Luxury Africa Travel’s Blog

The Queen Victoria Hotel is the newest addition to Newmark Hotels portfolio. What sets this unique five-star boutique hotel apart is the attention to details given by the creative team responsible for its development, who achieved this through their unwavering passion for awe inspiring design. The hotel opened its doors in April 2011. From the creative brief of ‘where classic elegance meets contemporary design’, every effort has been made to ensure that the 35-room Queen Victoria Hotel is a haven of calm, luxury and understated opulence amongst the hustle and bustle of Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront.

With prime position at the V&A Waterfront, the Queen Victoria Hotel is located within a precinct of heritage buildings along Portswood Road which gives a sense of proximity to the Waterfront whilst still enjoying a quiet and exclusive position.
Its location allows easy access to the shops, restaurants, harbour and other popular attractions whilst offering its guests a serene setting overlooking Table Mountain, the City Bowl and the Atlantic Ocean.
With Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa as its next door neighbour, guests at the Queen Victoria Hotel have access to Elements Spa and the pool at Dock House. For breakfast, lunch or dinner there is the fine-dining option at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel’s OYO Restaurant & Cocktail Bar.
Various charter options are offered by the 35-metre luxury yacht, The Nautilus, which is also managed by Newmark Hotels.

The luxurious and sophisticated theme is present in all 3 suites and 31 luxury rooms, each of which is individually designed with a lot of attention to detail.
Most of the suites offer panoramic views of either Table Mountain or Cape Town Harbour, and all of them have a fully stocked private mini bar and Molton Brown pamper accessories.
From Executive suite, Mountain Junior suite and the presidential suite which features a wrap-around balcony with stunning views – with elegance and modern amenities, the Queen Victoria Hotel caters to the different needs of guests.
Named after the Queen’s favourite pet, Dash restaurant and bar at the Queen Victoria Hotel offers the ultimate in sophisticated fine dining. Headed by highly acclaimed executive chef, Stephen Templeton, the 40-seat Dash presents an elegant yet relaxed experience with a touch of drama in the presentation of his well-crafted menu. With an all contemporary cuisine as basis, Stephen gives his cuisine a classic French style whilst focusing on the unique flavours of each ingredient, which, except for the caviar, are all sourced locally.

Opening Special: R1875 per room per night including breakfast for travel dates until 31 July 2011. Contact us for more information and bookings.

Presidential Suite Balcony

Executive Suite lounge

Imagine sleeping in a luxury king-size bed on a raised deck in the middle of a game reserve, surrounded by the calls of nocturnal animals, with nothing between you and the brilliant stars of the Kalahari night sky…

Tswalu Kalahari’s newly launched sleepout deck, The Malori (meaning ‘dreamer’ in Tswane), offers guests the unique experience of a safari sleepout on a magnificent 100,000ha five star private game reserve.
The Malori deck boasts a raised platform with a thatched overhang for protection should it rain. Guests can choose to sleep under the thatch or further along the deck where it is completely open. The quaint bush suite also has weather-proof blinds which can be rolled up or down according to preference.

There is no compromise on luxury. The king-size bed is dressed with exquisite Aldona linen. Luxury towelling robes and slippers are provided and an adjacent outdoor toilet, basin and shower are just a short distance away along a lighted walkway. A simple fold-up table and camping chairs and a cushioned couch complete the barefoot luxury.
The Malori deck is built to maximise the exquisite surroundings and has panoramic views of the vast plains of the Green Kalahari. It is orientated to showcase the incomparable Kalahari sunsets.

Guests are escorted to the sleepout by a guide on a game vehicle from either The Motse or Tarkuni Private Villa . On arrival, the guide sets up drinks and snacks and while the guests are enjoying the spectacular views over their sundowners, the chef prepares dinner.

Dinner is a relaxed meal prepared in front of the guests, followed by dessert.
Guests are then left to enjoy a cheese and biscuit platter and a night cap, before retiring in privacy to enjoy their own Kalahari sleepout experience!
Wake at sunrise to birdsong and the sounds of the early morning in the Kalahari. Your guide will bring your tea and coffee tray and set up a delicious continental breakfast on the deck.
Or you can choose to take a horse ride, walking trail or game drive back to the main camp, stopping for a picnic breakfast along the way.
Tswalu also provide children’s camping beds, so the whole family can enjoy an exhilarating Kalahari sleepout under the stars.

This unique experience is offered to guests of Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve. For more information contact vip@luxuryafricatravel.com.

