Luxury Africa Travel’s Blog

In the heart of the winelands lies a new gem, recently opened and yet to be discovered by the international travellers. Opened in August 2011, deHuguenot Estate is located between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offering unspoilt mountain, valley and farmland views.
The original property dates back to 1893 and also hosts the oldest building in Pniel, previously built in 1820. The owners, Tom and Marianne Gray, renovated and refurbished the estate for the past six years and whilst keeping its historic charm, they turned it into a modern, elegant estate which offers an exclusive venue for weddings and functions for up to 120 guests as well as boutique style accommodation of four stylish suites which can be booked exclusively.

Upon arrival, the generously spaced foyer leads us straight to the restaurant where a nicely decorated table with breath-taking views onto the Groot Drakenstein mountains awaits us. The atmosphere of the restaurant is casually elegant, the fireplaces add a cosy atmosphere. We are being welcomed by Kristy and Philipp who are responsible for the restaurant operation.
We had read about Chef Tanja Kruger on the estate’s website and knew that she was not only a talented chef but also the winner of the Chaine de Rotisseurs Young Chef of the Year 2008. Being a member of the South African Culinary Olympic Team, she moved from Hunter’s Country House in Plettenberg Bay, having worked at Lanzerac, the Radisson Hotel and Five Flies before.
The service is friendly and professional, the choice on the menu is eclectic and creative. With our expectations rising by reading the description of the menu, we order our mains whilst absorbing the beauty of the natural surroundings through the glass windows in front of us and the elegant décor around us.
And we were not disappointed. Appealingly decorated, our food arrives and we realise that we are in for a treat – not only visually but also tastefully. Silently we enjoy our food, absorbing this culinary experience with all our senses. As if this would not have been enough, the Valrhona dark chocolate fondant as dessert adds a new highlight to the entire meal.
The trendy Harry Q pub, named after the last owner of the property, is located in the foundation of the original building and offers tapas and light dishes in a casual atmosphere.

After lunch, Marianne shows us the accommodation side of deHuguenot Estate. Four elegantly appointed suites have been spaciously designed with open bathrooms and decorated with restored, antique furniture. Marianne reveals that this is one of her hobbies and there is no doubt that she is very talented in creating beautiful spaces. There are no rigid check-in or check-out times and from small details such as electric blankets to the obligatory well-stocked minibar, everything had been thought of to make the guest’s stay as convenient as possible. “We do not do time”, Marianne explained, “just looking after”.
Tom and Marianne told us about the history of the estate, they even shared some images of how it looked like before they started changing it. Our respect grows from picture to picture, realising how much work, time and passion went into the project.
The estate lends itself as perfect wedding venue, the gardens are well manicured and the property offers great photographic backgrounds.

Busy finalising a few projects on the estate, deHuguenot Estate is already taking bookings for the upcoming high season as well as for weddings. We are convinced that it will quickly establish itself as a well-known insider tip in the winelands.
For bookings and more information, please contact us.

Tswalu Kalahari Spa has won the “Best Safari Spa Award” in the 2011 Les Nouvelles Esthétiques Spa Awards. Tswalu Spa Manager Corli Schoeman was named runner up in the “Spa Management Excellence Award”.
Russel Binks, MD of Tswalu Kalahari, said that the awards are a huge boost to South Africa’s biggest privately-owned game reserve.

“It’s wonderful to receive such positive recognition for what we are doing at Tswalu,” he said.  “We completed a refurbishment of the spa last year and appointed Corli as the new spa manager shortly afterwards. She immediately revamped the treatment menu and has done wonders in training a local therapist, as well as ensuring the spa is an integral part of the Tswalu experience.”
Managing Editor of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, Dr Nadine de Freitas, said that the Spa Awards, now in their 7th year, are flourishing in an internationally growing market place.
“The stature of the awards means that we can provide South African and international spa visitors and media with a comprehensive choice of award-winning spas and a reliable source and spa information and recommendations, within South Africa,” she explains.
“In judging the spas, we look for the personalised aspects in the spa visit, in addition to absolute attention to detail, impeccable spa standards and faultless service excellence, which all adds up to a spa experience which is beyond the client’s expectations.”
The 2011 Spa Awards consists of five categories, namely Boutique Hotel Spas, Day Spa, Resort/Hotel Spa, Unique Spa Concept and Safari Spa categories.

