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 Recommended hotels...
South Africa continues to appeal
to those looking for a range of different holiday experiences in one. From the
beautiful views from Table Mountain, to the cosmopolitan lifestyle in Cape Town,
to the beauty of the Garden Route and excitement of the safaris.
Our South Africa specialist
Nathan has selected his top five recommended places to stay…
Quick link menu (click on the accommodation name to
jump to more information)
Cape Grace, Cape Town
The Portswood
Le Quartier Francais,
Franschhoek
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain
Vine
St James of Knysna
Lake Pleasant Living
Pumpa Game Reserve
Shamwari Game
Reserve
Savanna Game Lodge
MalaMala Game
Reserve
Tsala Tree
top lodge, near Plettenberg Bay
Safari: Gorah Elephant Camp
**NEW for 2009** One&Only Cape Town
The greatly anticipated One&Only Cape Town will be opening ahead
of schedule on 3rd April 2009.
This stunning new resort can be found in the heart of the picturesque Victoria
and Alfred Waterfront. The crescent-shaped design of the resort’s seven storey
Marina Rise has been built specifically to guarantee every guest awe-inspiring
views of the magnificent Table Mountain and Signal Hill. The contemporary design
of the first luxury resort to open in Cape Town in ten years showcases the very
best of urban chic combined with legendary African flair. Guests can enjoy
stylish accommodation in the largest rooms on offer in the whole of Cape Town.
The majestic drama the site of Table Mountain
evokes is beautifully captured through the expansive glass doors that lead on to
private balconies. Or, the Island Suites line the water’s edge on their own
exclusive, perfectly manicured private island. On the second private island is
where you will find the One&Only Spa; a haven of serenity and Cape Town’s most
comprehensive spa. The culinary delights are unrivalled with not one, but two
world famous and highly accredited chefs opening restaurants at the resort.
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa will be opening the first outpost of the legendary Nobu in
Africa and Gordon Ramsay, alongside his protégé Jason Atherton will be serving
the very best South African tastes and flavours with the first maze restaurant
in South Africa.
MANAGER'S SPECIAL -
click here for more details
Cape Grace, Cape Town
 A
member of ‘Leading Small Hotels of the World’, the Cape Grace is located on its
own private quay in the heart of the Waterfront development. This is one of
Africa’s best loved hotels and has been steadily collecting awards since it
opened in 1996 – it has been voted ‘Best Hotel in the World’ by Conde Nast
Traveller.
 There
are 121 bedrooms, all exquisitely furnished, with French doors that open on to
views of the working harbour or the yacht marina. The Bascule whisky bar and
wine cellar offer over 400 whiskies from around the world and some of the Cape’s
finest wines in a wonderful waterfront setting. The hotel’s restaurant,One
Waterfront, is one of the city’s finest and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
either in the main lounge, or the conservatory, or on the pool deck which has
delightful views of Signal Hill. There is a library where afternoon tea is
served, a heated outdoor swimming pool and an
African-influenced spa on the top floor which is exclusive to hotel guests. The
hotel has the ambience of a small, luxurious, family-run property, and the
attentive staff take great pride in offering guests outstanding service and warm
hospitality. Highly recommended.
Price guide
01 Nov 08 – 05 Jan 09 £169 per person per night
06 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £194pppn
01 May 09 – 31 Aug 09 £163pppn
01 Sep 09 – 31 Oct 09 £194pppn
5 night special (minimum 5 night stay)
01 Nov 08 – 19 Dec 08 £149pppn
06 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £174pppn
01 May 09 – 31 Aug 09 £147pppn
01 Sep 09 – 31 Oct 09 £175pppn
The Portswood Hotel, Portswood
The PortsWood offers you a choice of 59 twin rooms, 35 double rooms or 9 suites.
Apart from its amazing natural and cultural surroundings, the PortsWood is also
an ideal choice for the business traveller, with all the most sophisticated
facilities he or she might need.
They all have individual aircon, television, tea/coffee making
facilities, bathroom with bath, shower and toilet, direct dial phones, Internet,
electric razor plugs, international adaptors, fully stocked mini bars, hair
dryers, TV with DStv and 24-hour room service.
