Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has unveiled its private Reception & Welcome Lounge next to the Welgevonden Game Reserve gate in the Waterberg. Designed by the owner, Dutch interior designer Myriam Vogel, this facility introduces the style, luxury, and unique African-European blend that defines the 5-star lodge.

Guests will arrive at this new Reception area to check-in, relax, and refresh after their journey. They will start their Mhondoro experience with a freshly prepared organic lunch, providing a first taste of the exciting culinary experience awaiting at the lodge. Departing guests may also enjoy the new facility’s comforts to freshen up or relax before their onward flight.

The new venue features a contemporary design with a spacious lounge, terrace, dining area, kitchen, shower-equipped cloakrooms, and covered parking for self-drive guests. Built as a community project, local laborers were trained and upskilled as professional construction workers over several months. Additionally, a local team of service and kitchen staff, including a dedicated chef, was trained for the new facility.

Mhondoro stands out with its fresh, home-grown food, showcased in a vibrant, modern African style. With a food philosophy of ‘fresh, simple, and organic’, the chefs proudly deliver ‘healthy fine food,’ merging international culinary trends with local flair.

Operating off the grid, the new Reception & Welcome Lounge is situated on Mhondoro’s Eco-Farm, and showcases its organic produce, free-range eggs, and farmed sheep and cattle. Guests can tour the farm, pick fresh ingredients, and see the chefs at work. The Welcome lunch features homegrown herbs and vegetables, deli products, freshly baked bread, and homemade jams and ice cream.

After lunch, guests will join their guide and be transported in an open game viewing vehicle through the Welgevonden Game Reserve, enjoying their first game drive on the hour-long journey to the lodge.

Myriam Vogel describes the new Reception & Welcome Lounge: ‘In a bush setting, architecture should complement the natural environment. The interiors, inspired by earth, plants, and animals, create a sense of immersion and texture. The natural wood accents, steelwork, and African design elements blend with minimalist European pieces to create a rustic, yet high-end feel, making guests feel instantly at home.’

Fritz Breytenbach, CEO of Mhondoro, says the new facility further elevates the guest experience. ‘Our lodge, known for luxury and fine cuisine, now offers a unique arrival at Welgevonden. With thrilling game drives, guided walks, warm hospitality, and dedicated service, we ensure an unforgettable Big 5 safari for couples and families alike.’

Tintswalo Boulders, overlooking Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town (Cape Town), has opened a spa on site to offer a range of treatments to resident guests. Boulders Spa features a heated indoor plunge pool, with a relaxation area that may also be booked for couples’ treatments.

Face and body therapies include BABOR  facials and massages, with add-ons of head and foot treatments such as manicures and pedicures. A number of packages may be booked for head-to-toe pampering, which comes with a complimentary glass of bubbles to be enjoyed while relaxing in the spa pool. The signature treatment, Full Body Ocean Journey, pays homage to the unbeatable seaside location, using marine elements from red algae for an intense energy and hydration boost to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Tintswalo Boulders is a family-friendly destination, and Boulders Spa caters for children too for those who wish to spoil their young ones. The Kids Penguin Package includes a mini facial, manicure and pedicure, and is named after the resident colony of African penguins which has made Boulders Beach their home.

Tintswalo has selected the BABOR range as its skincare brand of choice as it is renowned as a trailblazer in the field of medical skincare. BABOR’s essence is encapsulated in ‘The BABOR Trinity’, which integrates science, precision, and results at the highest level. Headquartered in Germany and renowned globally as a leading brand in professional cosmetics, BABOR is still family-owned, now in its third generation. The brand is dedicated to developing highly effective, personalized skincare solutions, confirmed by dermatological experts around the world.