Staying at Pel's Post, Kruger National Park

Picture lying in your bed. Listening to the African bush sing. When I say sing, I mean the sounds of the bush right next to you as if you are submerged in it. Every single layer of insect, bird, and animal all in harmony creating a symphony. It is the ultimate white noise sleep app that offers you perfect relaxation, except, its real. Then add in luxury and comfort, not only do you have a five-star experience but you also have Pel's Post Lodge. 

Pel's Post is an exclusive use eco-friendly lodge situated in the northern Kruger National Park. Bordered to the north by the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe and to the east by Crooks Corner and Mozambique.  This vast wilderness is a slice of paradise that seems virtually untouched by man. You can fly into Johannesburg international airport and rent a car. The drive will take about 6 1/2 hours and boasts beautiful landscapes scattered with ancient baobabs. Once at the Parfuri gate it's a short drive to the lodge. 

The lodge is tucked away in the bush on the hills,  overlooking the Luvuvhu River. You will find your way to your room along gorgeous wooden walkways that wind through the environment. The rooms are spacious, modern and based on an open plan design. So much so that several of the walls are screens that you can roll up via remote and sleep with nature on your doorstep. 180 degrees of the uninterrupted African bush. Don't worry - there is a magnificent mosquito net that will make anyone feel that they are on a romantic getaway. All the rooms have large king size beds with a bath, an inside and outside shower and all the amenities you would require. I must admit I jumped right in for the opportunity of a shower whilst overlooking the valley. 

The food is five star and well thought out by a private chef catering to all your needs. A light breakfast of fruits and cereals is provided before your morning game drive along with your much-needed coffee. Once back a light fresh brunch welcomes you while sitting on the deck overlooking the flowing river. If you are lucky an elephant might come by to take a much-needed drink or to have a splash in the midday heat. The lodge caters for all food choices whilst embracing local cuisine served with a fresh twist. You can enjoy lunch next to the shimmering pool if you prefer. In summer months the temperatures soar and a cold gin and tonic will be most welcome. Dinner is a three-course affair with a wonderful selection of wine. 

My favourite part of any bush experience is the game drives. Your wake up call is at 5:30 am (the only time I don't complain about waking up early.) Waking up to the sunrise over the valley and river with open blinds was simply spectacular. Your biological clock just tunes in and waking up with the bush environment is magical. If experiencing the game drives is not on your agenda then you can enjoy a game walk or relax at the pool and bird watch. Visiting the fever tree forest counts as one of my favourite experiences and if you find yourself visiting make sure it is a request! Driving and spotting the animals felt like driving through the garden of Eden. A moving experience on every level. 

With a private chef, exclusive vehicle and personal guide, your experience is tailor-made for luxury. The surroundings and service allow you to slip into ultimate relaxation whilst connecting with your loved ones. 

There are few places I have visited where I left a piece of my heart behind. Pel's Post - I will have to return to make my heart whole again. 

-Melissa 

*This blog post is sponsored by Rare Earth Properties. All opinions are my own. 

Visiting Shamwari in the Eastern Cape

For as long as I can remember I have been in love with the African bush. Going on safari has a very special place in my heart. The silence, the fresh air and of course seeing the animals is one of my favourite things in the world. I am the girl who is glued to the TV watching Nat Geo and David Attenborough specials and dreams of watching the wild migration. I have known about Shamwari Game Reserve and the phenomenal work that they do in conservation for several years now, So naturally when the opportunity came up to visit - I jumped at it.

Shamwari game reserve (meaning ‘My Friend” in Shona) is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is an approximately one-hour drive from Port Elizabeth airport. Shamwari is home to the magnificent Big Five. Namely Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Buffalo. It is a place where animals and people live in harmony and the animals roam freely.
Once you arrive in Shamwari, vehicles are left in a parking lot and for the remainder of your stay, transportation occurs in a luxury safari 4x4 vehicle complete with a highly qualified game ranger that will share knowledge and stories of the bush. 

Shamwari has several luxury resorts, manor houses and tented camps with breath taking scenery. Whether you are traveling as a fun loving family or escaping on a quiet romantic honeymoon, there is an accommodation to suit your needs. Shamwari also hosts corporate team building events and conferences and can cater to your requirements. 
I stayed at Eagles Crag during my stay. A gorgeous luxury hotel fashioned out of stone and glass. The stone seemed to mimic the open rock faces that surrounded the camp.

The rooms are detached suites that sleep a maximum of two adults per suite. The rooms have private plunge pools surrounded with lush bush offering ultimate privacy. The rooms are fitted with air-conditioner, mini bar facilities, bird spotting scopes and a glass shower that looks out onto nature! The rooms have king sized beds that you can get lost in. 
The food at Shamwari has a local South African flair. You can experience a traditional braai night (South African BBQ) and go on a taste journey with foods such as Potjie and Pap. Breakfast is served before the morning game drive and dinner is served with the fire place crackling after the evening drive. 

