident throughout. This was achieved through an eclectic collection of furniture in rich colours to give the appearance of an old home where the furnishings have been collected over many years. This is how the owners found most items, accumulating them over the past three years from auctions and travels. To soften the place and ensure it’s not just like any other posh boutique hotel they have added a fun element to the design (like the addition of disco lights in the otherwise sophisticated restaurant). After years of travelling the globe, visiting diverse hotels and decorating homes, Boshoff picked up on a variety of styles and knew exactly what he wanted in a hotel.

The general feel of the hotel is very European in that it is located in the centre of a bustling business hub. You feel like you are part of the city, no pool, no garden yet the noise of the busy streets outside do not permeate. With the petite size of the location, rather then adding a spa and gym (they have partnered with nearby establishments instead), they have chosen to utilise the space for luxurious suites, a generous restaurant with two dining rooms – both smoking and non-smoking, private dining areas for parties of up to 30 people and a cosy bar where you can hang out and enjoy tapas and cocktails.

Each elegant suite is well-equipped with all-amenities, king-sized beds where you can enjoy crisp Frette linens, gorgeous porcelain baths where you can indulge in Italian-imported Santa Maria Novella products from Firenze, Italy, and comfortable lounge areas. The Monarch offers five Luxury Suites which are their standard rooms. There are also two deluxe Royal Suites, two Coronation Suites and two Terrace Suites (deluxe suites with large private terraces, guest toilet and generous dining and lounge areas for entertaining). The Monarch Apartment, which is the equivalent of a presidential suite, comprises a private entrance, security lobby, private chef’s kitchen, large lounge with desk, grand piano, 10-seater dining room, separate bedroom and double bathroom – perfect for those VIPs who need their privacy.

The hotel has an impressive art collection of well-known local and international artists and some rising stars to keep an eye open for. A collection of painted plates, each unique, created by Ruan Hoffmann, adorn the walls of the restaurant – setting the tone for the experience. You will awaken all your senses in The Monarch’s vibey and chic restaurant that offers Fine Dining cuisine, with a carefully selected menu incorporating a fusion of flavours. With so many delicious choices it is recommended to choose the seven course tasting menu, with each portion slightly smaller than a starter allowing you to taste every dish on the menu while still leaving space for dessert. The Springbok loin is surprisingly tender and absolutely delicious as is the beef fillet with foie-gras, bacon and truffle accompaniments. Renowned chef, Keith Frisley, changes the menu regularly and each dish, although in a classic style, has a unique spin, like his own interpretation of the classic Black Forest cake – towering layers of chocolate wafers, brownie-like cake, cherries and chocolate shavings (and even topped with a rasher of black forest ham, easily removable for those not so daring) – an all-round unforgettable experience.

For hotel reservations and restaurant bookings, call (011) 341 200. The Monarch is located at 167 Oxford Road, Rosebank.