Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has achieved remarkable recognition by securing top rankings in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024. The property has been named the #2 Resort in South Africa in the U.S. edition and the #4 Resort in South Africa in the UK edition. These accolades follow an exceptional year for Tswalu, which was previously honoured as one of the best new lodges in the wild at the Town & Country 2024 Awards, and won the 20th annual Hospitality Design Award for Best Sustainable Project, in addition to securing the March 2024 cover of Condé Nast Traveller UK.

As the largest privately protected area in South Africa, Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari. With guaranteed access to a private safari vehicle, guests enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the remote reaches of the reserve at their own pace. Safari activities include privately guided game drives, habituated meerkat encounters, nature walks, tracking, stargazing, horse riding, and star-bed sleepouts.

Tswalu is primarily an ambitious conservation project, sustainably safeguarding vital habitats and restoring biodiversity. It provides a private and exclusive safari experience for a maximum of 40 guests across three luxury safari camps, ensuring one of the lowest guest-to-wilderness space ratios in South Africa. This low-impact, sustainable model of nature-based tourism is vital to supporting the conservation work at the heart of Tswalu’s mission: to leave the world better than it was found.

Tswalu is distinguished by its commitment to on-site research through a dedicated foundation that informs conservation decisions made on the property. Guests are encouraged to engage with scientists and doctoral students in the field.

Managed as a conservation initiative, Tswalu integrates nature-based tourism to support the socio-economic development of the region, creating a sustainable balance between environmental stewardship and community well-being. Every safari undertaken contributes to preserving the southern Kalahari’s rich biodiversity for future generations. With private game drives free of set schedules, the award-winning Klein JAN restaurant, and visits to historic rock art sites, Tswalu offers guests the chance to experience the magic of the southern Kalahari from every angle.

In addition to its various research accomplishments, the opening of Tswalu’s third camp, Loapi, has garnered attention for its sustainable design and innovative approach to low-impact lodging. Loapi, meaning the ‘space below the clouds’ in Setswana, is pioneering and nomadic in spirit. Six individual safari homes are surrounded by open savannah grasslands and accommodate two to four guests for the ultimate private wilderness experience. Sustainably designed and environmentally sensitive, the architecture of each temperature-controlled home combines canvas, glass, timber and steel. Set at least 50 metres (165 feet) apart to ensure privacy and solitude, the homes are tucked into the contours of a valley between the Korannaberg mountains. Personal service is provided by a dedicated house manager, and all meals are prepared by a private chef in an interactive kitchen.

Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its 37^thReaders’ Choice Awards, which this year, includes two of Tintswalo’s iconic properties in South Africa.

Tintswalo Safari in the Greater Kruger area was cited as one of Condé Nast Traveler readers’ ‘favourite places to view wildlife in South Africa’ and was scored at 96.49 to take the 7^th place in the prestigious line up of Top Resorts in South Africa.

Facing stiff competition in the Top Hotels in South Africacategory, Tintswalo Atlantic was ranked in 12^th place with a score of 95.83. Condé Nast Traveler describes the Cape Town hotel as ‘perched on stilts between ancient milkwood trees, the wood-and-glass suites are so close to the pounding waves that it’s possible to toss pebbles into the rock pools from your private deck.’

 More than 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the United States submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they anticipate revisiting. The 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, with its legacy as the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector, including resorts, hotels, cruises, spas and islands.

 Tintswalo’s unique bush lodges and beach boutique hotels are situated in some of South Africa’s most magnificent and unspoiled locations. Lisa Goosen, the CEO of Tintswalo Collection says: ‘We are delighted to add the prestigious 2024 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards to our list of accolades and are proud to offer our guests a unique Tintswalo experience to showcase our beautiful country.’

Tintswalo is a family-owned and managed conservation tourism company, comprising of six properties situated in five unique locations across Southern Africa. In the local Shangaan language, the name Tintswalo means ‘the intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace bestowed upon someone offering you a meaningful and worthy gift’.

Tintswalo Atlantic has converted its 2-bedroom suite into two separate inter-leading suites that have been re-branded as Luxury Mountain Suites. Situated amongst the fynbos within the Table Mountain National Park, both suites are ocean-facing in an elevated position set back from the water’s edge.

