The flight service was well organized, mostly punctual, and overall a great deal more convenient and significantly more pleasant than the alternatives of driving from Johannesburg or flying to an airport near the reserve and driving or being transferred from there to the properties.
Our stay at The Munro, a five room boutique property in Johannesburg, South Africa, was memorable as much for its luxury features and amenities and stunning city views as for the superlative and warm service we received.
A different designer was tasked with the decor of each of the 10 suites. Our suites had sleeping and living areas separated by a wall, a half bath near the entrance, a stocked minibar, air conditioning and a private balcony. The bathrooms had separate bathtubs and steam showers, amenities often only available in large properties and chain hotels.
I chose the One&Only Spa because I had a positive experience there on a previous trip, it was near my hotel, and there was availability on my weekday choice of date. I was pleased with the results.
Babel, a farm to table restaurant within a working farm in the Wineland region of South Africa, was an unexpected surprise. I went there following the recommendation of the property manager at La Cle des Montagnes, where I was staying in nearby Franschhoek. The experience was as the promotional materials promised, fresh, local, and “an adventure and a rediscovery of the honest essence of things.”
The boutique property’s beachfront location combined with the staff’s friendly and helpful attitude, and my comfortable room with an outstanding beach view and private terrace would draw me back easily. It was a favorite property on that voyage. I would seriously consider a return visit and dedicated trip to Long Beach for a stay at The Last Word.
