Upon arrival we were treated to a light breakfast in the lounge area, decorated with plush modern rugs, ornate mirrors and an interesting collection of bold furniture. Thereafter we were shown to our gorgeous suites – located in the wooded parkland of the 613-hectare estate at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, the boldly sophisticated Manor House offers complete privacy with 13 luxury suites, four grand suites and one large, two-bedroom master suite. Each room boasts its own unique colour palette and is styled in crisp metallics, sensual dark wood and an accent colour.

One sweep around the suite and it quickly became clear to me that any modern convenience and luxury amenity I could desire was at my disposal. A truly striking feature is the ornate mirror on the wall which turns into an enormous wide-screen TV screen at the press of a button. Throughout the Manor House, with its historic nuance and modern design, one can find a wide collection of exquisite South African and international artworks. The rooms all look out onto a picturesque courtyard with heated swimming pool and veranda, perfect for light lunches in the shade.

With a single telephone call, I was immediately assisted by my personal butler, who was on hand 24 hours a day to provide the superb service distinctive to the Manor House. Personalised conveniences also included breakfast served in my choice of venue, evening canapés with a glass of sparkling wine, afternoon high tea and a fully stocked, in-room complimentary refreshment centre and mini-bar with crystal decanters of premium drinks.

La Cantina Restaurant, where we spent a rather extended version of “brunch”, offered us an unforgettable five-course affair of delectable dishes created personally by Italian chef, Matteo Siliberti, whose passionate approach to culinary arts is reflected in his fresh and inspired dishes. Not a huge meat eater, I approached my main of fillet and truffle oil cautiously, but found myself savouring every last morsel. Definitely a dish I would recommend experiencing.

Later that evening after a delightful wine tasting in the luxurious master suite, we were lead to the Manor House restaurant, Henry White’s, so named after the first owner of Fancourt, Henry Fancourt White, which is sure to be pinpointed as a must for fine dining on the Garden Route. The classic yet dynamic menu offers a variety of prime meat and seafood dishes as well as extensive tasting menus complemented by award-winning wines.

Not just a golf estate, as is typically perceived, Fancourt houses a variety of outstanding resort facilities. Besides three Gary Player-designed golf courses (Montagu, Outeniqua and the highly exclusive Links), complete with clubhouse, golf academy and tailor-made Performance Lab, one also has access to a spa with heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, hair salon and gym, swimming pools, tennis courts, designer shopping, two other restaurants and a conference centre.

For more information contact (044) 804 0000 or visit www.fancourt.co.za

The welcoming committee at Tuningi Safari Lodge consisted of gracious staff offering refreshing drinks and an elephant noisily slurping at the waterhole, which is overlooked by a wooden deck under an ancient fig tree that lends its name to Tuningi. A light lunch of smoked salmon salad enjoyed outside in the warm sun was enhanced by yet another elephant joining the first in a majestic stride up the hill. Just as we thought that it couldn’t get any better, we were reminded of an afternoon game drive, so grabbing some jackets and cameras, we made our way to the vehicle.
Our intrepid tracker and expert game ranger, Christo, who was to be our guide for the duration of our stay, was a man with a mission. Obviously passionate about wildlife and highly knowledgeable, his excitement at sightings fuelled ours and any request was tirelessly fulfilled. We saw an abundance of zebras, giraffes, elephants, kudu and a whole spectrum of birdlife before coming across a rather grumpy looking lion with a terrifyingly generous mane marking his territory on the side of the track. As the sun descended languorously towards the horizon, we stopped for sundowners beside some grazing zebras, who looked up curiously before resuming their evening snack. We were treated to some delectable snacks of our own as we toasted to life, Africa and anniversaries.
Back at the lodge, the two-way fireplace glowed invitingly in both bedroom and bathroom and a sumptuous bath filled with bubbles and salts courtesy of Molton Brown was just the ticket to sooth tired muscles and wash away the last recollection of city blues. The romantic, colonial decor of our spacious room complemented the surrounding bush in an unassuming and elegant manner and the private wooden deck was a sanctuary for the enjoyment of the sights and sounds around us. A beautifully thought out three-course dinner which was a delight to both palate and eyes made our evening perfect. We indulged in a tempura vegetable starter, followed by a choice of succulent lamb shank or pan-fried sole accompanied by gorgeous veggies grown on site and a scrumptious Rooibos Crème Brulée, savoured in the stylish dining room overlooking the rim flow pool. As if on cue, the full moon came out from behind a wayward cloud as we celebrated our special day.
At daybreak, the wake-up call was received rather grudgingly, but as we made our way to the softly-lit main lodge, the smell of freshly-brewed coffee and homemade rusks enticed our senses. The cheerful Christo was at the ready, thoughtfully packing warm blankets to ward off the morning chill as well as a variety of hot drinks and baked goodies, a much needed necessity in order to restore the energy depleted by the early morning game drive. As we made our way out of the gate and into bushveld we came across a most welcome African road block – two male lion cubs sitting on the path, without the slightest intention of moving out of the way, rather disdainfully giving a slow blink now and then and posing elegantly for our feverishly snapping cameras. Our game drives were a real-life version of National Geographic scenes: a herd of buffalo, one of which reminded me of a sulky schoolteacher from my past, three nosy elephants sniffing the mudguard, a hair-raising escapade into rocky terrain in pursuit of an elusive leopard with its kill and an elegant giraffe sitting in the moonlight.
African adventures are active affairs to say the least, but Tuningi has a way of balancing the scales, I thought, as I relaxed in the comfort of my room, enjoying a lavish massage to ease my aching muscles, after a morning of watching a pair of honeymoon lions coupling in the veld. Just another day in Africa.
Five-star Tuningi Safari Lodge, part of The Madikwe Collection, is set in a valley in the world-renowned 75 000 hectare, malaria-free Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. For reservations please contact reservations@madikwecollection.com, call (011) 805 9995 or you can visit their website www.madikwecollection.com.

