Feature: Fine Dining

Thula Thula

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

The story of Thula Thula is unique

Thula Thula is very special. The reserve is the brainchild of Lawrence Anthony and his Parisian born wife, Francoise. Their story is immortalized in a series of books starting with Lawrence’s “The Elephant Whisperer”. Following Lawrence’s premature death in 2012, Francoise has written two sequels, “An Elephant In My Kitchen” and “The Elephants of Thula Thula”. The story of how the reserve was established and the challenges they had with local politics and especially their initial elephant herd are fascinating and heart warming. You will be left marveling at the extraordinary behaviour of the elephants.

Thula Thula has developed into so much more than a sanctuary for wild elephants. The reserve has a significant diversity of animals so you will be rewarded on a game drive with thrilling encounters with elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game including giraffe and zebra. Although this is not a ‘Big Five’ reserve, there are predators such as hyena.  Guided game drives into the adjacent Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve can be arranged for a full Big Five’ game experience. But, it will be the elephants of Thula Thula that will provide you with lasting memories.

Accommodation is provided in a number of well appointed thatched  rooms and suites. There is also a luxury tented camp. This is rural Africa and so you may encounter the occasional bat in your room and you will need to keep doors closed so you are not visited by the adorable, but very destructive, vervet monkeys. Food has always been a passion of Francoise stemming from her French roots. A package including Thula Thulu provides three gourmet meals each day, two game drives and much interaction with the experienced and long standing rangers and other members of staff. Transfers to and from Durban’s King Shaka Airport are included.

The Cellars, luxury winelands hotel, Cape Town

A consistent favourite for those seeking ultimate luxury winelands hotel in South Africa

This is truly a South Africa luxury winelands hotel with accommodation at its finest, equivalent to the top international hotels but distinctly South African. The rooms are beautifully decorated in the unique, luxuriously restful style established by the late Liz McGrath. The family have maintained her legacy which extends to the other hotels in this small exclusive group. These are  The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay which are all top of the range 5 star hotels with a level of service that is second to none. For that special occasion, the Cellars can offer a separate cottage where Nelson Mandela once stayed. This cottage comes complete with a kitchen, lounge and outside jacuzzi.  Other notable visitors to the Liz McGrath hotels include the Duke of Edinburgh.

About Cape Town and the Constantia Winelands

The gardens are a botanist’s fantasy and if these are not enough the world famous Kirstenbosch Gardens are nearby. You will love to relax by the two pools with Table Mountain as a backcloth. The hotel has two rated restaurants one built around the garden and the other serving Cape Malay cuisine. Afternoon tea or a pre dinner glass of wine can be served on the terrace which is surrounded by beautiful flower beds with many of the local floral species growing in profusion. Cape Town is an easy 15 minutes drive away but the hotel ‘feel’ is the countryside. On the way to the city centre, you can visit the impressive Rhodes Memorial built as an imperial reminder of Cecil Rhodes with its commanding views to the north. His dream was to see the British Empire extend from the Cape to Cairo.  Long after his death and after the Great War, he would have seen his dream come true! All the wineries in the Constantia Winelands are within a twenty minute drive. Groot Constantia and Buitenverwachting are among our favorites and some of the oldest wineries in South Africa.

Visit the Cellars website for more information

The Twelve Apostles Hotel

One of our favourites – this is luxury personified with views over the Atlantic ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range

The 12 Apostles has one of the most spectacular locations nestling beneath the Twelve Apostles mountain range, forming the spine of the Cape Peninsula behind Table Mountain and beside the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms are in a larger than suite format with a large bathroom and have either a mountain or ocean view – the choice is yours.

About the Location

The pool complex is tasteful overlooking the sea and here you can relax, eat lunch or you may prefer to dine in the excellent restaurant. The service is very attentive. There is  a second pool complex next to the charmingly casual bistro, which serves light meals. There are walks in the grounds up to the mountain; bustling Camps Bay is 5 minutes drive and the centre of Cape Town is 15 minutes over the spectacular Kloof Nek pass near the Table Mountain Cableway.