June and July are perfect months to visit the Green Kalahari. To prove that point, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari has launched an exciting seven night package, which offers four nights at Tswalu and three complimentary nights in Cape Town at Kensington Place, during the winter months.

Managing Director of Tswalu, Russel Binks says that in June and July the days are warm and sunny, and the nights cold.  “This makes it ideal for lazy evenings around a log fire, sipping South Africa’s finest red wines,” says Binks.
“In winter, in addition to typical big game viewing, sightings of rarer, smaller mammals, such as aardvark, aardwolf and pangolin increase. These shy nocturnal animals emerge in daylight for respite from the cold nights and to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine.”

To assist travellers to take advantage of this magnificent bush experience, Tswalu offers guests full board luxury accommodation for four nights at Motse or Tarkuni, which together accommodate a maximum of 30 guests in over 100 000 hectares.
Says Binks: “This vast and magical malaria-free landscape takes conservation as its first priority, with Nicky Oppenheimer’s vision to ‘restore the Kalahari to itself’. We have over 80 game species (including the Desert Black Rhino, blackmaned Kalahari lions and cheetah), and with its unique landscape and unparalleled service delivery, Tswalu is the ultimate game retreat.  Our daily rate includes a private vehicle, a personal guide and tracker, all meals, beverages and selected wines as well as game drives, and walking and horseback safaris.  We’ll also throw in laundry and valet services.”

The package includes three nights in Cape Town at Kensington Place – known as one of the coolest boutique hotels in the world. Set amidst fruit trees, a herb garden and intimate pool deck, the flowing levels of this urban residence do justice to a sensational setting between mountain and city. Defined by sensuous textures, indulgent moments and impeccable service, it is small wonder that Tatler magazine calls this hotel “perfect”.

Guests can choose whether they want to stay at Tswalu before or after their stay in Cape Town. The package includes transfers to or from the Execujet Hanger in Cape Town to Kensington Place, and complimentary return flights to Tswalu.

The package is valid for June and July 2011 and includes one child over six sharing with parents. For reservations and enquiries email vip@luxuryafricatravel.com call +27 (0)21 556 9437.

Motse Bedroom at Tswalu Kalahari

Kensington Place Boutique Hotel

There are hotels that we all know: We have heard about them, read about them, maybe thought of them - and this before we have even been to them. For me, Kensington Place is one of these places, where you just know that they exist and that they are good. You seem to know them so well that you almost forget about going there. Until that very day…

At Luxury Africa Travel, we carefully select the hotels and resorts we offer to our clients and make sure that we can experience them ourselves. In our constant search for true luxury and unique experiences, we finally paid a visit to Kensington Place, a luxury boutique hotel situated on the slopes of Table Mountain in Higgovale, Cape Town.

Rather unspectacular is the drive up to Kensington Place. I am not sure what I expect but I know that my expectations are high since Kensington Place enjoys an excellent reputation.

We pull up and park our car welcomed by a security guard. Once the gate opens, we find ourselves in lush quiet gardens, an oasis in the middle of the city. I am amazed to find this in Cape Town, it reminded me a bit of AtholPlace and Fairlawns in Johannesburg although on a lot smaller scale.

We walk up to reception and a friendly smile welcomes us to Kensington Place. The smile belongs to Michael who has been with Kensington Place since 10 years which I learn later.

Kensington Place has a total of 8 rooms, of which one is a standard room and the other seven are superior rooms. The tour with Michael starts with the rooms on the ground level and already the first room becomes one of my favourite. It is room number 7 where the bath looks out onto a private pond. I can easily picture myself relaxing in that bath, with the green nature giving it a piece of zen.

“Room number 8 has its own private parking”, Michael explained whilst I hardly want to move on to the next room. The rooms are all in a contemporary style, with state-of-the-art  equipment such as an ipod docking station, flat screen TVs, complimentary internet access and each room has its own laptop. Whilst the standard room is a bit smaller and offers a queen size bed and bathroom with shower, the superior rooms all have king-size beds and both shower and bath.

When entering room number 1, I discover my second favourite: elegant as the others but this one has its own private fireplace. The choice is difficult yet if I had to choose, I would choose room number 7 in summer and room number 1 for a cosy stay in winter.

“What is it that makes Kensington Place so great?”, I ask Michael frankly and curiously. A big yet humble smile crosses his face. “We have a very passionate owner”, he explains, “and besides that, I think it is the great service.”
“The hotel opened in 1997 and we were the first boutique hotel”, Michael continues. I look around and am impressed with the state of the rooms and furniture. It all looks modern and fresh and clearly reflects a high standard of maintenance and regular renovations to keep it up to date.

