Text: Rina Smit Image: Oystercatcher Trail
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Travelling to different destinations provides new and exciting opportunities. To go boldly to places for the first time, meet new people and to experience their cultures, can be FUN! Leave your worries behind and go on vacation. Enjoy a splendid journey!
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t a a r a b M a r S a t a S fari C e v i F Text: The PR Team Images: Marataba Safari Company
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Marataba is part of Hunter Hotels Group and proud a member of the R elais & Châteaux Association
THERE IS A MYSTICAL PLACE at the
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foot of the Waterberg Mountains on the ancient trade route through Southern Africa, from the mighty tower of “Great Zimbabwe,” over the raging Limpopo River and across vast plains teeming with game. Dense bushveld, winding rivers, deep gorges and majestic mountains completes this tranquil picture. Marataba is an exclusive 23,000 hectare private concession in the heart of Limpopo’s Marakele National Park, a ‘place of sanctuary’ for Africa’s Big Five and a multitude of other animal species including rare antelope such as roan, sable and mountain reedbuck. This malaria-free wilderness is also home to the world’s largest breeding
colony of the endangered Cape Vulture. Birdlife within the park is prolific with more than 400 species having been recorded, a veritable birder’s Eden. In this hidden place, discover Marataba, epitomising all that is Africa. This luxurious game lodge reflects Africa’s ancient wisdom and culture, the glorious forms and colour presenting a vibrant haven at the epicentre of modern design. Enter a sanctuary of mystery in harmony with the energy of nature and the environment, built of indigenous stone, timber, sand and soil, enhanced by murmuring waters and vast vistas liberated by glass walls.
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s n i A Mystical place at the foot of the Waterberg Mounta
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Enjoy an afternoon siesta in your luxurious suite, lazing around the pool, or simply absorbing the tranquil atmosphere of the African bush. Afternoon High Tea, served at 16h00, is a blissful experience. Fall asleep listening to the faraway sounds of the African night - the distant roar of a lion, the trumpet of an elephant, the grunt of a hippo… Guests receive a discreet wake-up call in time for coffee and tea and the morning game drive, and so a new day’s adventure begins. A sumptuous breakfast is
Gourmet cuisine with fresh African flavours is served either in the elegantly appointed dining room or outdoors on the dining veranda or, alternatively, under a glorious African sky. And, as temperatures rise in Limpopo, cool off in the crystal clear pool. The Main Lodge also boasts a Guest Business Centre for those guests who cannot totally escape the outside world. Mobile phone reception is erratic. Marataba is an ideal wedding and incentive destination with tailormade options and activities available on request.
served after the game drive at the lodge.
Saturated with the sights, sounds and smells of the African wilderness, indulge in the supreme luxury of our exotic tented suites, an intriguing mix of canvas, timber and stone, exquisitely furnished and decorated.
“I was born and raised on a farm near Nylstroom, in the Limpopo Province, and spent my childhood years exploring the valleys, plains, gorges and mountain streams of the region on foot with my brother and our
Marataba welcomes new General Manager Sjani Cuyler Sjani Cuyler has recently been appointed as the new General Manager at Marataba Safari Company. Ray asks this dynamic lady to tell us more about her career in this fascinating industry…
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Stone-masonry characterises the main lodge with huge expanses of glass taking full advantage of the spectacular panoramic scenery. Admire the view while enjoying a cocktail in the Ladies Bar or simply relax in The Wallow with a book from the library, housed within the stone tower with a birds-eye view of the breathtaking surroundings.
En-suite stone bathrooms, with shower and bath, as well as his and hers basins and dressing room are the epitome of bushveld opulence. The 15 luxury suites each have their own private deck overlooking the sweeping plains and meandering river below. Other facilities include an outside shower, ceiling fan, air conditioning and in-house communication.