Isandlwana Lodge, Isandlwana, Battlefields

Isandlwana Lodge is a magical, thatched lodge overlooking the site of one of Britain’s worst military disasters

Isandlwana Lodge will provide you with a magical experience at one of the most moving and inspiring locations overlooking the battlefield of Isandlwana which marks one of the worst military defeats ever inflicted on the British Army by the might and cunning of the Zulu led by King Cetshwayo in 1879. The Lodge has been very sympathetically built into the side of the hill overlooking the battlefield and from where the Zulu commander astride his white horse guided his troops to victory. This was immortalized in the film ‘Zulu Dawn’. The Lodge has an almost fairy tale quality with the 12 large suite style rooms built into the rock face. Each room has a balcony overlooking Isandlwana Mountain. The rooms are beautifully appointed reflecting the American owner’s style and attention to detail. The cuisine is beautifully prepared for a mixture of tastes. You will receive a warm Zulu welcome from the attentive and friendly staff – most of whom live in the little village below the hotel.

About Isandlwana Lodge’s Location

Idle over a beer in the bar around the log fire on a crisp winter’s evening and learn about modern day Zulu culture. By day, the resident historian will provide you with a very graphic description of the battle of Isandlwana. In the morning you will be seated in the middle of the battlefield and then in the afternoon at nearby Rorkes Drift where the small British garrison drove off the Zulu attack. This was the subject of the film ‘Zulu’. This is a fascinating location approximately two and a half-hours drive from Durban. You can easily visit the site of the Battle of Blood River (1838) which has become legendary in Afrikaans history. The Anglo Boer War battlefield of Talana is close by just outside the town of Dundee. There are also several Boer War battle sites within easy reach. This location can be easily combined with a visit to the Private Game Reserves of Zululand and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Hunter’s Country House Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

Wonderfully traditional country house hotel with luxurious and large rooms 

This is a fine 5 star hotel at its luxurious best, set in a beautiful setting with a remote feel yet close to the main highway and only 10 minutes away from Plettenberg Bay. This is gracious country living based around 23 romantic thatched cottages each with exquisite decor and ultimate luxury. The restaurants are renowned for the sumptuous cuisine and in the heat of the day why not cool off with a drink by the side of the pool. The staff are very attentive and you will find a level of service comparable, if not exceeding, that in luxury hotels worldwide. This is a very popular destination for weddings with is pretty thatched chapel set in the forest.

About the location

This is, however, not a beach hotel so is more suited as a romantic location for couples. From here, however, it is a short drive to Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and the Garden Route Wine Route.

Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

Treetop living at its absolutely most luxurious…….you will be amazed and captivated by this unique property

The sister hotel to Hunter’s – it shares the same driveway – could not be more different in style. Here you will find the same 5 star luxury and attentive service but the ambience is similar to some of the bush camps built around and up trees! This is more for the adventurous (and more athletic) than Hunter’s with the rooms reached along boarded walkways above the forest. Climb up some stairs into your room complex and you will be amazed! Each suite has its own plunge pool (yes aloft in the trees) that you can sit beside in complete privacy. The suites comprise a lounge area and bedroom divided by a stone chimney and fireplace for those cool autumnal evenings. The bathrooms can only be described as an incredible feat of design (if sometimes a little impractical) with granite bathtubs and basins and beautiful showers. The central complex is complete with a first class dining room that serves fine ?nouvelle? style cuisine and the lounge has great views. This is definitely a must for people looking for something a little different.

About the Location

Whether you just want to relax in a truly romantic location, arrange your destination in Tsala’s chapel in the forest or use this asa a convenient and different base from which to explore the Garden Route, this lodge has one of the biggest ‘wow’ factors of any property we have seen.

Glen Avon Lodge, Constantia, Cape Town

Glen Avon Lodge is real luxury in wonderful gardens conveniently situated for Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula

Glen Avon Lodge is one of our personal favourites. It is a gracious gem tucked away in the heart of the Constantia Winelands approximately 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town. The hotel, which is a consistent favourite with our clients, has 11 beautifully furnished en-suite rooms. These are set in the wonderful traditional Cape Dutch gardens and present a very calm environment. There is a beautiful pool to relax alongside after a hectic day. The property is owner run and this adds to the excellence of the service you will find from a dedicated staff.

