by Editor | May 12, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
Lions at Selati
We recently enjoyed a most pleasant stay and outstanding game viewing at railroad themed Selati Camp near the world famous http://simonandbaker.com/kruger. Selati is one of four luxury properties in the privately owned Sabi Sabi Reserve within the larger Sabi Sands Reserve that borders one of the best game viewing areas of the park.
Our bathroom at Selati
A mongoose at Selati
Our visit was made especially fun and rewarding thanks to Tal, our indefatigable guide who was always eager to find and share with us the many marvels of the bush. If it flew, walked, crawled or crouched he found a way for us to see and enjoy it while remaining vigilant and looking out for our safety and well being. Click here to read our dedicated feature on Selati Camp
by Editor | Apr 21, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
A male lion at Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands
For luxury oriented safari enthusiasts South Africa offers the greatest number of luxury game viewing properties and the highest standards. Spacious suites with private plunge pools, a high ratio of staff to guests, gourmet meals and spa treatments are common among the luxury properties near http://simonandbaker.com/kruger. For discriminating travelers in search of the best and most exclusive options, a handful of boutique lodges stand out among the varied choices in the area.
Game viewing departure time at Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge has a distinctive position in the rarified circle of top tier South African game viewing properties and is a strong contender for the crown of best boutique safari lodges in the world. When we last visited the property we found it ideal for bush aficionados, especially couples, seeking privacy and exclusivity. Those who appreciate personalized “butler” service, spa, fine wine and foodie amenities may find the property’s setting, more like a private designer home than a boutique hotel, pleasantly surprising.
A striking tree was the centerpiece of the dining room at Ivory Lodge
At the same time, the management took measures to maintain the land in good condition for generations to come. We appreciated and felt good about visiting a property with an ecotourism conscience.
Ivory Lodge offered a refined and exclusive cocoon of privacy, luxury, guest centered service, gourmet meals and fine wines, and spa treatments in a game viewing setting. Click here to read our updated feature article about Ivory Lodge
Click on the image below to visit the Ivory Lodge website
by Editor | Apr 14, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
Article and photos by Josette King
Pueblo style vigas puntuate the facade of the Inn
On a previous visit to Santa Fe I had noticed a stately Pueblo-style building ideally located on a quiet a few steps away from the Plaza, across the street from the Palace of the Governors. Above the massive hand-carved doors and elaborate corbels of the entrance, a discrete sign announced “Inn of the Anasazi.” The graceful peach-colored adobe façade hinted at the finely crafted cliff dwellings of the ancient cultures that flourished in the area a millennium ago. “Next time…,” I resolved. Next time turned out to be a recent winter’s weekend getaway, and Inn of the Anasazi the perfect retreat!
A warm fire beckons to linger in the library
A quiet corner of the sitting room
The understated romantic elegance of the décor was Southwestern style at its best. My room, with its corner kiva fireplace and seemingly endless array of thoughtful amenities offered a level of comfort seldom equaled. Service was equally memorable, with staff members genuinely friendly, courteous and so attentive that my needs were not only met but often anticipated. To read our dedicated feature article about Inn of the Anasazi, visit http://simonandbaker.com/inn-anasazi.html
by Editor | Mar 31, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
The living area of our Cape Colonial Suite
We recently revisited the Steenberg Hotel where we stayed at the Cape Colonial Suite, one of the property’s premier accommodations. In spite of the modest name, the 166 square meter $2.5 million area was more like a private one bedroom villa than a suite. One of three Heritage Suites set within the winery at the foot of the Steenberg Mountains, the Cape Colonial Suite offered the many advantages of a hotel stay plus the privacy of a villa coupled with added services and amenities.
The Steenberg Hotel pool
“We find that discerning travelers are asking more often for facilities that are a ‘home away from home.’ So rather than expanding in number of suites, we felt we would serve our market better by having fewer suites that are more luxurious, spacious, and private,” said Gaby Gramm, general manager of the Steenberg Hotel.
Steenberg’s manicured lawns
We enjoyed the suite’s many amenities: Entrance Lobby, air-conditioning, under floor heating, working fireplace, complimentary refreshment bar, complimentary laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet service, personal fax and copying facilities, PC data and power outlets, extra large safe for laptops, audio entertainment system, iPod station, large work desk, original artwork, three TVs, flat screen TV in bedroom Frette and Egyptian linen, duvet, extra long and wide king bed, bathrobes, luxuriously large bathroom with separate tub, walk in shower, and professional hairdryer.
Click here to read about the Steenberg Hotel and the Cape Colonial Suite
by Editor | Feb 18, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
Photo by Gary Cox and article by Elena del Valle
Sunset at Tranquility Bay
When we planned a weekend getaway in the Florida Keys recently, we went out of our way to find something special. It had been a couple of years since our last weekend stay in the famed string of islands forming the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Between heavy traffic and ho hum accommodations, past visits had left us disappointed. This time, we wanted something out of the ordinary.
Although Mother Nature wasn’t cooperative, it rained on and off most of the weekend; we had a relaxing and fun retreat. Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort, the new luxury beachfront property in Marathon with spacious beachfront suites where we stayed, was delightful and home to the Butterfly Café, an up-and-coming Keys gourmet restaurant. Click here for more about Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort
by Editor | Feb 4, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
Article and photos by Josette King
Roadside hawk
Thanks to its Caribbean coastline graced with the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, Belize has long been considered by water sport enthusiasts one of the premiere scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. The sandy islands that straddle the reef, known locally as cayes, reputed for their white coral sand beaches and spectacular underwater canyons remain the country’s greatest attraction.
Vermillion flycatcher
Yet a mere ninety minute drive inland another Belize of unspoiled rain forests rich in wildlife, birds and Mayan archeological treasures is beginning to capture the interest of eco-tourists. The Cayo District, with its vast expanses of verdant rolling hills along the Macal and Mopan rivers, offers especially scenic attractions. It is home to the two most important Maya ruins in the country, Caracol and Xunantunich, as well as several nature reserves including the reputed Blue Hole and Guanacaste National Parks.
I recently enjoyed a visit to this easily accessible but remarkably secluded area of Belize where toucans still outnumber tourists and where intimate eco-lodges offer a warm welcome. Click here to read about my visit to Belize including the Cayo District and Casa del Caballo Blanco.
