Overall Impression We stayed at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa on arrival in Johannesburg from the United States on our way to an extended safari trip. Our goal was to spend time in the South African metropolis relaxing in preparation for the demands of our activity filled safari itinerary. Because of flight schedules our stay was slightly longer than we had initially planned, which worked out well as it allowed us leisure time in Johannesburg. The hotel, and especially our 360 square meter Maison de Ville accommodations, delivered the type of experience we sought. As a result on departure we boarded our Kruger National Park bound flight well rested and eager to begin our game viewing adventure.

We were pleased with the serenity and privacy at the Maison de Ville. We liked the suite’s garden as well as the well maintained grounds of the property, both had colorful flowers, and there was a lemon tree in our yard; and the daytime birdsong (including hadida ibis in the early morning). They, the muted mechanical noises from the pool, and on one occasion yard workers trimming the hedges were the only interruptions to the silence within Maison de Ville. Despite our location within the country’s ultra busy city few urban sounds broke the quiet of our two-bedroom suite. Although the weather was rainy at times and the temperatures were too cool to swim we enjoyed spending time on the pretty covered terrace.

It was convenient to have an onsite spa and fitness center as well as a restaurant with quick and efficient room service. We much appreciated two of the front desk staff, who were friendly, efficient and service oriented. Another advantageous feature was the hotel’s nearness to Sandton and Nelson Mandela Square, which were within an easy and quick ride via the courtesy shuttle van. Overall, we loved our spacious two-bedroom suite with a private pool within a quiet residential neighborhood boutique hotel with a restaurant, room service, and well equipped fitness center, and will keep the Fairlawns high on our list of favorites in Johannesburg.

Children No, although we saw one family with children during our stay.

Class of Accommodation Five Star Boutique Hotel

Connectivity There was complimentary “super speed satellite” WiFi in our suite.

General Manager Michael Kewley, managing director

Handicapped Access No

Length of Stay Four nights

Location Near Sandton in Johannesburg, about 24 kilometers from Johannesburg’s international airport.

Owned and Managed Chesswold Holdings

Pets Allowed No

Size The 5.5 hectare property had 41 rooms in several buildings and employed 117 staff.

Year Opened-Renovated The hotel opened in 1997 and the most recent renovations were in 2016.

Lobby and Common Areas According to a spokesperson, the owners gave the property a makeover, “taking it to the next level of luxury” with a “contemporary, colorful, chic and slightly quirky” style. We noticed slight updates and improvements to the common areas compared to our previous visits years earlier.

Bathroom The oversize master bathroom could be reached via two doors, one on either side of the bedroom. Inside, there were twin sinks atop a gray stone base, a toilet in a corner, and an oversize plastic bathtub about four feet above the floor. A shower with a glass door took up the corner opposite the bathtub. There was a small striped bench next to the entrance.

There was a large walk-in closet behind the bathroom. The only access to the closet was via the bathroom (through an opening between the bathtub and shower). The closet had ample hanging, drawer and shelf space and no doors. There were two framed mirrors, one in a vanity corner, which included an armless, cushioned and striped chair; and an oversized one that took up the better part of the back wall.

Room We stayed in Maison de Ville, a two bedroom, one office, two and a half bathroom house with living room, dining room, kitchen (with some appliances), covered terrace, small swimming pool and garden. The 360 square meter house, a cocoon of quiet and privacy, was steps away from the hotel reception and parking area. As guests we had access to the hotel’s common amenities and facilities. At the same time we had a private area so that when we remained within Maison de Ville we had plenty of space. Although in many regards it resembled a private home, the kitchen was not equipped for cooking or laundry (there was only some dinnerware and glassware, but no flatware, cutlery, dishwasher, washer or dryer).

To reach the Villa we walked behind reception back through a narrow path and past a wall into the garden of Maison de Ville. Stone pavers led to a black and white tiled covered terrace divided into several sections and facing a private pool. There were two temporary shaded enclosures with privacy curtains that could drawn down, one outside each bedroom with two rattan cushioned lounge chairs in each enclosure. Between them there was a sitting area with two comfortable cushioned rattan sofas. At the head of the pool, there was a third temporary enclosure with a dining table and five metal armchairs with cushions. The pool was 30 feet long by 10 feet wide and about five foot deep in the deep end (estimated).

French style glass and wood doors led into the living room, which centered around a large fireplace about one foot above the ground. A thick slate gray rug covered the floor in front of the fireplace. Atop it there was a wood coffee table and a two-part microfiber sectional sofa. Above the fireplace molding a 40 inch (estimated) Hisense television hung on the wall. It was necessary to slam the front door to close it. Likewise, the bedroom doors required a bit of pushing to shut them.

Suite features included 10 foot ceilings, recessed lights, electronic safes, gray stone tile in the kitchen, living and dining rooms, and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms; as well as over size mirrors set within wall moldings, scented batons throughout, live plants and orchids, chandeliers and chandelier style wall lamps, double blackout curtains, skylights (in walk-in closets, master bathroom, hallway, hallway bathroom and kitchen), underfloor heating and individual room temperature controls. There were Africa themed decorative items and framed artwork in the dining room and office. Within the bedrooms it was quiet so that we did not hear sounds from one room to the next.

Double wood doors opened into the master bedroom to the right of the entrance. The central part of the back wall was taken up by an extra large bed (from two small beds set together) against a cushioned, tall and gray headrest that doubled as the central decorative feature of the wall. At the foot of the bed there was a narrow gray cloth bench. Across from the bed hung a 55 inch (estimated) Hisense television. Behind it there were glass and wood doors leading onto the covered terrace (there were identical doors in the second bedroom also leading to the covered terrace).

The dining room was adjacent to the living room with no wall separating them. The dining room had a fireplace similar to the one in the living room as well as a wood dining table with eight armless, cloth striped chairs. There were two gray armchairs and a small round table to one side of the fireplace. There was a half bathroom next to the kitchen.

A second bedroom and the office were on the opposite side of the house from the master bedroom. The second bedroom had a large bed set against a tall cloth headboard. Across the bed there were two rattan armchairs with cloth cushions, a round ceramic table and a rectangular glass table. A 40 inch (estimated) Hisense television hung from the back wall above a wood cabinet. A rectangular wood table, with twin lamps and a ceramic vase, was set against the side wall between the entrances to the bathroom and walk-in closet, and numbered framed reproductions hung on the walls.

The hallway between the office and the kitchen led to a covered back terrace. In the kitchen, there were Defy multifunction dual oven, Samsung double door refrigerator with door water dispenser, LG microwave oven, Defy stovetop, Pur espresso maker, hot water pitcher, and coffee French press.

Food and Restaurants Breakfast was served between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Amouse Bouche, the hotel’s gourmet dining venue, indoors and outdoors at an adjacent terrace with canvas umbrellas. Thanks to the restaurant’s elevated location and its glass walls the view from most of the dining room was of the lawn, main pool and spa and fitness room building. Lunch was served between 12 noon and 3 p.m. and dinner was available between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. At other times there was an all day dining menu and an in-room menu from which we could order room service.

Breakfast consisted of a cold buffet and hot to order options. In the buffet there were two types of juice and a daily fruit smoothie. Some of the plates were labeled for easy identification. There were deli items such as turkey, salami, roast beef, smoked salmon, caper berries, onions, pickled ginger, cubes of cheese, yogurt, skim and whole milk, muesli and other dry cereals (in bowls), fruit (dry, in syrup and poached and warm), seeds and nuts. There were also whole and sliced fruit such as apples, pears, one tangerine and one banana, raspberries, dragonfruit, kiwi, papaya, gooseberries, watermelon and cantaloupe. On a separate table there were pastries such as individual size croissants, savory muffins, sweet muffins (blueberry, bran and chocolate), seeded and other breads ready to slice.

The hot dishes to order were mostly eggs except for an order of French toast and one of oats. Sides of bacon, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and beef and pork sausage were available.

Our room service orders arrived hot and within 40 minutes. Some dishes were good and others less so. We sampled the Fairlawns Burger with double potato wedges, Hallumi and Strawberry Salad, and soup of the day (broccoli one day and butternut squash the next) as well as the Beef Burger, Artichoke dish (disappointing except for the risotto) and Green Salad.

Amenities There were refillable plastic bottles of Charlotte Rhys toiletries (individual size soap, shampoo, conditioner, bath foam, liquid soap, body lotion) and scented bath salts in a bowl and bath oil. There were cotton pads and balls in a glass bowl. On request they also had shower caps. There were also two bathrobes in each closet, slippers, and electronic safes. As part of the turn down service (except Sunday when there was no turn down service) they brought individual size (330 milliliters) bottles of Fairlawns brand still water and an individual size coconut chocolate candy for each of us. I especially liked the clean smelling sheets and towels. There was satellite television. In the kitchen there were capsules of Pur coffee, tea bags, rusks (type of South African hard biscuits good for coffee dunking). In the refrigerator there were bottles of water, fresh milk soft drinks and canned tea. There were local newspapers for guest use at breakfast.

Facilities Amouse Bouche Bistro, Balinese Spa and fitness center (sharing a building), small office with a computer for guest use, and outdoor swimming pool.

Fitness Center and Spa The spa and fitness room shared space in a stand alone building across the lawn from the main building. Except for the sometime reptitive barking of neighboring dogs it was quiet. There were treadmills, elliptical and other exercise machines as well as free weights, bottled water and hand towels.

Pool in addition to our private suite pool the hotel had a swimming pool with cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas across the lawn from the restaurant. It was about 90 square feet (estimated).

Conference Facilities We saw two private meeting rooms in the main building.

Other In 2016, the property was recognized in the World Luxury Hotel Awards as Luxury Boutique Hotel, and for its Diamond Wine List by Diners Club International Awards.

Cleanliness Very good

Date of Review April 2017

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Our suite was serviced in the mornings and sometimes there was turn down service as well. Sheri and Evan at reception stood out for their positive attitude; they were enthusiastic and helpful when we asked for recommendations and information. Doctor our driver and bellman was friendly and thoughtful.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression To reach the famed Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa we flew Federal Air from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg’s main airport. Once at the reserve we flew between two of the properties and back to Johannesburg at the end of our stay. 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. The young pilots were friendly and always took a moment to introduce themselves and outline the safety features of their plane.

While the flights stopped to pick up and drop off passengers en route to our landing strip, flying in small planes meant we shared space with few passengers. The ground staff was efficient and speedy processing arrivals and departures. Panoramic views of Johannesburg, the bush, and some of the safari properties from the plane en route to and from the Sabi Sand Reserve was a bonus. From our window side seats it was fun to search for game and speculate as to which particular lodge we had sighted at any given moment. The best part was that we landed minutes from the properties, allowing our safari guides at each property to pick us up and drop us off quickly and easily. With a minimum of ceremony we climbed down from the plane, met our guide and hopped on his safari vehicle moments after landing. We arrived safely at our destination within minutes of landing. For example, half an hour after landing we were settled in our suite at Rattray’s in the Mala Mala Reserve.

