After an extensive facelift, andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge offers new levels of luxury in one of South Africa’s best game reserves.
So you’ve decided it’s time you went on safari and found out what all the fuss was about. Fair deal. Of course, you need to ease your way into these things, so you’ll opt for a safari lodge that, while remote and exotic, isn’t too far from civilisation, one that offers both wild creatures and creature comforts. It looks like the acclaimed andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge has emerged from its multi-million dollar renovation just in time.
The first lodge to be opened by andBeyond – and the largest at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, home to several camps, each in a unique ecosystem – andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge has benefited from a stunning USD$2.1 million make-over prepares it for today’s savvy safari-goer.
With a new design persona that draws from the region’s Zulu heritage, including the reserve’s collection of rare beadwork, the lodge now has a new blue colour palette that acknowledges the proximity of the Indian Ocean and stunning Sodwana Bay.
In addition, guest suites have been updated; a new bar that celebrates South Africa’s artisanal spirits and wines has opened; a pizza oven and interactive kitchen have been added to the dining rooms, and the lodge’s iconic deck now links guests to a new infinity pool, gym and massage sala – because game drives can be hard on the gluts.
After a day of guided game drives across Phinda in search of rhino, lions and cheetah, return to the lodge to an intimate dinner served in the new wine cellar, followed by digestives and star gazing beside a roaring fire.
Now that’s roughing it.
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