Your room can easily be converted into an office away from the
office - infra-red keyboards and additional phone lines for modem points are
fitted.
Price guide
01 Nov 08 – 31 Dec 08 £83pppn
01 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £97pppn
01 May 09 – 31 Aug 09 £84pppn
01 Sep 09 – 31 Oct 09 £97pppn
 Le Quartier Francais,
Franschhoek
This exquisite Auberge,
reminiscent of an elegant Provencale villa, is a member of Relais & Chateaux and
is located on the main street of the historic French Huguenot town of
Franschhoek.
It has a warm and welcoming ambience
with just 17 bedrooms and a private library that all overlook the attractive
gardens and swimming pool. The rooms are decorated in bold
colours, with Egyptian cotton sheets, down duvets and seperate sitting areas and
are extremely comfortable – each has a working fire place and a pleasant view.
The bright and airy restaurant where award-winning chef, Margot Janse, creates
some wonderful dishes combining French, Malay and traditional South African
cooking, is superb and opens out on to an attractive terrace. The atmospheric
bar serves lighter meals throughout the day and has a summer terrace on the
street where guests can relax and watch the world go by whilst enjoying a
delicious glass of chilled white wine.
Price guide
01 Nov 08 – 30 Sep 09 £135pppn
Mont
Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vine
This manor, with its National Monument
status, is just a two minute stroll from the centre of Franschhoek with its
numerous museums, galleries and restaurants.
This manor, with its National Monument status,
is just a two minute stroll from the centre of Franschhoek with its numerous
museums, galleries and restaurants. There are two swimming pools and the
exclusive Ginko Health & Beauty Spa situated in its secluded gardens. Spacious
rooms have a colonial charm and are stylishly furnished with antiques.
Price guide
– based on Shiraz room
01 Nov 08 – 30 Apr 09 £100pppn
01 May 09 – 15 Oct 09 £69pppn
16 Oct 09 – 31 Oct 09 £122pppn
St James of Knysna
This exceptional,
privately-owned hotel sits in three acres of perfectly manicured gardens on the
waters edge, looking out over the peaceful lagoon to the dramatic Knysna Heads.
The St James is beautifully decorated in an elegant, country
house style, and has just 18 delightful bedrooms located in three buildings,
each with its own outdoor swimming pool – the main manor, the
Mediterranean-style courtyard and the cottage. All overlook the gardens and many
have attractive views of the lagoon. The gardens are perfect for relaxation, or
if you prefer, a game of tennis on the flood-lit court, croquet, or a spot of
fishing or even waterskiing from the private jetty. The hotel has its own boat
for sightseeing cruises and also a number of canoes – perfect for exploring the
lagoon’s wonderful eco-system. The main manor is home to an attractive
lounge
with a mezzanine level, a bar and a delightful dining room where delicious
cuisine is served by candlelight. The St James has a perfect setting and offers
a level of personal service that has guests returning year upon year.
Price guide
01 Nov 08 – 31 Dec 08 £69pppn
01 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £70pppn
01 May 09 – 30 Sep 09 £36pppn
01 Oct 09 – 31 Oct 09 £70pppn
Lake Pleasant Living
click on thumbnails for larger pictures that open in a new window
The Garden Route, a panoramic region idyllically placed
between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, is home to
Lake Pleasant Living Exclusive Holiday Suites in the Knysna district. This
charming property, built on the edge of one of the few natural freshwater lakes
in the southern hemisphere, is a serene retreat set in the picturesque Goukamma
Nature and Marine Reserve.
Welcome to Lake Pleasant Living where the discerning traveler
will find superb facilities in tranquil surrounds. Enjoy Lake Pleasant as a
holiday destination to stay.
More than a hotel room, our spacious suites are equipped with all the modern
conveniences. Experience ‘lifestyle living’ and not merely just a room to
overnight.
Expect comfort and luxury in a relaxed environment when visiting us.
- One and two bedroom suites
- All lake and garden facing
- Self-contained
- Serviced
- Children of all ages welcome
- 24-hour Security
Lake Pleasant Living offers prolific birdlife, exceptional bass-fishing,
mountain biking, boating and beautiful unspoilt beaches nearby, as well as many
world-class golf courses and a wide variety of attractions to enjoy.
