Affluent Hotels In A Jungle

The perfect getaway from an Urban Jungle is to travel to a real one. A world that remains untouched by humans and thus unchanged. Like these well preserved Game Reserves, in South Africa.

Here, Nature is just as it should be – unruffled, unpretentious and …..wild!

THE ROYAL MALEWANE

Located in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa, the Royal Malewane is a private Game Reserve that maintains the natural wilderness of the bushveld with utmost respect, while catering to the most whimsical demands of luxury travellers.

Hotels in a Jungle. The royalty of this hotel is ascertained from the very first sight of the grand entrance. The Royal Malewane is inspired by the raw essence of Africa. Wooden floors, earthy interiors all tend to seamlessly mix, with natural surroundings, in style.

The Royal Malewane has a variety of luxury rooms. Or rather, the Royal Malewane has only ‘luxury’ rooms! The Luxury Suite, Royal Suite and the Malewane Suite, all with their own pools and well protected privacy.

The Africa House is the biggest lodge at the Royal Malewane.

It can house up to 12 people and is situated away from the main lodge.

Bliss! A plunge pool at the edge of the veranda of the Royal Suite, leading a clear sight of the bushes. An unmatched symphony of affluent comfort-living with nature’s unaltered beauty. Defines characteristic of best hotels in a Jungle

The rarity here, is to be in the comfort of urban lifestyle, whilst the beauty of the forest is stone throw away. Blurring the line between indoor and outdoor, the bathroom of the Royal Suite is a dreamy romantic escape for a discerning traveller looking for best hotels in a jungle.

Even the king of the jungle might envy the royal treatment, guests get inside. A super sized bathroom with victorian interiors, brimming with abundant sky light. All this in the middle of a Jungle!

Utmost importance is given to peace and privacy. The above picture is of a ‘Gazebo’, attached with a luxury room at the Royal Malewane. All suites are at a distant from each other, to let guests enjoy the outdoor section of their living quarters without any inhibitions.

 Hidden between a cathedral of trees, the suites are well protected. The only living creatures you will share your privacy with, are bush birds and some wildlife.

Bush drives and game safaris are added in the stay package. But for those who like to witness the wilderness in style; there are helicopter rides to savour the canyons and waterfalls.  Guests also have an option of going on a safari, on horse back, in certain ranges. Hot Air Balloon flights, to watch the sun rise and survey the African wilderness from the sky.

The rates, per person, per night stay begin from US$1247 or £775. The prices may alter depending on the demand and season of stay. The Royal Malewane is an exclusive property and is thus limited to only  20 guests.

SINGITA SABI SAND

Spread across a whopping 45,000 acres of pristine land, Singita Sabi Sand is a privately held property. Only two Lodges comprise of living quarters for guests, at Singita.  It’s a secluded land, a hidden gem for travellers vying for privacy and exclusivity.

The first resort lodge for nature lovers was constructed in 1994. Before that, only the owners and the environmental team of Singita could access the massive game reserve. Ebony Lodge has grown to become enchanting and intimate with its surroundings. It stands in the middle of trees that are centuries old.

The interiors of Ebony lodge combine the bold colours of Africa with a hint of european design.

Ebony Lodge’s bath tub with a forest view. It’s amazing how such luxuries can be offered on a platter, in the middle of a nowhere! Luxuries that do not hide the beauty, of the greenery around but fuse with them to leave an everlasting impression.

Most luxury hotels and lodges in the Kruger Park area have dinning arrangements in the middle of woods. Ebony lodge too caters its sumptuous meals, on this earthy deck.

The most stunning lodge among the select few luxury properties around the Kruger Park area, is the Boulders Lodge at Singita Sabi Sand. It deceitfully appears to look like a massive boulder and not a luxury lodge.

Small stones ornate the suite’s pillars.  Tree trunks are used to support some of the sun roofs.

 There is a swimming pool in the main lodge area. Plenty of timber is used in the construction of the pool area to continue the earthy feel of the Boulders Lodge.

Each Suite has its own private plunge pool. A outdoor bathtub, with an infinite view of the bushveld.

The Boulders Lodge is located in one of the best areas of Singita Sabi sands. Often wildlife can be spotted from the open areas of the lodge. Species such as leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many types of birds.

Singita Sabi Sand was found by the Bailes family, some 85 years ago. In the initial years only the owners of the land and an environmental team had access to the 45,000 acres of game reserve. A large environmental team ensures poachers are kept at bay. The process of environmental care is incredibly complex. It includes maintenance of the bushveld, fire management, erosion prevention and least affect of the man-made lodges, on the surroundings.

Rates per person, per night begin from US$1457 or £912 from 1st Jan, 2014 . Chartered flights are available to take guests from the nearby International airports to the Sabi airstrip.

*Images: The Royal Malewane.

*Images: Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa Tourism