Says Dr de Freitas: “The Safari Spa Category is our international flagship category as it represents the essence of Africa, through the combination of safari and spas. Tswalu Spa sets a benchmark for safari spas in South Africa.”
The Spa Management Excellence Award is a new award this year, introduced to recognise excellence in spa management, and managers who go beyond the call of duty.
“Corli has reformed the Tswalu Kalahari Spa completely. She delights her clients through her knowledge and care, and is constantly praised for being quite magical at what she does.  Not only is she exceptional at her chosen profession, but her enthusiasm and experience is something she likes to share with others - she has successfully trained and mentored Betty Ntaolong, a 33-year old waitress, so that she was able to qualify in Holistic Massage, and is now working as a spa therapist at Tswalu” says Binks.

Tswalu Kalahari Spa is a combination of sensual spaces which combine to create an inspirational venue for what must be one of the most unusual spa experiences in Africa.

Designed to enhance the natural beauty of the Kalahari and take advantage of the superb climate, the outdoor treatment area is within an indigenous spa garden where guests may find the occasional antelope grazing alongside them and be lulled into a deep state of relaxation by the sound of birdsong.

Surrounded by endless blue skies and the unique vegetation of the Green Kalahari, guests who indulge in the authentic signature massages performed by local therapists, will discover the Spa’s ethos of “closer to the land, closer to the people.”

The indoor spa area is a natural extension of the earth, inspired by nature and the splendour of the Kalahari, with natural finishes and fabrics and simple spaces which together create a sense of tranquility and barefoot elegance.

Guests may also choose to have their treatments at an outdoor tsala, where a rustic structure protects one from the elements and is positioned to give a bird’s eye view of the open grasslands of the reserve against the backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountain range.

Treatments at Tswalu Spa include exfoliation treatments using fine red Kalahari dune sand or desert mineral crystals from the natural mineral rich salt pans of the Kalahari, infused with plant-based emollient rich aromatic oils.

For more information or to book contact us.

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.

Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa in South Africa’s winelands region of Stellenbosch was the recent recipient of two prestigious international accolades.

One of a select few to be featured by Condé Nast Traveler (US) for their 2011 “Hot List”, Delaire was included amongst 124 of the world’s best new hotels spanning 43 countries and 6 continents. This year’s Hot Hotels share a common standard in their artful blend of high style, a strong sense of place and showcase the best new exclusive and exotic properties around the globe. Click here to read the online review.

Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa was also unveiled as one of the world’s best new Hotels by Travel + Leisure in their sixth annual “IT List” hotels around the globe to highlight what the magazine’s editors consider the world’s best new hotels. Delaire was one of only two hotels to be featured in South Africa. Click here for the online review.

Located on the highest crest along the magnificent Helshoogte Mountain Pass linking the Cape’s two leading wine districts, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa offers exceptional accommodation, views, art, architecture, interior design, food and wine in one of South Africa’s most extraordinary natural settings.
Says General Manager Jonathan Lithgow, “Having opened only a year ago we are delighted to have been acknowledged by such prestigious publications, especially in the US market. We are very fortunate to be situated in a piece of paradise that literally leaves our guests feeling like they were ‘floating in the sky’!”

The 2011 rates have been maintained from last year. Make the most of Delaire’s low season rates valid until 31 August 2011 as well as the 3 Night Offer in a Luxury Lodge including a 3 course Indochine dinner and bottle of Delaire wine; aromatherapy massage each; a hosted Delaire Wine Tasting and a half day Stellenbosch wine tour to 4 vineyards in the area.

For further information click here or 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 newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have left the Seychelles following a 10 day honeymoon retreat on North Island.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Paul Adam, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Mr. Alain St Ange, and the Seychelles High Commissioner to Great Britain, Mr. Patrick Pillay, along with the British High Commissioner to Seychelles, Mr Matthew Forbes and his wife Lydia, were present to bid the Royal couple farewell yesterday afternoon at the Zil Air airport hangar.

“The people of Seychelles are truly honoured that Prince William and his wife chose to return to Seychelles for this special holiday and we are proud to have been able to offer them a peaceful and private getaway,” said the Minister,

“There has been much speculation as to the whereabouts of the couple, but we pride ourselves in being discreet and offering an unparalleled level of privacy, which is why we have refused to confirm the reports till now. We hope their stay was everything they had hoped for and we look forward to welcoming them back to our shores again in the future.”