About Glen Avon Lodge’s Location

Glen Avon is very conveniently located. It is a good location from which to explore Kirstenbosch Gardens (10 minutes drive) and the Peninsula. The penguins at Boulders Beach are a 30 minute drive.You can also explore the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch (40 minutes drive) from here.  The centre of Cape Town, the Waterfront and the Table Mountain Cableway are a 25 minute drive. You can request a truly romantic a candle lit dinner to round off a memorable stay. Here you will enjoy some of the finest cuisine in The Cape. You are also within easy access of some of the finest restaurants in The Cape. These include one of our favourites – Buitenverwachting Winery. This is just a 5 minute drive and provides fine dining during the evening and picnics most days, with some great wines. One of the Cape’s oldest wineries, Groot Constantia is a 10 minute drive. The winery has some excellent wines, a great museum in the splendid old Cape Dutch Manor House. There is also a good restaurant for casual eating.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, Anse Louis, Mahe

An extraordinary level of luxury awaits romantic couples with the budget to match

There are very few properties worldwide that can match the sophisticated luxury and attention to personal service provided by Maia. Each beautifully appointed villa has its own dedicated butler. Your own personal butler ensures your every whim is catered for and  complete uninterrupted privacy if this is your wish. Each villa has wonderful views over the bay and a beautiful infinity pool set in your own private tropical gardens.  No expense is spared in the provision of toiletries and even the sound system is provided by Bose.  The resort has an excellent central restaurant but guests are invited to arrange their own menu to be served in their villa – even in bed if required! The resort’s slogan is “Whatever, Wherever, Whenever”.

About the Location

The resort hides among the tropical foliage overlooking Anse Louis. The spa and wellness centre provides Balinese massage complete with local products. Couples therapy sessions are provided in a lush garden setting. The remoteness of the location ensures complete relaxation punctuated only by the natural sounds on the islands.

Constance Lemuria Resort, Anse Kerlan, Praslin

Lemuria is a great location for families and couples

Lemuria has accommodation to suits all requirements. The Junior Suites are situated in blocks which are a little lacking in style compared to many of the hotels we have visited. The accommodation, however is generally stylish, comfortable and the location is convenient for the beach and central facilities. The pool villas are more expensive but have greater style and provide a more romantic location.

About the Location

The resort is close to the airport. The hotel has  the only championship golf course in the Seychelles in a truly idyllic setting. There are tennis courts, a great spa and wellness center, shops as well as a scenic pool. There are three restaurants one of which provides some of the finest dining in the Seychelles. There are three beaches. Two are close to the suites and one is a twenty minute walk although there is a regular shuttle provided. It is also possible to hike over to Anse Lazio for the energetic.

Coco De Mer, Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin

Coco de Mer is a great family hotel and the Black Parrot Suites are perfect for couples

The main hotel is by a wide sandy beach which feels very remote. Accommodation is in beautifully appointed huts right by the beach in exotic landscaped tropical gardens. The recently refurbished rooms are reasonably sized and have well appointed bathrooms. The restaurant has a well deserved reputation and serves breakfast and a la carte dinner. For lunch there is a pretty beach and poolside restaurant which serves delicious lighter fare. The hotel has a pier that juts out into the bay. There are a number of comfortable swinging hammocks as well as an infinity pool. The Black Parrot Suites are co located on the hillside and offer very private accommodation for couples. They have their own restaurant and there is a small sandy cove just below the suites. The feel of this property is exceptional. The management and owners look after their staff and you can sense this in the atmosphere around the hotel. The service is impeccable and among the best we have encountered anywhere!

About the Location

Although the hotel is only 20 minutes from Praslin airport, the location feels very remote. There are no villages close by so the beach is very private. Boats are provided for guests and there is a diving school. Guests can also hike in the extensive grounds which border the Vallee de Mai National Park.