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Inspired by the discovery of primeval ruins, Marataba embraces both the contemporary and the ancient in an exciting union of innovative architecture, design and technology, paying tribute to, and confirming, the concept of the African Renaissance. Lulled by the heartbeat of the bushveld, awed by towering mountains, enthralled by the abundance of wildlife, secure and sensually nurtured in the indulgent atmosphere, live your dreams of safari at Marataba, the place where the plains touch the mountains…
dogs in tow. My real love for the African bush was cultivated between long school holidays on our family farm in the Sabi Sands reserve and winter safaris to the Okavango Delta, Chobe and Savuti regions of Northern Botswana. I moved to Pretoria to complete my high school years and a Diploma in Travel and Tourism followed, but the flooded waterways of the Okavango was beckoning and I started my career in the safari and lodge industry based on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve. When an opportunity arose to move to the mountainous deserts of Damaraland in Namibia, I was eager to experience something completely out of my comfort zone. Over the years, I also worked in lodges on the edge of the Etosha pan, the desolate Skeleton Coast and on the remote banks of the Cunene River and the Hartman’s Valley. My love for Botswana soon took me back there where I worked in several camps and lodges throughout northern Botswana.“ Sjani took a break from bush life in her mid twenties and returned to the city where she completed a Diploma in journalism, but crowded city life soon had Sjani longing for the open spaces and the raw, natural beauty of Africa. She spent several months living in the Bazaruto Archipelago region of Mozambique, but returned to the bush to manage several remote camps on the wild and unspoilt Busanga Plains of the northern Kafue National Park in Zambia. Sjani also made the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Livingstone her base for some time. Sjani’s love and passion for the African fauna and flora and her utter love for the tranquillity of nature certainly runs deep in her veins. After travelling and exploring the Southern African continent for the better part of the last 10 years, Sjani has finally returned to her place of birth in the picturesque Waterberg Mountains to settle down just a little and to watch the setting sun splash the cliffs of the mountains a staggering magenta. Over the next two years Hunter Hotels Group will be opening two more lodges in the Marataba Private Concession - each uniquely individual, each created in the service excellence tradition of Hunter Hotels Group. RM
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Contact Hunter Hotels Group Central Reservations Natalie Byrnes, Group Reservations Tel: +27 44 501 1111 Fax: +27 44 501 1100 Email: res@huntershotels.com Website: www.hunterhotels.com Marataba Gate GPS coordinates: S24° 20’ 44.1 E027° 29’ 42.0”
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CAMP JABULANI AWARDED COVETED CONDE NAST TRAVELER WORLD SAVERS AWARD
THE 5-STAR CAMP JABULANI,
Text: The PR Team Images: Camp Jabulani
Hoedspruit, a proud member of the Relais & Châteaux Association, has been awarded the highly coveted ‘Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Award’ due to the luxury elephant safari-camp’s exceptional commitment to the environment through its impressive sustainable energy and recycling policies, extensive educational programmes for staff, as well as local communities and implementation of its multiple pioneering conservation programmes. The award was officially presented at Conde Nast Traveler’s 4th annual World Savers Congress on October 19 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore.
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addressing the congress in previous years have included Bill Clinton, Queen Rania of Jordan, economist Jeffrey Sachs and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof. Celebrities with a social conscience that have also participated include Matt Damon, Ashley Judd, Marcia Gay Harden, Wyclef Jean, Ed Norton, and Mandy Moore.
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The Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Congress attracts some 200 leaders in the travel industry, whose revenue was valued at USD7 trillion this year alone, under one roof. They are encouraged, via keynote speaker and discussion forums, to ways in which to address the issues of global poverty, health education and environmental depredation. Some notable figures
Managing Director of Camp Jabulani, Adine Roode, comments: ’We are genuinely thrilled that efforts to look after our environment and the community by Camp Jabulani have been recognised by such a prestigious award. However, I must honour my Mother, Lente Roode, whose mission has always been about the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Without her incredible commitment to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and her firm belief that ‘The Power of One is Boundless’ - or simply, one person can make a difference - Camp Jabulani and the positive ripple effects created as a result, would not exist.’ Camp Jabulani is situated in South Africa’s northernmost Limpopo Province within a privately owned Big 5 game reserve near to the Kruger National Park. In addition to the Big 5, a wide variety of indigenous and endangered species, such as the rare black-footed cat, ground hornbill, blue crane and sable thrive in the well-preserved natural habitat. No trees were felled during the creation of the Camp, which is ecologically sound in every aspect, from waste disposal to the utilisation of natural elements
in the construction. Everything that can be recycled are: animal skins make furniture coverings; marula pips from the elephants’ favourite fruit make an unusual decorative wall feature; and elephant dung is
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an endless resource with many uses from making the paper used for the Camp’s promotional information to filling erosion trenches that assist in the prevention of rain damage. Of the Camp’s 140 staff, 80% are from the local community (several in management
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Camp Jabulani works hand in hand with the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), managed by founder, Lente Roode, who set up Camp Jabulani to sustain a herd of trained elephants rescued from Zimbabwe by HESC when their owner’s farm was requisitioned. The herd adopted Jabulani (meaning ‘rejoice’), an orphan elephant formerly
rescued by HESC, who refused to be reintroduced to the wild. Watching and interacting with the elephants between safaris is a rare experience for visitors: the herd roams around the camp in complete freedom and enjoys a regular group swim in the waterhole at midday. RM
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positions). Also of the 42-strong team taking care of the elephants, most originate from Zimbabwe – as did the elephants, with the exception of Jabulani and the 6 babies, a sure sign of a happy herd.