The down side? There were last minute changes in the departure times, strict luggage weight and bag type requirements (only soft sided bags without wheels were welcome), and hot weather caused some minor shaking during one of the flights. Compared to the advantages the inconveniences were relatively minor.

We especially appreciated the Federal Air lounge at the airport in Johannesburg. Because the airline was in its own separate building, reached directly by car or by shuttle from the main airport buildings, the only passengers in the lounge were fellow Federal Air passengers. As a result the ambiance was relaxed, our gate and our plane were steps from our seats in the lounge, and check-in, departure and arrival were speedy and incident free. Without a doubt the next time we travel to the Sabi Sand Reserve Federal Air will be our first choice.

About the Airline The company offered shuttle services to safari lodges, scheduled services with local and regional flights and charter services.

Aircraft The airline had 20 aircraft in its fleet: Embraer 145 Regional Jet, Cessna Citation Mustang, Beechcraft B1900D Airliner, Beechcraft B200 King Air, Cessna Grand Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Piper Navajo, and Beechcraft Baron 58.

Children Children two years of age and older were welcome.

Handicapped Access Yes. According to a spokesperson the airline was capable of flying disabled guests.

Number of Staff There were 150 employees, including 52 pilots

Owned and Managed Rudi Van Schalkwyk, chief executive officer, owned the airline. Nik Lloyd-Roberts was the commercial manager.

Pets Yes, the airline could transport live animals. Passengers had to purchase an additional seat for their pet.

Year Established 1996

Common Areas As Federal Air Shuttle service domestic passengers we had access to the company’s airport lounge in a separate building near the main OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport. The 500 square meter airline lounge in Johannesburg, the company headquarters, was decorated in a “chic contemporary meets warm African” safari style. It had indoor and outdoor seating, and a gift shop. The gift shop sold safari clothing and accessories, leather goods, and souvenirs. There were items from the shop on display in various tables around the lounge. The day of our departure there were hot and cold beverages as well as butter cookies. Only a few light snacks mini sandwiches and sliced fruit remained in mostly empty platters. The day we returned there were hot and cold beverages and butter cookies.

Bathrooms The planes we flew on had no restrooms on board. The airport lounge in Johannesburg had restrooms.

Amenities The Johannesburg lounge offered complimentary WiFi, excess luggage storage, private showers (the one I used was moderately clean), and bathrooms. One of the staff handed me a toiletry kit with soap and towels when I asked about using the shower. There was a complimentary shuttle service between the lounge and the main airport. There were complimentary hot and cold beverages and on departure there were also a few light snacks. There were individual size bags of potato chips and other snacks as well as chilled beverages in coolers aboard the planes for self service when we boarded.

Shuttle Services At the airport there were tickets, luggage tags, and security checks as with any airline. The planes we flew on were clean and appeared to be in good condition. We boarded via drop down staircases. The airline’s most used planes were: The 1900 (18 seats) and PC12 (8 seats), pressurized aircraft that flies at around 25,000 feet above sea level; and the Caravan (12 seats), a non-pressurized aircraft that flies at around 12,000 feet above sea level. Thanks to the relatively slow flying speeds and low altitude the Caravan lends itself well for nostalgic safari flights, allowing travelers to see the landscape when flying across the country and offering the opportunity to spot game as the aircraft lands, a spokesperson explained. The pressurized aircraft offered a faster and more executive style experience than the Caravan, making the flight from Johannesburg pass by quickly. Some of our pilots were Mal, Rian, Wayne, Pieter.

Luggage The passenger allowance was one soft sided bag with no rigid sides “smaller than a typical airliner,” weighing a maximum of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of checked luggage and an additional standard piece of hand baggage weighing a maximum of 5 kilograms (11 pounds). Because we were told hard sided luggage and wheels on the bags were not allowed and the policy would be strictly enforced we made special arrangements for our wheeled luggage. During the flights we came across passengers traveling with suitcases that had wheels. The airline suggested luggage size was 40cm (16 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high x 60cm (24 inches) long.

Luggage that exceed the limitations in weight or size could be left in a complimentary luggage storing facility. We took advantage of that amenity. Passengers with excess luggage could book and pay for an additional seat in advance on the shuttle flights. Waiting until the day of departure could mean the option might not be available. The extra seat included an additional 60 kilograms of luggage allowance, a convenient option when traveling with extra luggage such as cameras with heavy lenses and binoculars.

Other The airline supported the efforts of Siyavuma, a South Africa nonprofit organization, which provided employment to local underprivileged communities by making travel bags, briefcases and novelty items. The Johannesburg lounge gift shop sold those items, which were also accepted on Federal Air flights.

On our return flight we were unable to board the shuttle that was departing to the main airport buildings because we had to collect the luggage we had left in storage and repack. The next shuttle left about two hours later.

Route and Flights We flew three domestic flights, two with two stops en route on flights to and from Johannesburg and the reserve, and one nonstop flight between Sabi Sand Reserve properties. The first flight, aboard a 1900D Raytheon aircraft, was from Johannesburg to the Mala Mala Reserve. It was comfortable with a minimal amount of bumpiness. It stopped at Ulusaba, Londolozi and Mala Mala.

The second and the only nonstop flight was from the Mala Mala Reserve to the Arathusa Reserve, two properties located within the Sabi Sand Reserve. A road transfer between the properties would have required a multi-hour drive. The last one was from the Arathusa Reserve back to Johannesburg. On that flight, rain the previous day precluded a departure from our originally scheduled landing strip. That in turn resulted in a change in our departure time (earlier than announced the previous afternoon) and location. Because of the early departure we gave up the morning game drive. In between flights it was necessary for us to wait a few minutes in a shady partial enclosure for an arriving flight to pick us up. We waited again at the next landing strip while we picked up passengers before departing for Johannesburg.

Date of Review December 2015

On Board Service The only staff aboard the small aircraft were two pilots. Ground staff and our guides made sure we and our luggage made it on and off safely and with alacrity. In the airplane cabin, near the entrance there was a cooler filled with water and cold drinks on offer as well as a basket with potato chips and small snacks. Each time we landed one of our pilots announced the location of the landing strip for arriving passengers and destination of the flight for departing passengers. Arriving passengers deplaned and a few minutes later departing passengers boarded. After a brief welcome and safety announcement we took off.

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Would You Fly With Them Again? Yes

Overall Impression 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. Built and designed under the exacting supervision of Mark Kaplan, the property owner and its gracious host, the new hotel shone bright in a city filled with luxury accommodations. From our arrival the property exceeded our expectations. Airport transfers on a distinguished Rolls Royce Phantom set the tone that continued through our stay.

I enjoyed the intimate setting, serenity and early morning birdsong that made me feel as if I was in the country rather than minutes away from the heart of South Africa’s most populous city. I fell in love with the views of Johannesburg from the entrance, the property pool terrace, and our first floor rooms. I longed to linger in my comfortable and luxurious 1,200 square meter Presidential Suite with a steam shower, whirlpool bathtub and private sauna.

I could have spent a week recovering from my transatlantic flight or on my return from the deep safari bush in decadent seclusion at The Munro, named for a nearby neighborhood scenic drive. The property’s location, elegant decor with water features, quiet corners, lovingly maintained lush interior and exterior gardens, high ceilings, fine fabrics and materials, chandeliers, original art, and pretty flower arrangements peppered throughout were a draw. Its personalized and attentive service and made to order meals (including a seafood feast fit for a king) added to the appeal. The secret is out. I would not be surprised if this jewel of a property quickly becomes one of Johannesburg’s most sought out boutique hotels for those in the know.

Children The property welcomed children over 12 years old.

Class of Accommodation Luxury Boutique Hotel

Connectivity There was complimentary high speed (100 megabytes) satellite WiFi in the rooms and common areas.

General Manager In lieu of a manager the property had an operations consultant, Corinne Harrison.

Handicapped Access No

Length of Stay Three nights

Location In Houghton, an upscale suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa

Owned and Managed Mark Kaplan

Pets Allowed No

Size The two story hotel with five Suites was situated on a one and a half acre property and employed 13 staff.

Year Opened-Renovated The hotel opened in 2015

Lobby and Common Areas The decorative style of the lobby and common areas, designed by the owner, was opulent and eclectic. It had inviting common areas such as a cozy bar, a dining room with wall and ceiling frescoes (including a Bacchus close up in the dining room in the owner’s image), a lounge, and a pool terrace with wonderful city views. There were water features and manicured indoor and outdoor gardens. The property featured a broad range of styles such as Indian Raj, New Orleans, Oriental and European. The artwork were originals painted by the owner and his mother, Douw van Heerden, a South African painter, among others. A 17 century Thai Buddha accented the main walkway.

Bathroom The sunlit spacious bathroom was one of my favorite features of the Presidential Suite. It had lots of mirrors, a separate water closet with bidet and sink, twin sinks, a window side oversize whirlpool bathtub, a glass door steam shower and separate private sauna. There were wood shutters over the windows for privacy and indoor plants by the bathtub.

The bathroom in the Baobab Suite also had twin sinks, a stand alone bathtub with a full size statue behind it, and a shower with a glass door. The bidet and toilet were separated from the rest of the bathroom by a privacy divider.

Rooms I stayed in the 1,200 square foot Presidential Suite adjacent to the 900 foot meter Baobab Suite assigned to my travel partner. Both were quiet, private and furnished with quality materials. From the ground floor entrance we climbed one floor up an open staircase with a sky ceiling that filled the area with sunlight. A hallway led to three upstairs rooms. Our two rooms, the first ones along the corridor, shared an open terrace facing the pool area, rear gardens and Johannesburg. The temperature in both rooms could be adjusted via air conditioners and underfloor heating.

From the main hallway, a door led to a second shorter hallway and another door which opened onto my suite, decorated in shades of gold and taupe. The suite had interior and exterior space. The interior was divided into three main areas, a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a private dining room, and a spacious bathroom. There were floor to ceiling double curtains on the bedroom and dining room windows, and wall-to-wall taupe carpeting in the interior of the suite, except for the bathroom.

The exterior wide covered terrace was furnished with a table and two folding chairs. The terrace itself ran the length of the building and connected with the terrace of adjacent rooms on either side of the Presidential Suite.

A comfortable firm four poster bed, set on an elevated platform and decorated with rich fabrics, was the central feature of the bedroom. There were recessed lights on the ceiling, matching night tables and lamps on either side of the bed, and convenient light controls within easy reach. A bench at the foot of the bed offered additional sitting space. Taupe and gold armchairs and a glass topped oval coffee table atop a rug formed an impromptu living area facing a flatscreen Samsung television hanging on the wall and a Teac DVD player to one side and the bathroom.

