Azura Benguerra

    

Azura Benguerra Island is situated on the Benguerra Island, the second largest island in the Bazuruto Archipelago in Mozambique. It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive sites and excellent fishing.There are a total of 16 Beach Villa's – 1 Beach Villa and 3 Luxury Beach Villa's, 10 Infinity Beach Villa's, 1 Villa Amizade and 1 Presidential Villa. All villas are very spacious and offers guests their own private pool, beach frontage, outdoor Sala, his and hers outdoor showers and/or full bathroom, king size beds, mini bar, air conditioning and butler / host service. Each villa is nestled amidst the indigenous trees and bushes and created to offer guests their own private sanctuary.Guests can enjoy a variety of activities ranging from our beach picnics, private dining, guided bird watching / walking trials, oceans sea museum, Dugong/Whale tracking, land rover island drives, cultural encounters, beach walks with a picnic, star gazing events. Scuba diving guided snorkeling trips, deep sea fishing in custom built boat, fly fishing, shore based fishing, sea kayaking, dhow sailing and dhow sunset cruise.Azura's uniquely Africa spa which offers signature treatments based on local ingredients and traditions. These include being rubbed down with ground coconut shells or diamond dust, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe or gently massaged with warm Marula oil.

Reservations: reservations@azura-retreats.comTel : 076 705 0599

 

Azura at Quilalea

 

Azura at Quilalea is the second luxury Indian Ocean retreat from Christopher and Stella Bettany. Just as the name suggests, it brings Azura’s trademark African-chic style to Quilalea Island, a private, wholly uninhabited island paradise surrounded by the pristine waters of a marine sanctuary.

Azura at Quilalea is a hidden gem, somewhere to retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with a relaxed and understated ‘Robinson Crusoe’ castaway style that belies the comforts and experiences on offer.  Azura at Quilalea is an Eco-Boutique Retreat. Whilst the Quirimbas Archipelago stretch from Pemba to the Northern border with Tanzania, only the very southern part of the archipelago, where Quilalea is located, forms a fully protected marine sanctuary.

In keeping with the uninhabited nature of the island, the retreat consists of only nine seafront villas, accommodating eighteen guests. The villas are built from natural coral stone and makuti thatch, and have all been revamped to increase comfort and make better use of the interior space, with natural finishings, indoor/outdoor showers, private decks stretching out to the beach, daybeds and sun-loungers for relaxing. Guests can choose between three categories of villa: 4 Sunrise Villas, 4 Sunset Villas, and Villa Quilalea. The cliff-top Villa Quilalea offers the most astounding accommodation for a couple in the whole archipelago, with a private plunge pool, feature bathroom & dressing room, an outdoor shower, and its own separate sitting/dining area.

Conscious of this pristine natural environment and the need to preserve it, Azura at Quilalea has embarked on a unique energy saving project, whereby solar power, wind generation, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly rechargeable crystal batteries are used in combination with normal generators and desalination to provide the island’s power and water. The aim is for all basic functions to run without the need to switch on generators for lengthy periods, and also to switch generators off completely at night to ensure maximum tranquillity for our guests.

Uniquely at Azura at Quilalea, guests can control their own energy consumption through a wall switch at their villa. They can opt for ‘ECO’ or ‘LUXE’, Eco resulting in power for the bare minimum requirements for the room, such as basic lighting and fan, or Luxe providing all mod cons including air-conditioning.

Cuisine at Quilalea is focused around the natural produce available locally, in line with the island’s ‘Eco Ethos’. Lots of fresh fish and seafood dominate the menu, with dining a relaxed and laid back affair.  Guests receive Azura’s trademark Mozambican Butler/Host service, where they try to make the dining experiences different through a range of unique and special venues and set-ups.

This is paradise for lovers of marine life, with superb snorkelling and world class scuba diving available straight off the main beach. Watch as pods of dolphins cruise past your sun deck, or look out for humpback whales or nesting turtles in season. Kayaking through the mangroves on nearby Sencar Island is not to be missed, or go deep-sea fishing for tuna or king mackerel to barbeque fresh that evening. Enjoy romantic beach and baobob grove picnics, or candle lit dinners on the beach beneath the stars. Visit nearby Ibo Island, the cultural highlight in the area, or simply relax at the cliff-top African Spa. This is the ultimate private luxury hideaway, in a stunning undiscovered location.