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In 1988, the farm was purchased by David and Marlene McCay. One of their most interesting changes was the inclusion of a cricket pitch due to their love of the sport. This brought on the need to build a hotel, to accommodate the cricketers and visitors. And so the boutique hotel grew from one suite to sixteen.

These days, each suite is elegantly simplistic, giving a relaxed country feel with modern flair and the usual amenities. The more lavish cottages even offer their own private garden area so you and your partner can sprawl out with a good book and tan without concern of indecent exposure. Everything is in close proximity and our room was conveniently nestled between two of the three popular hotels. Its wines aside, the restaurants on the estate are certainly the crowning jewel of Constantia Uitsig.

On a walking tour of the estate starting at La Colombe, the award-winning restaurant offering a French-Asian fusion style, I was hit by the aroma of wildly exotic dishes being prepared by a distinguished culinary team. Due to its popularity we didn’t get to dine at this particular gem but instead we were invited for some soul food with a sophisticated touch at the Constantia Uitsig Restaurant. First we worked up an appetite with a personal wine tasting on the veranda while enjoying the breathtaking view of the vineyard resting in the shadow of Table Mountain. Known for its Chardonnay and other white wines, it was rather surprising that I fell for the only red wine on offer, The Constantia Uitsig Red which is a rich and delicious blend – so much so that we made a note to stop off at the estate’s Wine Shop after breakfast the next day… even though breakfast was the furthest thing from our minds after such a decadent dinner. I tucked into a very filling mushroom risotto wrapped in Parma ham which lulled me into silence while my plus one stuck to steak and chips – with the fine dining twist.
The next morning we awoke surprisingly starving (most likely from stretching our stomachs the night before) and were eager to try the third tier in the crown of Constantia Uitsig restaurants – The River Café. Leaving the car behind to burn off a few calories, we took a leisurely stroll down to the entrance of the estate where the café is located. Converted from an old school house, The River Café is a popular breakfast and coffee spot with the Constantia locals. I soon discovered why as in all my years of reviews, I have put myself to the test with the lavish spreads offered by hotels and restaurants. One buffet melts into the butter and bacon of another buffet. I always feel relieved when ordering at a restaurant because to an extent you know what you are getting and how much. The River Café offered us its standard – and to a high standard it came. We started with a muesli, fruit and yoghurt platter to share that arrived looking like a work of art I was afraid to alter. It left us completely satisfied and we regretted having ordered a hot breakfast – however, having been told that the restaurant’s Eggs Benedict dish was worth writing home about we persevered. Tip: Swap out the bacon for the healthier option of smoked salmon – delicious! Presentation is exceptional and the staff at each of the restaurants are refreshingly knowledgeable, friendly and interesting to chat to.