French doors and windows lined both sides of the room. One side faced the city and the other a sunlit and lush interior courtyard. The walk-in closet was behind and to the right of the bed. It housed twin closets with an electronic safe, hanging and shelf space. A dining room with seating for eight was behind and to the left of the bed. A wood table with hot beverage self service amenities was against the wall adjacent to the entrance. There was a vanity and wall-to-wall built-in closet with a mini refrigerator against the back wall.

My partner’s room, while smaller, was designed with an eye on style and comfort. It had throw rugs, built-in walls the width of the room on either side, a large bed with fancy fabrics and a garden fresco on the wall behind it. Pretty city view past the terrace drew our gaze. A chandelier hung from the center of the room above a bench and a small sitting area similar to the one in my suite.

Food and Restaurants Meals were plated, custom made per guest dietary preferences, and served at the time of our choice. For breakfast, there was yogurt and granola, fresh sliced pear, strawberry and pineapple, sauteed mushrooms, onions and tomatoes, three big sausages, three bacon slices, homemade watermelon and ginger preserves, muffins and two slices of cinnamon bread, ham and roast beef slices, fruit juice, coffee or tea.

For lunch there was a salad with greens, edible flowers, almonds, pomegranate seeds, and fried egg balls. For mains there was a choice of steak and Scottish salmon wrapped in Parma ham, atop delicious fries, steamed baby carrots, snow peas, and mashed potatoes. For dessert we had strawberries with cream filled cannelloni in an herb sauce. At snack time, there was popcorn, nuts and homemade biltong South African dried beef.

For dinner, we had a rich and delicious grilled seafood platter with mussels, fish, calamari, prawns, langoustines, and South African lobster. It was served with French bubbly and fries. For dessert there was chocolate fondant with a side of fresh fruit (grapes, Cape gooseberries, blackberries and raspberries).

Amenities There were many luxury amenities such as winter and summer cotton robes, Molten Brown liquid soap and body lotion in 200 milliliter plastic bottles, shower cap, loofah, Charlotte Rhys toiletries (100 milliliter hair and body wash and foam bath in the same size), cotton swabs and cotton cleansing pads. There were complimentary fresh apples, Sally Williams nougat (cranberry and almond flavor) at turn down, hot beverage service in the room with Nespresso machine and coffee capsules, tea bags, and mini refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and Surgiva still, and sparkling water from Italy in 500 milliliter glass bottles. There were electronic safes, turn down service, complimentary WiFi, pressing service, and same day dry cleaning.

Facilities There was a cozy bar, pool terrace, sitting area, and indoor and outdoor gardens.

Pool There was a 30 square meter rim flow pool with a maximum depth of 4 meters in the deep-end as well as several lounge chairs and lawn furniture spread around the pool terrace.

Other The hotel followed Healthcare Accredited Certified Programme (HACP) guidelines for cleaning and operational procedures. The property was a finalist for the 2015 World Luxury Hotel Award.

In an effort to reach like minded individuals the property relied on a word of mouth campaign for promotion. In lieu of a phone in our rooms Susan provided us with call buttons to reach her. To make a phone call it was necessary to go downstairs as there was no phone reception in our first floor rooms. With advance notice it was possible to have airport and special event transfers in the property’s pristine looking 2010 Rolls Royce Phantom.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date of Review November 2015

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Our rooms were serviced twice daily. Susan, who looked after us during our stay, always had a ready smile and a can do attitude. The service in general was personalized and outstanding.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression Over the years we have stayed several times at Ten Bompas, a small hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa named for its street location. On our most recent visit to the City of Gold, we returned to Ten Bompas. While there were some changes, such as updates to the property restaurant and a new adjacent conference facility, many of the features we had liked on our original stay remained the same.

For example, our suites were spacious and furnished for style and comfort. 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.

We liked the property’s location, relaxed ambiance and surprisingly quiet setting. There was a green lawn and herb and vegetable garden (which supplied the onsite restaurant), and I still remember the sounds of bird song in my sunlight filled suite in the mornings, unexpected features in a major urban center like Johannesburg. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner at Winehouse, and appreciated the availability of room service when recovering from jet lag. Thanks to its comfort, style, amenities, restaurant, location and setting Ten Bompas remains a favorite Johannesburg boutique hotel address.

Children The hotel welcomed children of all ages

Class of Accommodation Five Star hotel

Connectivity There was complimentary 8 megabyte broadband access in our suites.

General Manager Danie Potgieter

Handicapped Access Yes, the property offered wheelchair access.

Length of Stay Two nights

Location In Johannesburg, South Africa

Owned And Managed Christoff van Staden and Peter Aucamp

Pets Allowed No

Size The 10 room three story hotel and conference center sat on 1.5 acres of property and employed 45 staff.

Year Opened-Renovated The property was established as a hotel in 1996.

Lobby and Common Areas We reached the parking lot of the property from an entrance on Bompas Road. From there the hotel entrance, via the bar and restaurant, was steps away. Beyond the bar there was a round room with a central fireplace, a hallway to the suites, and steps leading down to the open terrace of the restaurant. Further below was the main lawn and the plunge pool with a view of the adjacent meeting center. There was also a garden at the back of the lawn. The small hotel was decorated in a Contemporary African style. There was a Joanna Flatau painting of Amy Winehouse in the Winehouse Restaurant.

Bathroom There was a bathroom at the rear of our suites. It had terracotta tile floor, a built-in bathtub and a separate shower with a glass door and steam feature. Another glass door led to a small outdoor terrace. There was a toilet in the corner between the bathtub and twin sinks set against the far wall. Square wood framed mirrors hung above the sinks, which were set atop a stone base. Wood shutters over two small windows and the door to the balcony provided respite from the bright sunlight and privacy. In the shower a glass brick wall faced the exterior. The was also a half bathroom (toilet and sink) next to the entrance and the living room.

Room Our suites were comfortable, quiet, spacious and well appointed, featuring a private terrace, guest and full bathrooms, fireplace, and king size bed. My travel partner stayed in Suite 5, on the ground floor, and I stayed in Suite 6 on the top floor. While the decor varied, the 65 square meter suites had common features and identical layouts. Both suites had tile and carpet flooring, double curtains, balconies with a table and two chairs overlooking a green garden below, separate sleeping and living areas and a half bathroom (toilet and sink) next to the entrance. In the sleeping area a bed made by setting two beds together was sandwiched between matching wood night tables. There were matching lamps atop the night tables, and the night table on the left also housed a telephone.

During the day, there was ample sunlight from double glass door and walls leading to the balcony. Between the living and sleeping rooms there was a double sided fireplace and a supply of firewood. There was also a Samsung flatscreen television atop a table with wheels set against the back wall. A wall mounted remote controlled air conditioning unit cooled the room during the heat of the day. There was a built in closet against the back wall. It had a vanity in the middle with a wood framed rectangular mirror and a wood armchair. In Suite 5 the door handles were shaped like elephants.

The interior of Suite 6 was designed by Anuschka Leroni of Anushchka Leroni Interiors featuring a combination of rosewood furniture, pastel colors and contemporary African designs with black and white photographs reflecting the underground jazz movement in the townships (non white designated areas under apartheid rule). It was meant to “offer a cool and calm haven” with tones of gray and taupe and hints of black. Being on the top floor Suite 6 had a high ceiling. In the living room, there was a love seat and an armchair facing a square leather coffee table. Framed photos with glass provided an artistic touch in the living and sleeping areas. There was a wood table to the right of the entrance. It housed a telephone, room folder, convenient electric plugs (international and domestic), a lamp, and a Nespresso machine with complimentary capsules. There was a mini refrigerator stocked with beer, sodas, olives, and sparkling wine, like the one in Suite 5, beneath the table.

Suite 5 had recessed lights, a gold theme, a gold toned sofa and two rattan armchairs with burgundy cushions. In the bedroom there was a square framed brown headboard. It was designed by Andre Croucamp to be glitzy with gold lamé walls and rich upholstery.

Food and Restaurant The chef of Winehouse was Johannes de Bruijn. For dinner, the restaurant only offered a three course fixed menu with wine pairing options. The menu was identical for the two nights we were there.

Amenities In each suite there were 30 milliliter size plastic bottles of L’Occitane toiletries (Verbena Shower Gel, Verbena Body Lotion, and Shampoo), an individual size bar of Charlotte Rhys soap, shower cap, vanity kit, two cotton bathrobes, slippers, electronic safe, complimentary bottle water, welcome canapes and sparkling wine, turn down cookies, and complimentary mini bar beverages.

When we arrived we found a plate with one peach, one apple and one tangerine in each suite. Complementary laundry, WiFi, print edition of The Star daily newspaper, house brand bottled water, beer, wine and alcoholic beverages in the suites were included in the nightly rate. There were bite size savory nibbles at turn down, one per night.

There was a steam feature in the showers. There were three telephones in each suite, one in living room, one in the sleeping area and one in the bathroom. There was a Phillips iPod dock on the night table in each suite.

Facilities Plunge pool, Winehouse restaurant, Space Conference Centre, large gardens, and vegetable and herb garden.

Pool There was a 1.6 metes deep 10 meter by 3 meter plunge pool.

Other The hotel was originally the family home of one of the owners, Christoff van Staden. The hotel used solar heating and recycled water for the gardens. As part of the Design Hotels collection acquired by Starwood Hotels, Ten Bompas was the only hotel in Johannesburg able to offer guests SPG points for accommodation and food and beverage spend.

Cleanliness Very good

Date of Review November 2015

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Our suites were serviced twice daily. Room service for breakfast was fast and efficient. Room cleaning staff also were speedy and efficient. Front desk staff were slow to respond to service requests. Their delay caused last minute issues with our airport transfers.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression As I arrived at the 420 square meter welcome lounge for The Blue Train at the Pretoria, South Africa train station, steps away from the entrance to the popular mass transit Gautrain railway, I saw a sea of expectant and excited faces and heard a variety of English accents. Among my fellow passengers I met South Africans, expat residents of South Africa, and American, Australians and New Zealand tourists. Despite the early hour, 7:15 a.m., we were enthusiastic about riding the train together. More than a mode of transport from the Gauteng Province south to Cape Town, The Blue Train was a medium for many of us to meet and share quality time in a private luxury vessel while enjoying Five Star service and amenities.

Weather conditions and construction caused delays in the first part of our journey. As a result we arrived past the opening hours for the Diamond Mine Museum and famous The Big Hole, our one hour excursion (our informational materials clearly indicated on time arrivals could not be guaranteed). In lieu of the cancelled tour the staff organized a brief talk and visit of the small Kimberley Transport Museum at the Kimberley train station. The stop allowed time to refill the train’s water tanks, causing water on board to be shut down for about one hour. While some of the passengers were at the museum, I accepted the train manager’s invitation to see the modern locomotive car at the head of the train. It was an unexpected treat and one of the highlights of the trip for me.

