Lalamuka Spa at Lion Sands

Lalamuka Spa at Lion Sands

Guests at the Lion Sands Reserve had lots of ways to spend their time. In addition to dawn and dusk game viewing, it was also possible to work out at the property’s fitness center, visit the curio shop and enjoy a spa treatment. The spa was especially popular when we visited Ivory Lodge in the summer of 2007. Four staff members divided their time between the Reserve’s three luxury properties: Ivory Lodge, Lion Sand’s top level facility; 1933, the newly opened rental villa; and the River Lodge, where the Lalamuka Spa was housed.

Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands

Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands

A family owned and managed lodge on the banks of the Sabie River across from the Kruger National Park, Ivory Lodge offered luxury accommodations, appetizing meals, Big Five game viewing, and the kind of personal service only a small property can provide. My second stay at Ivory Lodge was even more rewarding than the first. This boutique bush property ensconced within the world famous Sabi Sand Reserve is the epitome of lavish comfort in a game viewing reserve. Although we arrived at the beginning of the rainy season, Mother Nature was kind and the weather was splendid. Our bush facing two-room designer suite with dedicated butler service was magnificent. Our visit was enhanced by delicious meals and in suite spa treatments.

Grande Provence Restaurant

Grande Provence Restaurant

On a sunny and breezy November afternoon we drove placidly through the vineyards of the Grande Provence Estate until we found the wine tasting area, restaurant and nearby gravel parking lot. Perhaps because it was our first impression of Franschhoek, when I think of that Cape Wineland village I immediately think of the delicious meal and striking setting we had at the Grande Provence Restaurant.

Sabi Sabi Earth Nature Spa at Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Nature Spa at Earth Lodge

Located in the well known Sabi Sabi Reserve and managed by Camelot, part of a chain of South African spas, the Sabi Sabi Earth Nature Spa at Earth Lodge was a quiet haven from the world. After settling in comfortably at the lodge on our first day, we dedicated most of our second day, excluding game drives, of a three day stay at Earth Lodge to spa activities. It was a smart decision. The half day of spa treatments helped us relax and enriched our game viewing oriented stay at Earth Lodge.