WELCOME TO THE TRIBE: FINDING SANCTUARY
Part of the great allure of travel lies in its ability to offer refuge from the world outside; granting travellers the chance to create new worlds and new homes even when they’re thousands of miles away from the daily grind. As the continent of magic and mystery, Africa is full of such sanctuaries – and in a week when we’re perhaps all seeing the appeal of a temporary hideaway from reality, these opportunities to reconnect with nature and our inner selves appear more precious than ever. With that in mind, here are three brand new exhibitors to the 2017 We Are Africa tribe, all of whom are defining the concept of sanctuary in their own way.
NAME: Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
LOCATION: Hazyview, South Africa (10km from Kruger National Park)
WHAT’S THEIR STORY?: What’s in a name? For the Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa, ‘Rose’ isn’t just a poetic flourish, but a nod to the real-life roses grown in abundance on its 100-acre farm and scattered throughout the property. Homegrown, heartfelt luxury is at the centre of this romantic sanctuary, with 12 tented suites and an open-plan timber suite offering a getaway from frantic urbanity by tapping into the soothing sounds of the surrounding riverside and farm. Situated on the Sabie River, visitors to the suites or Spa can catch a glimpse of wildlife including hippos and crocodiles, with the Spa also including the opportunity to do a ‘hydro walk’ along the riverbank. When not relaxing in a suite or the steam room, travellers can stroll the orchards of macadamia and roses or enjoy organic produce in the two on-site restaurants for a multisensory experience of the region.
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NAME: Chui Lodge
LOCATION: Rift Valley, Kenya
WHAT’S THEIR STORY?: If you want to escape from the world but not disengage, Chui Lodge offers the perfect balance of checking out of urban life and into unfettered nature. Situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha in the 18,000-acre wildlife conservancy Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary, this luxury lodge provides a mindful experience where conservation and exploration come together to engage sophisticated travellers. Conceived in partnership with the local community and skilled craftsmen, the lodge was constructed using natural materials and encompasses eight individual cottages, all boasting views of the sweeping Rift Valley escarpment. Authentic African artworks and antiques feature throughout, including handcrafted furniture from an on-site workshop. Outside of the lodge itself, travellers have the opportunity to explore the wildlife sanctuary with day and night game drives, sundowners and bush breakfasts. With recent achievements including a threefold increase in resident species and successful rhino and zebra breeding programmes, Chui Lodge is the perfect platform to reconnect with nature whilst retreating from the norm.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/wTWmp-Bxnp
NAME: The Light House Boutique Suites
LOCATION: Cape Winelands, South Africa
WHAT’S THEIR STORY?: When Dutch settlers first set eyes on this valley, they named it ‘Parel’, meaning ‘pearl’, to describe the verdant and bountiful land that lay before them. Today, Paarl Valley is a true foodie and architectural gem that also plays host to The Light House Boutique Suites, an elegant guest house designed for both respite and indulgence. The vision of Dirk and Annette Hertzog, The Light House is a renovation of the Hertzog’s old family home into an eclectic yet refined haven of objets d’art and custom-designed furniture. Each of the five guest suites have their own style, from the colourful Afro-Chic suite to the sharp lines of Manhattan or beachside breeziness of The Hamptons. Situated as it is in the Cape Winelands, The Light House is the perfect base to explore both the Paarl Valley, a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing, and the charming town of Paarl, where oak-lined streets showcase heritage buildings and gastro treats from local artisans including olives, cheeses, chocolates and of course, wine.
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