The lounge bar invites for a sundowner, the fireplace in the dining room gives a cosy atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor dining are possible, either light dining or formal dining. And for a day out, Kensington Place is happy to arrange picnics.

Our conclusion: We like the relaxed and intimate atmosphere at Kensington Place whilst being only minutes away from the city centre. Great value for money and friendly staff.

Take advantage of the special combo package, “With Compliments of the Cape” and combine Kensington Place in Cape Town with Tswalu Kalahari for travel dates between June and September 2011.

The much anticipated Royal Wedding is around the corner and you are invited whilst being in Cape Town to share in the excitement by viewing the nuptials of HRH Prince William of Wales, K.G. and Miss Catherine Middleton at the award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.

To celebrate the day, you can enjoy a royal feast of ‘Tea by the Sea’, a delicious high tea with all the trimmings including scrumptious scones with clotted cream, smoked salmon sandwiches and chocolate éclairs, or toast the groom and his new princess with champagne and oysters from the comfort of the Leopard Bar with its panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, or the Conservatory with the Twelve Apostles Mountains sprawled beyond.

Big screen televisions will ensure you do not miss the much aniticipated big moment. Viewing starts at 11:00 am on Friday, 29 April until 3:00 pm. For R95 per person you can take part in this celebration whilst being here on holiday in South Africa. For bookings, email us or call +27 21 556 94 37.

'Tea by the Sea' to celebrate the Royal Wedding

Tswalu Kalahari is offering an exciting and innovative package for foodies and adventure lovers who would like to search for the elusive desert gold – the Kalahari Truffle (formerly Terfezia pfeilii, now known as Kalaharituber pfeilii).
Called !nabas by the San, these truffles are distantly related to French truffles but are not as aromatic and have a smooth brown skin. Like the French truffle, which is always found near the roots of oaks, the Kalahari truffle has a symbiotic relationship with a plant - the desert melon.

Russel Binks, MD of Tswalu Kalahari said that the truffles found at Tswalu are a naturally occurring desert truffle specific to the Kalahari.  “This year, because the area has had excellent rainfall, we are expecting a bumper season in April and May.
“The truffle season is brief, lasting only until the first frost, and searching for them is an adventure because they grow beneath the ground within the sandy crevices.”
Tswalu Kalahari’s Truffle Safari package includes the truffle hunt, with the option of cooking and eating your own truffles, or allowing Tswalu’s chef, Theresa Fehrsen, to prepare and cook them for you. Scheduled flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg are complimentary.

The four day package allows guests to experience all the luxury of award-winning Tswalu, with its vast expanse of malaria-free wilderness, and superlative game and sightings of some of South Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife, including the desert black rhino, black-maned Kalahari lions, meerkats, cheetah, and rare antelope.

Tswalu Kalahari caters for just 30 guests in two luxury lodges, and the emphasis is on privacy, flexibility and exclusivity, where the guests can tailor their own experience to include game drives, bush walks and horseback safaris, animal encounters, sundowners in the dunes, star-gazing and sleep-outs, spa treatments in the indigenous Spa Garden, bush dining, boma dinners or intimate meals for two on your own private deck.

Families are welcome and children will revel in the special children’s programme which includes bush walks, picnics and tracking lessons.
Says Binks: “This is Africa’s most unique safari package…we don’t guarantee that you’ll find truffles, but we guarantee you an unforgettable experience.”

Truffle Picnic at Tswalu Kalahari

For more impressions on Tswalu Kalahari, read more on our website.

Tintswalo Atlantic takes pleasure in announcing the arrival of their newly appointed Executive Chef – Johan Lamprecht. Having focused and developed a passion for seafood, Johan ensures every guest’s expectations are not only met but exceeded by capturing their tastes and preferences, guaranteeing that every meal suits each pallet.
Johan loves to experiment, thus one can enjoy various exciting dishes such as, a starter of Scallops Zucchini Ribbons, Dill and Saffron Butter, main courses like of Kingklip served with Olive Polenta and a roast butternut salad finished off with a Fennel Cream sauce and desserts of Caramelised Pineapple and Ginger Tart Tatin.

Johan Lamprecht - new Executive Chef at Tintswalo Atlantic

Tintswalo Atlantic is situated in one of the most stunning locations in South Africa. Positioned at the base of Chapman’s Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic overlooks the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay. With only 10 suites, personalised service and privacy are guaranteed. The lodge offers home-away-from-home comforts, discreet service and mouthwatering culinary creations.

Respecting its natural environment, the lodge was built without removing a tree nor a branch from the Milkwood trees that grace the shoreline.

