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Madikwe Private Game Reserve – North West, South Africa

Molori Safari Lodge

Molori’s vision combines local décor and design with international style and boasts an abundance of relaxation areas from which to enjoy the vast African landscape and the roaming wildlife.  In addition to an extraordinary game viewing experience, the lodge offers you absolute privacy, an authentic connection to your surroundings, and the finest in culinary and spa services.

What we love:

• The lodge is intimate and boasts only five suites with interiors by Kirk Lazarus.
• Each suite has its own infinity pool, telescope and IPod docking station – just to mention a few amenities.
• WIFI is available throughout the lodge and laptops are available on request.
• Molori offers a VIP airport handling service.

Kalahari – Northern Cape, South Africa

Tswalu Private Game Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares.  The suites are built of local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch.  Recently redesigned by world-renowned Boyd Ferguson, they define an elegant, barefoot luxury. Conde Nast Traveller has the following to say: “A style has evolved in southern Africa of safari chic, which involves a fusion of African artefacts and art with very contemporary furniture. Nowhere I have seen does it as well as Tswalu.”

What we love:

• The daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to the reserve.
• Your dedicated compliment of field guides and butlers allow you to choose how you would like to spend your day.
• The indoor and outdoor showers, direct dial phones, WIFI and broadband throughout the lodge.
• The state of the art spa and gym facilities.

 

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Ecca Lodge

Forget jodhpurs, pith helmets or stiff upper lips – Ecca Lodge is youthful, relaxed, modern and trendy.  Emblazoned with giant Warhol-like prints, retro light fittings and shades of olive, rust and burnt orange, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a funky cosmopolitan penthouse, until you step outside that is.   Blessed with breathtaking views over an Acacia, Aloe and Spekboom-studded valley, this funky lodge with a laid-back vibe offers the perfect wildlife experience for the young at heart.

What we love:

• A fusion of contemporary and collectable furnishings.
• The large suites furnished with private plunge pools, WIFI and air-conditioning.
• The interactive kitchen for mealtime fun.
• Spacious guest areas with fire places, a study, children’s play centre and inviting infinity pool.

 

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge consists of ten glass and stone desert villas cradled against the ancient mountains.  Each air conditioned suite comes with a split level sitting area and fireplace, star-viewing skylight above the bed, en-suite bathroom with a shower, as well as an outdoor shower.  Private verandas and spotting scopes allow guests to make the most of the impressive desert view.  Choose from scenic drives in open 4×4 Safari vehicles, quad biking and nature walks to stargazing and desert picnic excursions.  Hot air balloon and flight safaris are also available at additional cost.

What we love:

• The luxurious, modern designed furnishings.
• Sophisticated stargazing with a professional astronomer and Quad bike explorations of the dunes with expert guides.
• Excursions to Sossusvlei – some of the world’s highest sand dunes and desert dining in summer.
• The wine cellar, infinity pool, outside cocktail bar and stylish lounge areas.

 

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Bilila Lodge Villas

The Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequaled for its natural beauty and scientific value. With more than two million wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson’s gazelle, and a 250,000 zebra, it has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa. The wildebeest and zebra form the star cast of a unique spectacular, the annual Serengeti migration. Serengeti in English translates as “endless plains.”

What we love:

• Unobstructed views of the Serengeti from the big glass windows.
• All rooms are spacious with private terraces, air conditioning, high-speed internet, TV with satellite television channels, four poster beds decked with mosquito net, an infinity pool, kitchenette and butler service.
• Elevated walkways throughout the lodge offer highest security aspects for the guests.
• Facilities for meetings, incentives, conferences and private events.

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Madikwe Private Game Reserve – North West, South Africa

Morukuru Lodge  

Morukuru Lodge enfolds guests in peace and comfort from the moment they enter its sumptuous living area.  The Lodge can accommodate six adult guests in three double en-suite bedrooms, each featuring a super-king, super-wide bed.  Airy bedrooms have individual air conditioning systems and fans, a fireplace for chilly nights and large, insect-screened sliding doors opening on to tree-shaded private balconies.  Spacious bathrooms have deep baths with a view of the bush, and both inside and outside, monkey’s eye-view private showers for an unforgettable bushveld experience.

What we love:

• Morukuru is located within 3 hours drive from OR Tambo International Airport with daily light aircraft transfers to the game reserve.
• It is a Malaria free reserve and perfect for travelling with young children.
• The lodge boasts a heated infinity pool with comfortable loungers.
• The décor style is intimate with minimalistic and modern elements throughout the rooms and living areas.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve – North West, South Africa

Shepherds Tree Lodge

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge overlooks a scenic amphitheater in the south-western portion of the 57,250ha, Big 5, and malaria free Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Being positioned in an exclusive use zone, the lodge offers game activities in a private section of the reserve, while also offering access to all the reserve’s public roads. The great expanse of the untouched Wilderness Area lies a few hundred meters to the north of the lodge, and provides guests with the great opportunity to explore this pristine environment on foot.  The featured architecture and interior design are the hallmark of the whole lodge, and flawless finishes leave no detail overlooked.

