Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa has detailed plans to rebuild, redesign and create three ultra five-star lodges
Expected to take two years to complete, the redevelopment is part of the rebranding and repositioning of Shamwari in the safari marketplace as well as new culinary offerings specific to each lodge.
Three of the six existing lodges will be totally recreated to offer guests a whole new level of lodge, architectural and sheer design luxury befitting for this multi-award winning reserve, which has become known globally for its pioneering efforts in wildlife conservation and fine hospitality.
Architecture is by DSA Architects International and interior décor and design by K/M2K Architecture and Interior Design, both South African based companies.
“We felt the time had come to not simply do extensive annual refurbishments of furniture and décor but rather to redesign the lodges to elevate the guests’ offerings and comfort to absolute sheer safari luxury by means of extraordinary architectural, design and décor offerings,”said Group General Manager, Joe Cloete.
“We believe the hospitality industry is entering a new era in guest expectations and we hope to be leading this with four exceptional safari lodges coupled with our renowned, malaria-free, Big 5 safari and walking experiences.”
A new Animal Rehabilitation Centre will be created and the Born Free Centres will see a significant refurbishment to marry with the lodge improvements.
The upgrades
Situated in the lush indigenous bush of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve with breathtaking views of the adjacent rocky cliff face where eagles soar, Eagles Crag Lodge is set to be a sophisticated safari experience making efficient use of this idyllic site, while providing privacy and spectacular views.
The architects have designed a spacious entrance and reception looking directly onto the lush vegetation and majestic rocky cliff face. On the upper level, the Guest dining and lounge open through large doorways onto the wrap-around veranda with individual ‘dining pods’ overlooking the cliff. On the lower level, fitness enthusiasts Guests can enjoy a fitness centre and an entertainment lounge.
Nine luxurious Guest Villas, each with its own sundeck and heated plunge pool, are discreetly placed in the surrounding bush and the intimate Spa complements the Lodge offerings. Eagles Crag is slated to reopen on 1 September 2018.
Riverdene Family Lodge is an exclusive family African destination, offering a sense of style and comfort in a secure environment. Designed in African Modern Farm style, synonymous to the Cape region, with its simple forms and pitched roofs it will offer unique family accommodation, where the youngest are welcomed and are involved in all activities including an unforgettable bush experience.
Nine interleading rooms with elegant bathrooms and all with magnificent views over the bushveld provide family lodging, while the lofty Lounge, Bar and Dining rooms open on to the infinity edge pool and sun decks.
The Kids on Safari Adventure Centre complement the facilities with extensive modern playground offering an array of kid friendly activities for kids to entertain themselves in a safe and supervised environment, as well as a toddler play area and adventure zone. Proposed activities include a swing bridge, climbing wall, timber tunnel, zip line and many more adventure-filled activities. Riverdene Family Lodge will open to guests on 14 September 2018.
Long Lee Manor faithfully and elegantly reflects a bygone era and while retaining the original façade, a new arrival courtyard and porch will create a grand entrance to this historical Manor offering direct views across the magnificent Eastern Cape plains and wildlife. Adding to this, a new reception and lounges will be created with a dining room situated within the gardens, which will be complemented by spacious verandas, with a nearby Bar Pavilion and infinity edge pool also offering wonderful views over the reserves unique landscape.
An elegant Wellness Centre and Teen Entertainment and Gaming Room will be created around a peaceful landscaped courtyard and guests will be accommodated in 18 spacious Guest Suites, all with elegant colonial themed interiors. The Barn, used for boutique meetings and conferences, will also take on a new look and feel and offer state-of-the-art equipment for delegates. Health conscious guests will be able to take advantage of a new fitness centre.
One Luxury Presidential Suite and 17 Guest Suites, including an impressive Honeymoon Suite, as well as a well-equipped Universal Access interleading Suite. Complete the offering of the new look, contemporary colonial Long Lee Manor embraced by extensive landscaping. Long Lee Manor is scheduled to close on 1 November 2018 and reopen 1 December 2019.