There is two scheduled game drives a day to explore the reserve and find the animals. As it’s the wild and animals are on their own time and schedule - it can be quite the challenge looking for the game but with knowledgeable Rangers at hand, you are bound to have some exciting finds.  
Be sure to visit the Born Free Foundation while you are at Shamwari. It's a foundation that works with big cats giving them a forever home that is worlds better than the cruel conditions that they came from in captivity. A truly emotional experience. If you would like to support this wonderful cause and read more, click here. 
Shamwari offers world class pampering in their on site Spa and a massage or facial is a must. 
You can also undertake guided walks, which offer a unique experience of seeing species on foot. 
If like me, you are always keen to learn more about the environment and the animals then make a visit to the rehabilitation center - I highly recommend it.
It is imperative that we learn about wild life in order to protect and conserve it. Shamwari conservationists (and so many others) are fighting what can sometimes seem like a losing war against poaching. 
It is emotional to see the exhibits but education is key to future conversation efforts and centers such as this help create awareness.
If you wish to read more and would like to make a donation click here. 

I will say this now, in its own paragraph, in its own moment. Rhino horn is made from the same keratin that makes our up our nails and hair. It has NO medicinal properties what so ever and there is NO scientific evidence to support this claim. It is a cultural belief and a myth. This myth is killing our Rhino and at this stage, if you are reading this, your children will not see a live Rhino in the wild. That is a fact. Let it sink in. 
I commend Shamwari on the war that they are fighting. You can see more here on what is happening to these majestic animals. To read more and donate, click here.

Shamwari has created a five-star experience centered around conservation and the beauty of the wild. It was a magnificent trip that I long for daily. If you can go, go. 
It is worth every second.  Being beside the most sentient and awe inspiring animals in the African bush is priceless.

-Melissa 

Exploring the Kurland in Plettenberg Bay

Would you like to step back in time into a by gone era? A place where high tea is at 3 pm, polo horses surround you and the interior engulfs you in authentic warmth and charm. 
Meet The Kurland, a luxury boutique hotel offering gracious country living. A property just a stone throw from Plettenberg bay that will transport you back in time! 

Travelling from Cape Town, The Kurland is roughly a little over 6 hours drive out on the N2, the main highway running along the Garden Route. 
If you are flying into Cape Town International you will need to rent a car and trust me, it will be well worth it! The Kurland is situated between majestic mountains and pristine beaches of Nature's Valley. 

The hotel is situated on a 700-hectare private estate that has 12 gorgeous suites offering utter privacy and luxury. The hotel is child-friendly and has several options to engage your little one on your stay including playrooms filled with wonderful toys. 
With an on site spa and tennis court, there is something for Mom and Dad, an oasis to keep the whole family happy. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy you can take a drive with the quad bikes across the property or visit the Polo horses and grounds that are perfectly manicured! You will find the staff exceptionally attentive with every need being fulfilled at a moments notice.

The rooms are lavish with a touch of yesteryear. Each room has a unique theme running through the interior and boasts a fireplace that will keep you very cozy should you visit in the winter like I did. The bathrooms are spacious with under floor heating to keep your toes warm, which is a little touch I am obsessed with! I had possibly one of the best nights sleep I have ever had with a crackling fireplace humming me into dreamland and an engulfing king-size bed!

Executive Chef Leon Coetzee provides an elevated dining experience whilst keeping country charm. A modern take on classic dishes. 
If you are in the mood for high tea then why not enjoy freshly baked scones and cucumber sandwiches. I sure did!   

You need not leave the property during your stay as it caters to every conceivable want. You can go on a hike, visit the horses, go to the spa for the day or get involved in the action packed Polo events. This property offers something for the family, which is a wonderful change to most places that don’t really accommodate the little ones. It was great seeing such a family oriented destination that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

-Melissa 

Staying at The Old Rectory Plettenberg Bay

Picture walking into a historic building dating back to 1777 that has been fully refurbished with a timeless decor, original fireplace and stone walls. 

A stone’s throw away from world famous serene beaches that are home to the pretty pansy shell welcome to The Old Rectory, the latest addition to the exquisite Rare Earth collection. 

The property is situated in the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay. A six-hour drive from Cape Town out on the N2 highway along the famous garden route. It's a gorgeous drive that show cases South African country side at its best. Passing towns that have some of the most breathtaking views and neat little restaurants and shops, it’s definitely a pilgrimage that you need to do at least once. I recommend tackling the 6-hour drive over two days with an overnight in Swellendam so you are able to soak up as much of the trip as possible. 
Each coastal town offers something unique and is worth exploring. 

