Part 1: Off the beaten track

September 26, 2018
Travel

Planning a luxury escape? Don’t head for hotels with no personality situated in busy city centres… Opt instead for a retreat far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – one that oozes personality and will leave you wanting to stay far longer than you intended to.

Samara Private Game Reserve

You don’t have to head out too far to find luxury on home soil. The Karoo Lodge Samara Private Game Reserve, just outside of Graaff-Reinet, will revive your soul one G&T game drive at a time. This lovingly restored farmhouse combines colonial comfort with modern day luxury. If you’re feeling adventurous, snuggle under the mohair blankets on Samara’s Milky Way Star Bed. It will leave you staring open-mouthed at the stars whilst sleeping on a five-star raised platform hotel room in the middle of the 70 000 acres of mountainous farmland. Samara has a quiet allure that will stay with you long after you have returned home.

Tomjachu Bush Retreat

In the Lowveld, just outside of Nelspruit, you’ll find 550 hectares of pristine bushveld at Tomjachu Bush Retreat.

Open grass plains span southwards from the Homestead down to South Dam where fish eagles and fishermen meet, while the rugged and rocky trails leading through the valleys to the Gorge will leave hikers in awe of the masterful creations of nature. Have a picnic at one of the breath-taking and secluded picnic spots (we like Gordon’s Pools) where you will be surrounded by a natural orchestra of birdlife and accompanied by the tricking sounds of waterways.

The historic Valbonne Villa, is the five star prized jewel of the Retreat. Perched on the edge of the mountain that overlooks the Homestead, the Villa offers spectacular vistas over the mountains below, and promises to be an unforgettable escape into the bush – a true escape from the mundane!