Our Pretoria to Cape Town Trip, the most popular of the journeys offered, took 27 hours and covered 1,600 kilometers or 994 miles. There were 40 en suite compartments (about 8 square meters each, to judge by mine) in 19 cars with accommodations for 74 guests and 31 staff during the leisurely jaunt between two of the country’s best known cities. Anyone in a hurry would have been better off flying. Train enthusiasts explored the cars and facilities with keen interest. Many spent quiet time in the comfort of their compartments, their butlers an easy call away. Others soaked up the views of passing train stations and the varied scenery while finding companionship in the train’s common areas such as my favorite, the rearmost Observation Car.

I liked my compartment, its furnishings with an eye on comfort and elegance and overlarge windows with expansive exterior views (I especially enjoyed the passing scenery of the Cape Winelands), and the common areas such as the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars as well as the foodie and service orientation. I loved the indulgence of time on board thanks to The Blue Train’s serene pace because it was conducive to meeting travelers and stimulating conversations, sometimes with folks who on departure felt like long lost friends.

Area Covered From Pretoria to Cape Town, South Africa

Cell Phone Signal The few times I tried to make calls or send emails there was limited or no signal. Cell phone use was discouraged in the common areas.

Children Although the train welcomed children of all ages the activities on offer were for adults. Children were not allowed in the Club Car. There was one young boy on board who frequently ran along the aisles and common areas. There were no special meals available for children or infants on the train. The official policy was that children should be kept under strict adult supervision and should not inconvenience other guests. The management requested that Guardians sign an agreement to the Child Policy before boarding.

Connectivity On arrival we received a voucher with a username and password valid for 50 megabytes of internet access. WiFi connectivity was erratic. Most of the time I was unable to connect. Many of my fellow travelers expressed having similar experiences. A spokesperson indicated the speed varied from 8 megabyte per second (in urban areas) to 1 to 2 megabyte per second in remote areas. I was never able to connect in my compartment. Although I connected on and off (more off than on) in the Observation and Lounge cars, the emails I thought had gone out only did so once I arrived at my Cape Town hotel.

There was a WiFi 3G usage map for the journey relative to the cities we passed: Pretoria to Johannesburg Soweto, Potchefsstroom, Kierksdorp, Wolmansranstad, Warrenton, Kimberley, De Aar, Three Sisters, Beaufort West, Prince Albert Road, Laingsburg, Matjiesfontein, Touwsriver, De Doorns, Worcester, Paarl, Bellville, and Cape Town. The information in my compartment indicated the speed varied as follows: Very Fast 3G from .5 megabytes to 5 megabytes, when passing through one of the towns or cities on the list; Fast Edge from .2 megabytes to 2.5 megabytes; Medium Edge or dial-up speed; and Slow Edge, which was not recommended.

Crew Herbert Prinsloo was the train manager. According to the information in my compartment, the train, which included between two and four diesel and six electrical locomotives for each journey, was operated by a driver, an assistant and two technicians. In addition to the train manager the hospitality staff were made up of executive chef, restaurant manager, rooms manager, 17 Butlers, and six kitchen staff. A ground crew of mechanics, electrical and air conditioning specialist, plumbers and wheel toppers maintained and serviced the train.

Duration About 27 hours

Established The Blue Train was established in 1946. In 2013, the company repainted the exterior of the train, reupholstered furniture, and re-carpeted; upgraded the driver’s eye view camera; added WiFi throughout; added new and improved butler mobile phones; and upgraded the braking and air-cushion suspension systems, and the fire and smoke detectors. The staff coach was refurbished and fitted with an entertainment system. The train’s entertainment system was upgraded to allow guests to select movies, as well as rewind, pause and skip from one movie to the next.

Handicapped Access Suite 20 was capable of accommodating paraplegic passengers. There was a train wheelchair designed to fit the vessel’s corridors. One of the passengers who had mobility restrictions made use of the wheelchair during our journey. A spokesperson explained, “We have never had deaf or blind guests, but would encourage that they bring along their aids when they come on board. Our butlers would also be on hand to assist and make the journey as comfortable as possible.”

Location The train departed from central Pretoria and arrived in central Cape Town, South Africa

Number of Employees There were 31 staff, including two technicians, on board.

Owned-Managed The Blue Train was a business unit of Transnet Freight Rail, a division of Transnet SOC Limited (owned by the South African government)

Pets No

Size and Main Features of Vessel There were 40 Suites in 19 cars which transported 74 guests. While the train could travel at up to 90 kilometers per hour, during most of the day of departure we moved slowly and in spurts, only to stop intermittently for varying lengths of time. The coaches were 21.17 meters long (68 feet and 11inches) and 2.9 meters (9 feet and 5 inches) wide.

Description After I heard my name called I, along with several fellow passengers, followed my butler from the welcome lounge through the busy Pretoria train station for our 8 a.m. boarding. The ticket indicated no firearms, flammable substances, fireworks, poisonous or toxic substance were allowed on board without prior permission. Our departure from Pretoria at around 8:30 a.m. was slow and unobtrusive, allowing me to easily become accustomed to the movement of the train. As soon as my butler described the amenities and shared instructions with me I made my way to the Observation Car, where a handful of friendly passengers had already settled in and ordered beverages. One of the staff members informed me I would be seated at brunch at 12:30 p.m. and the final dinner seating at 9 p.m. as the other times were already full.

Once we left Pretoria, Johannesburg and the gold mining region behind us, we entered the Kalahari Thornveld known for its corn and cattle farming. After lunch, there was an announcement indicating our arrival in Kimberly, originally scheduled for 5 p.m., would be delayed due to slowdowns on the train tracks. The announcer said the excursion to Kimberley was canceled. He also indicated that while the water tanks were being refilled at around 7 p.m. there would be no running water for about one hour. Later, there was a second announcement indicating that we would be able to visit Kimberly, but that the museum and the shops might not be open. It was very hard to hear the public address system clearly. I had to ask one of the staff to tell me what the speaker had said as no one else near me was able to hear the announcement well either.

Kimberley, the region capital of the Northern Cape and home of one of the world’s most famous former mines, followed the Vaal River. By the time we approached Kimberley the weather had clouded and darkened. Try as we might none of our group in the Observation Car saw any of the Campher Dam flamingos we had heard we might see.

After departing from Kimberley we picked up speed, especially during the evening, which allowed us to arrive on time at our final destination. By then it was too dark to see much of the passing scenery, including the towns of De Aar, Victoria West and Beautfort West. Following dinner, many passengers scattered in the common areas playing cards, reading and chatting. I was delighted to have a hot shower. The thin mattress and occasional jerky movements made sleep fitful and I awoke a bit tired, yet looking forward to our passage through the Hex River Pass to the Cape Winelands and lowlands of the Swartland, and midday arrival in the Mother City (Cape Town). Before leaving I received a personalized certificate of graduation souvenir. At the station, there were many moist eyes and warm good-byes as we all went our separate ways into the city and beyond.

Bathroom The bathroom, while small, was functional and elegant, featuring rare Gialo Royale Italian marble on the floors and vanity spaces, and 24 karat gold platted fittings. It had a stone top sink, glass shower door, and mirror the full width of the bathroom wall. In terms of linen, there were: two towels, two wash cloths, a floor mat, and two bath towels.

Room My 8 square meter (86 square foot) compartment, De Luxe Suite Number 32, had a single sleeping and sitting area and a pretty en suite bathroom with a shower. During the day, there were seats, which were converted into Twin Beds at night. The sleeping area had wall to wall carpeting with a diamond design in khaki and brown. The staff announced that the beds would be made on request or as the day progressed. When I returned from brunch, I found someone had turned down the interior twin bed, revealing white monogrammed linen and leaving the remaining half of the compartment for me to sit window side. The following morning when I returned from breakfast my bed had been put away.

Beneath the large double glass window, which was almost the full width of the wall, there were two chairs, including a comfortable armchair, small built-in table, and foot rest. Across the compartment, there was a built-in wood closet with hanging space beneath a small LG television, which displayed the view of the train tracks visible from the first car of the train. It could also play movies. Additional creature comforts included individual temperature control (ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius), glass flower vase with a fresh flower, wood veneer and birch, and décor created by Wilson and associates, according to the booklet in my compartment.

Meals There were hot and cold beverages on offer in the arrivals lounge in Pretoria. Once on board the train, the small snack arrangements in the common areas disappeared quickly. Because the Dining Car had capacity for 42 and there were 74 passengers there were two seatings per meal. One group was served breakfast at 10:30 a.m. The following group had brunch at 12:30 p.m. By the time I learned about meal times only the brunch seating was left and likewise I was only able to dine at 9 p.m. (the 7 p.m. seating was full). Passengers were expected to dress for dinner, the meal highlight of the trip.

A staff of six, ranging from 24 to 51 years old, worked in the kitchen. On board chefs prepared South African meals from locally sourced organic ingredients. There was a frenzy of activity when I peeked in the kitchen at dinner time. A glass window allowed me to watch the amiable pastry chef prepare dessert in her spotless and chilled section.

There were two options for each course plus a soup and dessert. We could select the wines of our choice from the wine menu. For brunch there were Camembert and scallop dishes as well as a cauliflower and truffle soup. For mains there was salmon or beef fillet with a blue cheese sauce. I ordered the scallops, cauliflower soup and fillet. Tea began at 3:30 pm. There were cucumber sandwiches, salmon sandwiches, cheese pastries, cookies, cake, meringue topped with fruit, and fresh fruit.

On the second day, breakfast was served in the Dining Car between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. It was also possible to have a continental breakfast in our compartments. According to promotional materials, the staff could accommodate special and vegetarian meals on request. My check-in notation for foods free of black pepper or chili had no effect at dinner. The appetizer was langoustine in curry sauce served with phyllo dough with a spicy filling. The soup was spicy and the springbok and lamb dish was sprinkled liberaly with black pepper. At my fellow passenger’s request, the server brought a spice free appetizer. He returned with a single langoustine without garnish or sauce of any kind. In lieu of the soup and main course the server brought me a small cheese plate.

Specialty Five Star train

Amenities Accommodations, meals, snacks, beverages including wines and alcoholic drinks, and one excursion in Kimberley were part of the cost of the ticket. Gratuities, imported French Champagne, caviar and telephone calls outside the train were excluded.

Compartment amenities were: en suite bathroom, soundproofed double glazed panoramic windows, individually controlled temperature (via air conditioning and underfloor heating), closed-circuit television in the armoire, which displayed the conductor’s real time view as well as movies (there was a TV guide), telephone to reach train staff and for long distance and international phone calls, remote controlled textured blinds in the compartment and bathroom, 24 hour Personal Butler Service, goose down duvet and pillows, 100 percent percale cotton bedding, in-room safe, comfortable cloth furniture, and recessed soft lighting. There were The Blue Train post cards and stationery in the folder in my compartment. The train offered complimentary postage and staff mailed the postcards. There were four 250 milliliter bottles of train brand still water in my compartment when I arrived. On the second day, there were three additional bottles in the same size of aqua Bella still spring water. There was shoe cleaning and valet service for limited quantities of washing, drying and ironing. Although I did not take advantage of the option, among the amenities listed was the possibility of ordering light snacks and beverages in the Suite.