 

 

Royal Zambezi Lodge

 

Royal Zambezi Lodge extends over 200 hectares of the Chiawa Game Management Area on the northern bank of the Zambezi River with its own 3.5 kms of unspoiled river frontage and the scenic mountain backdrop of the valley escarpment. Royal is directly opposite the World Heritage Site, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe and minutes from the Lower Zambezi national Park.There are no fences around the lodge and we have regular guests including elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, lepard and many types of antelope coming to visit.There are 8 Classic tented suites complete with shady verandah, en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and large showers. Nestled under mature trees and are each positioned for the maximum enjoyment of the surrounding views and complete privacy. The luxury tents are impeccably furnished with a contemporary, understated elegance.

The 3 Presidential and 4 Deluxe tented suites are the epitome of the luxury safari experience. With their outside showers, copper baths, plunge pools and private salas the tented suites provide ultimate luxury whilst allowing guests to interact with the wilderness that surrounds them.

The Sausage Tree Bar is downstream from the main building, a short woalk on the platform through the mahogany outcrop. This is a favourite meeting place before dinner where the stories of the day are exchanged and the fishermen boast about "one that got away"!

The Royal Bush Spa is the first of its kind within Zambia and is also the Zambian flagship of the favours and world leading Dermalogica brand of skin care products. The spa includes two treatment rooms, an aroma filled steam room, Jacuzzi and a refreshing swimming pool. The therapeutic sessions offer an ideal retreat for guests wanting to escape their busy lives and experience a way of living often neglected.

We are very priviledged to have the river, the bush and the mountains and consequently there is a wide range of water and land based activities on offer. The location for Royal Zambezi Lodge was chosen particularly for the opportunities for guests to experience a wide variety of activities including fishing – best time for Tiger Fishing is during hot months between September and March, fly fishing, game viewing, sunset river cruises, professionally guided canoeing trips. Open vehicle guided drives, night drives and walking safaris.

 

Idube Game Lodge

 

Idube Game Lodge is situated in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, home to the Big 5, in the heart of South Africa’s premier wildlife conservation area. Idube is a 5 hour 30 minute drive from Johannesburg and a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

Idube has 8 en-suite Safari Chalets, each individually decorated, with attractively draped mosquito nets, giving a touch of safari romance. Windows also have mosquito gauze for added comfort.

All chalets have air-conditioner, fan, tea and coffee facilities and outside shower. Bathrooms have recently had a complete makeover and all have double vanity basins, bath, toilet and shower and are finished in attractive natural colours and textures. Geysers (boilers) are powered by gas to reduce use of electricity.

Each chalet has its own private deck furnished with large, comfortable chairs – just the place to enjoy the birds or watch Idube's daily animal visitors feeding, as they make their relaxed way across the grass and between the chalets.

Take a walk down the wooden walkway to the 2 Makubela Suites and you will be in your own private world, apart from any other buildings and completely surrounded by natural bush.

Each spacious suite has an entrance hall, bedroom and lounge, large bathroom, including bath and shower, and a separate outside shower, which are accessible from both the bathroom and the outside deck. The 2 suites can be made interleading.

Suites each have a minibar, tea and coffee facilitities, safe, hairdryer, overhead fan, airconditioner, mosquito net and mosquito screens on windows. Rooms open up with sliding/ folding doors on 2 sides to a large wooden patio, into which is set a private pool. The view is all out to the bush beyond and the animals wandering freely across the clearing.

As part of the Makubela package, dinner can served at your suite. The lantern lit romantic dinner served on the private deck will add another unforgettable memory of your Idube holiday.

The name Makubela is a tribute to a female leopard seen many times by Idube guests over the years. She was fatally mauled by a male and she sought refuge at Idube, where she died. We remember how this beautiful creature added wonder and pleasure to our lives.

Guests can take part in a variety of activities, namely early morning and evening safaris, mid morning bush walks, open 4X4 vehicle game viewing game viewing on foot and hot air balloon trips.

 

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

 

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is situated in the game rich southern section of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The nearest entry gate is Malelane Gate. Lukimbi is 5 hours drive from Johannesburg and one hour and 30 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).

Raised walkways lead to 16 luxurious suites with stunning river views. The ultra luxurious Giant Eagle Owl Suite and King Cheetah Suite also have a private pool, dining room and second bathroom. Each suite has air-conditioning, fans, a safe, mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

There is a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, including the following:Two Safari activities per day, early morning and evening, mid morning bush walks, Open 4X4 vehicle game viewing, game viewing on foot, birding, wine tasting, Swazi theme evenings. We have great activities for children as well.

