Cape Argus E-dition

5 sho’t left luxury spots to snuggle up in this winter

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.za

WINTER temperatures tempt one to escape to an exotic destination that offers sunny skies, but not everyone wants the schlep of sorting out flights, accommodation and transport.

A “sho’t left” escape offering a cosy fireplace, fresh air and wildlife isn’t a bad compromise, when it’s in keeping with the lap of luxury, but on home soil.

Choices can be overwhelming, so we’ve picked five spots that will warm the cockles of the heart in every way.

KWAZULU-NATAL

The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa

An hour-and-a-half’s drive from Durban, getting to this hidden gem in the dramatic Oribi Gorge was a few kilometres along a dusty road.

Villas are perched on sandstone cliffs, and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you never miss a sunset and sunrise. The air-conditioned room comes with a private balcony, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a bathtub at the far end of the room.

As a foodie, I found the dining experience out of this world. Attentive staff in the dining hall, which boasts beautiful African chic décor, pull out all the stops.

I also took a time-out at the Clivia Day Spa.

The lodge offers game drives in neighbouring properties, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Oribi buck, giraffe, wildebeest and samango monkeys.

Adrenalin junkies can zip-line, bungee jump, mountain bike or go on hiking trails, or there’s a beach and golf courses a short drive away.

Call: 039 687 4000.

Email: info@thegorge.co.za

Visit: www.thegorge.co.za

Nambiti Hills Private Game Experience

In season two of The Real Housewives of Durban, Londie London planned a girls’ trip to this opulent wilderness paradise.

Cattiness aside, the reality TV stars eventually calmed down as the tranquil haven whet their appetite for the

outdoors while satisfying their palates.

The lodge is in the Nambiti Big 5 Game Reserve just outside Ladysmith. It offers luxury suites with panoramic views, a swimming pool, spa facilities, game drives and walking safaris.

The personal touches and service delivery indulge every sense here and explain why visitors don’t want to leave.

Call: 031 333 6723/ 086 239 9425. Email: reservations@nambitihills. com

Visit: www.nambitihills.com WESTERN CAPE

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge

This is a luxurious lodge where adventure, hospitality and tantalising cuisine intersect. Overlooking the Cederberg Mountains, it’s a scenic twoand-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town and the Winelands.

The Cederberg has a rich settler history and is known for its ancient San rock art, flora and food.

You can participate in a therapeutic

walk, mountain biking, star-gazing, boat cruises on the Clanwilliam Dam, full-day tours, rock art outings, rooibos or citrus farm tours and sundowners.

Luxury or superior suites offer

the opportunity to enjoy a glass of vino around the wood-burning fireplace, or around a wood-fired plunge pool which can be heated in winter.

And the views are unparalleled. To amplify your relaxation, they have a spa facility.

Call: 087 151 4520 or 027 470 0136. Email: res@cederbergridge.co.za Visit: https://cederbergridge.co.za

Tintswalo Atlantic

This offers one of Cape Town’s most coveted travel and food experiences. Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic was voted “Africa’s Best New Restaurant” in the 2021 World Culinary Awards and was included in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards 2021 as one of the Best New Restaurants in the World.

Guests can choose from a luxurious overnight stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with special treat add-ons of bubbly on arrival, and Tintswalo’s famous sunset canapés and a cocktail of the day, or many other packages.

Snorkel with seals in Hout Bay, take a sunset drive on Chapman’s Peak, go for a horse ride on Long Beach, hike Table Mountain, go SUP (stand up paddle) boarding at Clifton Beach, or explore the Constantia Wine Route. Call: 021 773 0900 or 021 201 0025. Email: reservations@tintswalo.com Visit: www.tintswalo.com

MPUMALANGA Ulusaba

This is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa. At nearly four hours, it’s a bit of a long drive from Johannesburg, but worth it.

The name Ulusaba means “place of little fear”, and it’s so named because the koppie, or hill, on which Rock Lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan tribal warriors with the perfect lookout point.

This gem of a hideaway offers 20 rooms and suites, which are spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge. A family-friendly spot, it’s located entirely within the Sabi Sand Reserve, a stone’s throw away from the Kruger National Park.

This spot is popular for its abundant game, which means a variety of sightings on those game drives.

Call: 0800 056 343 (toll-free) or 011 325 4405.

Email: enquiries@virginlimitededition.co.za

Visit: www.ulusaba.virgin.com

TRAVEL

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2022-06-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-06-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

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