Price guide
- based on a 1 bedroom apartment
01 Nov 08 – 31 Dec 08 £49pppn BB
01 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £54pppn BB
01 May 09 – 30 Sep 09 £42pppn RO
01 Oct 09 – 31 Oct 09 £54pppn RO
2 Bedroom apartment
01 Nov 08 – 31 Dec 08 £84pppn BB
01 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £93pppn BB
01 May 09 – 30 Sep 09 £70pppn RO
01 Oct 09 – 31 Oct 09 £90pppn RO
Pumpa Game
Reserve
Pumba Private Game
Reserve is located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape and is a mere 1 hours drive
from Port Elizabeth and 15 minutes from the historical Grahamstown, while the
Gary Player design Golf Course at Alicedale is only 30km away.
With its 5 star game lodge
luxury, guests have every opportunity to enjoy the ultimate essence of South
Africa's luxury and style. The luxurious Pumba Water lodge comprises of 12
stone-walled, thatched, waterfront cottages all opening onto a private timber
deck with outdoor shower and plunge pool overlooking the Kariega Lake and
game drinking water or splashing around. The new Msenge Bush Lodge offers 11
chalets in the thick bush also with all 11 bedrooms opening up onto a timber
deck with outdoor shower and plunge pool overlooking roaming game.
The bedrooms and bathrooms
offer under-floor heating, dreamy, free-standing bathtubs, double basins, terry
towel bathrobes and splendid appointments to create an ambience of luxurious
indulgence with a spa treatment or two. Air-conditioning, earthenware
fireplaces and fine linen ensure your absolute comfort.
Enjoy the following activities that are available in the area surrounding the
reserve, while visiting us at Pumba Private Game Reserve:
· Big Five Game Drives
· Bass Fishing
· Massages
· Horse Back Trails
· Golf
· Sky Diving
· Coastal Helicopter Flips
· Historical Tours
· Frontier War Tours
Children are welcome - please note that children under the age of 8 years are
not permitted on game drives
Price guide
01 Nov 08 – 30 Apr 09 £311pppn
01 May 09 – 30 Sep 09 £201pppn
01 Oct 09 – 31 Oct 09 £340pppn
 Shamwari
Game Reserve
The ultimate luxury big
five African safari adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible
tourism.
Shamwari Private Game
Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), is
malaria free and is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This reserve
has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading
Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years. It is situated
in verdant bush along the
Bushmans River, halfway between
Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from
Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous
Garden Route.
Luxury safari accommodation
is offered in 6 different lodges on this private game reserve. Choose a lodge
that compliments your ideal African experience.
Shamwari is about conserving
a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man’s dream, and the
success of many people’s passion.
Steeped in pioneer history,
and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the
25 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of
many forms of plant, animal and bird life.
Price guide
Bayethe / Bushmans River Lodge / Long Lee Manor (luxury
room) / Riverdene
01 Nov 08 – 31 Dec 08 £336pppn
01 Jan 09 – 30 Apr 09 £355pppn
01 May 09 – 30 Sep 09 £235pppn
01 Oct 09 – 31 Oct 09 £384pppn
 Savanna
Game Lodge
The unique Savanna Private Game Reserve is situated in the
world reknowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which borders
South Africa's famous Kruger
National Park.
Savanna is the epitome of a
fully inclusive and diverse African wildlife and cultural experience. Memorable
and exciting big game viewing and a fascinating insight into the local tribal
customs of the Shangaan people, will form part of your safari experience.
Our mission is to exceed, in every respect, our guests
expectations of quality game viewing, fine hospitality, personal service and
exceptional cuisine. It is our aim at Savanna to make each and every guest feel
special and to give our guests the best Game Viewing experience possible
The management and staff of Savanna are totally committed to
maintaining the highest standards of service and hospitality and will ensure
that all guests enjoy the most memorable African safari.
Price guide
Savanna Game Lodge – Luxury suite
01 Nov 08 – 30
Apr 09 £270pppn
01 May 09 – 31 Oct 09 £317pppn
Savanna Game Lodge – Executive
suite (plunge pool)
01 Nov 08 – 30 Apr 09 £338pppn
01 May 09 – 31 Oct 09 £399pppn
 MalaMala
Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve is the Safari Industrys blueprint to the luxury
photographic safari. In existence since 1927, this massive thriving tract of
land produces the most
exciting wildlife experience
this side of the equator. MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private Big
Five game reserve in
South Africa. Comprising 13 300 ha, MalaMala
shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned
Kruger National Park and lies
sandwiched between the National Park and the
Sabi Sand Reserve.
