Restaurant Archives - Page 5 of 7

Notten’s Bush Camp, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

A firm favourite in one of the best locations for game viewing

Set within the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Notten’s Bush Camp is an exclusively intimate retreat. The Lodge has been run by the Notten family for the past 30 years and is alive with the heart and soul of Africa. This is truly one of our and our clients’ favourite game lodges. Each of the 8 private suites is traditionally styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. This very different to most of the private game lodges with the deliberate absence of electricity. Ambient candlelight and lanterns capture an enchanting spirit of romance and the African bush reminiscent of a bygone era. You will warm to the wonderful staff many of whom are from the local Shangaan people and who have been with the lodge for many years. This speaks volumes for the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the unique lodge which has been voted one of the best game lodges in Africa. The rooms are all en suite, with mosquito netting on the windows and doors, and private viewing decks.

About the Location

The views in this peaceful setting are breathtaking and relaxation is guaranteed. Guests can also explore the regions prolific wildlife on safaris led by experienced rangers in open-top Land Rovers. Daily bush walks are available, and lazy hours at the sparkling infinity pool or a visit to the well equipped spa can fill the gaps. Notten’s prides itself in offering its guests some of the best wildlife experiences on offer in South Africa. The evocative sounds of the African night sets the perfect mood for dinning in the enchanting candlelit boma, beneath a canopy of stars. The massage deck is an ideal, peaceful setting for relaxing therapeutic treatments. Other facilities include the indoor lounge with a large fireplace, bar and wine cellar. The open-plan lounge and dining area leads onto a wooden deck overlooking a vast plain and waterhole. Our clients regard a visit to Notten’s as one of the highlights of their stays in South Africa.

Blyde River Canyon Lodge, Hoedspruit

Blyde River Canyon Lodge is one of the most romantic locations in South Africa

Blyde River Canyon Lodge is a pretty, 7 roomed thatched lodge. The lodge is situated near the town of Hoedspruit in the ‘state’ of Mpumalanga, east of Johannesburg. Accommodation is clean, simple and comfortable. The rooms and bathrooms are fairly basic but they do have air conditioning. In contrast, the common guest areas including the pool are excellent. Breakfasts are served on the veranda overlooking the grounds often in the company of zebra and reasonable dinners can be arranged. The enduring features of this property are the wonderful views from the grounds and the semi-tamed zebra, impala and even an elusive bush baby and occasional visit from a hippo.

About Blyde River Canyon Lodge’s Location

This is situated close to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon that is the world’s third largest canyon. This area is exceptionally photogenic. You can hike through the bottom of the gorge on good footpaths or go for a cruise on the Dam. This is an experience you won’t forget. You will walk among trees teeming with monkeys. You will gasp at the hippos and crocodiles basking on rocks as you cruise by at a safe distance. From the lodge you can drive to romantic Pilgrim’s Rest that hosted one of the earliest gold rushes in South Africa. History abounds in this area. This is also where the High Veld of the South African interior comes to a dramatic end plunging to the Low Veld some 2000 feet below. For clients who wish to travel to the Kruger Park, Orpen Gate is only a short (40 minutes) drive from the lodge. The area also boasts numerous private game reserves and animal rehabilitation centres. In the main, however, you will want to gaze in awe at the scenry along the Panorama Route.

Royal Swazi Spa, Ezulwini, Swaziland

Great location for golfers on the way to KwaZulu-Natal from the Kruger Park

This luxurious lodge is part of the Sun International group of hotels and is situated in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley in central Swaziland. The accommodation is what you would expect from an international style, 4 star hotel.

About the Location

As well as a championship 18 hole golf course, for those who just want to be pampered, there is a fully equipped spa facility. From here you can also vist Swazi Candles and some of best Nature Reserves that Swaziland has to offer.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Sabi Sands

Ecological opulence in the African Bush

Minimalist opulence probably best describes the accommodation experience at Earth Lodge. This is also reflected in the price for staying here. The entire location has been designed to be almost obscured from the surrounding bush cleverly using a combination of natural materials in the building process. Each of the 13 suites are exceptionally private and large and although air-conditioned they feel naturally cool. The bathroom is a feature with a large bath and equally sizeable shower complimented by an extravagant private outside shower. Each room has a large living area and a tiled patio leading onto a welcome, cooling splash pool and a view of the nearby waterhole. You are well aware of being right in the bush with the sound of exotic birds and hippos grunting breaking the unique silence of the African bush.

About the Location

There are two game drives a day into the surrounding Sabi Sands Reserve that is part of the Kruger Park. The reserve has some of the best game viewing in the Kruger area with frequent sightings of all the predators. When you are not seeing game, you can be pampered in the lodge’s popular Wellness Centre – but be sure to book your treatment well in advance! The food and wine matches the lodge’s reputation as one of the top game lodges in South Africa.

Swartberg Hotel, Prince Albert

Traditional style in the Victorian gem of Prince Albert

The Swartberg Hotel has been operating for 150 years, is a national monument and has been fully refurbished and updated. This is a great country hotel offering accommodation in reasonably sized en suite rooms with air conditioning and many with beautiful antique furniture complimenting the beautiful wood floors. The restaurant is well regarded locally and in the warm summer evenings a cool beer on the stoep dripping with colourful bougainvillea is a must.