There were Duke and Forsyth toiletries: shower cap, Vanity Kit, 35 milliliter Bath and Shower Gel, Conditioning Shampoo, and Hand and Body Lotion. There was also tissue paper, one bar of soap, and room deodorizer.

Gifts included a battery charger for electronics and a train branded miniature souvenir clock. At turn down, there was a box of three chocolates in a train branded box. On departure, I found a wonderful four inch wide fondant frosted spice cake in my compartment. It was one of my favorite desserts on that trip.

Facilities The Club Car Lounge, Lounge Car, Dining Car, Observation Car, and Boutique.

Souvenir Shop The boutique was open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first day and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the second day. Products for sale included tie rings, metal key rings, miniature clocks, business card holders, playing cards, postcards, toweling robes, and Double Decker Lunch Coolers. There were also leather goods: cases for iPad, Lipstick, and CDs, Luggage Tags, Mini Note Pads, Travel Document Bag, Ladies Purse, Picture Frame, cellphone, Ladies Toiletries Bag, Photo Frame, and men’s wallets.

Other The temperature in public areas was preset at 20 to 22 degrees Celsius (68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). In 2015, The Blue Train was recognized by the World Travel Awards as Africa’s Leading Luxury Train for the seventh consecutive year since 2009. The electric supply was in 220 volts. The train used electric locomotives. There was a plug beneath the table in my compartment convenient to charge my electronic devices. The dress code was smart-casual during the day and elegant (a jacket and tie were required for gentlemen) for dinner. Given the size of the compartment small suitcases or overnight bags were best. Additional suitcases and large baggage could be stored in the luggage carriage. When I went to shower before dinner there was no water. It was only on returning to my compartment after dinner that I discovered with relief that there was water in my shower again.

Styled after a traditional gentleman’s club the Club Car Lounge at the front of the train (thanks to its location non smokers never had to pass through that area to reach any other parts of the train) had cognacs and cigars. It was the only area on the train where smoking was permitted. It had a wide screen television on the front wall connected to the camera on the first car of the train, which provided a view of the tracks and scene ahead of the train. The Club Car Lounge had a bar, newspapers, magazines and board games.

The staff served High Tea in the Lounge Car. The Observation Car (my favorite) at the rear end of the train was available on select dates. It had windows on three sides for maximum enjoyment of the passing scenery.

Sitting by the rear most window was a favorite activity for a number of passengers. We took turns sharing the four most comfortable armchairs nearest to the back window. The prettiest scenery we saw was while crossing the Winelands on the morning of the second day. Parts of my Directory of Services were damaged and illegible. There were two South African police personnel on board. Thirty minutes before our arrival at our destination, the train manager announced the procedure for luggage collection and disembarkation.

Date August – September 2015

Reviewers

Photos and Article by Elena del Valle

Service My compartment was serviced multiple times during my stay. Although I only saw my butler, Joyce, when I arrived and when I called her a couple of times, more than once I noticed someone had serviced my compartment like when I returned to find my bed was made, and when I noticed extra water. After I discovered, with little time to spare, that my linen blouse had gotten too wrinkled to wear I called Joyce. She returned my pressed top within 10 minutes. Mosa, who looked after the meal service sometimes, was friendly and service oriented. Butlers were on duty from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. The instructions in my compartment indicated I should contact the train manager for anything after 10 p.m.

Would You Take This Voyage Again Yes

Overall Impression For two days it seemed we were in an Agatha Christie novel. From the two story private train station owned by Rovos Rail in Pretoria The Pride of Africa Shaun, our antique style train with a steam locomotive, set a leisurely pace toward the heart of Cape Town. We departed in the late afternoon on a Friday and arrived at 6 p.m. in the coastal city a little worse for wear though satisfied in the pleasure of the shared luxury train ride.

The speediest, most efficient or most comfortable way to travel from Pretoria to Cape Town it was not. What made the two-night luxury rail journey special was the overall experience of travel aboard an antique style train with luxury compartments and amenities, and a small group of guests moving at a leisurely pace and affording travelers the opportunity to spend time with each other with minimum electronic entertainment (there was no television, internet or reliable cellphone signal aboard and use of electronic gear in common areas was discouraged by Rovos).

Travel aboard the Rovos train provided a glimpse of life for the elite in historic South Africa. One of the aspects we enjoyed most was the intimate social ambiance that welcomed conversation with fellow passengers, group activities and meals. Meals, especially dinner, were plated and elegant with a pretty dinnerware, silverware and glassware service, wine and multiple courses. Although seating for meals was by party it was possible to sit with other passengers in the dining car. More than once we shared a table and amenable conversation at meal times with others passengers we met on the train. We enjoyed the trip and would travel by Rovos Rail again on this same route or another and recommend the trip to friends who appreciate the amenities of an antique style train experience.

Children There were no children. Children of all ages were welcome although a spokesperson explained “the train is not always the most entertaining experience for children as it was designed for the total relaxation of adults; that’s why we don’t allow cell phones or laptops in public areas and why we have no televisions, DVD players, radios or Wifi.”

Duration Two nights

Established The company was established in 1989

Handicapped Access A spokesperson explained that although the train had ramps for easy access from platforms and a wheelchairs for land excursions off the train the company could not accommodate wheelchairs on board the train at all due to the space limitations in passages and suite doorways. Rovos could accommodate guests with limited mobility able to walk short distances on board the train but was unable to accommodate wheelchair bound guests (para or quadriplegic). In order to travel on the train guests had to be able walk with the assistance of a stick or walking frame and “be fairly steady on their feet due the rocking motion when the train is on the move.”

Internet Connectivity There was no internet service on board. Devices that connected to the internet and mobile phones were unwelcome in common areas although I saw a number of passengers in common areas talking on the phone and using their electronic devices openly.

Location From the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria to the main train station in Cape Town, South Africa

Owned And Managed Rovos Rail Tours (Pty) Ltd (owned by Rohan Vos)

Size There were 34 passengers from nine countries (Brazil, Germany, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States) in 19 compartments and 14 coaches looked after by a staff compliment of 14.

Smoking We saw several smokers in the Club Lounge and in the rear most section of the last car of the train.

Specialty Antique and antique style train cars, journey

Transportation From our hotel in Johannesburg we hired a taxi service to drive us about one hour to Pretoria. When we arrived in Cape Town our rental car was awaiting us at the train station.

Common Areas In addition to the antique 1924 dining car where we had three meals a day there were several areas open to all guests. The Observation Car had a small bar section with a handful of stools and several cozy areas to sit. At the rear of the train was a partially open space. The Lounge Car had several sections with a sofa and two armchairs. There was a desk in the middle with information about Rovos and its voyages as well as international newspaper summaries on Friday. I also saw a deck of cards and some coffee table books. In the afternoon there were peanuts, potato chips and biltong at the bar. It seemed to me more passengers spent time in the Observation Car than in the other areas.

Bathroom A wood door led from the sleeping area into a well appointed small bathroom. Right in front of the door in the corner there was a stainless steel sink with push button hot and cold water faucets. Even with care sometimes the water splashed outside the sink when operating the water. Above the sink there was a small wood cabinet with storage space and a mirror on the door. Inside there was spare toilet paper and room deodorizer. Just beneath was a metal rack with face cloths and Rooibos body lotion. There was a towel rack for the hand towel to the right of the bathroom door and next to it a heated towel rack. A flush toilet with a wood seat was next to the sink. A shower with glass walls and wood accents was beside the toilet. It had a plastic floor (there was an optional rubber mat), standard shower head (which sprayed widely making it necessary to be inside the shower when starting the water to avoid shower water spilling outside) and a hand held shower head which could be set on the wall. The water temperature was easily adjusted with a rotating handle and reached the hot side of the spectrum quickly. A metal rack below the shower handle held toiletries. In front of the shower door were two bath size hunter green towels that matched the other towels in the bathroom hanging on the wall in front of a full size mirror on the rear wall.

Compartment We traveled in an 11 square meter large L-shape Deluxe Twin compartment, the middle level of accommodation aboard the train. The rectangular shaped compartment with en suite bathroom had varnished wood walls, and a built-in closet. There was a high ceiling with four fluorescent lights (one was not working) and three soft yellow light antique style lamps that lit the interior of the compartment. For natural light and to see the South African landscape there were four functional windows with wood shutters that matched the interior wood of the compartment.

It was furnished with two single beds with antique rose pattern design set perpendicularly from each other, each facing the varnished wood wall. Whether it was because of the jet lag, size of the mattresses, the movement of the train, frequent stops and starts or the many unfamiliar squeaking and metallic sounds neither of us slept well aboard (we heard about similar experiences from fellow travelers). Patterned hunter green and beige carpeting covered the floor. A comfortable temperature was maintained in the compartment thanks to a remote controlled wall air conditioning unit above the wood wardrobe closet. A small wood table occupied the space across from the bed nearest the sliding wood entrance door.

The compartment entrance had only and interior lock. When we were out of the compartment it remained unlocked. The coaches were locked from the inside so passersby could not open the doors and enter the train. It was necessary to lock our windows and close our shutters any time we were not in our compartment.

Atop the table was a green folder with information about Rovos and its journeys and the 2010/2011 Rovos Rail Journeys magazine. Under the table there was a mini refrigerator stocked with two one-liter plastic bottles of Babamanzi still spring water, a half a bottle of Villiera Tradition brut sparkling wine and individual sealed milk containers. A bottom drawer contained a hot beverage service. Two framed copies of newspaper clips dating back to 1934 hung on the rear wall of the compartment. A half size mirror was attached to the wall nearest the entrance.

We placed our personal items in the wardrobe near the entrance and toiletries in a small bathroom cabinet. Once empty our suitcases fit in a space between the wall and ceiling. There was a phone on the wall above the electricity plug in case we wished to call our attendant or other guests. There was an electronic safe in the closet.

