Friday, December 21, 2012

LIVE ALOFT IN TONGABEZI’S NEWLY REBUILT ECO-LUXE TREE HOUSE



LIVINGSTONE, Zambia- Tongabezi Lodge, a romantic, five-star eco-friendly lodge on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, has rebuilt its renowned Tree House. Constructed around the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, the elevated Tree House spreads out over a sustainable pine deck offering spectacular views of the Zambezi River, the river after which Zambia is named. Part of the house is suspended over the water, giving the sensation of floating.

“We think this is the perfect hideaway for honeymooners or privacy-seekers,” says managing director Ben Parker. The secluded sanctuary, set against a basalt rock bed, lies at the end of a hidden path that winds along the cliff face. A whimsical sign “Maybe Later” serves as the door and advises visitors the Tree House is closed, come back later.

The king-sized bed with an air conditioned canopy is swathed in filmy mosquito netting. A perfectly–positioned, claw-footed bath affords views of the river while bathing, and beauty not viewed directly, can easily be imagined – the Anatolian carpets, Asian chests and West African artwork all evoke dreams of the exotic. The extensive space can be used for private dining and lounging.

A whole host of activities are included in the rates: canoeing on the Zambezi, an Island lunch, a candlelit dinner on a floating Sampan, a visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; sunrise and sunset boating; visiting Victoria Falls, guided bush walks, tour of the Livingstone Museum; fishing, game drives and shopping at the local market to buy wonderful bracelets, fabrics or artifacts. (Please note: park and museum entrance fees are extra.)

Fully-inclusive rates from $620 (depending on exchange rate) per person per night. For more information contact: www.tongabezi.com

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

VAMIZI ISLAND ANNOUNCES DIVING PACKAGE AT ONE OF WORLD’S BEST DIVE DESTINATIONS


Vamizi Island, an eco-active African island in the Indian Ocean waters of Mozambique, with 15 extraordinary dive sites, announces a vacation for divers that offers beginners, intermediate and advanced divers eight fully-guided dives with a seven-night stay throughout 2013.  Rates start at $4190 per person and go up to $5870 per person depending on the time of year.

The package includes seven nights’ accommodations in an ocean-facing villa; all meals; soft drinks, local beer, wine, basic spirits, bottled water, daily laundry serve and guided activities including shore-based snorkeling, sea kayaking, birding, walking trails, beach picnics, dhow sailing and Hobie Cat sailing.

Opened in 2005 and located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, the Lodge is already known for its diversified dives, especially Neptune’s Arm, voted one of the world’s top ten dive sites.  Many diving experts have deemed it the best dive they have ever experienced.  A short boat ride from the Lodge, this underwater island envelops spectacular scenery with a canyon plunging more than 200m deep with steep cliffs and filled with colorful marine life.

While there are now 15 dive sites, more are being discovered all the time, including sites for all diving abilities.  The island boasts a pristine coral reef, deemed one of the healthiest coral reef eco-systems in the world, abounding with what ecologists call “indicator species” – species so sensitive to changes in the marine climate that they serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” The reefs – a seascape of mountains, valleys, plateaus and cliffs – teem- with an array of whales, dolphins, turtles and reef sharks to Gregorian corals and giant clams. A survey carried out on the waters of Vamizi identified 46 genera of coral species and more than 400 species of fish. This kaleidescope of colorful sea creatures is a must for any serious diver. But the sheer beauty of Vamizi and its surrounding crystal-clear waters appeals to anyone who loves island living.

Vamizi is located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago and is only seven and a half miles long by about a mile wide.  Vamizi Island Resort is the only resort on the island, a conservation project in partnership with WWF and funded through carefully considered low impact, high-end tourism.  Each of the 13 one and two bedroom villas was constructed of local building materials and by the local community to blend into the landscape.  The island has one of the longest turtle conservation operations in East Africa and fishing is sustainable.  The integration of local knowledge and traditions with world-class scientific understanding benefits everyone:  the community, wildlife, and visitors.

For complete itinerary, rates for specific dates and transfers to the island, call +44 1285 762218 or visit:  www.vamizi.com

For reservations:  reservations@vamizi.com

Monday, December 3, 2012

SAXON BOUTIQUE HOTEL, VILLAS AND SPA OFFERS JET-SETTING LOVEBIRDS A “SUITE VALENTINE’S PACKAGE”


This February, the award-winning Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa is offering a Valentine’s Package designed to have jet-setters swooning. The package includes one night’s accommodations for two in an elegant Egoli Suite, a full English breakfast for two, a “Rain of the Gods” spa treatment for both, candle-lit dinner at a Saxon dining location of guests choosing (up to value of $ 285*), a rose petal and chocolate truffle turndown, and a welcome gift comprising a bottle of sparkling wine and vase of roses. The package is available for the price of $1,083.29* and includes complimentary use of the plunge pool, floatation pool, steam room and Jacuzzi.

Located in the exclusive Sandton suburb of Johannesburg, the Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa provides glorious respite from the hustle, bustle and excitement of Johannesburg. Lovers can get lost in the ten acres of lush landscaped gardens, admiring the intricate Amalie von Maltitz sculptures along their way.

The full-service spa offers therapies and treatments fit for royalty, utilizing the finest beauty products and state of the art equipment. The “Rain of the Gods” treatment included in the package involves a welcome ritual, a full-body exfoliation, and a revitalizing Olive & Shea Butter Massage.

To further luxuriate, couples can lounge on the pool terrace, enjoy cocktails at the Olive Bar, or linger over lunch in the dining gazebo. In fact, there are a number of dining options for lovebirds to choose from, including private dining and two signature restaurants, all of which have been thoughtfully conceptualized by the renowned South African Chef, David Higgs.

For more availability and reservations, email reservations@thesaxon.co.za.