3 minute read
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
How They Dazzle Us
Beautifully designed to be open and airy this is so much more than just a sophisticated room in an exotic location. Taking cues from Mother Nature the designers of this Landing sought to create something that, to use their words, is ‘of the earth’. Using natural materials to complement the surrounding bush environment and an open design that draws your attention outside this is an incredible place to spend time. The décor is rich yet minimal, the lighting is ambient, and African design accents subtly pick up on the safari theme. The design is enhanced by the adjacent landscape with its breath-taking river scenes.
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Their Sustainable Superpower
In the same way that family is a theme at the Landing, so too it extends beyond the gates of the landing and into the surrounding communities – an extended family if you will. The old adage goes that when you leave you take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints. The team at Lion Sands prefer you to leave ‘heart-prints’ instead. They began their community initiatives with the goal of uplifting local people but they quickly evolved to become part of the overall guest experience. Guests are encouraged to enjoy Community Tours and the landings ‘Get Your Hands Dirty’ experiences which are designed to connect you to those who live in the area. Work performed in the community includes efforts in the field of education, skills development, water purification and business training and mentoring.
Why We Love Them
As much as this Landing is unapologetically exclusive, they still manage to create a unique family feel. This comes from the top where the management have taken a view that the people who work there are not just staff, they are family. It is a refreshing sentiment and approach and one that filters through in everything that they do. It brings with it a sense of pride and ownership. As much as you are checking into a world-class lodge you are also staying in a family home.The environment of the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands is exceptional and it is also loved and tended like an extended family plot. It is a phenomenal experience and it is the people, and the way that they treat their people, which you can’t fail to love.
WILDLIFE SAFARIS & NATURE HIDEAWAYS
andBeyond Phinda Homestead
How They Dazzle Us
With flights coming in daily from Johannesburg, accessing andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is a short trip that is both pleasant and convenient. Situated on 8555 hectares of reclaimed northern KwaZulu Natal bushveld, this location boasts a wildlife experience that includes the wonders of the Big Five, diverse landscapes and an abundance of bird viewing opportunities. In close proximity to the Indian Ocean, the habitats here vary from lush coastal sand dune forests to semi-arid savanna. These unique changes to the vegetation and animal viewing make for an incredibly varied experience – one that is almost impossible to find anywhere else. The homestead is a sole-use facility where you can enjoy the privacy, exclusivity and tranquillity that you need to relax and unwind. It is no wonder that they choose to describe themselves as an exclusive-use villa that brims with personal touches for the world’s travel connoisseur.
Why We Love Them
The farmhouse style Villa provides a familiar homely feeling that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. The finishes and extra detail reflect the beauty and uniqueness of the local culture. The carpets, basketwork, textiles and pottery give local flavour to the décor. andBeyond Phinda Homestead is authentic and enchanting and there is so much on offer. In
Their Sustainable Superpower
Focused on giving back to the people and to nature, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve has several programmes that are all about sustainability. Your stay has significance to the protection of Rhinos and Elephants and you can even join in the conservation activities and assist the veterinary teams in their work. Ensuring both the protection of the animal’s lives and the condition of the environment they live in are crucial to long term futures of the park. Aside from their work with rhino and elephant, there are also big conservation efforts here that focus on the highly endangered pangolin, cheetah and lions.
terms of falling in love with this Landing it could be the impressive game viewing, the iconic wildlife sightings, the easy access to the ocean and the soleuse exclusivity, or perhaps it is number of life changing experiences that seem to present themselves here on a daily basis.