The two Luxury Mountain Suites, like the eight Luxury Island Suites, come with wood-burning fireplaces and private balconies, as well as luxurious bathrooms with separate showers, double vanities and free-standing bathtubs with mesmerizing sea views.

The Elba Luxury Mountain Suite includes a separate private lounge with another fireplace and a spacious deck. It is a popular option for bridal parties, and when booked together with the inter-leading Corsica Luxury Mountain Suite, provide spacious, private accommodation for four guests travelling together. The two suites also offer the option of adding an extra bed per suite for children under the age of 16 sharing with their parents.

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa has launched a rejuvenating Restorative Retreat package for those wanting to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the 9-acre estate within the heart of Cape Town’s Constantia Valley.

The celebrated gardens of The Cellars-Hohenort lend themselves perfectly to the Japanese wellness concept of forest bathing. Here, against the backdrop of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and surrounded by greenery under a canopy of 300-year old camphor trees, the gardens provide therapeutic relaxation. Guests are invited to escape awhile and explore the gardens at their own pace while focussing on sensory engagement to truly connect with nature.

The Restorative Retreat package offers pampering in the luxury of the 5-star hotel, a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Accommodation in a room with a garden view sets the scene for a wellness break, complete with a yoga mat, resistance bands, and guided relaxation exercises provided. The offer includes a relaxing 30-minute Neck, back, and shoulder massage at the Fresh Wellness Spa, with access to two heated swimming pools, mountain bikes (subject to availability), the tennis court and the magnificent gardens. Discover the enchanted forest and the secret corners of the estate that range from water features, a small vineyard and a formal rose garden, to herb, vegetable and citrus gardens which grow fresh produce for the hotel kitchens. Venture further afield and explore the trails through Constantia’s Green Belt, or visit the acclaimed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, only a few kilometres away.

End the day with an elegant 2-course dinner at The Conservatory restaurant where Head Chef Daniel Blignaut presents a range of fresh and delicious menu items, including vegetarian options. After a good night’s rest wake up to birdsong to enjoy a healthy and nutritious multi-course breakfast that includes fresh fruit and detox juices. Breakfast is served on the terrace in sunny weather or stay in and enjoy the most important meal of the day in a fluffy dressing gown and slippers in the cozy comfort of your room.

The Liz McGrath Collection also offers similar wellness packages at its sister-hotels, The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg on the Garden Route.

The Plettenberg Hotel has unveiled its new-look restaurant, which is destined to become a popular new Plett venue not only for resident guests, but also for casual diners booking for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner.

The restaurant, Amelia’s at The Plettenberg, was reimagined in design and interiors by Dawn Dickerson, Carmel Naude and Tammy Fourie of HotCocoa Interiors & Design. The same team was also responsible for the new-look of The Conservatory restaurant at sister-hotel, The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town, which opened last year (2023).

The Plettenberg boasts an unrivalled prime position on a rocky headland in one of South Africa’s most spectacular beach towns. Dawn Dickerson says the creative design started with this sense of place, inspired by the magnificent view of the ocean and sweep of bay across Lookout Beach, with purple hued mountains in the distance.  The restaurant terrace was doubled in size with long banquette seating and a timber pergola, creating an inviting space for outdoor dining overlooking the ocean.  Inside, the space was opened up by replacing four structural columns with elegant beams of natural timber to create a welcoming new dining space with elegant banquets lining the back walls.

‘The views are captured in the new restaurant design, bringing the outside in with a palette of colours of the sea. This unique sense of place had to be used in all the elements of the design and we needed to bring those beautiful colours and textures into the restaurant.  This ranges from the white-tipped waves to teal and the deep blue of the sea, framed by the colours of the mountains and warmed by the shades of sand, changing from wet to dry’, she says.

The floor is a mix of wet sand and white checkerboard colour, accented with terracotta, sand and deep teal blue tile colours – the patterned tiles creating warmth, layering, interest and a relaxed mood. This warm checkerboard layout sets the scene for the rich and intricate mix of patterned and plain fabrics in rich deep blues, vibrant iridescent blues and clean and delicate turquoise, mixed up with an uplighting acid lime yellow. The feature centrepiece of the restaurant is a display of custom designed, handmade ceramic pendants inspired by shell sea creatures in kaleidoscope of colours, from the iridescent trademark blue to the soft sludgy teal green of the sea on an overcast day. These richly layered elements are a focal point against the inspiring backdrop of artist Tiziana Giardini’s bold, hand-painted mural on the two feature walls. The mural comes to life at night especially, when darkness drops over the bay, and it shimmers and glows, bringing the spectacular view from the restaurant to life.

