南非 Singita Private Game Reserve
歷史(History)
若要追溯呢間酒店的起源, 我吔必須翻查80年前的歷史。
在1925年代, 一位名叫James Fawcett Bailes於南非的一處地方買了一幅未曾開發的土地 - Lowveld。佢畢生的夢想就是希望保留這一處土地用來創造出一個天堂般美好的野生環境。過去呢85年, 酒店一路都致力予保留James Fawcett Bailes’的這一個夢想, 就是為野生動物保留一處棲息地。(人獸共容之所)
The significant history and heritage of Singita can be traced back over 80 years.
In 1925 James Fawcett Bailes purchased a tract of pristine, untouched land in an area in South Africa known as the Lowveld. Throughout his life he dreamt of preserving this land and creating a haven for its exceptional wildlife.
85 years on and James Fawcett Bailes’ dream of preservation and protection continues to be realised on a daily basis. This patch of pristine, untouched Lowveld land is what we now call the Sabi Sand Reserve and it remains, to this day, a sanctuary for wildlife.
There are five lodges in two equally alluring parts of South Africa, both famous for their exquisite beauty and the chance of finding the ‘Big 5’. The founding lodges, Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders, are located within the Sabi Sand Reserve – the world’s best leopard viewing area, as well as Castleton Camp, a private 6-roomed villa that overlooks a well-frequented waterhole. Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni Lodges are found along the secluded eastern reaches of the Kruger National Park – a remote wilderness area renowned for its lion prides.
Ebony Lodge has a commanding presence and an essence that evokes an intense feeling of familiarity - as if visiting a congenial family home. Sumptuous coziness is simply the order of the day - tempting you into relaxation and reflection.
The secluded thatched suites are the epitome of elegant comfort, with rooms styled with an eclectic mix of colours, fabrics and textures. A colonial feel with Egyptian linen, African throws, antiques and modern luxuries combine to create a homely, lived-in feel. From the vast wooden deck to the pool overlooking the Sand River, it’s not uncommon to see elephant, buffalo and antelope grazing only metres away at any time of day. Perhaps this is where the notion of an ‘armchair safari’ was perfected...
Singita Ebony Lodge offers twelve suites, all with their own en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, heated private swimming pool, double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, room mini safe, air-conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game-viewing deck.
Boulders Lodge has a contemporary air of tranquillity that honours Africa in an authentic way. Inspiring the name Boulders was an enormous boulder that sat right in the middle of the place where the wine cellar was to be built. A simple decision was made to build the cellar around the boulder! Guests can enjoy wrap-around views from most parts of the natural stone lodge, and the lookout deck offers the perfect spot from which to observe wildlife drawn to the Sand River. The quiet pond alongside the thatched lounge area allows the light and the landscape inside to the wide open spaces, where straw baskets, neutral shades and textured fabrics complement wooden furniture.
Singita Boulders Lodge offers twelve suites, all with their own en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, private heated swimming pool, double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, room mini safe, air-conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game-viewing deck.
Singita Castleton Camp is a best-kept secret! It’s a sincerely inviting, comfortable hideaway that exudes timeless charm. Castleton comprises a stone-walled ‘farmhouse’ and six charming rooms in a garden setting, with fascinating memorabilia and artefacts that create an ambience of understated luxury.
The camp is booked as an exclusive villa and can accommodate up to twelve guests at a time. Guests enjoy sublime cuisine prepared by an executive chef, vintage South African wines, fireside dinners in the boma and sundowners out in the bush, while children can have fun at the tennis court, swimming pool or trampoline.
Like the Lebombo Euphorbia tree after which it was named, the design of Lebombo Lodge is one of a kind. From the sweeping wooden decks, you can watch the theatre that unfolds before you, while the lap pool beckons to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The fifteen suites feature contemporary finishes with beds dressed with Egyptian cotton and silky-soft throws. Enjoy dinner in the boma, then spend the evening, if you so wish, sleeping under the stars on the bed of your private terrace.
Sweni Lodge was influenced by the structures of dens, warrens and lairs found in the area. Flanking the Sweni River, this tranquil sanctuary is elevated on stilts with decks of timber. Even when you’re indoors, you’ll have the sensation of being close to the river and trees.
The six secluded suites, with tactile furnishings, have been carefully created to bring in the textures and shades of the bush. Designed with open-plan living in mind, your suite flows from the bathroom area, through to the lounge and into the bedroom – yet if you wish, each area may be sealed off by curtains. Try the outdoor shower overlooking the river or – for a magical experience – ‘camp out’ under the stars on the day bed out on your viewing deck.