Description
If a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound? No need to worry about that at luxurious andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, as not one torchwood was felled during its eco-friendly construction. Instead, focus on the gorgeous glass-encased suites, scattered around a beautiful sand forest and epitomising the owners’ dreamy philosophy of ‘Zulu Zen’ – in cahoots with a main lodge and pool. Not to mention the safaris: Phinda’s distinct eco-systems deliver bounteous Big Five spots, while the private reserve’s desirable position enables beach trips.
Accommodation
Each of the 16 huge, air-conditioned suites sits in such seclusion that, even with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, you feel total privacy. Raised on stilts, they also come with dark-wood furniture and floors, Zulu artefacts and slate bathrooms, while outside are private verandas. Sightings of dwarf antelope or red squirrel are common from there, plus from every bathroom’s oversized tub. And talk about relaxation: you’ll wake up to a leaf-filtered light and soothing birdsong.
Facilities
An amble away is the main guest area, including a rim-flow pool from which one can monitor monkeys frolicking in the foliage, or scan the animal-happy plains. Delicious dinners – incorporating dishes from across Africa – are served either on the lodge’s deck, inside its cosy lounge or out in a forest boma, one magically illuminated by log fires, lanterns and countless candles.
Activities
After coffee and biscuits, early morning game safaris are likely to deliver sightings of the Big Five, and many a cheetah. Evening safaris and their sundowners are also complimentary, along with birdwatching, educative ranger walks and river cruises, while other activities – thrilling flights to Maputaland beaches, night-time turtle drives (November to January), deep sea fishing, in-room massages – cost extra.
Child Policy
Children aged over 8 are welcome. Those under 12 can only go on game drives with a guide’s discretion.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