What we love:

• The African-inspired design with minimalistic textures and fabrics on modern furniture pieces.
• All suites have uninterrupted views with modern facilities including plasma screens and satellite TV.
• The lodge offers conferencing facilities as well as a mini business center.
• The spacious entertainment deck complete with a cocktail bar and rim-flow swimming pool.

Kruger National Park – Mpumalanga, South Africa

Earth Lodge, Sabi Sands

Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. On arrival a hidden corridor leads you down on a journey to a unique and unforgettable experience. The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites at this luxury lodge features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom and indoor and outdoor shower. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.

What we love:  

• Earth Lodge is a 5 hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport.  Alternatively, there are daily flights from Johannesburg directly to the lodge or to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and daily flights from Cape Town International Airport to KMIA.
• This environmentally sensitive lodge boasts private plunge pools in each suite, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden, an underground wine cellar as well as luxurious spa facilities.

Royal Malewane’s Africa House, Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Situated a few minutes’ drive from the main lodge and accommodating a maximum of 12 guests in the utmost splendour, Africa House is the perfect safari villa for families or groups travelling together. Enter the imposing North African front door and feel the calm of the central courtyard with its cooling fountain, twin casitas and spacious covered veranda. Generous living and dining areas in the safari villa lead onto another covered veranda where you can relax on the day beds, swim in the pool or enjoy leisurely meals in a magical bush setting. Africa House is the epitome of exclusivity in a safari villa:

What we love:

• The chic, antique décor and furnishes with modern amenities
• The villa comes with a private chef, butler, ranger, tracker and game drive vehicle – not to mention its own Boma for special dinners under the stars.
• The gorgeous infinity pool and day beds as well as the state of the art spa and gym facilities.

Singita Lebombo

Like the Lebombo Euphorbia tree after which it was named, the design of Lebombo Lodge is one of a kind.  From the sweeping wooden decks you can watch the theatre that unfolds before you, while the lap pool beckons to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.  The fifteen suites feature contemporary finishes with beds dressed with Egyptian cotton and silky-soft throws.  Enjoy dinner in the boma, then spend the evening, if you so wish, sleeping under the stars on the bed of your private terrace.

What we love:

• The natural colour scheme and bold chandeliers dropping from the ceilings.
• The open plan Suites, inside and outside showers, and direct telephone lines
• The library, internet and computer facilities.
• The gymnasium, health spa, wine cellar and impressive pool area with loungers.

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The Greenhouse recently scooped up the 2011 Eat Out and DSTV Food Network award not only as ‘Restaurant of the Year’ but also as the ‘No 1 Restaurant in South Africa’.   Set in the historic Hohenort building and looking onto verdant gardens, it has become the favourite subject of food writers, local leisure seekers, international travelers and, auspiciously, the Travel Concepts team alike.

Perched on the breathtaking slopes of Table Mountain, the owner-managed Cellars Hotel is located in the historical Constantia Valley, adjacent to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and minutes away from the Constantia Wine Route.  Conveniently, it is also a short drive away from no fewer than 11 world class golf courses.  The hotel forms part of The Collection by Liz McGrath which boasts first class, luxury accommodation at three of the Western Cape’s top establishments; the other two being The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay.

Fine food is one of the cornerstones of The Collection’s ethos and, through her passion, proprietor Liz McGrath has ensured that The Greenhouse is today as iconic as its resplendent hotel setting. It expertly showcases Cape Town’s first Grand Chef Peter Tempelhoff’s acclaimed conceptual approach to cuisine.  Says The Greenhouse team: “The tasting menus are inspired by the imagination, a place where anything is possible. The cuisine deconstructs and reinvents past classics, resulting in dishes that surprise and leave a lasting impression.”  Travel Concepts Group CEO, Richard Holt, couldn’t agree more and fittingly calls it “art”.  “It was simply a fantastic overall experience within a stylish, intimate surrounding.”

With the emphasis placed on local produce and flavours, the tasting menu – paired with superb wines from the surrounding wine regions – will impress even the most seasoned diners.  The restaurant seats only 45 guests, which ensures that each patron experiences a personalised fine-dining affair. “It showcases the finest of South Africa,” reads the Rossouw’s Restaurants review, while Eat Out has the following to say: “The tasting menu consists of four courses, which could feature the local buffalo mozzarella with avocado mouse and the intense flavour of dehydrated tomatoes and olives, followed by Malay-scented seafood risotto with abalone. The main course to go for is the delicious, slow-cooked Karan beef fillet with red onion marmalade.  Finish off the meal with a flaming Grand Marnier soufflé.”

