Endless Honeymoon column
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outh Africa collects some inevitable clichés: lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinoceros and leopards who symbolize the big five game of safaris; the orange tones of the savannah; the townships remaining from the Apartheid. Certain stereotypes exist to confirm the facts and, of course, they are all present in South Africa. We already knew that the country was surprising and rich in contrasts, but we never imagined that it would also be a perfect destination for a new honeymoon. And it was. Our trip began in Kruger Park, which concentrates the largest conservation area of the South African fauna and covers about 20 thousand square kilometers in the northeast of the country. Especially visited by tourists on safari, the park features dozens of extremely structured lodges that accommodate the travelers. We decided for Sabi Sabi, which looks like a five-star hotel and is divided in four different and independent styles: the country-like Selati Camp, the rustic Bush Lodge, the minimalist Little Bush Camp and the futuristic Earth Lodge. The lodges offer full schedules, from breakfast to dinner, and include two daily safaris: one at dawn and another at nightfall. I confess I couldn’t get used to the morning expeditions (the jetlag of the five extra hours did me in), but I thought it was exciting to contemplate the African sunset close to lions, leopards and giraffes who were strolling freely next to our open jeep. With the duration of approximately three hours, the safaris are accompanied all the times by a guide and protected by the vigilance of a tracker who looks for the tracks left by the animals and is capable of locating them in the savannah. A paradise of colors and animals, Kruger Park is the perfect setting for those who, like Bruno, are in love with taking photographs. Over a thousand photos were taken, a thousand angles and a thousand smiles in just three days. At the end of all this, with the soul satisfied and the excitement of adventure on the skin, we experienced the authentic African boma, a candle-lit dinner under the stars and around a large camp fire. Wild Africa can also be romantic. Tradition and modernity in Cape Town But it is a mistake to believe that safaris and al fresco night meals are the only attractions in the country of Nelson Mandela. Between the majestic contours of Table Mountain and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean is Cape Town, a modern and cosmopolitan city that became a popular destination for those who also seek urban experiences. One of the most visited places in town, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront symbolizes the rebirth of Cape Town in the post-Apartheid era. Next door to the waterfront, the V&A is also a sophisticated shopping district, featuring bars, restaurants and hotels. An element that accompanied us the whole time we were in Cape Town – and that is part of local daily life – was the wind. Almost always strong and changing the weather, it may sometimes interfere with one or another excursion, but it is a good excuse to keep close. That is what we did during our tour of the historic Cape of Good Hope. Visited by tourists from all corners of the planets, it is located only 60 kilometers from Cape Town and the path that takes us there is magnificent, with vistas that take your breath away and inspire all lovers.
Speaking of inspiring panoramas, don’t forget to visit Table Mountain: by car or cable car, the most photographed point of Cape Town shows the beautiful scenery of the city. Adventurous couples can also explore the mountain on foot, following safe trails. But, of course, this is not our case. We prefer the excitement of the asphalt and, walking around the many neighborhoods in town, found a series of streets with multicolored houses. We are at Bo-Kaap, one of the locations where it is possible to find vestiges of the South African segregation policy. At the time when the Apartheid was instituted, the neighborhood was destined for the Muslims of Malaysian origin, forcing all residents from other ethnic origins to abandon the place. During the last years, the houses were restored, being now one of the most important cultural and historic attractions in the city. Cape Town also preserves treasures like Boulders Beach and Robben Island. The first features an enchanting penguin colony. The second reveals the famous prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Far beyond the typical safaris and the sad history of segregation, the seven days we spent in South Africa showed us surprising and enchanting colors. This must be why the country is known as the “rainbow nation”. Busy and cosmopolitan, Cape Town offers the best hotels in South Africa. Suggestions of hotels in the city Cape Grace – Considered the best hotel in South Africa, Cape Grace synthesizes all the elegance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. All the rooms have a privileged view of Table Mountain and are decorated with furniture that expresses the sophisticated as well as welcoming personality of the hotel. If, on the outside, the facade impresses for its immodest dimensions, on the inside, it is the details that steal the scene. A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, Cape Grace is entirely decorated with antique pieces that hearken back to the 18th through 20th centuries. They are paintings, ceramics, lamps, tapestries and art objects that are part of the comfortable setting of this boutique hotel. But do not confuse comfort with neglect. On the contrary, everything is done so that the guest will feel at home, but with all the services and pampering that the most demanding travelers deserve. The combination between tradition and modernity at Cape Grace is also present in the shapes and flavors of Signal Restaurant, in the elegant simplicity of Bascule Bar, in the comfort of the spa and the surprising luxury of “Spirit of the Cape”, a yacht destined exclusively for use by the guests. It is the essence of South African culture associated with the sophistication of the best hotel in the country. One&Only – Maximum sumptuousness and elegance are keywords in this hotel that brings together characteristics of urbanity and extreme luxury. From the grandiose facade that can be seen from kilometers away to the majestic lobby that receives the guests, everything is superlative at the One&Only. But don’t be surprised: combining clean architecture and contemporary decor, the hotel is the synthesis of good taste. Each of the 91 rooms features a private balcony and the most sought after view in the city: Table Mountain. At night, it is worth turning on the romance and enjoying an authentic South African wine with the lit mountain in the background. But if you’d prefer not so majestic panoramas, choose one of the 40 Island Suites, located on an exclusive island inside the hotel. Practically an oasis amid such opulence, the rooms are surrounded by green areas and external patios that offer an escape from the nearby urbanity. After walking around the area and visiting the 266 designer brands of the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, relax at the One&Only Spa and enjoy at least one of the 12 treatments offered. Later on, start the night with appetizers at the hotel’s Vista Lounge & Bar and then taste the flavors of Nobu, by international chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, who lends contemporary touches to classic Japanese cuisine. Would you rather explore the local flavors? Then enjoy Reuben’s, by award-winning South African chef Reuben Riffel. When the meal comes to an end, return to your room and enjoy the comfort of the One&Only. The night is just beginning. Sabi Sabi Hotel – With 30 years of excellence and differentiated luxury, the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve presents itself as the perfect choice for couples on their honeymoon. Refined accommodations, the incredible proximity with the wildlife, personalized service and delicious cuisine are characteristics that guarantee the hotel as one of the most sought after destinations for a honeymoon trip. Sabi Sabi receives visitors from all over the world, brought by the unique and exciting experience of an unforgettable safari; since it is located in the famous Kruger National Park. The four super elegant and independent lodges offer a unique atmosphere and are based on different concepts. Selati Camp is the most romantic of them all. Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp and the innovative Earth Lodge are other possibilities of accommodations.www.sabisabi.com
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