South_Africa travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

It is a beautiful area south west of South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park. Singita Boulders is the part of the Singita Group of Lodges. It’s comprised of a number of smaller reserves that have set the bar for all of Africa, with their luxurious, intimate and classy lodges. A stay at Singita is about many things: remarkable design, innovative food and wine combined with exceptional hospitality.

Interiors are lavish in their simplicity and celebrate earthy colors in sandy browns, soft beige and caramel hues. Wood and stone are effectively used to create an effortless space that marries the modern world to the ancient one inspired by nature. Rough-hewn timber, leather and stone meet thatch and wild views. The decor is juxtaposed between the textures of Africa and carefree lines of an occasional retro classic. Quiet, simple and luxurious, guests love nothing better than to relax in the open-air lounge.

The Lodge has nine double suites each with en-suite bathroom, outside shower, fireplace, air-conditioning and game-viewing deck with private plunge pool. Boulders Lodge offers a relaxed opulence and one of the most beautiful locations in the Sabi Sand Reserve… it is pure African Zen. Guests at Singita will encounter something truly original: a cuisine inspired by African flavors yet guided by the Western culinary tradition. Complementing the menu is Singita’s hidden treasure: the best bush cellar in Africa. Buried deep in the cool rock below Boulders, the cellar boasts a truly unique and comprehensive cross section of over 12,000 bottles of South African and International wines.

A very elegant safari destination, Singita Game Reserves in South Africa is about wildlife, community and conservation and every ounce of luxury you could want. You can drive between leopards and antelope, as well as lions and buffalo, and a multitude of other animals, including giraffe, baboons, elephants, owls, hippos, rhinos and eagles. In addition, its lodges have notched up a number of awards – including being named second on the Travel and Leisure Magazine’s Top 100 Hotels Overall list of 2007.

This sunny hotel is sitted in the hearth of the ”Mother City”, South Africa very close to the major transport links, world class shops and markets. The hotel has a luxurious urban design with retro 60’s touch, which makes up the essence of this vibrant place.

There is a small boardroom for intimate business meetings is available for a maximum of 14 delegates, including a business centre with free internet & e-mail access.

The Veranda Restaurant, serving an excellent food, which mirrors the energetic eclecticism of the Metropole itself, ranging from mouthwatering modern South African cuisine.

Another attractive spot is the chic and intimate M-Bar & Lounge, where guests have a drink and listen to sophisticated sounds or on some nights live music. As well as the M-Bar is an open ground for young, hip urban dwellers and for those who keep young at heart.

Each room of the hotel consists extra length beds(Twins or King size), luxurious en-suite bathrooms, fully remote controlled air-conditioning, satellite TV incl. sport, german & movie channels, telephone, hairdryer, fully stocked mini-bar, personal digital safes, tea/coffee making facilities, international power points incl. modem points for Laptop computers, crisp white linen & unique (bath) amenities such as gowns & slippers offer pure luxury and comfort. All windows are soundproofed to ensure that nothing will interrupt a good night’s sleep.

There’s a hotel right just on the hilltop of the Kruger National Park, South Africa surrounded by floodpains. The region is called Makuleke and offers 180 degree backdrops of the Luvhuvu river. The hotel is an oasis of reserved and eco-luxury.

Erected from steel, canvas and aluminium, the surprisingly contemporary buildings are open and unaffected. Taking a lead in South Africa’s ecotourism revolution, rhe hotel is committed to employing and training local Makulele people, creating not just another tourist destination, but the backbone to a whole community.

Italy’s Enrico Daffonchio designer proected the hotel for full integration in its environment. Daffonchio has been building with an astute awareness of energy resources as well as placing a heavy emphasis on integrating materials as graphic elements in their own right since 1966.

There’s is a marvellous rectangular pool and restaurant with spectacular views of the Kruger National Park with an extensive wine cellar.

Mount Nelson Hotel is located quite near to the city centre in Cape Town and 34km drive from Cape Town International Airport. The hotel is as well as near by to the fashionable Kloof Street restuarants and bars and 5 minutes walking to the lovely beaches.

The hotel has 201 elegant decorated rooms and six individual wings, separated from the main hotel. Facilities include modern communications services, a business centre, a gymnasium, a luxurious spa , two heated swimming pools and two all-weather tennis courts as well as fine dining and a more relaxed al fresco dining experience.

