by Editor | Jan 4, 2023 | Accomodations, Attractions, Ecotourism, Food and Wine, Luxury Travel, Restaurants
*Wayne’s Waiatoto River Safari, a private river outing
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and tours we featured in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
In 2019, following a trip to New Zealand and private tour, we profiled Aroha New Zealand Tours Intrepid, South Island. Three of the properties in that itinerary have failed to reply to our emails, two others have closed and one of the attractions is no longer in business. Lakestone Lodge and Cabot Lodge shared updates and responded to questions, see Update: NZ lodge near Fiordland National Park and Update: NZ lodge welcoming international guests.
We recently contacted Veronika Vermeulen, director, Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd. to ask about the bespoke luxury tour company and current travel conditions in New Zealand. Below are our questions and her answers.
Veronika Vermeulen, director, Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd.
LTR: Are you welcoming international travelers?
VV: Yes we are open to all travellers. Tours started back with neighbouring countries in July, and September in general.
LTR: A number of travel business across the globe have shut down post pandemic. Some travelers have been stranded as a result. What is the situation in this regard in New Zealand and with your company?
VV: Everybody was able to leave New Zealand with the help of our company and our government in the following month after the borders were closed. However, some people decided to stay for a month (some have yet to leave) to sit out the world crisis in New Zealand.
LTR: What, if any, policies and safeguards do you have in response to Covid-19?
VV: We have applied government Covid regulation and still provide today a Covid-19 Safety Plan. We are committed to keeping you safe.
On the other hand we are not taking long pre pays and only request a small down payment, to cover our original service cost. Main payment is only required 40 days before arrival (conditions apply with some premium luxury stays).
LTR: Is there flooding, a water shortage/drought or other condition(s) affecting facilities, guests amenities, safe and comfortable travel in New Zealand?
VV: No, none of this is affecting New Zealand for now.
LTR: Are there any updates to your services and tours you care to share. Do you offer private accommodations like rental homes or small lodges for extended stays (a week or longer) and for guest that want a private or isolated stay?
VV: We decided to stay even more unique and boutique with a concentration on customer services rather than the high turnover. We can offer private stays (boutique properties) for privacy and extended stays. However, we still concentrate on private guided tours as our primary sector.
LTR: Would you share details of any extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates.
VV: We 100 percent customised and have no standard rates!
See example pricing attached for 2 people.
LTR: New Zealand news of youth gangs, future earthquake risks and other severe weather events have been in the news this year. Would you comment on the likelihood that a visitor might be affected by one or more of those issues?
VV: No gangs are effecting any traveller!
Earthquakes are likely but no danger. Common we are called the shaky ales!
Floods like most other countries around the world.
LTR: Are Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, Wayne’s Waiatoto River Safari, Tasman Helicopter, Underworld Rafting all operating normally?
VV: Yes all these are running normal again
*Photos were taken during a pre-pandemic trip, except for the photo of Veronika Vermeulen provided by Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd.
by Editor | Oct 4, 2022 | Accomodations, Ecotourism
*Lake and mountains seen from the common areas of Lakestone Lodge in New Zealand
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
Earlier this year we reached out to the owners of Lakestone Lodge, originally profiled in 2019 following a South Island itinerary, to ask how the property is doing following the pandemic peak. Our contributor especially liked the family owned lodge’s sustainable practices. Also notable were the property’s intimate and serene setting with lake, and when the weather cooperated, mountain views. Below are updates shared by Mike Bacchus, owner, Lakestone Lodge.
The interior of a guestroom at Lakestone Lodge in the South Island of New Zealand
A view from Sealy, one of the guestrooms
The chef created a daily changing set dinner menu based on local products
Q & A with Mike Bacchus, owner, Lakestone Lodge
Mike Bacchus, owner, Lakestone Lodge
LTR: Are you welcoming international guests?
MB: We are certainly welcoming international guests even though we have been well supported by domestic travellers over the past few years.
LTR: What, if any, policies and safeguards do you have in response to Covid-19?
MB: Lakestone Lodge is Qualmark Covid Clean certified
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
MB: All common areas are sterilised twice daily
LTR: Is there flooding, a water shortage/drought or other condition(s) affecting facilities, guests amenities, etc?
MB: No natural disasters affecting business
LTR: Any updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment especially any luxury amenities, improvements
MB: We have built a Night Sky Arena so guests coming to the largest international Dark Sky Reserve can relax in zero gravity recliners with woollen [woolen] blankets, a mulled wine and have the wonders of the sky pointed out to them
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
MB: We do offer full lodge (6 guest rooms) for exclusive use
LTR: Details of any extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates.
MB: We offer a pay 4, get the 5th night free for exclusive use bookings
From autumn 2021: Anna Bacchus (owner), Leon (sous chef), Kim, Issy, Kelsey (lodge attendants), Mike Bacchus (owner) and Steffen (head chef)
*Photos were taken during a pre-pandemic trip, except for the photos of Mike Bacchus and the Lakestone Lodge staff provided by Lakestone Lodge in 2022.
by Editor | Jul 11, 2022 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel
*The two story property had four guestrooms, including a two-bedroom suite.