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Text: Adele Minnaar & Images: Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
HOEDSPRUIT ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRE
LAUNCHES NEW CHEETAH CONSERVATION TRAINING PROGRAMME
THE HOEDSPRUIT ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRE (HESC), established
as one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in South Africa, is proud to announce the launch of its new Cheetah Conservation Training Programme. Participants aged between 18 and 35 years old are invited to get involved in this practical approach to conservation and wildlife, which runs for three weeks from 13, October 2010 – 28, December 2010. This Programme is designed to equip students with the aptitude to actively participate in conserving the wildlife of Southern Africa, to create awareness of conservation on a global scale and to experience the beauty and rich diversity of South Africa. Costs are R14,400.00 for RSA residents and for non-RSA residents R18,000.00.
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As the programme is based at the (HESC) home to cheetah, wild dog, black-foot cat, lion, African wild cat, ground horn bill, sable antelope and more, participating students will form part of the ‘handson’ team, which mediates the well-being of all animals at the Centre.
States Adine Roode, Managing Director at Camp Jabulani: “If we can in some way ignite in others the ardent fire that comes from working with animals and within the environment, then we are fulfilled. So many visitors who have participated in the programme have walked away from it fundamentally changed and committed to the prospect of doing something to make a difference for our natural environment and its inhabitants - wherever they
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The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable and endangered animals with cheetah conservation being one of its core focuses. The Centre has established
itself as one of the leaders in the breeding and research of endangered species. The Centre also provides a safe haven for orphaned and sick animals as well as an education centre where the public and South Africa’s younger generations can learn about endangered species by observing them at close range. HESC works closely with advisory committees from the Pretoria Zoo and the University of Pretoria. Our mission and vision is ensuring our tomorrow by fostering and communicating the belief that the ‘Power of One is Boundless’. Our core objectives are to promote scientific research and development in the wildlife field, to generate funds to assist in the operational costs of the Centre, which makes no profit from its operation, to ensure the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals that are brought to the Centre and to guarantee the provision of a safe alternative for damage-causing animals on commercial farms with a view to ultimately introduce them into conservation areas that can accommodate such animals into their management policies. How did you get involved in this industry? The Centre’s story began 21 years ago with a dream; my mother realised a passion for the cheetah as a young child when she became the care-giver of a young abandoned cub on her parents’ farm. After marrying my father and acquiring a private game reserve, she had the opportunity to see this passion materialise. Her dream was to have two cheetahs
What is the most satisfying part of your job? The bond you share with an animal is uplifting and soul enriching but most importantly, it’s making a difference to ensure the survival of our planet and our natural heritage. The centre also specializes in the education http://www.hesc.co.za/SEP.htm of students and the general public in conservation and ecotourism http://www.hesc.co.za/day_drives.htm. What can we as the public do in our own way to promote conservation or raise awareness for this cause? I would like to use the following section from my recent speech in Singapore at the Conde Nast World Savers Award: ‘More than the animals, the environment and conservation at large, it’s necessary for people to put systems in place that will ensure the survival of our planet and our natural heritage. I’m continuously surrounded by people with such good intentions and very big hearts, but I’m amazed at how few of them actually believe that they can make a difference, so they end up doing nothing at all. This is one of the most important lessons I have personally taken from the work that we have done as a family and as a community over the last twenty years. If each good heart in the world could realise this, the capacity
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Tell us a bit more about your work at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
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Ray talks to Managing Director of Camp Jabulani, Adine Roode, and discovers a deep commitment and passion for the conservation success that is Camp Jabulani & The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre…
on the reserve, but she ended up with 35 due to the hand of fate. A breeder she knew was no longer able to take care of the cheetahs in his custody. As the voice of reason, my father sat her down – I can almost see in my mind the two of them sitting on the front step at the end of a long day, sharing a whiskey together. He told her that this cheetah centre would have to be operated like a business and as an institute of science. She would have to learn about balancing books, comparing expenses versus income and paying attention to the uninteresting world of maintenance, staff, and general management. This was not just about loving the cheetah – their survival depended on much more. As you can imagine, this was not particularly well received by my mom as she had thought that her husband would take care of the detail – leaving her to do what she did best with her most favourite cats! Well, here we are, 21 years later and I’m so proud to say that my mother clearly learnt her lesson well. She has transformed into an astute business woman, much of it on her own and has seen this passion of hers grow into a worthy concern, highly regarded in both local and international arenas. She has never lost her love for the cheetah but the Centre has expanded into one which houses numerous animal species. If there is an animal which is vulnerable, injured or orphaned, it somehow finds its way to the HESC. It’s not hard to love what we do when we watch these animals heal. I worked at the Centre since I was 16 years’ old during holidays and after graduating from varsity. I got involved in the financial side of the Centre. In 2000, we moved to Hoedspruit where I assisted in the daily running of the Centre.