Restaurant Meals were in a beautiful 1924 dining car at set times as follows: breakfast was served between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Friday for dinner we had: Timbale of flaked crab with lemon and pink ginger topped with a wasabi rice wafer and Franschoek smoked trout; Slow roasted Karoo lamb shank with mashed potatoes and a green bean parcel; Dalewood Brie topped with Melba toast and a light salad dressed in olive oil; and Almond and sugar palmiers pastries layered with fresh strawberries and cream. Lunch Saturday: Grilled queen scallops with lemon-scented hollandaise sauce; Balsamic and lemon-marinated slices of ostrich fillet with ribbons of blanched courgettes on a bed of whole-grain mustard and mayonnaise potato salad (a favorite); Duo of Huguenot and Amabutho cheddar cheeses (a favorite) served with aloe and chili tomato relish, pickled walnut (a favorite), fresh grapes and warm wholegrain bread roll; and Seasonal fresh fruit salad with shortbread and mascarpone cream. Dinner Saturday was: Sweet potato and lychee soup with peanut butter cream; Grilled Cape rock lobster tails with haricot flavored bisque cream, Mediterranean vegetables and lemon rice; A local Gorgonzola with greens, fresh fruit and whole-grain toast; and Dark chocolate fondant with fresh seasonal berries and chocolate sauce. Lunch Sunday: Traditional South African Bobotie (a gently spiced beef mince dish oven-baked with a layer of savoury egg custard) served warm with fruit chutney and an apricot, julienne pepper and kiwi fruit salad topped with almonds; Garlic and lemon grilled prawn skewer on a green salad with a julienne of peppers, mange tout and cucumber drizzled with coriander and ginger dressing and garnished with toasted cashew nuts; Drunken Pecorino (previously soaked in merlot wine) with a salad of wild leaves and think slivers of apple garnished with chives and dressed with a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette; and South African melktert (a sweet pastry crust with a creamy milk filling and a dusting of cinnamon) served with a small syrup-coated doughnut or Koeksister. Each course was served with a paired South African wine usually although some passengers requested wines on the menu not scheduled for that particular course.

For breakfast there was a fruit selection from a platter (guava, raspberries, mango, green grapes), small yogurt cups, small mixed fruit cups, cereal filled bowls and several options from an a la carte menu: cold cheese and cold cuts plate, omelet, eggs with a selection of sides of sausage, bacon, ham, tomato, and mushrooms. A bread basket contained toasted whole wheat and white bread, a bran muffin and a croissant.

Amenities There were a number of luxury touches such as dinnerware, silverware, and crystalware, and fresh flowers. Meals, snacks, beverages including wine and alcoholic drinks, activities, and service were included. There was a branded canvas toiletry bag for each of us in our compartment filled with shampoo, conditioner, soap and shower gel, shower cap, body lotion, hand cream, insect repellent, small sewing kit, ear buds, ear plugs, emery board for nails, cotton wool and goggles (to protect eyes from hot embers should passengers want to lean out the windows). There was an in room hot beverage service and snacks. There was also a mini refrigerator filled with our choice of beverages (we had to request them).

One night at dinner, we were presented with fresh rose bud corsages (yellow for the ladies and pink for the gentlemen). There was a library with newspapers, board games and coffee table books for our use on board.

Facilities Gift shop, dining car, public toilet in the coach before the dining car, lounge, smoking lounge, and Observation Car.

Gift Shop In addition to a gift shop at the Pretoria Capital Park station which was closed the day we were there there was an on board shop. At the beginning of the Lounge Car there was a section dedicated to a gift shop and a a staff person during set times available to assist guests wishing to shop. There were branded souvenirs such as collared polo shirts, sports caps, gold and tanzanite jewelry, crystal glasses, pens and teddy bears. They were out of safari shirts on during our the train journey.

Activities Saturday there was a tour of The Big Hole, a former De Beers diamond mine, and Sunday there was an early morning walk and an opportunity to explore the tiny village of Matjesfontein.

Our excursion to The Big Hole in Kimberley began at 9:45 a.m. and ended at 12:30 p.m. Veronica Bruce, our local tour guide was knowledgeable and courteous. Sunday we woke up at 6:15 a.m. to take photos and have an early breakfast. Most of the passengers including us deboarded to follow a pebbly path that paralleled the train tracks and led directly into the old village of Majestfontein. When we arrived the train was already there. We freshened up briefly and went back out to explore the sleepy looking village.

Departure We arrived at 2 p.m. at the Rovos private railway terminal in Capital Park, Pretoria. As soon as we descended from our transport a young man in uniform welcomed us. Once he found our names on his passenger list he took charge of our luggage and we bid our transport driver good bye. As we walked into the two story building at Capital Park, the 60-acre Rovos Rail main complex in Pretoria, we noticed that already there was a room full of people. The open air room faced onto a terrace with a water feature and railway tracks. The Pride of Africa steam engine Shaun, named for the eldest of the Vos children, and its tender were on the track. We, along with many curious passengers, went out into the bright afternoon sunshine to catch a glimpse and take pictures of the leading part of our train.

After a few minutes we reentered the lounge and made our way to the rear of the room for a glass of South African sparkling wine. Tea sandwiches were on another table. We asked to share space with some of the other guests and chatted expectantly for a while until Rohan Vos, an older gentleman with a sense of humor, welcomed us. He extended a special welcome back to those of us who had been on Rovos Rail before (there were eight of us) and described the train ride we were about to embark on toward Cape Town. He also explained that due to a special golf tournament taking place on Sunday afternoon he would not be welcoming us on our arrival in Cape Town as he usually did. His wife was at the station Sunday afternoon, one of the staff members mentioned when we arrived.

After he bid us a good journey the staff invited us by guest names to embark the train for our slightly delayed departure. We followed Innocentia “Inno” Mohloane and her trainee, Tiffany Lowe, to our Deluxe accommodations. Soon our luggage arrived and we unpacked. Shortly after that Inno and Tiffany knocked on our door to orient us on Rovos amenities and the use of our compartment.

Other The trains were made up of different coaches for each journey; in other words Rovos staff assembled the train according to the type and number of suites booked by passengers. We were provided a list of the train occupants including guests and staff and their location. There was a beverage preferences list we used to request sodas for the refrigerator. Light laundry service was possible as was pressing. I completed those Friday night and the pressing items were brought to our compartment Saturday afternoon (I had said to Inno the pressing was not urgent).

Rovos recycled glass, plastic, tins and paper on short (two night) journeys and purchased organic ingredients from local suppliers for its menus.

At the conclusion of the two-night journey we each received a numbered personalized certificate for “The Most Luxurious Train in the World” signed and dated by Johan Vos.

Date Of Most Recent Voyage March 2012 March 2004

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Our compartment staff stood out for their efficient and friendly attitude. Our compartment was cleaned in the morning and prepared for sleep at night. In between those times, the staff took away dishes and tidied the compartment in the course of the day. Inno, who looked after our compartment while working with a trainee, was pleasant and service oriented. As part of the turn down service the staff prepared beds, emptied waste bins, set the tea service atop the table with a hot water pitcher and left weather and activities cards. On our return from dinner Saturday we found a towel arranged with the bottle of sparkling wine from our fridge on top along with two champagne flutes and bite size morsels of chocolate. One morning, we went to breakfast without hanging the “make up room” tag (the other tags were “room service” and “do not disturb”) outside our door. When we returned Inno was tidying our room. When I asked how she knew we were not in the room she said she had seen us in the dining car having breakfast. The bottled water and Coca Cola Light I requested more of before we departed on the morning walk at 8 a.m. were awaiting us on our return, hot and dusty from our walk.

The dining room staff were less efficient than was necessary (at dinner Friday they brought one main course and it was only 20 minutes or so later before the other two courses arrived). Several times we requested something and they brought something else or nothing at all. It took two requests and the assistance of another guest to be served drinks the first night in the Observation Car.

Would You Take This Voyage Again Yes

Overall Impression This small hotel had many features we liked. Some of the characteristics that stand out are its residential neighborhood location, friendly staff, pretty rooms with a garden view and internet connectivity, intimate ambiance, in house bistro and a lovingly tended one acre garden.

Beyond the bricks and mortar construction and the hotel facilities and amenities something else was impressive, the owner’s emphasis on responsible tourism and green practices. While large chain hotels sometimes adopt ecotourism practices as a way to save money or because in some circles it has become expected, leading the pack is not easy. Since it was established The Peech Hotel has embraced such practices. Under the stewardship of Owner James Peech the sixteen room property has continued on this commendable path.

On a recent safari trip to South Africa we enjoyed a stay at The Peech on our way to and from the bush. The hotel provided a friendly cocoon of comfort and basic amenities where we could recharge our batteries en route to and from the bush during an extended game viewing itinerary. We will recommend this boutique hotel to friends and acquaintances seeking luxury accommodations with an intimate and homey touch and good value for money.

Children Yes

Class Of Accommodation Four star hotel

Concierge Robert Chifunysie

Connectivity There was complimentary WiFi 4mb/s in our rooms and common areas. A password was necessary to access the internet. The speed was pretty good in our room although it was down part of the time we were there due to damage resulting from nearby construction work.

General Manager Tarryn Scheuble

Handicapped Access Yes, the hotel had wheelchair friendly rooms.

Length Of Stay Two nights

Location The hotel was across the street from the James Gray Park in the upscale neighborhood of Melrose of Johannesburg, South Africa; within a short drive of Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch, some of the city’s better known tourist areas.

Owned And Managed James Peech

Pets Allowed No

Size There were sixteen rooms in the 3,500 square meter property that employed 25.

Year Opened-Renovated The hotel was established in 2004 in a former private home built in the 1950s. Purchased in 2003, the staff dedicated two years to sorting out zoning and financing issues in order to open with six rooms in November 2004. Shortly afterward the bistro opened. In 2006, four rooms were added; in 2008 another six rooms were added. The most recent renovations took place in 2010.

Lobby And Common Areas The décor was a blend of “contemporary, edgy and Afro-centric.” There were original African artworks by Amatuli Art. The lobby had a Wood Wall. The tiny bar area had a Champagne theme. The hotel had 92 square meters of garden per guest.

Bathroom In Room 11, the spacious bathroom’s most notable feature were small light blue tiles that covered the area adjacent to the bathtub, the toilet, the sink and the shower. The sink was to the right of the entrance across the room from the toilet and a window while the shower was to the left of the entrance across the room from the bathtub. The shower had a glass door and a glass wall.

In Room 15, light blue and white dominated in the bathroom. There were small tiles on the walls of the shower, bathtub, and toilet and sink counters providing a splash of color and brightening the bathroom. There was a stand along bathtub built into the bathroom immediately to the right of the entrance and across from it there was a shower. The shower had a rain shower shower head, a glass door and a glass wall. There were three reed mats on the floor: between the bathtub and the shower, in front of the sink and next to the toilet. Next to the shower in the corner of the bathroom there was a water closet. On the opposite side of the room there were twin rectangular white sinks atop a blue tiled counter and beneath a frameless mirror. There was a towel rack on the wall to the left of the sinks and a frameless rectangular mirror behind the door to the bathroom. Three windows brought natural light into the room. Recessed lights on the high ceiling and two lights around the sinks complemented the natural light.

Rooms On this trip we visited the hotel on two occasions and stayed in four different rooms. Although they were similar in many respects and shared common features such as high ceilings, polished concrete floors, cow hides and African art on the walls there were layout, decorative and size differences between them. We first stayed in Garden Rooms, about 45 square meters large, and later in Garden Suites, 60 square meters in size. First we were in Garden Room 11, a ground floor garden facing room, and 12, a garden facing first floor room immediately above room 11. Both had polished concrete floors with a cow hide in the middle of the room, high ceilings, wood and metal table and coffee tables, an armchair and desk. The desk had a vanity mirror, ExtremeMac radio and iPod docking station with speakers, a potted plant and a lamp. There was love seat facing the coffee table. The bellboy set my suitcase atop a bench in the corner across from the bed. Each room had twin mattresses set against a twin wood headboard set up to make a queen bed. There were feather and synthetic pillows and duvets.