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021. We paused during the omicron surge and published our first 2022 update in May.
As New Zealand recently reopened its international borders for vaccinated travelers (see covid19.govt.nz/) we thought the following update of Cabot Lodge, a South Island family owned property we profiled in 2019 (prior to the pandemic) would interest some of our readers. The family owned lodge near the Fiordland National Park (see Fiordland, New Zealand by helicopter) was one of our contributor’s favorite properties on that trip thanks to the owners’ warm welcome and professional attitude, comfortable room, local sourcing and earth friendly policies, and many amenities, including an ample supply of delicious homemade toffee. Below are updates recently provided by Breidi Alexander, owner operator, Cabot Lodge, who responded to our questions via email.
Breidi and Brad Alexander, owners, Cabot Lodge
LTR: Are you are welcoming international guests?
BA: Yes – with New Zealand’s borders now open, we are thrilled to be welcoming back our wonderful guests from around the world.
LTR: Have you adopted policies and safeguards in response to Covid-19?
BA: Yes, we are Covid-Clean Certified by Qualmark NZ, implementing extensive cleaning and health and safety procedures for Covid-19.
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
BA: All common areas are cleaned three times daily. All guest rooms are serviced once daily, with an additional evening turndown service if requested.
Pomona Deluxe Suite, a 41 square meter room
LTR: Is there a water shortage ordrought or other conditions affecting facilities, guests amenities, etc?
BA: No – thankfully water shortage is not an issue for us, with two rivers crossing through our property, and the Lodge sitting on the boundary of Lake Manapouri and the stunning Waiau River. We are operating business as usual.
LTR: Are there updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment?
BA: We are delighted with the addition of our outdoor spa pool nestled among our Beech Trees above the Lodge, with stunning views over the mountains and Lake Manapouri. We now also provide fishing rods for guest use at our private fishing jetty on the Waiau River, which boundaries the Fiordland National Park. We have increased our staff to a team of five, with a new chef preparing our farm to plate cuisine. With the extension of our glass houses, even more of our ingredients are sourced directly from the farm. Our locally sourced ingredients don’t stop with our meals however – we are also providing homemade soaps and bath salts in each of our guest suites. With Fiordland’s move to become a Dark Sky Sanctuary, we have also overhauled our exterior lighting and undertaken an astronomy course, to ensure we are a Dark Sky Friendly Lodge, perfect for star-gazing enthusiasts. We received a number of accolades for the property recently, including two Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards, a Qualmark 5 Star Gold Certification for Boutique Luxury Accommodation, we were named as the top luxury escape by Stuff.co.nz, and we appeared on national television in season two of ‘Lap of Luxury’, a show celebrating the top Lodges across New Zealand and Australia.
There were two patios facing Lake Manapouri and a central courtyard.
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
BA: The Lodge can be booked exclusively, with rates for 1 – 4 guests, or 5 – 10 guests, perfect for couples who want to travel with the safety of complete seclusion. We are more thankful than ever to be operating a remote and small boutique lodge post-pandemic. Surrounded by a working sheep, deer and cattle station on the boundary of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, Cabot Lodge is a private and luxury escape.
LTR: If you offer extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates provide details.
BA: We provide discounted rates for stays four nights or over, please get in touch with our team for rates and further information.
Cabot Lodge borders the Fiordland National Park
*Photos were taken during pre-pandemic trip, except for the photo of Breidi and Brad Alexander provided by Cabot Lodge in 2022
by Editor | May 19, 2022 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, Safari/Game viewing
Photos* taken during pre-pandemic trip
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted all travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021. We paused during the omicron surge and recently published our first 2022 update (see South Africa luxury safari property update).
Photos* taken during pre-pandemic trip
In November 2015 our contributors stayed at several Desert & Delta-Safaris properties, five in Botswana and one in Namibia. On their return home we published their impressions and photos. Follow the links to read their overall trip impressions in Why we liked Botswana, Namibia safari circuit as well as their thoughts about Camp Moremi in Luxury Travel Review. Find detailed profiles in Simon and Baker Travel Review of Savute Safari Lodge, Xugana Island Lodge, Leroo La Tau, Chobe Savanna Lodge and Chobe Game Lodge. Below are updates provided by James Wilson, marketing director of the property last month.
Photos* taken during pre-pandemic trip
James Wilson, marketing director, Desert & Delta-Safaris
LTR: Are you are welcoming international guests?
JW: Yes – most certainly
LTR: What policies and safeguards have you adopted in response to Covid-19?
JW: Please see attached documents for information and the following link: Desert & Delta-Safaris COVID-19 Health & Safety Info (readers can find contact information for Desert & Delta-Safaris in the property profiles to request the document)
LTR: Maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle
JW: 6 per vehicle unless a family group who wish to be together.
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
JW: yes. We have strict sanitation and cleaning schedules in place.
LTR: Is there a water shortage/drought or other conditions with the high probability to affect facilities, guests amenities, guest stay, etc?
JW: No.
LTR: Any updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment
JW:
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
JW: Depending on the guests needs we can offer private dining and private activities during their stay. Private activities are at an additional charge. Enquiries can be made into Xugana Island Lodge and Chobe Savannah Lodge for an exclusive island stay.