The Nelson is very aristocratic one by maintaining traditions such as the famous sumptuous afternoon teas, garden walks with the head gardener and by always offering friendly yet professional service. There’s also a stylish new bar Planet, providing the perfect setting for sipping champagne and cocktails under the African night sky.

1.Thanda Private Game Reserve
Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of powerful Zulu culture, wildlife, romantic decadence and exclusivity. One of the luxury bush villas, or embrace nature at the colonial safari-style tented camp. Bush breakfasts, lunches or dinners are also available for special occasions. Experience an authentic Big Five African safari during an open vehicle game drive or bush walk, and have the opportunity to encounter lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and the elusive leopard. Take heed of your body and mind’s desire for inner peace and close your eyes whilst daily stresses vanish beneath skilfulhands. A day at the beach, approximately an hour from Thanda, can be arranged where guests have the possibility to dive with sharks, snorkel above coral reefs, ride horses on the beach or just enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The nine luxury bush villas at the main lodge offer a level of opulence that is hard to surpass, each with private heated splash pools and private bomas, ideal for intimate open-air dinners.
2.The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City
This truly magnificent Palace, so legend says, was built for a king by an ancient civilization from North of Africa, who made this idyllic valley their home until it was destroyed by an earthquake. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and offer mini-bars, electronic in-room safes, hairdryers, 24-hour in-room dining, international direct dial telephones, and televisions with cable TV. Resident guests at The Palace can bathe in a grand pool while sipping cocktails. Enjoy drinks at the gracious Tusk Bar. Dine in splendor in the Crystal Court or Villa del Palazzo, where fine cuisine is a treasured art. The Sun City leisure complex also offers a wide variety of over 15 restaurants to choose from. Fully equipped health club and spa, squash, tennis, full range of water sports, horse riding, mountain bike hiking trails. Big 5 game viewing, hot air ballooning, the Valley of the Waves water park. Botanical gardens, aviary, shopping and boutiques. Discotheque, live music venues and casino. Kamp Kwena Kids recreation facilities, helicopter flips, perfect venue for weddings, butterfly World, cultural Village and Shebeen.
3. Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa
Located in a secure, and secluded, gated residential area in Sandhurst – within close proximity to the central business district and the two major shopping areas in Johannesburg. An all-suite hotel, set on 6 acres of land in a residential area of Johannesburg – home to Nelson Mandela. This exclusive luxury hotel epitomizes authentic African elegance combined with discretely personalized attention to detail. 24 suites – each incorporating a strong element of African Art, state-of-the-art facilities, writing desk, Broadband and wireless Internet access. The Saxon Spa and Studio has the most up to date equipment, health and wellness treatments, Gymnasium, 900 square meter swimming pool.
4.Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
The suites are larger than the conventional suites (about 69 square metres) and apart from individually controlled climate control, satellite television, DVD/CD player, electronic safe, direct dial telephone, computer and Internet access, each has a gourmet pantry kitchen with deli snacks, tea and coffee making facilities, a private bar with well-stocked drinks cabinet, fire place, walk-in wardrobe, and spectacular views of the golf course, lagoon or Indian Ocean. Each guest is pampered with designer freebies from the Molton Brown range: heavenly ginger-lily, sea-moss and purifying grape-seed that moisturizes, energizes and bathe body, mind and senses…the perfect antidote to stress and fatigue, the aroma and oils turn the bathroom into a sybaritic sanctuary. Zachary’s restaurant is a heady blend of contemporary African influences, uniquely regional touches and a truly global menu. The Chef works with the best local produce and with over 2500 bottles of specially selected wines. The Field of Dreams is a multifunctional sporting complex currently being built. It will compromise an international-standard cricket field that could double as a soccer pitch or a hockey facility: three outdoor tennis courts built to world-class specifications; a PGA-standard driving range; a golf academy and practice area; an Olympic swimming pool; squash courts, bowls – and it will be linked into an equestrian centre and Pezula’s own sailing, hiking, jogging and beach club.
5.Izulu Hotel, Durban
