zimbabwe & thailand WHERE TO... STAY:
BY JO AUSTIN THE BACKGROUND: This is an elegant, stone-built property set in lush, tropical gardens and with its own waterhole. Set away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Falls, visitors are cushioned in colonial style amongst sumptuous furnishings. It is a regular recipient of reviews for best hotel, hospitality and service in Victoria Falls. THE LOCATION: Just a 10-minute drive to Victoria Falls, the lodge is located within its own 6,000-acre private game reserve boasting the Big Five. Guests can enjoy sundowners on the patio whilst watching elephants, kudu and waterbuck at the watering hole, no more than 25 metres away. The swimming pool pro- vides welcome respite during the heat of the day and the bar area is a natural gathering place in the evenings. THE ROOM: The 16 luxury suites offer a spacious bedroom, en-suite Victorian– style bathroom, separate shower, lounge and individual secluded patio, air-con- ditioning, mini-bar, personal safe, DVD
STAY:
CHECKING OUT 37
HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / AIRPORT REVIEWS STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE LODGE - VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE THE VERDICT
player, satellite television and telephone. Umbrellas are a useful addition when visiting in January! Ursula's Camp next to the Lodge is
a four-chalet luxury retreat ideal for families and small groups. KEY FACILITIES: Staff are on hand to take guests to the Falls or into the game park for a safari in an open 4WD vehicle. Bear Grylls' Survival Academy at Victoria Falls is now bookable through Mantis Collection at the Lodge.
LAYANA RESORT - KOH LANTA, THAILAND
BY LAURA GELDER THE LOCATION: This 50-room fi ve-star boutique resort is spread over expansive green grounds leading down to Koh Lanta Yai's Long Beach. THE ROOM: I stayed in the lead-in Garden Pavilion which still offers 49 square metres. The rooms are set in 11 separate two-storey units and my balcony overlooked the lawn. The furnishings are modern, simple and muted with a splash of turquoise. I loved the oversized wicker headboard and
huge day bed. The room features the usual mini bar and hot drinks facilities, widescreen TV, DVD player and iPod docking station. The generous-sized bathrooms have lovely deep bath tubs. SPA: The resort's Linger Longer Spa is set within its own walled garden and manages to bring the outside in, with mini courtyards off each treatment room and a breezy relaxation area where the curtains billowed in time to the music as I watched a waterfall through the window while sipping warm ginger tea. The Layana Signature Massage is one of many treatments including scrubs, facials and a salt room with fi bre-optic lighting. RESTAURANTS/BARS: Tides restaurant provides a sumptuous breakfast and a variety of themed menus as well as Thai and seafood specialities. The barbecue night saw the chefs take to the beach to cook huge prawns and steaks by fl aming torch light. The Sundowners bar made great cocktails with a Thai twist.
THE VERDICT
OTHER FACILITIES: The infi nity pool, bridging the space between the lush gardens and bright white beach is the most beautiful aspect of the hotel, whether it's by day or at night when the fairy lights twinkle over the water. There is also a library and lounge complete with books and DVDs and a fi tness room. Layana Resort, Koh Lanta, Thailand. T: +66(0) 75 607 100; E:
jas@anandcollection.co.uk; W:
layanaresort.com; UK rep: Jas Anand
Watching guests personally welcomed on the beach by staff, with warm hugs and genuine smiles shows why the repeat guest rate is so high here. You needn't leave your sunlounger, just buzz for your mojito and they will bring it to your beach bean bag whilst you watch the island's famous sunset. RATES: Garden Pavilion rack rate is 9,300 Baht, low season.
RESTAURANTS/BARS: The elegant dining area offers a fi ne dining experi- ence, with the emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Breakfast and lunch are served on the Sundeck Terrace (weather- permitting) and guests are encouraged to visit the wine cellar that boasts a selection of connoisseurs' favourites from France and South Africa. Stanley and Livingstone Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. T: +27 (0) 21 715 2412 E:
sandl.reservation@
mantiscollection.com
This property is a far cry from a traditional African lodge and can only be described as a luxury hotel. Perfect for a bit of R&R after a long safari and ideallly situated away from the Falls but close enough to get to and from a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Very special to see the Black Rhinos being so caringly protected 24 hours a day. RATES: From US$320 per night
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72