“Every traveler has their very own bucket list of destinations they would love to visit one day. Here we take a look into our managing director Mandi's wish list of unique and trendy hideaways that she longs to experience!”
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Every traveler has their very own bucket list of destinations they would love to visit one day. Here we take a look into our managing director’s wish list of unique and trendy hideaways opening in 2019 that she longs to experience!
All of these luxurious and unique properties are located right on our doorstep here in South Africa or in neighboring African countries, and are personally selected to meet the strict criteria of avid traveler Mandi Aliverti.
SOUTH AFRICA – &BEYOND TENGILE RIVER LODGE
Meaning “tranquil” in the local Tsonga language, &Beyond Tengile River Lodge is situated in the wild untouched land of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve (Kruger National Park). Anatomy Design used this as their guiding principle when creating the timeless interiors. With an appreciation for opulent design I really love how they have merged intimate spaces embracing a sense of solitude, with open pockets of space encouraging group gatherings. Nine guest suites offer chic sunken lounges and elegant bedrooms that open onto enchanting views of the forest. Raised above the ground level to give an impression that they are floating above the river bed. What I would do to experience the crafted detail and styled setting of this trendy, designer Lodge!
Why we love it: offering one of the best cat sightings in Africa, this luxury lodge certainly provides a prolific location for Big 5 Safaris.
RWANDA – GORILLAS NEST LODGE ONE & ONLY
Rwanda is becoming a super-hot and central destination this year and is one to watch. With that in mind, we are looking forward to new openings from One&Only in this African country. First to launch will be the One&Only Nyungwe House, set on a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe National Park. It will offer rooms situated in 6 wooden villas will boast open fireplaces, private decks and exceptional views of the forest.
The second lodge will be the Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, situated in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano Range. Featuring 22 guest tents as well as a restaurant and spa, it will be a luxurious home base from which to discover the roaming grounds of the mountain gorillas. The camp’s restaurant will serve cuisine focused on local traditions using produce grown in the property’s organic garden, while the spa will provide African-inspired treatments.
Why we love it: Luxurious accommodation meeting authentic setting – we love that in the middle of the lush forest you are able to experience 5-star standards from the luxury One & Only brand and at the same time get to discover the rare sightings of the mighty gorilla.
NAMIBIA – HOANIB VALLEY CAMP
I have tracked the desert elephants in Damaraland in Namibia before & stayed at the wonderful Mowani Mountain Camp (where my family & I felt like true Flintstones) but tracking these elephants in Hoanib would be a dream come true.
In a country jam-packed with vast, spectacularly beautiful landscapes, Kaokoland may just be the most incredible of them all. Deep in north-western Namibia, the area is a melee of towering mountains, sand dunes, and huge expanses of desert, scattered with unique wildlife and nomadic Himba settlements. It’s also one of Namibia’s most remote and wild environments, and one that not many will get the chance to discover in a lifetime – this is exactly why I had to add this unique camp to my wish list!
A joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, this valley is the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organisation. Days are spent tracking endangered rhino, desert-adapted elephant & giraffe, before retiring to your private veranda to marvel at the magnitude of your surroundings – with a G&T in hand of course!
Why we love it: Set in the middle of the Namibian desert you are treated to a truly unique safari experience, where the guides are fantastic – locating the camouflaged elephants within the dunes as well as other wildlife. We would love to view the ‘Instagramable’ moment of an African elephant spraying the fine desert sand out of his trunk, imitating water.
NAMIBIA – SHIPWRECK LODGE
Namibia is booming — and rightly so, as this country simply takes our breath away. One of the most eerily beautiful areas of the country is the Skeleton Coast, where the ancient Namibian Desert meets the Atlantic and where the remains of hundreds of beached ships are slowly consumed by the elements. This unique place is the inspiration for Shipwreck Lodge as the twelve chalets reflect the rusty, upturned shapes of old vessels, while the textures and materials of the decor reflect the weathered surroundings. At the same time, I really love how the interiors could easily trace their pedigrees to the latest lavish décor catalogues.
Why we love it: Location, location, location. We have to admire the luxury cabins scattered along the Skeleton coastline offering a completely serene setting for travelers to completely unwind with a couple of books and embracing the solitary landscapes.
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA – ZURI ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar has a lot of room for beautiful hotels and Zuri makes us want to visit the island again. Set on the north coast, this new Design Hotels member will offer the luxury of simplicity in a “beach hammock” type of experience. Fifty-four villas are designed in a style that marries chic modernism with local island styled thatched-roof accommodation. The large private beach is set to be the main attraction, but there will also be a couple of bars, a grill restaurant, and a swimming pool to really get into the tropical vibe of this exotic destination.
Why we love it: Zuri Zanzibar is a member of the Design Hotels, a selection of handpicked, design-driven luxury hotels from around the world. One of the three selections in Africa, we think this is a very impressive portfolio to be a part of! This trendy hotel is also located on a pristine piece of beach location less effected by tide – offering guests extended time to enjoy the luxury of their private beach.
To let us recommend, design and personalise your very own ‘bucket-list’ adventure, please contact our team on info@travelconcepts.co.za