The hotel's heritage building dates back to 1777 and was used as a rectory by the Anglican church until the current rectory was built in 1939. It has been restored to its former glory paying homage to the old with sections of the original stone walls exposed beneath glass panels, and a breath of fresh air in the modern interior design. The hotel still uses the original fireplace where you can sit and enjoy a glass of red wine while the fire crackles away. 

For the more festively inclined, there is a gorgeous bar area where you can enjoy cocktail hour on the perfectly appointed chesterfield couches. 
The patio has a wrap around deck and a pristine swimming pool that looked very inviting, albeit it winter.
The main affair happens to be the dining hall. This is the property’s heritage building and there is a strong sense of times gone by in the air. 

The rooms are well thought out with great attention to detail. Each room has a mini bar, coffee and tea station, tv and a king size bed. The bathroom is a gorgeous design feature that has under floor heating and a huge open shower accentuated by bright blue walls and cement floors. The interior is sleek with a neutral palette and perfect pops of colour. 

Dining at The Old Rectory is a classy affair. The food is simple and well-executed. The menu has something for everyone and is vegetarian-friendly. If you find yourself eating there - do try the gnocchi, it was my favourite paired with a glass of crisp white wine! 

Breakfast was delicious and some of the best-scrambled eggs that I have ever had! The offerings included stewed fruits and a preserve selection that was utterly delicious along with freshly baked home made bread (which no sane human could resist) 

The area is full of activities on offer, whether wine tasting is your thing (if so stop at Kay and Monty) or your preference is hiking and whale watching. Plettenberg Bay has several animal sanctuaries that are wonderful to visit. They have rescued many animals from circuses and zoos and have given them a home that is much more humane and a lot wilder than what the animals have experienced before. It is also home to one of the biggest bird aviaries in the southern hemisphere. 

If exploring isn't your thing and you would rather stay in then don't be shy, there is a Spa on site that will take care of all your relaxation needs.

The question isn't should I visit The Old Rectory, the question is simply, how long for?

-Melissa 

p.s press play below to view my first youtube video. A huge thank you to Lauren-Leigh Livesey for your collaboration! 

*This blog post is sponsored by Rare Earth Properties. All opinions are my own. 

A day of luxury at the One&Only

The Only&Only is one of the ultimate luxury hotels in Cape Town. 

Surrounded by water canals and the vista that is Table Mountain, the One&Only is a stone's throw from the city center of Cape Town and borders the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This establishment engulfs you in the lap of luxury. 

I was lucky enough to spend the day exploring the hotel and all it has to offer. The day started off right with bubbles and a feast at the well know Reuben's. This restaurant is his first urban restaurant and showcases local flavours and produce while honouring heritage and culture. Reuben and his head Chef Chris Mare have partnered up with sommelier Luvo Ntezo who has paired top quality food with some of the best local wines to take you on a taste journey that will leave you wanting for more. 

If you find yourself at the One&Only and needing the ultimate relaxation then why not book yourself into their spa? The spa is fully equipped, the treatments are professional and elaborate with qualified therapists ready to tailor make an experience to suit your unique needs. If you are having a massage, then definitely add in the hot stone therapy to work out the tension. 

Once you are finished and wrapped in a spa cocoon (aka spa gown) you will be treated to a variety of healthy snacks, a swim in their glorious pool that wouldn't find itself out of place in a Bond caper.

If you are yearning for more "me time" why not visit the saunas and hot tub for that extra needed R&R?

Treat Yo Self. 

Ending off the day with the sunset over the ocean and the clouds dancing like fire in the sky, I sat over looking the canals at cocktail hour with a flavorsome cocktail in one hand and a devil-may-care attitude in the other.

The mixologist focuses on less processed sugary cocktails and rather uses real food flavoring such as citrus peel and rose petals. Ask for the Moscow mule, you won't regret it. The perfect combination of flavors with frozen gooseberries and dried grapefruit is, in my opinion, a close 10. 

After sundowners, I enjoyed a world class experience at Nobu Restaurant. With Asian inspired dishes the food was simply delicious. 

You can try the full a la carte menu or the lighter tapas menu. Each dish was unique and well thought out with the perfect execution. Coupled with a few litchi martinis I was indeed a very happy girl!  

The One&Only offers an experience that makes you feel truly considered. Friendly, helpful staff with a magnificent location, spectacular food and all the amenities you could want for. 

It stands up to some of the top international hotels I have experienced and offers that extra special something that only South Africa can.  

-Melissa