Travel Concepts MD, Mandi Johnson-Aliverti, has an exceptionally difficult to please Italian husband… She regales: “We subscribe to the Slow Food movement and were so impressed that I can confidently say The Greenhouse and The Test Kitchen will, from now on, be mentioned in the same sentence!”  Mandi’s personal favourite was the Cape Malay spiced lobster bisque served in an egg shell, and the ‘Foie Gras-nola’ – seared foie gras, honey-nut granola, parsnip, onion marmalade, and Asian plum sauce.

But what about the ambiance and service, you may ask?  “The staff were excellent, friendly, knowledgeable – and not overbearing,” Richard confirms before Group MD and Founder of the Concepts Collection, Christina Holt, enthusiastically interjects: “As an interior design addict I just love the fusion of chic ‘conservatory style’ décor (yes, you feel like being in your wealthy British aunt’s country retreat) and unforgettable cuisine to match.  I find myself talking about the simple yet sophisticated atmosphere and culinary showstoppers even to my friends and family in Europe – and will make each one’s upcoming visit to South Africa a reason to go back”.  Eat Out adds to this ambient praise: “A superbly light and airy room, with that sought-after (but rarely achieved) indoor-outdoor feeling.”

The Travel Concepts team would like to extend a heartfelt, super-satisfied thank you to Tony Romer-Lee, CEO of The Liz McGrath Collection, who afforded us this glorious, gastronomic feast.   We have a lot more to say (don’t even get us started on the scrumptious baby macaroons!) but leave it to our readers to also share in the experiences of other patrons.  Visit Tripadvisor for further mouth-watering accounts from across the globe on this food connoisseur’s haven.

Images supplied by The Collection.

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The winelands of the Western Cape are becoming increasingly famous for their gastronomic excellence and numerous wine farms can now boast having world class restaurants on site in this beautiful part of the world.

And arguably the most spectacular of them all has recently opened at the Waterkloof Wine Estate, situated on the edge of the Stellenbosch wine route. As lovers of good things food and wine, we decided to go for lunch and see for ourselves what people were getting hot under the collar about.

The Waterkloof Estate is actually closer to Somerset West than Stellenbosch about a 40 minute drive down the N2 highway from Cape Town. The directions say the winery is atop the Schapenberg Mountain, 300 meters above sea level and the highest point around. As we pulled into the entrance it was immediately obvious that this was something different. High above us was what looked like a massive glass and concrete box, perched precariously on the hillside and as we wound our way up the steep ravine and through the vineyards it continued to look as though it might at any point fall away from its perch and come tumbling towards us.

As we reached the summit, spectacular was certainly the word that came to my mind and we hadn’t even got out of the car yet. The views back down the valley, through the vineyards and out to the ocean and the expanse of False Bay was worth the drive itself. On the far right you could see Table Mountain and the full length of the mountains leading down to the tip of Cape Point in the far distance across the bay. Up close the winery and restaurant building was even more impressive, a real feat of architecture. The inside was also impressive, open plan and minimalistic, with the restaurant on two levels built around the very modern and very much working winery.

A quick glass of Waterkloof’s premium and excellent Sauvignon Blanc whilst we toured the winery with the winemaker and then it was ready for the main event; lunch! With a new Michelin chef running the kitchen our expectations were high and they were met every step of the way. Very imaginative and full of flavour, supported by good service and attention to detail it was well worth the drive.

So if you like great innovation, design, food and wine (not necessarily in that order) then Waterkloof should be on the list of locals and visitors alike, especially on a day when the skies are clear and the sun shining. I’m not sure though that I would like to be sat in that building when the raging Cape storms come passing through.

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Mandi Johnson-Aliverti visited Jardine Restaurant on Bree Street last week – a much loved and worshipped Cape Town fine-dining institution. She had the following to report back to a very jealous team.

“Consistently voted one of the best restaurants not only in the Mother City but in the country, Jardine was brilliant again last week. Not somewhere we can visit very often unfortunately due to the pocket. We were delighted to be able to take some foreign friends and take advantage of their May special of R150 a head for 3 courses. I thought perhaps we would not get offered as good a choice on this special. I also thought that perhaps with George Jardine having opened a second restaurant at the Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, that the city restaurant might have been neglected. I was wrong on all accounts ! I could not even get enough of the amous bousche and found myself trying to eat the glass bowl to find more truffle mousse ! I continued to have 3 courses, one more delicious than the next. The dishes are seamlessly put together, and flavour combinations work together in perfect harmony.

South Africa has a wonderful opportunity to come into the global spotlight over the next 2 months, allowing us to showcase our talents and products on every level. Fine dinning is fine dining and an upmarket restaurant is something else completely. I think Eric is on the right path and young chefs would do well to imitate his passion and creativity for food, it will only stand them in good stead. I will be back to Jardine, a truly fine dining restaurant.”

For our review on Jardine Bakery, click here

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