A coffee and tea service included an electric pitcher, coffee press, individual tea packets, sweeteners, rusks (a type of hard cookie popular in South Africa and ideal for dunking in hot beverages) and coffee. A Samsung flatscreen television hung on the wall above the coffee and tea service. The remote control was on one of the two identical night tables framing the bed.

The décor was simple without being boring. I liked the natural light that filtered in from the many windows and the balcony doors, and the view of the hotel garden as well as the African art on the walls. In my room, three Bobo wood masks hung on the large wall to the left of the bed. The two meter tall masks were from Mali, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast.

The room temperature could be adjusted via a remote controlled air conditioner and there was an electric heater on the wall next to the television. There were recessed lights in the ceiling and eggshell color walls all around except for the wall behind the bed. It was covered in dark burgundy and metal color patterned paper which curved around to the bathroom. Wood blinds covered a large window by the television, a small window by the loveseat, three upper windows near the ceiling and double doors that led onto a small covered balcony with patio furniture. There was a wall mirror to the left of the entrance. Next to it, behind simple curtains, there was a closet with hanging and folding space and an electronic safe.

On our second stay we were in rooms 15 and 16, also a lower and upper floor combination at the farthest corner of the property. These were the newest additions to the property. I reached room 16 by climbing a narrow metal staircase to a wood door simply marked “16.” Passing through a short and wide hallway I reached the room which was divided into three main areas, a bathroom, at the end of and to the right of the hallway; a sleeping area in the center which took up the lion’s share of the space, and a small balcony facing the main building of the hotel. Room 15, on the ground floor, was much the same except there was a private terrace (rather than a balcony) where the entrance to the room was located and the layout of the bathroom was slightly different. Room 16 had a view of the property and a little of the surrounding neighborhood, Room 15 had a private ground level terrace and a cozy ambiance. These rooms became our favorites at the hotel.

A comfortable queen bed flanked by wood and metal night tables with lamps occupied the center of the room facing a small wood and metal desk and leather armchair across the room. The bed had a white duvet cover, a red throw and four synthetic pillows. The wall facing desk housed a cordless phone, an XtremeMac iPod dock with speakers, a vanity mirror, a lamp and a hotel folder. To the left of the desk there was a Sony flatscreen television set on the wall. It was well situated for viewing from the bed or elsewhere in the room. On a table next to the television there was a Caffitaly espresso coffee maker with laminated instructions (it would also provide hot water for tea although my tea had a slight coffee flavor to it). There were coffee, hot chocolate and decaffeinated coffee capsules, various tea bags and cups on the coffee table across the room as well as milk and sugar.

A hanging wicker chair with a small cushion (a favorite) took up the corner adjacent to the television. To the right of the desk, there was a white doorless cabinet with hanging and shelf space and and an electronic safe. Several items of furniture added color and sitting space to the room. There was a small burnt red armchair with orange cushions next to the cabinet, a rectangular brown bench at the foot of the bed where the porter placed my luggage, and a brown love seat and coffee table on the corner to the right of the bed.

The room had off white walls and a high ceiling with recessed lights. One wall that ran from the entrance to the end of the room had pretty burgundy and metal wallpaper like the one in Rooms 11 and 12. The floor was of polished concrete with two cow hides. Several African artefacts hung on the walls with small descriptions next to them. Room 15 had three South African ceiling panels and one leather and cowrie shells item that was part of an Ethiopian wedding veil. Room 16 had two Mali, Niger and Cameroon cover frames and a South African meat platter.

The room temperature was controlled via a heater/air conditioner with remote control set high on the wall above the bed. Seven windows and two balcony doors with privacy blinds filled the room with sunlight during the day. The balcony had a metal railing and a set of patio furniture.

Food And Restaurants Bistro @ The Peech was the name of the in house eatery led by Greg Jardim. The bistro, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and room service), used organic and locally sourced produce for the majority of its supplies. The herbs were from the hotel’s kitchen garden next to Room 15. The coffee the restaurant served was fair trade 100 organic and the lamb and beef were from 100 percent pasture-fed animals. We had breakfast at the bistro during our stay as well as lunch and dinner and in room service. Breakfast was a combination of cold selections from a small buffet including fresh sliced fruit, yogurt, fruit juices, cereal and made to order eggs with several sides to choose from. We ordered room service for lunch from the Bistro: avocado and chicken wraps with a side salad and French fries as well as a chocolate torte. We dined at the bistro where we ordered a beef Prego which was savory.

Amenities There were two small vegetable oil soaps (one by the sink and the other by the bathtub) made with rooibos and tea tree extracts. There were Gilchrist and Soames 40 milliliter toiletries: body lotion, shampoo, and bath gel as well as a shower cap and vanity kit in individual boxes. There were also white cotton bathrobes, slippers, complimentary house water in refillable glass bottles, laptop safe, and iPod dock.

Facilities There was a small swimming pool, small library with a guest computer, Champagne Bar, meeting room, walk in wine cellar and bistro.

Fitness Center And Spa Hotel guests were able to use the 24-hour Planet Fitness Gym next door to the hotel for a 90 rand fee for the duration of the guest stay at the hotel.

Pool The pool was 2 meters deep and 3.5 x 7 meters in size. There were several lounge chairs by the pool. There were two swinging chairs nearby.

Conference Facilities There was a meeting room that could accommodate up to 25 people. It had audiovisual equipment including a projector and DVD player.

Other In between visits we left a suitcase at the hotel. It was delivered to our room on our return without us even having to ask. Since the room folder mentioned feather pillows were available I requested one. By the time I returned to my room a short while later there were two feather pillows in lieu of two of the synthetic pillows it had had earlier. In case of power failure (an occasional problem in South Africa) the hotel had a back-up generator and water system.

Responsible Tourism The Peech focused its efforts on four aspects recycling, energy conservation, water conservation, and green design. As a result the hotel was certified in 2010 and 2011 by the South Africa Fair Trade in Tourism. According to the hotel fact sheet, it was the first hotel in Johannesburg to receive the certification.

The Peech supporting the Little Eden Children’s Home in Edenvale for handicapped children. Hotel guests were invited to add 5 rand per night stayed to their bill to contribute towards the charity and the hotel matched the donations.

The hotel also donated items to the charity and allowed the organization to award a staff member a stay at the hotel every month as an incentive for top performance.

The Peech also supported Pack for a Purpose, a program that invited travelers to bring supplies to community projects from overseas. Interested guests were provided a list of supplies to bring from overseas and leave at the hotel for delivery to Little Eden.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review 2011 2006

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Our rooms were serviced twice daily. Staff we spoke with were friendly and helpful.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression On our most recent game viewing trip to South Africa we discovered the luxury of direct flights to and from the airport in Johannesburg and the game reserves in and near the famous Kruger National Park. In previous safari trips we had either flown to a regional airport and driven a couple of hours to our lodges or driven six to eight hours directly from the city to the lodges. In either case it was necessary to drive an hour on very bumpy unpaved roads within the reserves without cell phone signal or the ability to get out of our vehicles because of the wild animals in the area.

This time we flew the Federal Air Shuttle Service from Johannesburg to the Royal Malewane lodge in the Thornybush Reserve on our arrival and from the Singita Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve back to Johannesburg on our departure. We liked that the airline had its own private area at the Johannesburg airport with a handsome lounge, complimentary amenities, and a streamlined check-in and boarding process.

This method of reaching our reserves meant a more pleasant pre-flight experience, less travel time overall and no driving on unpaved game reserve roads. Although the luggage allowance was less than with commercial carriers or driving the many other advantages more than made up for it. Direct Federal Air flights to the reserves will be our first choice in the future.

About The Airline Federal Air had one of the largest privately owned aircraft fleets in Southern Africa. The company offered shuttle, scheduled and charter operations year round to African continent and Indian Ocean island routes. Federal Air bases of operations were located in South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Kenya. The company is, as of this writing, the general sales agent in South Africa for its sister operations in Zimbabwe, operated by Solenta Aviation, Zimbabwe; and Tanganyika Flying Company in Tanzania and Kenya.

Aircraft We flew from Johannesburg in a Beechcraft 1900 (ZS – OHE) to Skukuza inside the Kruger National Park. Within minutes we transferred to a Cessna Grand Caravan for our flight to the Royal Malewane (ZS-OJC). On the return flight from Singita Sabi Sand to Johannesburg, we flew aboard a Beech 1900D.

Handicapped And Special Needs Federal Air provided service to handicapped and special needs guests on request. The airline was able to address dietary, celebrity and personal security needs. According to promotional materials, the company often flies VIPs and offers bespoke travel arrangements.

Owned-Managed Federal Air, owned by Solenta Holdings, Troy Reiser and Nick Taylor, is owner managed. The members of the executive board of directors as of this writing are: Troy Reiser, managing director, Leon van der Mortele, group financial director, and Mark Hurst and Nick Taylor, non executives.

Size The airline employed 30 pilots and 80 employees. There were 13 planes in the South Africa shuttle service: three 1900s, two PC 12s, two Caravans in Johannesburg and two in the lowveld, one Airvan, one C206 and two Baron 58s.

Description The airline had a pleasant private lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a small shop at the Johannesburg airport where we relaxed following a quick check-in. When our flight was called for boarding, a handful of us went to the departure gate where we were checked with a security wand by an airline staff person. After presenting our boarding pass we walked to our plane which was parked about 20 meters from the gate. A friendly pilot welcomed us on board and within minutes we were airborne.

The first leg of our trip was in a larger aircraft to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, where two smaller planes waited to fly out into the neighboring reserves. The transfer on the tiny landing strip was efficient and speedy. Our bush plane dropped us off very near our lodge. Minutes after landing we were sipping iced tea poolside, settled in comfortably at our lodge.

For the rest of the itinerary we organized land transfers between the lodges in the Thornybush and Sabi Sand reserves. Our last lodge was Singita Boulders in the Sabi Sand Reserve. When it was time to return to Johannesburg for our flight home heavy rains in our area threatened flight cancellations causing our pilot to advise an early departure (an 11 a.m. departure instead of a 2:15 p.m. departure). As soon as the staff at Singita Boulders Lodge notified us of the suggested change we agreed. The drive to the Singita landing strip was a matter of minutes.

We waited in the comfort of a handsomely furnished tent for our plane to land. The wait was so short we did not even have time to accept the cold beverages or fruit on offer. As we departed Singita, slightly elated to return home before the rains closed the airstrip and sad to leave the bush, we thought about the difference the bush flight experience had made on our trip.