Unable to think about food for a while and a tad too early for another wine tasting, we headed to the estate’s spa. Specialising in treatments backed by prominent brands such as Clarins, Kalahari and recently !QMS Mediscosmetics, we knew we were in for an indulgent experience. The spa is serene and inviting and the staff are delicate and polite.

Having walked away relaxed and smiling I can certainly say, whether for a great meal, a picturesque wedding or a weekend of skipping through the vines and sampling food and wine, the intimate and chic Constantia Uitsig experience comes recommended.

For reservations or contact details for the spa or restaurants visit www.constantia-uitsig.com or call (021) 794 6500.

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I was taken aback by the beauty and serenity of such a small town.  No wonder it continues to be a popular destination for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement.

Knysna was recently named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World and one of the Top 25 in Africa in the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards.

The trip to Knysna with three other journalists was an adventure on its own. We set off early arriving in Knysna just in time to quickly check in at the Rex Hotel before heading for a boat cruise and lunch.

The minute we stepped off the plane time seemed to have stood still for a while. It was the relaxed nature of how people do things and take in the beauty of their surroundings. As we drove through to the Rex Hotel, our home for two nights, we were introduced to Knysna through visuals of what to expect and the secret of its winning formula to lure visitors into this town.

We got to relax on a cruise which allowed us to take in as much of the water scenery while enjoying the deliciously prepared seafood feast. A visit to the Elephant Park later that afternoon proved more adventurous as I found myself holding on tight to my colleague as we rode one of the elephants on a relaxing trail around the park.

Dinner was at Zachary’s Restaurant at the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa where the infamous French football team stayed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was one of those rare moments when you get to experience fine dining with the most important person in town, Sean van Eck, the CEO of Knysna Tourism. We even had a grand tour of the hotel’s rooms – stunning indeed. Zachary’s food is divine and a true palate anytime of the day.

The next day, we drove to Rheenendal situated west of Knysna for a guided walk of the forest. It is here that you will be mesmerised by the late Dalene Matthee Big Tree towering at 40 metres high. Her 1984 book which was an international success, Circles in a Forest is a novel about the extermination of the elephants and the exploitation of the woodcutters of the Knysna forest. Our guide, Enrique Jantjies from the Forest Walk & Tours explained that Matthee often visited the forest to replenish her soul and write stories.

Lunch was at one of the restaurants at the edge of the water, the East Head Café, before heading off for the tour of the Knysna Township, a township with a view. Emzini Tour’s guides Ella Mahlulo and Penny Mainwaring cause a stir when they drive through the township. Children know they will get sweets and through their project initiatives, they have developed a dog feeding scheme. I have never seen such healthy looking township dogs.  As we drove through the township, we were introduced to various communities and their projects and sampled local food on the way.

The beautiful encounters ended on a high note with dinner at the Phantom Forest, 2010 winner of Africa’s leading green hotel at the World Travel Awards. This luxury eco destination was the perfect location at which to end two days in South Africa’s own paradise.

Denise Mhlanga travelled courtesy of Flight Centre, Knysna Tourism, 1time airlines and The Rex Hotel part of Three Cities Group.

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Get up at five, have coffee, endure a three-hour game drive with a hot chocolate break, return for breakfast, laze around, have lunch, meet for tea, endure the evening game drive with a sundowner break, return for dinner in the boma, retire to your luxury chalet, repeat. It’s a formula you’ll be most familiar with as a frequent visitor to our luxury game lodges.

Makweti however, starts things off quite differently by asking the guests what time they would like to embark on game drives and by offering cuisine that is of Chaine des Rotisseurs standard around a communal long table. There are only five suites scattered around the property far enough away from each other to give you your own piece of paradise, so you interact with fellow guests on an extremely personal level at mealtimes and on game drives but you don’t see a soul when you’re relaxing in your plunge pool with bubbly and a zebra passing by.

Welgevonden forms part of the Waterberg Biosphere, contributing 40 000ha to the greater area. It is divided into 65 private concessions and Makweti is one of 11 that operate commercially. Jacques van Wijk runs the lodge with his wife, together with assistant couple Mia, who works at the lodge, and Johan who makes sure you get to see the game on offer. Game drives are jovial affairs and Johan forges a highly personal relationship with guests – it’s not so much driving around for hours hoping to come across wildlife, or following other sightings, it’s more about the experience and your personalised encounter with the property.