A five star property with luxury all suite accommodation in Ballito, year round sunshine, fine dining, immaculate yet personalised service, a fully fledged spa and facilities for both conferences and weddings, Hotel Izulu is no ordinary hotel. It is a place where effortless exclusivity is its all essential ingredient – and where only the best will do. A celebrated international executive chef personally selects the finest local ingredients, creating unimagined delights that encompass the big five of gastronomy – taste, aroma, texture, succulence and presentation. Dine a la carte at the elegantly contemporary Gigis Restaurant, in the intimacy of your suite. at a table in the charming Wine Cellar where many rare and sought after South African wines can be enjoyed by the bottle or the glass, or enjoy light lunches in the pool courtyard or outdoors terrace areas. Hotel Izulu comprises five free standing Bali-style villas flanking the main hotel which reflects contemporary Tuscan architecture – all set in sub tropical lush landscaped surrounds. Built using only local craftsmen and products, Hotel Izulu has been awarded its rightful ‘Proudly South African’ status. 6.Gorah Elephant Camp
The incomparable thrill of quietly observing a passing herd of elephant while being served tea on the veranda of a stately Colonial manor house is the stuff of dreams and legends – at Gorah it’s an everyday occurrence. This exclusive safari lodge recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic African safari of centuries past – the awesome natural world of Africa merged with colonial nostalgia and modern sophistication to deliver an unforgettably unique 5 star adventure.
7.Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Situated in the heart of the malaria-free Northern Cape Province, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is the ultimate safari experience. The surroundings are elegantly simple with a luxury swimming pool opening to the remarkable scene of animals drinking at a nearby watering hole. At Tswalu, guests can relax in the lounge or enjoy meals in the dining room. A patio overlooks the outdoor heated swimming pool and pool terrace. In addition, Tswalu has a walk in wine cellar stocked with the Oppenheimer Collection and South African wines, a mezzanine library with TV/satellite, Dimpho (a gift shop) and Jwa Bana (children’s rooms). Guests can find calm at the contemplation “sala”, sun themselves at the pool or retire to lofty bedrooms with vistas that beguile the most jaded traveller. Private game viewing vehicles are included as well as a dedicated chef to allow the luxury of flexibility.
8. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
The reserves commitment to conservation and its attention to the finest of details promises you a completely unforgettable experience. As the sun rises over the bush veld, awakening Africa’s big game, enjoy a genuine wildlife experience in a landscape of contrasts. Treatments inspired by Africa are offered at the famed Earth Nature Spa and the new Bush Nature Spa. Acclaimed ecotourism location, adjacent to Kruger National Park, safaris with skilled rangers, safaris, home-cooked cuisine, open-air showers and private butlers. Additional facilities include the Earth Nature Spa, secluded library, art gallery and meditation garden.
9.Plettenberg Park Hotel
Plettenberg Park is an all-weather hotel, swathed in sunshine during the summer, equally splendid in winter, with log fires ablaze, keeping you cosily at the centre of the wild and spectacular surrounds. Wide open spaces play an important role at Plettenberg Park’s Lake House, not only in terms of the panoramic vistas across the Indian Ocean and the sprawling Savannah behind, but also within the hotel itself. The palate is there to be tantalised and indulged, which is why Plettenberg Park specialises in world-class cuisine, treating guests to good food, good wine and personal hospitality. Our chef and catering staff will happily create a menu around your specific tastes. Spend the day on the hotel’s very own sun-drenched snow white beach, swimming in a rock pool, snorkelling in seas rich in marine life, scuba diving, water-skiing, Hobie Cat sailing and deep-sea fishing, or step out of your room and spend a lazy day at the pool side. The hotel boasts its own gym, sauna and steam room where massage treatments and personal training can be done. The hotel’s Jacuzzi ensures that you can enjoy a romantic candle lit experience whilst sipping Champagne, feasting on strawberries and cream all with an unparalleled view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

10.”The Twelve Apostles” Hotel and Spa
The luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa lies where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above Atlantic rollers and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles mountain range in glorious Cape Town, South Africa. Azure, serving an international menu with an emphasis on South African cuisine, with fresh seafood, local produce and outstanding Cape wines. Leopard Room Lounge & Bar, with panoramic views of the ocean and mountain, for snacks, tea and drinks, with live entertainment. Al fresco Apostle Cafe, for bistro-style food. Heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Scuba diving and snorkeling just a minute from the hotel. Beach at nearby Camps Bay for surfing, swimming and volleyball. Golf, fishing, kayaking and mountains walks are also available close by.