Lukimbi offers a full range of spa treatments. Our Bush Buff massage using indigenous blended African aromatic oils is a Lukimbi speciality.Lukimbi offers a small and intimate chapel which provides an ideal setting for bush wedding. Alternatively couples could choose to get married under the Jackalberry Tree. All formal procedures, are taken care of by Lukimbi staff.

Our fully equipped conference centre boasts full audio visual equipment, big screen and full conference packs. Any special equipment required can be arranged, if not already on site. There are also four breakaway rooms. There is seating for up to 32 people and the seating configuration can easily be adapted to suit requirements.

 

 

Romney Park

 

Romney Park is centrally located on the Cape's Atlantic Seaboard the hotel features imposing views of the ocean, Robben Island and the Green Point Stadium (the Mother Cities host stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup). Conveniently sited the hotel is moments away from Cape Town's tranquil beaches, the vibrant offerings of the V & A Waterfront and the exciting city centre.

Following a 26 million revamp and expansion plan over a two year period the brand new Romney Park All Suite Hotel and Spa has finally been unveiled to great local and international acclaim. Whilst the original hotel has undergone an elegant makeover, the new wing of a further 11 suites, new bar and lounge, generous terrace and sophisticated restaurant are the jewel in this iconic Cape Town hotel's crown.

We now boast a total of 17 Luxury Suites (one bedroom), 10 Senator Suites (two bedroom), Ambassador, Presidential and Governor's Suite. Giving us a total to 30 suites and the graciously proportioned suites feature new monochromatic decor that creates a dual air of gentle elegance and cocooned comfort and is a welcoming sanctuary for the weary traveler. Suites comprise of one and two bedroom accommodation in rooms that are serviced daily and include fully equipped kitchen, full en suite bathrooms, spacious living rooms and outdoor terraces with panoramic views. Slate and porcelain tiles, granite counter tops, deep buttoning upholstery, crystal chandeliers, Venetian-cut mirrors , plush velvets and natural linen abound.

The hotel's talented chef serves up a wholesome and delicious breakfast in the elegant restaurant whilst a scrumptious tapas menu will be on offer from the lounge, bar and pool terrace from September this year. The hotel offers a selective room service, however for the more culinary adventurous guest looking to make use of their own self-catering kitchen, the hotel offers a grocery shopping service.

As one of Cape Town's original spas the hotel's wellness centre offers a wide selection of holistic and innovative treatments designed to pamper, rejuvenate and relax.

 

 

Castello Di Monte

 

Castello Di Monte is a majestic Five Star Guest House situated in the affluent suburb Waterkloof Ridge in Pretoria. The Tuscan style estate portrays pure luxury and elegance. Situated on the hillside, its massive rustic copper gates open to allow you to step into a taste of Tuscany amongst banks of olive trees and lavender. If you linger on the terrace, the sweeping views of Pretoria will snatch your breath away.

If luxury is in the detail, then a stay at Castello di Monte is filled with pure indulgence whether you are walking the dramatic stairways made of the finest granite or feasting on the elegant art that adorns our walls you will be pressed to find more extravagant surroundings. Be it for a corporate meeting or a romantic getaway on our Juliet balcony, Castello di Monte offers the perfect setting.

When it is time to retire, you will be spoiled for choice. There are a total of 9 luxuriously appointed and individually decorated en suite rooms. Will it be our presidential suite complete with a grand fire place and a four post bed or our honeymoon suite decorated with hand painted murals or our freshly made classic rooms fit for royalty, a sumptuous night is ensured.

Castello di Monte's sixteenth century splendour is complimented by every modern amenity. From jacuzzis and jet showers right down to underfloor heating, air-conditioning and the creature comforts of tea, coffee and local papers, at Castello di Monte your every whim is catered for.

Experience the satisfaction of true luxury and service in the Castello di Monte's main dining room. Under a beautiful painted ceiling guests can sample the finest cuisine, always accompanied by the best wines. The chef prepares the guests own private menu to delight their palate. Formal or informal, your meals are always freshly prepared and delicious.

The terrace at the Castello di Monte has a breathtaking view of the magnificent garden, the perfect setting to enjoy a sundowner. The panoramic deck on the top floor of the villa offers you, the guest a 360 degree view of Pretoria, this is ideal for that private engagement celebration, or to enjoy a delectable dinner.

Other features and luxuries at Castello di Monte include a reading room, sauna and steam shower, Roman swimming pool, outdoor chess set. Two golf courses are within easy access (3km radius).