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may find themselves in the world. One person can ultimately make a profound difference. And if we can help people realise this, and to act on it - our objectives have been reached.”
for change and for rehabilitation of this planet at large would not only be possible, but a reality for our children. It is time for mankind to realise the amount of power we have and our responsibility to use it for the greater good. The time is now or as they say in Africa - KE NAKO!’ RM
Contact Details: Address:
Kapama Private Game Reserve,
Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa, 1380 Postal Address: PO Box 25745, Monument Park, 0105, Pretoria, South Africa Phone:
+ 27 12 460 5605 (reservations)
+27 12 460 7348 ;
+ 27 15 793 1265 (Camp)
Fax:
+ 27 12 460 7573 (reservations) ;
+ 27 15 793 1261 (Camp)
Email:
reservations@campjabulani.com
Website:
www.campjabulani.com
www.hesc.co.za Key Contacts: Managing Director - Adine Roode
Reservations – Adele Welgemoed / Michelle Badenhorst
General Manager – Carl & Elsie Olen Sales – Anke Paterson Representative in the United Kingdom: Sue Ricketts E-mail: sue@targetafrica.co.uk Representative in the United States: Philippa Kort E-mail: philippakort@me.com
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Text: The PR Team & Images: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa AN OASIS OF TRANQUILITY
THIS FIVE STAR CAPE TOWN HOTEL is poised above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and The Twelve Apostles mountain range. The hotel’s interior design is inspired by its namesake, creating a fresh, calming environment that artfully combines sophistication with simplicity, comfort and elegance.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. SUPERB SPA, WILDERNESS TRAILS, AWARDWINNING RESORT
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The Twelve Apostles is the luxurious get-away-fromit-all location that was recently named Leading Spa Resort in Africa. Here, you can be as active as you like – hiking through the mountain trails, working out in the
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Guests are five minutes from the most beautiful beaches and Camps Bay and fifteen minutes from the City Centre and V&A Waterfront with many vineyards within easy reach. Guests are spoilt by spectacular views of the ocean and mountain views with each of their 70 bedrooms and suites including the Presidential Suite, each superbly designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. The hotel boasts two pools perched above the ocean, award-winning health & beauty spa; Azure restaurant, a 24 hour cafe and the Leopard Room Bar & Lounge; meeting, events & weddings facilities for up to 90 guests; and 16-seater private cinema. Guests also receive complimentary transfer service to & from the V&A Waterfront or can choose to arrive by helicopter to the hotel’s Helistop.
fitness room, learning to dive, or finding serene peace in The Sanctuary Spa. There’s not much you can’t do at The Twelve Apostles to increase your fitness, raise your spirits, or soothe away your stress. For those who like the outdoor life, there’s a heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a smaller secluded rock pool with mountain views. You can jog through park trails, settle into one of the many idyllic garden hammocks, swim or relax on nearby golden beaches, play golf, go fishing, or explore ancient shipwrecks. If you prefer something a little quieter, The Sanctuary Spa is an oasis of tranquility cut into the surrounding rocks. Inside you’ll find hot and cold plunge pools, Cape Town’s only Rasul chamber, a sauna and a hydrotherapy bath. In the seven treatment rooms, they can pamper you with a range of treatments including many based on the indigenous fynbos flora. Or you can opt for a secluded open-air treatment in a shady gazebo.
beds, under floor heating and light therapy. - Sauna – a Laconium Sauna both dry and moist. -
Two secluded mountain gazebos – a treatment with an unrivalled view of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. Unique sunrise and sunset treatments are offered in this magnificent setting.
