Camp Okavango

In homage to the glamorous and opulent colonial era that most associate with the safari, Royal Malewane modestly and practically recreates this traditional, authentic and very special African experience. Situated in the Hoedspruit private reserve of 13,000 hectares incorporated into the Kruger National Park, wildlife is the Big Five and the size of the camp means your game drives are very personal. Intimate and secluded finery pretty much sums up this luxury lodge of only eight suites (including two Royal Suites) which are all wondrously spacious and open plan yet never compromise on your privacy. All are decorated in the sumptuous style of the early 20th century; dark woods, mahogany furniture, Victorian rolltop baths, 4-poster beds, travelling chests, fireplaces and Persian rugs. Each has its own rim-flow pool, wooden decks and gazebos and the Royal Suites enjoy a private lounge and dining room not to mention a complimentary butler, chef and massages. All the rooms are linked by risen walkways to the main camp. This elevated position of the lodge also means you need only look out your window or look up from your plate to see the sights of the bush and animals passing by. And there’s also a fantastic Spa and walled swimming pool that is reminiscent of a Moroccan rhiad. For a family or group of friends looking for the finest in luxury lodgings and privacy, Royal Malewane’s 12-person Africa House located just two minutes from the main lodge is at the height of secluded refinement and stellar personal service, and available to be hired exclusively. The house is bedecked with art and antiques from all over the world and decorated sumptuously with good use of vibrant colours. There is a central courtyard, fountain, veranda with infinity pool, private chef, butler, housekeeper and your game drives are all with your very own ranger, tracker and vehicles bespoke to you. The dining and service is both very detailed and exceptional here at the Royal Malewane, all in all creating a magical and most lavish safari experience.

Set on the banks of the Zambezi in a secluded spot upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi delivers luxury and tranquility in equal measure. This is one of the most romantic places to stay in the area, the five cottages and seven open-fronted houses that make up the camp offering bags of personality and character.

Hotel Unique has a high design theme as audacious as its name. A cut off disc, with a rooftop restaurant and bar on the top and port-hole style circular windows (though-somewhat larger than usual), give the impression of a stylised boat. This is a hotel with a definite ‘wow’ factor, almost every detail is there to impress and the rooms are impressively kitted out with all manner of high-tech gadgetry. They are all also extremely comfortable and the views out across the city are superb. Indeed the rooftop bar and pool area offer one of the best vantage points in Sao Paulo to appreciate the megatropolis skyline.

The Fasano Sao Paulo is simply a world class hotel, with an understated style, complete luxury and impeccable service throughout. Located in Jardims, just off of the famous shopping street of Oscar Freire, there’s much to do in the immediate vicinity (an important consideration in a city of this scale). The Fasano’s facilities are all top class, with a spa, a bar and two restaurants which are among the very best in the Sao Paulo (the Fasano family, built their reputation on their restaurants before moving into hotels). All the rooms in the Fasano have been decorated with a real eye for quality; every item, fixture and fitting has been carefully sourced and the rooms are extremely comfortable and spacious. All in all, the Fasano Sao Paulo is a class act throughout.