LTR: If you offer extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates provide details.
JW:
*Except for the photo of James Wilson provided by Desert & Delta-Safaris in 2022
by Editor | Apr 13, 2022 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, Safari/Game viewing
By Elena del Valle
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted all travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021. We paused during the omicron surge. This is the first update in 2022.
Photos taken during pre-pandemic stay at Chitwa Chitwa
“Chitwa Chitwa’s outstanding combination of a stunning waterside location, beautiful room, Big Five game viewing and luxury features made it a Sabi Sand favorite,” summarizes our team’s impression of Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge in 2011 in South Africa’s famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park when we first profiled the property that year. Several years later our team was also pleased with the property. “We would recommend the lodge to friends and acquaintances who are fans of boutique safari properties, fine meals with a liberal dose of hot spices, and Big Five game viewing,” they said in our most recent profile of Chitwa Private Game Lodge 2015 published in 2016 following a three night stay late the previous year.
Photos taken during pre-pandemic stay at Chitwa Chitwa
Matthew Brink, marketing director, Chitwa Chitwa
In October 2021 Matthew Brink, marketing director at Chitwa Chitwa, replied to our questions about the property via email. Earlier this month he confirmed the information is still current.
LTR: Are you are welcoming international guests?
MB: Yes, our source markets are now able to travel to South Africa with better ease. This includes the likes of Europe, UK, and the US.
LTR: What policies and safeguards have you adopted in response to Covid-19?
MB: We have adopted new policies for Covid-19, I have attached our Covid protocol and policy below. (LTR readers can reach out to the property to request a copy – email information appears in the property profile on SimonAndBaker.com)
LTR: What is the maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle?
MB: 6 guests per safari vehicle
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
MB: Yes, stringent health and hygiene protocol are followed
LTR: Is there a water shortage/drought or other conditions affecting facilities, guests amenities, etc?
MB: None
LTR: Are there any other updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment?
MB: We have been proactive throughout the various lockdowns and have maintained where necessary with skeleton crew at all times. All of the special Chitwa Chitwa experiences as if the environment was still normal, are offered in the safest way.
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
MB: All suites at Chitwa Chitwa are very exclusive and private, however for the very best exclusivity and privacy that money can buy, we offer the Chitwa House which is our Private Villa.
LTR: If you offer extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates provide details.
MB: We offer a pay 3 stay 4 special which offers free accommodation to one child under the age of 12, and it is applicable to one child per family sharing and children of all ages are welcome.
Photos taken during pre-pandemic stay at Chitwa Chitwa
Our teams stayed in rooms 1, 5 and 9. The 2016 property profile includes many photos of their rooms, common areas, meals, game vehicles, staff and some of the birds and game they sighted as well as their website address and contact information: Chitwa Private Game Lodge 2015
by Editor | Oct 18, 2021 | Ecotourism, Safari/Game viewing
During our stay there were opportunities for close encounters with the resident herd, photo from 2017.
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted all travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates.
In a 2017 safari trip to South Africa we liked Zindoga Villa at Jabulani Safari (previously Camp Jabulani). The 424 square meter three bedroom, three bathroom exclusive use house within a five-star lodge in a private reserve in South Africa offered us comfortable and spacious accommodations as well as outstanding game viewing and gourmet meals. Zindoga Villa had well appointed living room, dining room, covered terrace, three fireplaces, kitchenette, and two plunge pools, plenty of space for a private safari getaway. It was conveniently located within a short drive to a domestic airport.
The elephant, game and bird viewing were outstanding, photo from 2017
For this update Mari Theunissen, Sales & Revenue Manager, Jabulani Safari, responded to questions through the property’s media manager via email. When asked what policies and safeguards Jabulani Safari has adopted in response to Covid-19 she said,”Jabulani’s unique design provides a well-spaced and private lodge that is easily adaptable to implementing Covid-19 preventative measures. Our caring and passionate team are fully trained in COVID-19 protocols and will ensure each guest’s health and safety is paramount throughout their stay. With the guidance of leading local and international health authorities, our procedures and protocols will be of the highest standard and continually updated to ensure our guests and staff’s peace of mind at all times. We have created a brief visual summary of a few of the precautionary measures we have implemented to ensure each guest’s wellbeing with the least possible impact on their Safe and Soulful Safari Experience at Jabulani. Please find info here: https://jabulanisafari.com/covid-19-preventative-measure/”
Mari Theunissen, Sales & Revenue Manager, Jabulani Safari
“Rooms are cleaned daily according to the necessary Covid protocols,” she said when asked if the property staff cleans rooms daily. “More information is available here: https://jabulanisafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jabulani-COVID-19-Precautions-February-2020.pdf”
Zindoga Villa bedroom and plunge pool, photo from 2017
“Max 6 guests per game drive vehicle,” she said regarding the maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle. When asked for details on extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates she said, “Jabulani offers extended stay offers so to give back to our supporters.”
For more about our 2017 stay at the property see Camp Jabulani elephant experience.
