Description
With just six plunge-pool suites, andBeyond Vlei Lodge is one of andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserves most exclusive properties and affords an intimate atmosphere. Set beside forest, wetland meadows and a busy watering hole, it boasts constant animal sightings, along with some of the reserve’s very best guides. It also promises intense relaxation: teak shutters and uncluttered spaces generating a chilled-out, Balinese vibe. The surrounding game reserve near guarantees your encountering the Big Five, while its privileged position also enables easy beach jaunts and numerous other activities.
Accommodation
Carefully positioned, each of those 6 suites comes with a large private plunge pool, and accompanying deck, from which you can watch antics of monkeys or zebra passing across the pans. Even the indoor freestanding tub has wildlife-spotting potential thanks to its large glass walls. The spacious units also contain open seating areas, decadent dark-wood furniture and hugely comfortable beds.
Facilities
The main lodge contains a cosy, fire-heated lounge, plus its own expansive game viewing decks and relaxation areas. Afternoons can be whiled away reading a book, or daydreaming as a herd of elephants come to drink nearby. Dinner will be served outside if possible, including dramatic banquets out on the bush itself, under a never-ending carpet of stars. Alternatively, dine privately in your own suite.
Activities
Following coffee and biscuits, early morning game safaris are likely to bring Big Five encounters, and many a cheetah. Afternoon tea, evening safaris and their sundowners are also complimentary, along with birdwatching, educative ranger walks, canoeing and river cruises, while other activities – thrilling flights to those Maputaland beaches, night-time turtle drives (November to January), deep sea fishing, in-room massages – cost extra.
Child Policy
All children over 6 are welcome, although those aged 6-12 can only go on game drives at 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.