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Tranquility Lounge - The post treatment room to continue your journey of relaxation and not be rushed into the real world.
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Grooming Lounge Adding the final touches to a well-groomed appearance. Turn an ordinary manicure or pedicure into a special treat. Treatments can be enjoyed together in
Energise and revitalise your body at The Sanctuary Spa while captivating your senses with: -
Rasul Chamber – purification, rejuvenation
and healing - The Rasul purifies and decongests with mud face, body and hair masks applied in an environment of steam to activate and end with a soothing rain shower to cleanse.
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Hydrotherapy Capsule bath - a luxurious hydrotherapy capsule that also provides back, foot and side massage jets, radiant heat, Vichy shower and light therapy.
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Brine pool and Warm Hydrotherapy and Cold Water plunge pools incorporating a variety of body water jets at the optimal temperatures – hot and cold - for the body to prepare for therapies, improve blood circulation and enhance your treatment benefits and enjoyment. We recommend a process of cold, hot, cold, hot, cold combination for optimum benefit.
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5 dry and 2 wet superbly equipped treatment rooms, featuring electronic heated
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this dual room or privacy drapes will ensure undisturbed seclusion. - Health Buffet – delicious fresh snack complimentary buffet and a Health Menu on order.
Elemis – Designed exclusively by Elemis for The Sanctuary Spa at The Twelve Apostles in South Africa “The Sanctuary Signature Escape” from Elemis was designed to achieve deep relaxation, harnessing the power of facial and body massage by employing stones along with Hawaiian Lomi Lomi moves to bring you a world first. Gentle body brushing and the traditional Elemis Welcome touch precede the full body massage and facial.
The successful combination of powerful natural ingredients, cutting-
edge formulation technology and proven clinical trials has enabled Elemis to bring to market some of the most influential anti-ageing homecare products and professional spa-therapies the beauty industry has ever seen. -
Dermalogica - the “quiet revolution” in skin care driven by research and education, with a cult following ranging from professional skin care therapists to Hollywood makeup artists.
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Moya - Moya means soul, wind and spirit… in many African languages, and our range of Spa, bath and beauty products are synonymous with everything African – her life, beauty, riches, power, energy and hidden treasures. Distilled from the finest plant extracts and essential oils, Moya unlocks the secret Medicinal properties of Fynbos and other indigenous botanicals.
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Dual treatments and specially tailored packages. Two dual treatment rooms. Enjoy a spa journey with special people – father and son, mother and daughter, partners and friends.
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Spa Gift Vouchers – a perfect gift.
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Complimentary Health snack buffet, mineral water, slippers and use of the Brine pool, warm Hydrotherapy and Cold Water plunge pools and Sauna with all treatment reservations. Make use of these heat therapies to further enhance body treatments.
- In room treatments available for hotel residents. Winter operating hours: 09:00am to 19:00pm, including public holidays. Summer operating hours: 08:00am to 20:00pm, including public holidays. About The Red carnation Hotel Collection: Red Carnation is an award-winning collection of thirteen five and four star family-run boutique hotels. Each distinguished by an absolute commitment to attentive service and the comfort of every guest, located in some of the world’s most popular destinations. Red Carnation Hotels are regarded as some of the world’s finest with accolades including “Best Hotel in the British Isles” in the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s 23rd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2010 and “Best Hotel in the World” in the 2009 US Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. RM e8 ssu
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Separate Male and Female Changing rooms. Private change areas, secure lockers, fresh towels, slippers, a choice of gowns and all the small grooming items reinforce our commitment to attention to detail and comfort, addressing every need.
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Contact To make a reservation contact: Tel: +27 21 437 9000 Email: bookta@12apostles.co.za Website: www.12apostleshotel.com Become a fan of The Twelve Apostles Hotel on Facebook Follow The Twelve Apostles Hotel on Twitter.
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MAJESTIC