The CEO of The Liz McGrath Collection, Jacqui Elliott summarizes: ‘Colourful, whimsical, elegant, sophisticated yet approachable. Amelia’s at The Plettenberg is a warm, intimate, yet bold new restaurant space that invites diners to linger longer while savouring a delicious meal and enjoying the spectacular view. Tronette Dippenaar, the Executive Chef of The Liz McGrath Collection and her team at The Plettenberg bring to the table an exciting new menu that is an exploration of flavours, from seafood and grills, to the classics, including a fresh take on our signature dishes. We are proud to introduce this inspiring, light and modern restaurant that is perfectly aligned with the barefoot luxury our guests know and love The Plettenberg for.’

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has partnered with renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Dale Roberts to further elevate the culinary offering at the 5-star lodge in the Welgevonden Game Reserve. The exciting new multi-course menus, wine pairings and curated cocktails, combined with a high level of culinary service, is set to raise the bar for safari cuisine in South Africa.

Luke Dale Roberts and his expert executive team are overhauling Mhondoro’s food and beverage experience in totality, phasing in an exclusive, all-new dining experience that is available to Mhondoro’s resident guests only. Training of Mhondoro’s current in-house food and beverage staff, mentored by Luke Dale Roberts’ and his team, will further develop their skills and expertise to ensure top-tier service and culinary innovation on an ongoing basis.

Dale Roberts’ innovative wine pairing menus have already been introduced at dinner. Boma dinners are being reimagined too, transforming the quintessential safari experience of dining around a campfire, into an unforgettable encounter with the African night skies, showcasing local tradition, culture and cuisine. The next step for Dale Roberts and his team will be creating a delicious new Harvest Table lunch concept, followed later by new breakfast menus, the preparation and presentation of game drive snacks, and exciting sundowner drinks and cocktails.

Commenting on the new culinary offerings, Fritz Breytenbach, the CEO of Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa says: ‘Our cuisine sets us apart, celebrating local and seasonal produce sourced from our organic vegetable gardens cultivated on the Mhondoro Eco-Farm. This is where arriving guests now check-in at Mhondoro’s new Reception & Welcome Lounge and enjoy their first taste of the exciting gourmet adventure that awaits at the lodge.’

Conveniently situated adjacent to the main gate of Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg region, Mhondoro’s organic Eco-farm also produces free-range eggs and farmed sheep and cattle. Guests may tour the farm and pick fresh ingredients before they are transported through the reserve in open game viewing vehicles to the lodge.

Myrian Vogel, the owner of Mhondoro says it has always been a dream of the Vogel family to collaborate with a top chef in the heart of the bush. ‘Seeing this dream come true with someone of the caliber of Luke Dale Roberts is incredibly fulfilling, and we are very proud to bring our guests an outstanding new dining experience at Mhondoro.’

Luke Dale Roberts expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, ‘I am exceptionally excited to partner with Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. Their commitment to excellence and upskilling of staff, in addition to the sustainable development of farmland and an impressive organic vegetable garden are truly inspiring. We look forward to working with the team and drawing from this abundance of this garden to create menus that reflect the best of local and seasonal produce of this region.’

The villa rental market in South Africa is expanding rapidly and it’s estimated that about 30 specialist villa rental companies are active in this market. 

Following the increased demand for private villa rentals in Cape Town, Icon Villas has just added another two prime villas to its portfolio. Icon Villas was the first rental company to specialise in the Cape region where it has over the past 28 years, established its niche in prime villas. Twenty of these magnificent private residences are bookable exclusively through Icon Villas only.

Therese Botha, founder of Icon Villas confirms the upward trend and says that they have seen a marked increase in enquiries for multi-generational family travel, as well as groups of friends or corporates travelling together.

‘It is evident that more and more guests have come to recognise and appreciate the advantages of choosing a villa stay, which offers all a hotel does, but even more. This includes privacy, space and flexibility, with conveniences such as dream kitchens for foodies who love entertaining, and gardens with swimming pools, kids’ play areas and outdoor dining areas that suit the South African lifestyle. In fact, in the last year over 60% of all bookings made with Icon Villas were for multi-generational family stays or small groups of friends travelling together. We see this as a major growth area and are actively seeking to expand our portfolio in the market of large, five- or six-bedroom villas’, she says.