That said, we did manage four of the Big 5 on our first drive of the weekend.  A lioness made our acquaintance within an hour of starting out. She was part of a pride that we would encounter later on in the evening.

Two young elephant bulls were next to introduce themselves although they were preoccupied with a helicopter doing game counts and they were not happy being anywhere near the machine that they clearly associated with distress.

Johan then charged off on hearing of a leopard sighting in another area of the reserve. We were forced to forfeit sundowners as we made our way to the site and saw a lone male making off into the bush for a night on the hunt.

It was back to the airstrip and a look at the pride of lion that was sighted in the vicinity. They were in long grass organising their strategy for the evening meal. Johan noticed their hunting demeanour and took us closer to the three cubs frolicking with their mother. It was about now that I asked how far we were from camp, as I couldn’t hold afternoon drinks in any longer.

Johan drove the vehicle to the other end of the airstrip, stopped and said I could relieve myself right there. The lions must have been 100 metres away and out of sight but I know the cardinal rule of safari and reluctantly stood in proximity to Panthera Leo and marked my territory – much to the mirth of the other guests.  We went back to admire the cats before calling it a night via a crash of seven rhino – horns intact. The glorious male cheetah basking in the sun the following morning rounded off a magnificent weekend safari.

There are a few unique selling points to Makweti apart from the fact that it’s an intimate experience. Its proximity to Johannesburg and absence of malaria make it very attractive to international tourists. It’s also relatively new as a tourist area so it’s unexplored. But Makweti markets itself as a home away from home which is where the true uniqueness lies.

The lodge is more of a private residence than a hospitality establishment and the focus on the food and wine pairing ensures a more holistic safari experience than the traditional norm.

www.makweti.com

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The Fourways area is not lacking hotels and neither is the mammoth Montecasino area for that matter, so when Southern Sun decided to open a hotel in the new Pivot development they knew they had to impress, and so they did. Keeping with the Montecasino Venetian theme there is a subtle undercurrent of Italiano to the place while still ensuring the interiors stay sophisticated, sleek and chic. Modelled on the Palazzo Corsini, built at the end of the 15^th Century on the slope between Gianicolo and the Tiber in Italy, the hotel subtly reflects design as it was then. The structure and décor incorporate the essence of Venetian architecture – with the use of stone, handcrafted oak furniture, coloured glass, pewter, intricate metal work and stainless steel yet still keeping things fresh and modern with more contemporary touches.

Upon entry the hotel opens up and flows straight through, encouraging guests to walk out on to the deck overlooking a bed of water where you will be welcomed by a pair of peaceful swans enjoying the attractions. The sound of water takes you away from the Fourways noise and carries you off to a place where you can while away a few hours enjoying the pink African sky with a selection of local wines and scrumptious snacks, tucked away in the middle of the urban jungle.

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Each of the 194 bedrooms is spacious with all the usual amenities and the added space and ‘humour’ or rather sexiness of the now customary view of the bathroom through a peek-a-boo window in the bedroom. Thank goodness the toilet is behind a frosted glass door for those sharing with work colleagues.

Southern Sun has chosen to refocus a lot of attention on the cuisine of their hotels – a wise decision as many of us frequent travellers will judge an establishment by its food. This is evident from Southern Sun Montecasino’s Punchinello’s restaurant – certainly the pièce de résistance of the entire hotel. Expect exquisite rich food with a taste of Italy paired with a wide selection of complementing South African wines. The restaurant’s unique open showcase kitchen creates a connection with the guests, allowing them to enjoy the process of the food preparation and have the aromas and noises waft through the restaurant. Those guests taking things a little easier can enjoy room service from the restaurant’s kitchen, which you can still watch being prepared on multiple cameras placed overhead in the kitchen with a live feed straight to your television.

In the mood for a little entertainment? The bustling Montecasino entertainment and casino complex is a two-minute walk across the street, where you can enjoy the casino, theatres, movies, children’s arcade and various restaurants and shops to keep young and old happy.

Early birds and business travellers can take advantage of the well-equipped and surprisingly spacious fitness centre in the hotel and a quick dunk in the splash pool by the deck terrace before an impressive breakfast buffet and the start of yet another busy day.

For bookings and enquiries visit www.southernsun.com

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