by Editor | Oct 27, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles, Products, Restaurants, Spas
The library in the main building at 1933
A family owned and managed four suite villa on the banks of the Sabie River within the large Sabi Sand Reserve and across from the http://simonandbaker.com/kruger, 1933 offered luxury accommodations including many creature comforts, appetizing home style meals, Big Five game viewing, and a dedicated team of staff for villa guests.
“In fact, 1933 is the family recreating the old camp,” said Nick More, partner and co-owner of the property, about the role of 1933 within the Lion Sands Reserve where it is located. The Lions Sands Reserve is situated within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve. “The old camp which was built in 1936 by my great grandfather and was called Warthog Wallow Camp. Since the great floods of the Sabie River of 2000 our family has wanted to rebuild and rekindle those memories that we created from that camp, and that was achieved late last year, 2007. We called it 1933 in memory of the year in which Lion Sands was first purchased.”
A lioness and her cubs
A view of the main building from one of the neighboring suites
“Working at this area where the word ‘no’ does not exist exaggerates the demand of the position in ensuring that every guest in catered for. A home style menu is served daily, allowing me to draw inspiration from the environment which surrounds me, resulting in classic dishes. Lunches are light and simple offering a range of flavours, influenced by combinations to compliment to each other.
Dinner varies from night to night, from home style a la carte dinners, boma, Bush Dinners, each offering a unique feel and experience with a zest of flavours. I also enjoy working with other people as it gives me an opportunity to gain experience in all levels of cooking. It allows me to experience different cultures which I can include in the preparation of my dishes,” said Sannie Mbeva, cook at 1933.
Guests view a sleepy male lion at Lion Sands
The newly built riverside rental home provided personal service and posh bush accommodations ideal for small corporate groups, celebrities and families. 1933, ensconced within the world famous Sabi Sand Reserve, was a setting of lavish comfort in a game viewing reserve, offering guests the pleasure and space of a carefree home and exclusive access to the property for the duration of their stay. Our team’s visit was enhanced by private game drives, delicious meals and on site spa treatments. Click here to read a dedicated article about 1933.
by Editor | Oct 13, 2008 | Accomodations, Luxury Travel, New Articles
By Elena del Valle
The bedroom of our suite at Cybele
Our suite had a private terrace with a pool
During a three week game viewing trip to Botswana and South Africa earlier this year we included a two-day break at Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa, a secluded property near the http://simonandbaker.com/kruger. While there we relaxed in the landscaped forest environs, enjoyed couples spa treatments and yummy meals.
We liked the quiet elegance of this Relais and Chateaux property with friendly and service oriented staff and will recommend it to friends searching a spa oriented getaway property between Johannesburg and the http://simonandbaker.com/kruger. Click here to read a dedicated article about the Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa.
by Editor | Aug 4, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
Beaumont House is in a residential area on the outskirts of Cape Town
The pool at Beaumont House
On our team’s last visit to the Cape Town area they discovered a five room property that shone for its luxury features, sophisticated international clientèle and foodie orientation. The lovingly restored historic home sparkled with thoughtful touches including beautiful landscaping, WiFi Internet access, a fabulous breakfast, and an honor bar well stocked with wines from the region.
“This was always our dream when Peter retired,” said Gill Deering, one of the owners and managers who dedicated countless hours to the refurbishment of the house.
The entrance hallway at Beaumont House
“It’s all about managing people’s expectations. And, I’m and bit of a foodie. We try to provide an opportunity for guests to indulge,” said Peter Deering, an enthusiastic wine lover who co-manages the property with his wife Gill.
Peter Deering is also the property’s concierge, procuring restaurant reservations, personalized city tours, and winery tours with ease and vicarious pleasure. Click here to read our dedicated feature on Beaumont House.
by Editor | Jul 21, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
The Michelangelo Towers and pool
Our team liked the Michelangelo Towers hotel accommodations in Johannesburg. Conveniently located next to an upscale mall and convention center in one of the city’s ritzy neighborhoods, this property may appeal to safety conscious visitors and those planning an extended stay in Southern Africa’s largest city.
The kitchen of one of the Michelangelo Tower’s suites
Two towers, side by side, offer condominium living for local residents, and luxury hotel accommodations for visitors wanting the added space of a one bedroom suite and the facilities and amenities of a hotel. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and spa and easy indoor access to shopping facilities and many restaurants. Click here to read our detailed article about The Michelangelo Towers.
by Editor | Jun 23, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles, Restaurants and Food
The Mont Rochelle main pool and restaurant
Foodies and fine wine enthusiasts from all over the world converge in the wine region of South Africa, searching for vineyards and gourmet restaurants. In an effort to explore a little of this region located a short drive from the ever popular Cape Town area, our team dedicated a weekend to the Cape Winelands late last year. During their visit, they made the village of Franschhoek their temporary home. While in Franschhoek, they stayed at the Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards, a charming small hotel.
View of the surrounding area from the Mont Rochelle Hotel
Our one bedroom suite at the Mont Rochelle
The Mont Rochelle stood out for its luxurious and spacious suite with private plunge pool, in house gourmet restaurant and magnificent views of the village and the neighboring vineyards. Click here to read our dedicated article about the Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards.
by Editor | Jun 9, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
A sign for Earth Lodge
One of our teams recently visited Earth Lodge, the most architecturally distinctive of the four luxury lodges in the Sabi Sabi Reserve. Designed to disappear within the bush setting it is built on, it was memorable precisely for its unconventional style and Zen influence. They stayed at the property’s spacious and exclusive Amber Suite (presidential suite) which offered excellent accommodations, especially for honeymooners and couples seeking privacy within a lodge setting.
The water feature at Earth Lodge
Elena and Gary also liked the distinctive bush setting, stand alone spa, wine cellar, and tasty plated meals. Earth Lodge, part of the Sabi Sabi theme of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, was built to represent Tomorrow. Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp represent Today. Selati, another Sabi Sabi lodge they visited during that trip, represents Yesterday.
The Sabi Sabi Reserve is a luxury oriented reserve within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve adjacent to the http://simonandbaker.com/kruger in South Africa. Click here to read our complete dedicated articles on Selati Camp and Earth Lodge.