We find Tintswalo Atlantic the perfect getaway for honeymooners and those who want to rediscover themselves in an almost spiritual environment with the ocean literally a stone’s throw away from the pebbled beach.

Read more about Tintswalo Atlantic and contact us for your booking enquiry.

Popular Gourmet Catering in the Cape Winelands

Stir is a true culinary leader who regularly caters for high profile events, as well as private fine dining. Their focus is on elegance and they only use the best quality ingredients sourced locally. Stir foods maintain a delicate balance between traditional excellence and the latest fashionable trends.

These culinary food artists constantly develop new recipes and dishes, adding to old favourites with innovation and flair. They believe that every event is unique and as such, consult with each client individually when compiling menus and decoration, taking into consideration personal preferences and needs.

The People behind Stir

The company is headed by Executive Chefs Piet Marais and Gustaaf Boshoff. Piet and Gustaaf have gravitated to an artistic and health conscious approach to food, always on the lookout for exceptional new experiences for themselves and their diners.

Together they bring an exceptional combination of international experience to the table. Having cooked professionally and travelled Europe, the United Kingdom, South East Asia, the Americas, Pacific Islands, Australasia, the Middle East and Southern Africa.  As you can imagine they have a great knack for fusion along with a vast repertoire of interesting flavour combinations  and recipes.

Sustainable living

Going green is not just a lifestyle trend; it’s a mode of sustainable living that is here to stay. As a contemporary catering company, Stir is inspired to take the lead in the industry by adopting an environmentally aware approach in how they run their business.

With the help of some innovative thinking, there are several ways in which Stir has gone green. Amongst them include supporting local suppliers and farmers, using more organic and free range products, recycling wastage and reducing electricity consumption. They are committed to creating a sustainable future and hope to inspire other companies to do the same.

The Jacuzzi on the Luxurious Nautilus Yacht

Nothing on the Nautilus has been overlooked as the yacht caters for every possible wish. The 35-metre motor yacht is the embodiment of sleek beauty and luxury.

The deck has a Jacuzzi and a large fly bridge area with a bar, perfect for sipping sundowners while admiring the view. This yacht is ideal for weddings and birthday parties.

Berthed in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, the Nautilus cruises around Cape Town, Robben Island, Langebaan and even as far as the the Garden Route in Knysna. The yacht not only offers cruising but also luxury accommodation.

The fully air-conditioned vessel has six luxury cabins that sleeps 16 people quayside and 12 at sea. It is currently licensed to carry 58 people at sea and can easily host a party of 110 people when moored at quayside.

The Nautilus Yacht in Cape Town

The Nautilus has nine crew members and when required includes a hospitality manager, VIP bodyguard, chauffeur, chef and butler.

The longest chauffeur-driven 25-seater limousine in the country will be available with the yacht for sightseeing party trips around the Cape Peninsula and further afield.

On board is a rubber duck for fishing and water-skiing and equipment for jet skiing, scuba diving and fishing.

Royal Madikwe, an exclusive game lodge in South Africa’s North West Province, confirms Africa’s standing in the thriving fold of private luxury safari lodges after being honored at the coveted 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Royal Madikwe, Luxury Game Lodge Winner

Competing with the crème de la crème of the world’s hotel destinations, this 5-star bush retreat, situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, excelled globally as the top Luxury Game Lodge amongst the top seeded contenders in the Luxury Game Lodge grouping of these annual awards. Royal Madikwe is the only South African property to take top honors in the Global Award Category.

Selected from votes cast by travel industry delegates from across the globe, Royal Madikwe was crowned overall category winner.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards was established in 2007 as a celebration of the ultimate achievement in the hospitality industry, with finalists and winners - representing all categories in the luxury hotel industry - acknowledged for world-class facilities and service excellence.

Situated in a game-rich wilderness region, adjacent to the Botswana border, luxury Royal Madikwe succeeds in creating an unrivalled safari experience beyond the ordinary for the discerning traveler.

Royal Madikwe, Romantic Dinner at night

The exclusivity of this 5-star private ’safari home’, which offers undivided use to each reservation, allows a single party of up to only 10 guests to interact with nature in a lavish milieu where exceptional accommodation, service and cuisine prevail.

Royal Madikwe is unlike any other luxury safari destination and welcomes families with children of all ages.

Royal Madikwe is passionately committed to responsible tourism practices and is the first establishment in the North West Province to carry the esteemed Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FITSA) Trademark, which embodies its devotion to combining tourism, environmental management and local economic development.