About the Location

Prince Albert is the town where time has stopped. Established in the Victorian era, the area specialises in rearing Karoo Lamb (also a local delicacy), citrus fruit and olives. The town boasts an excellent, small, leather shop and an outlet, which specialises in hand made rugs and other woollen items all made in Prince Albert. You are close to the spectacular Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort Pass.

Queen’s Hotel, Oudtshoorn

Traditional South African Country Hotel with a regal history

A delightful oasis set in the centre of hot, dusty Oudtshoorn. This is a timeless, if slightly impersonal, hotel frequented in 1947 by the British Royal Family on their trip to the, then, Union of South Africa. The hotel has undergone extensive renovation and the 40 rooms are clean cut with extensive use of cooling white most with en suite bathrooms. The lounge and dining room are beautifully decorated and the reception area with its black and white floor tiles and rich yellowwood staircase is a local landmark. There is a small pool in a very private garden.

About the Location

This is a good base from which to explore the sights of the region including Ostrich leather workshops and retail outlets, Cango Wildlife Ranch where you can stroke Cheetah (5 minutes drive), Ostrich show farms (a number within 10 minutes’ drive), The Cango Caves (20 minutes’ drive and the Swartberg Pass (45 minutes away).

The Retreat, Groenfontein, Nr Calitzdorp

The Retreat is one of our favourites for getting away from it all

The owners, who live on site, have developed this property as a farm and a haven for guests who want something a little different. The atmosphere is very relaxed and The Retreat is located along the quiet and almost timeless Groenfontein Valley. There are 8 rooms including two sizeable suites. 5 of the rooms have wood fires for those cooler winter nights. They are beautifully appointed with the decor harking back to an historic farmstead. The lounge and dining room lead onto a stoep (veranda) overlooking the sweeping gardens and the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Food is a specialty at The Retreat and the owners pride themselves on very high standards of local cuisine. There is a very welcoming pool in the luxuriant gardens that is a haven after the heat of the day. Rates include a three-course dinner and a traditional hearty South African breakfast – vegetarians are particularly welcome.

About The Retreat’s Location

The well-maintained gravel road runs between Calitzdorp and Schoemanshoek. You will be welcomed by the owners who can arrange hiking of all grades in the Swartberg Mountains that dominate the horizon. At certain times of the year, spring and autumn, they can also arrange a three-day hike into the mysterious, hidden valley known as Die Hel! Calitzdorp is approximately 20kms away and is renowned as the unofficial ‘capital’ of South Africa’s Port industry. The Cango Caves are close by and can afford a worthwhile excursion. The caves can be hot and humid and there is an extended excursion for the adventurous that include some real, if fairly modest, caving. Note that in mid summer (January & February) this location can be exceptionally hot although very dry.

De Opstal, Schoemanshoek, Nr. Oudtshoorn

De Opstal is an unusual, generally high standard accommodation at a very affordable price in a great location
De Opstal is a unique and comfortable accommodation in historic converted typical Little Karoo farm buildings. There are 21 rooms and suites to choose from. These include a converted milking shed and cow stable to large Pool, Pond and Garden Suites each with their own private patio. Many of the rooms have beautiful cape reed ceilings and are furnished in country style – all with large en suite bathrooms. The property dates back to 1830 and has been owned by the same family for the entire period. Some of the rooms are suitable for families. For some people the age of the buildings may be regarded as rather rustic and you should not expect 5 star luxury. Breakfasts are a hearty meal. In the evenings you can enjoy the excellent local cuisine (Ostrich is a feature) in atmospheric surroundings.

About De Opstal’s Location

Schoemanshoek is one of those idyllic locations, which are so rare. The village is set in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range near the stunningly attractive Schoemanspoort Pass. This is approximately 10 minutes drive from Oudtshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves. Hiking can be arranged and you can visit the Swartberg Pass with its extraordinary road to Die Hel (The Hell) from the summit. This was an isolated community until the 1960s and is now a living museum. Close to De Opstal, you will find Ostrich Farms. It is a short drive to some extraordinary ‘Feather Palaces’, The Cango Wildlife Ranch and retailers that specialise in Ostrich leather.

Balalaika Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg

A good location for a short stay in a safe a lively part of Johannesburg

This large hotel is part of the Protea Hotels chain and we have chosen it for this collection because of the excellent service standards it provides, the comfortable rooms, calm ambiance and its location. There is a pool and a pretty garden which is a restful oasis to enjoy a quiet drink!

About the Location

The hotel is one of the most convenient for the Sandton Mall area that is now the hub of Johannesburg’s lively business and financial district. This is also one of the largest shopping malls in South Africa. A a complement the Balalaika’s own grill restaurant, The Bull & Bear restaurant which is adjacent serves excellent grills. Whether you need a one-night stopover before your onward journey or you are seeking a base from which to explore this fascinating city and area, The Balalaika will provide you with a comfortable, inexpensive location.

The Fairlawns, Morningside, Johannesburg

Stunning luxurious Boutique hotel in a leafy suburb of Johannesburg

Fairlawns is an exceptionally luxurious boutique hotel set in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district of Sandton. The emphasis is, however, on tranquillity and gracious living. All 19 suites are very spacious and fully equipped to the highest standards. There is a huge gym equipped to international standards and a large outdoor pool.

About the Location

Temporary membership is arranged for the nearby golf courses, tennis and squash courts. The bar with its renowned wine list complements the a la carte restaurant. the financial district of Sandton is close by (10 minute drive) complete with its extensive mall and great restaurants. For clients looking for something a little different in Johannesburg this is one of the best small hotels we have discovered.