For over four
decades, Michael Rattray has remained focused on his objective to
preserve and protect
the land over which he is custodian. Allowing nature to move to its innate
rhythm, guests experience today what the forefathers of the African Safari would
have experienced at the turn of the century. This philosophy has paid off, as
experienced by a veritable collection of photojournalists and film-makers who
have made MalaMala their destination of choice to capture footage of wildlife
viewing that would rival any
Hollywood production for thrilling and breathtaking animal
encounters.
" Not even Tanzanias famed
Serengeti Game Reserve or the awesome Ngorongoro Crater fills your camera
viewfinder faster with Africas legendary Big Five at MalaMala, lion, leopard,
buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant appear magically says acclaimed wildlife
photojournalist Geoff Dalglish in his Sunday Times review. Nor could Hollywood
script the wide-screen wildlife encounters any more dramatically or frequently
than nature does routinely in the private game reserve that is arguably
South Africas most famous internationally."
 MalaMala's
Camps (MalaMala
Main Camp,
Sable Camp
and
Rattray's on MalaMala)
are the embodiment of an authentic safari experience pioneered at a time when
the safari was simple - unassuming camps, vast sweeping plains, the African sky
and the bush in all its splendour. Wellness was the feeling after a long day in
the wild. Cigars were shared without pomp and ceremony.
Guests to MalaMala will still
spend hours beneath an inky sky in the traditional boma exchanging
stories from the wild
- a sumptuous meal, good company and relaxed faces warmed by the crackling fire,
accompanied by the nocturnal symphony of sound.
Price guide
01 Nov 08 – 31 Dec 08 £333pppn
01 Jan 09 – 31 Oct 09 £370pppn
Tsala Tree
top lodge, near Plettenberg Bay
 A
member of Relais & Chateaux and the sister hotel of the neighbouring Hunter’s
Country House, this unique structure, on the site of an ancient civilization,
occupies a position high up above the magnificent forests of Tsitsikamma.
Constructed by skilled local
craftsmen from wood, stone and glass, it is a truly breathtaking experience. The
10 suites have private ‘infinity’ plunge pools and observation
decks; each building is connected by a series of wooden walkways that rise as
high as 20 feet into the forest canopy. The rooms are exceptionally private and
all have a large sitting room, a ceramic fire, a bathroom with a free standing
bath – large enough for two - and an outside shower. The restaurant and lounge
are in the main lodge which is decorated throughout with fascinating African
artefacts. Accommodation at Tsala is much sought-after because of its unique
quality and romantic setting so early booking is recommended.
Safari: Gorah Elephant Camp,
luxury tented camp in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park.
A member of Relais & Chateaux, Gorah Elephant Camp is a superb
boutiquestyle lodge located one hour north of Port Elizabeth. It is an extensive
(and very peaceful) private concession within Addo Elephant National Park, a 10
kilometres drive on dirt tracks from the main road, and combines great style
with a true feeling of being at one with nature. "Gorah House" has been
sumptuously restored to its 19th Century splendour with period furniture and is
now a National Monument. The two lounges have open fires, the library has
historic books of the area and the terrace opens out onto a small water hole
visited by numerous animals. There are two stylish dining rooms and the lodge
has a reputation for superb cuisine. Within the rocks behind the lodge is the
Boma area for outside dining and the natural rock swimming pool. Accommodation
is in 11 luxury tented suites under thatched canopies and all have their own
verandas looking out over the plains. Elephants are the main attraction
(elephant back-safaris can be arranged) and there is a full programme
of game drives which give you the opportunity to view rhino, buffalo and lion as
well as more than 300 species of birds.
We are able to
tailor make your holiday to South Africa to ensure you get the most out of your
time.
If you are
thinking of visiting South Africa then please call in and ask to speak to Nathan
or Alan who have both been themselves - 0845 003 2211 or 01543 258631.
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