Enjoy an unmatched luxury safari at the newly reopened AndBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge. Baroque Travel has all the details
Opening in June 2018 after an extensive refurbishment, AndBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is situated in South Africa’s tropical KwaZulu-Natal province. It’s located in a private game reserve that takes up 110 square miles and is home to a variety of wildlife. The word ‘vlei’ in the name of the hotel means ‘wetland’. The lodge itself overlooks the ‘vlei’, hence its name, and is set on the edge of a sand forest. A variety of game viewing is constantly on display at the lodge, from the privacy of the guest’s bedroom, shower and private plunge pool.
Of course, activities at the lodge include daily morning and afternoon game drives where guests go into the reserve in 4×4 vehicles to see a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Phinda has two lodges in the area – Vlei Lodge and Rock Lodge. Both are synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, offering guests the ultimate safari in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa.
The new design of Phinda Vlei lodge features antique tapestries, fine art, vintage cotton and linen, elegant silver and crystal. It’s reminiscent of the turn-of-the-century lifestyle that was enjoyed by the area’s sugar cane and pineapple barons who lived the high life here in Colonial times.
All guest rooms and bathrooms have been refurbished and now evoke a sense of old world luxe. New features at the lodge include a library and the dining deck, offering guests al fresco dining while wildlife roam free just meters away in the wetland.
All accommodation at this intimate, romantic, exclusive safari establishment is positioned in such a way that guests enjoy prime views of the animals as they come to drink at the waterhole, as well as panoramic views of the spectacular surroundings.
Aside from day and night game drives, guests can also enjoy walking safaris into the surrounding area, visits to traditional Zulu villages, a beach adventure in Maputaland, night drives to the beach to spot the turtles, scuba diving safaris, black rhino tracking on foot, ocean safaris and more. Phinda offers guests bespoke safaris as well, including riding safaris, photographic game viewing, tracking, family and private safaris.
Phinda Vlei Lodge is extremely exclusive and offers just six secluded suites in all, each integrated perfectly into the African bush. All the public areas are elegant and serene, designed for quiet contemplation of the wilds. Each suite features a private sitting area, en suite bathroom, dressing room and viewing deck. If guests prefer, they can also dine in their suites instead of in the dining room.