Due to the media frenzy surrounding the Duke and Duchess, the Seychelles Coast Guard was on hand to assist the couple during their stay and ensure that they, along with the other guests of the island, were able to enjoy their holiday uninterrupted. During their last day, the Duke and Duchess took the time to invite the Coast Guard crew members to the island to personally thank them for their efforts.

The head of STB, Mr. St Ange said that this is the first time Seychelles has had this unprecedented level of attention but he was pleased that Seychelles had been able to offer them the level of seclusion they deserved for such an important occasion as their honeymoon.

“It was also pleasing to note that they left happy and clearly content with their stay,” added Mr. St Ange.

High Commissioner Pillay, who also attended the wedding ceremony in Westminster Abbey on the 29th April, said that: “In a world of so much turmoil they bring a welcome and much needed breathe of fresh air with their warmth and humility.”

Information with courtesy of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Contact us to arrange your own royal honeymoon on North Island in Seychelles.

Romance on North Island, Seychelles

Pezula Spa at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna, has launched a Kiddies Spa Menu for children under the age of 12.
The menu offers a Rainbow Pedicure, a Butterfly Manicure, a Tutti Fruity Facial, and a Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage. Each treatment comes with either a complimentary cupcake, a fruit kebab, a rainbow lollipop or a chocolate chip cookie.

Spa Manager Zoi Kazakos said that with increasing awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, children, like their parents, are keen to include relaxation, personal grooming and wellness treatments into their daily routines.

“Our menu is designed to offer children an introduction to the spa experience and  an opportunity to spend quality time with their parents at the spa, as well as making each child feel like a prince or princess.

“We have special kiddies towelling robes for the children and we make the experience as relaxing  as possible, using  100% natural products. The menu is available between 7:00 and 9:00 in the mornings, so that our other guests are not disturbed, and the children are not given access to the gym or pool areas.”

The Rainbow Pedicure includes a ruby red soak, an oranges and oats foot scrub, a mello-yellow massage, a gummy bear mask, a blue bubble rinse, itsy bitsy paint and very violet sprinkles.
For the Butterfly Manicure, little princesses can expect a soak in a multi-coloured fizz, filing and a cuticle treatment, a vanilla hand massage, finished off with pretty pastel polish adorned with tips or sparkles.
The Tutti Fruity Facial includes a coconut milk cleanser, a cocoa scrub, a cucumber toner and a mango and paw paw mask.
The Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage is a 30-minute vanilla soy candle massage. The Spa also offers kiddies spa parties, limited to mornings only.

Contact us for a children-friendly spa holiday.

Kids spa experience at Pezula Spa

Franschhoek, South Africa, April, 2011 - Le Quartier Français has been included, for the 7th consecutive year (and 8th year overall), in the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

This year saw the Tasting Room, the only South African restaurant included in the 2011 Top 50 Restaurants, placed no 36 overall. Two other South African restaurants -Rust-en Vrede and La Colombe - were recognized and included in the S.Pellegrino World’s Top 51-100 Best Restaurants rankings; reaffirming our belief that South Africa, as a food destination, continues to impress on a global scale. An extremely proud Susan Huxter, owner of Le Quartier Français, was delighted by her team’s success and aptly summed up what this achievement means:

“Seven consecutive years in the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant rankings is an unbelievable accomplishment. An award like this is not something that just happens, it really highlights the fact that Margot Janse, her team and our front of house staff are constantly working on The Tasting Room experience; it shows that this is a culinary space that never stagnates. Every year phenomenal new restaurants enter the global market resulting in a level of competition that is intense, and the pressure to WOW with every bite is higher than it has ever been. Even with all this pressure Margot remains true to her love - South Africa - and her passion, food that delights but never at the expense of its childlike wonder.”

Le Quartier Français is a luxurious Relais & Châteaux country inn situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands, South Africa. The Auberge offers eleven en-suite Auberge Rooms, three Grande Rooms, two Petite Garden Suites and two deluxe Auberge Suites (with splash pools), which open onto a rose-filled central courtyard and swimming pool. And for the ultimate in luxury, there are four state-of-the-art suites, The Four Quarters, overlooking a private pool and sun-splashed deck.

For bookings at either the Tasting Room or Le Quartier Français, call +27 21 556 9437 or email us.