Symphony of Light, one of the new Icon Villas, is perfectly suited for extended stays and families travelling with children. Located in a private estate in the heart of Bishopscourt, the stately residence features immaculate, inviting décor and five en-suite bedrooms. Special attractions include a magnificent kitchen and voluminous living areas that include a pyjama lounge, as well as sprawling lawns with a jungle gym and large swimming pool.

Phezulu, the most recent addition to the Icon Villas portfolio, is filled with immersive, luminescent installations, original art, and high-end furniture pieces. A sensual feast with an adventurous use of colour and texture everywhere, the 6-bedroom villa hugs the slopes of Higgovale below Table Mountain, offering endless views and impeccable entertainment areas with easy access to the city attractions.

Therese explains: ‘Since we started Icon Villas, our portfolio has grown and developed into three categories, ranging from our top-end Bespoke Villas which come with bells and whistles, to our luxurious Essential Villas, as well as our intimate Pocket Villas, which are friendly on the pocket.’

Icon Villas currently book around 100 different private villas in the Western-Cape, ranging from, City and Beach villas, to Winelands and Country villas. ‘Although about 85% of our bookings are international, we do have a good number of South African clients booking villas for family celebrations and reunions, or to accommodate friends and family visiting from abroad. Repeat guests form a significant part of our business model. Cape Town events such as the annual Mining Indaba for instance, attract corporates who return year on year, many who prefer the convenience of a spacious, serviced villa suitable to executive meetings and entertaining.’

Icon Villa clients have the option to add on services such as an in-house chef and butlers and have access to a concierge service that provides insider’s tips and bookings for sightseeing excursions, guided tours, restaurants, wine estates and other local experiences.

‘The villas in our portfolio are hand-picked and immaculate and they have a certain pizzazz, each with distinct soul and personality. Our villas are selected for their unique attributes, including a beautiful setting with breath-taking views, great outdoor areas offering a quintessentially African space, and quality finishes, fittings and the freshest linen. We offer a distinct personal touch and essentially deal with experiences, more so than just properties. We are proud to offer villa solutions that build relationships with both long standing, as well as new clients, to find their perfect villa match.’

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.

Tintswalo Safari has announced that guests now have the option of convenient fly-in safaris directly into the Manyeleti Game Reserve, using Federal Airlines’s scheduled shuttle flights, or other charter services from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Flights depart OR Tambo daily at 10:30 and at 13:00; with return flights landing at OR Tambo at 12:30 and 15:30. Shuttle flights are also available to other lodges for guests on multi-stop safari itineraries in the various reserves.

Unfenced to the neighbouring Timbavati and Sabi Sand game reserves, the Manyeleti is a slice of private wilderness within the Greater Kruger National Park. Tintswalo Safari is one of only three lodges in the 27,000-hectare reserve, offering exceptional Big 5 game viewing experiences and low vehicle traffic in the natural wilderness.

Flying into the African bush offers the unique experience to appreciate the magnificent landscape from the air. Federal Airlines offers a premium point to point shuttle service with seamless VIP transfers from the local and international airport terminals at OR Tambo Airport, via its private terminal and guest lounge, to check-in and walking straight onto the tarmac to board.

On landing at the Manyeleti airstrip, guests are collected by Tintswalo at the aircraft, from where it is a short 10-minute road transfer in safari vehicles directly to Tintswalo Safari’s main lodge, or the Manor House within the same private concession.

A landmark of luxury accommodation and service, Tintswalo Safari (nominated in the prestigious upcoming Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the Resorts Category), is known for its warm hospitality. Guests are accommodated in six luxuriously appointed Explorer Suites, as well as the 2-bedroom Baines Presidential Suite, or the 2-bedroom Grant Suite. Themed after 19^th Century African explorers, the air-conditioned suites all boast private plunge pools with bush views of elephants, buck and troops of monkeys passing by.

Private and exclusive, the Manor House at Tintswalo Safari is the ideal destination for family holidays or groups of friends travelling together, offering 5 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a swimming pool and the services of a private chef, guide and game viewing vehicle on an exclusive-use basis.