Bathrooms Although the planes we flew on had no restrooms on board we did not find need for them given the short flying times. The airport lounge in Johannesburg had restrooms and the arrival and departure pick up points in the Thornybush and Sabi Sand reserves were very near the lodges. The larger aircraft like the ATR’s on the longer and regional routes have full service catering and ablution facilities on board.

Amenities In the Johannesburg domestic airport lounge, there was complimentary beverage and light meal service including alcohol, complimentary luggage repacking and storage facility, complimentary guest parking, security and scanning system at check-in.

Shuttle Services In 1999, the company introduced the Federal Air Shuttle Service in South Africa to supply the exclusive game lodge industry a tailor-made and personalized air service to remote bush strips in the lowveld area of the country. For the Sabi Sand and Kruger Park routes, for the past five years the airline relied on a combination of the Beech 1900’s, Pilatus PC12’s and the Cessna Grand Caravan each offering different features. The 1900 (18 seats) and PC12 (8 seats) are pressurized aircraft and fly at around 25,000 feet above sea level, the Caravan (12 seats) is a non-pressurized aircraft that flies at around 12,000 feet above sea level. Thanks to the relatively slow flying speeds and low altitude the Caravan lends itself well for nostalgic safari flights, allowing travelers to see the landscape when flying across the country and having the opportunity to spot game as the aircraft lands. The pressurized aircraft offer a faster and more executive style experience than the Caravan, making the flight from Johannesburg pass by quickly.

The fleet age averaged between 10 and 20 years depending on the aircraft. Aircraft were maintained per international standards and were regularly refurbished as required. The planes we flew on appeared in good condition.

Federal Air offered many options to the main game reserves. There were three daily return departures from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park area seven days a week; two daily return flights to the Madikwe Private Game Reserve; and daily connecting flights between lodges and reserves, and flights out of Nelspruit, connecting the reserves and lodges. There was also daily scheduled service between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, Mozambique.

Luggage The passenger allowance was one soft sided bag weighing a maximum of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of checked luggage and an additional standard piece of hand baggage weighing a maximum of 5 kilograms (11 pounds). The cost for excess luggage was 400 rand per 10 kilograms and 20 kilograms for an additional 800 rand. Excess luggage was not guaranteed to be on the same flight as a passenger. If a guest wanted to guarantee his or her excess luggage was on the same flight, the staff recommended the purchase an extra seat for the luggage.

Other Airline materials explained that “Federal Air operates a Shuttle Service and is not a Scheduled Carrier for shuttle services. Routings and departure times vary from day to day depending on actual lodge and guest requirements, as well as landing conditions. Flight times are subject to change without notice.” It was possible to book flights as much as 12 months in advance. The airline offered complimentary executive transport from the main terminal to the Federal Air lounge facility and direct aircraft access.

Route And Flights We flew a total of three domestic flights, two flights en route from Johannesburg to the Royal Malewane in the Thornybush Reserve and one from Singita Boulders in the Sabi Sand Reserve back to Johannesburg. We boarded the airplane in Johannesburg via drop down staircase. From the international airport in Johannesburg, South Africa to the Royal Malewane in the Thornybush Reserve it was necessary to change planes in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. Johan, one of two pilots in the cockpit, welcomed us onboard and shared safety instructions and flight information.

When we arrived at the airport one hour early from our hotel we discovered our departing flight was one hour late (“flight times were flexible,” we had been forewarned). We departed at 1:15 p.m., arriving in Skukuza at 2:25 p.m. By 2:30 p.m. we were departing on a 12-seat plane flown by Dean and Andre. We boarded through the rear of the plane and walked up a narrow aisle to the seats and front up the plane. The plane made one very quick stop to drop off passengers before arriving at the Royal Malewane airstrip.

On the return, from Singita Boulders in the Sabi Sand Reserve to the international airport in Johannesburg, we flew a plane similar to the one we arrived in to Skukuza and boarded via a drop down staircase. Once we boarded the crowded airplane the pilot provided safety and exit aisle instructions and we departed. We made three stops en route to drop off and pick up passengers before heading to Johannesburg. The flights were comfortable and uneventful.

Date Of Review March 2011

On Board Service The only staff aboard the small aircraft were the pilots. The ground staff made sure we and our luggage made it on board. At the foot of the airplane’s staircase there was a cooler filled with water and soft drinks on offer. Because of the sweltering summer heat we were thankful for the beverages. Before we departed one of the pilots made safety announcements and we departed. On landing he announced the location and those going there deplaned while ground staff pulled their luggage out of the plane.

Airport lounge and ground service Federal Air Shuttle service domestic passengers (international flights departed from the international departures area of the airport) had access to an airport lounge owned by Federal Air in Johannesburg International Airport for the exclusive use of its passengers. For domestic flights check-in, baggage check-in, and security were completed in the Federal Air Lounge prior to boarding a few steps away from the air conditioned lounge. The lounge had indoor and outdoor seating, a boutique, shower and internet facilities for up to 100 passengers. The lounge was staffed by Federal Air employees.

At Singita Boulders our guide and tracker drove us to the landing strip the morning of our departure. We waited in a charming Singita airstrip tent, owned by Singita and operated by a dedicated Singita Guest Relations team. Although we were only there briefly as our plane landed just as we arrived, it looked like a pleasant place to await the arrival of a flight, protected from the elements and with access to refreshments. There was a fruit bowl, books and a cooler with cold beverages.

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Would You Fly With Them Again? Yes

Overall Impression This small lodge, well situated within walking distance of Rosebank Mall in an upscale residential area of Johannesburg, stood out for its spacious and well appointed suites and offered many advantages for the independent traveler. In spite of being in a very big city inside the adult oriented lodge (guests with children 12 and older were welcome) there were few noises beyond the usual staff cleaning and other daytime sounds of a small guest house.

After several days in the bush returning to an urban setting can be jarring so we especially appreciated the quiet and tranquil setting. While we were at The Parkwood, we took advantage of the opportunity to catch up on work and reconnect with colleagues and family. Since the only meal available at the lodge was breakfast and we had no car we explored our options. On the night of our arrival we were too tired to venture out; using our local cell phone number (there were no phones in our suites), we ordered dinner easily from the lodge’s list of restaurants offering take out and third party delivery. Our order arrived quickly and hot! On the second day, we walked to the nearby shopping center for a late lunch. We returned in a taxi (the lodge staff shared the number of a local driver) and brought back snacks.

We especially liked the well furnished, handsome, and comfortable suites. Other features that appealed to us were the convenient location within walking distance of two malls, work out room, pretty common areas furnished with a decorator’s eye, original art, and complimentary WiFi. Although we didn’t need it during our visit it was nice to know we could take advantage of the in-house computer with internet connectivity set aside for guest use. The well priced property will be on our list of candidates for a return visit when we are looking for business oriented accommodations with a luxury touch in Johannesburg.

Children Children 12 and older were welcome.

Class Of Accommodation Luxury five star guest lodge

Connectivity There was a computer and printer in a designated area for guest use. We took advantage of the complimentary and excellent internet connectivity in our room. There were multiple Wi-Fi spots.

Handicapped Access There were no special features designed to welcome guests with disabilities.

Length Of Stay Two nights

Location In the Parkwood residential neighborhood of Johannesburg.

Owned And Managed Dean and Sarah Shonfeld

Pets Allowed No

Size There were 18 employees at the 4,000 square meter large guest house with 16 rooms.

Year Opened-Renovated The guest house opened to the public in 2004.

Lobby And Common Areas Sarah Shonfeld was responsible for the interior design which she based on natural stone. There was solid teak parquet flooring in some common areas, and tactile designer fabrications to combine “glamour and comfort for a relaxed, homely feel.” She focused attention on flowers, coffee table books, magazines, candles and original art, mostly by South African artists Lindy Schlozz, Luanna Shonfeld–Hellmann, Norman Catherine and Eduardo Villa, a sculptor. Belgian architect Pierre Lombart and co-owner Dean Shonfeld designed the buildings. Dean Shonfeld was in charge of the design and layout of the green areas.

Bathroom In the right rear side of my suite double white doors led to a spacious and inviting bathroom. It had a stand alone bathtub to the right with heated towel racks in the corner. To the left of the entrance, there was an oversize plastic rectangular sink set on a wide wood base beneath a large framed mirror. Large beige tiles covered the floor and some of walls. In the left corner there was a water closet and next to it a shower with a curtain. Directly across from the bathroom entrance there was a large enclosed and roofed outdoor shower.

The bathroom took up the far right corner of my travel partner’s suite. It was home to a glass enclosed shower next to a stand alone bathtub to the right of the doorless entrance. A large rectangular sink on a wood base beneath a framed mirror stood across from the bathtub. There was a water closet at the end of the bathroom.

Suites My travel partner and I stayed in neighboring suites in a corner of the lodge, Suites 10 and 11. Our suites were handsome in appearance, well maintained and spotless. They were comfortable to spend time in for work and relaxation. From our suites we had a clear view of a pool and a partial view of a shaded pool sitting area with lounge chairs. Suite 11, my 41 square meter suite with a 22 square meter enclosed outdoor patio, was at the end of the building and the limit of the lodge made from the joining together of three houses. Double glass and wood doors (there was an identical set on the other side of the room leading to the enclosed patio) led into the suite which had parquet floors, two Chobes (Persian carpets), one classic and one modern; as well as eggshell color walls, a white ceiling and one partial stone wall. From the entrance I stepped into a comfortable and attractive living area with a gray cloth sofa, two gold armchairs and a mirrored coffee table. An opening in the stone wall on the left side of the room was home to a flat screen LG television. Further down along the same wall there was a dainty antique wood desk facing a small mirror. Nearby there was an armoire with double doors,hanging and shelf space, an electronic safe and sundry amenity items inside. On the opposite side of the room and behind double white doors, there was a small pantry with a mini refrigerator and coffee and tea service. The contemporary furnishings were upholstered in luxurious cropped pile velvets in deep coppers and old golds.

To the right of the entrance there was a comfortable king bed set against a cushy headboard and between matching wood night tables with lamps. A red cushioned bench was at the foot of the bed. A rectangular framed mirror hung on the wall near the left side night table. There was an alarm clock with an iPod dock on the right side night table. Two luggage racks were conveniently available to place my suitcases. A remote controlled modern looking wall air conditioning unit and underfloor heating provided temperature control.

Suite 10, a 48 square meter room with a six square meter enclosed patio, the next to the last suite suite in that part of the lodge, had a cozy living room just inside of the glass and wood entrance. It was decorated in faded amethyst and deep scarlet tones. The living area had a multicolor rug over parquet floors, two wicker tables, a partial rock wall with an LG flat screen television in the center and a mini bar in the corner. Across from the television there was a gray cloth sofa with an oil on canvas painting made up of four panels by Luanna Hellmann, a South African artist based in Cape Town, each in a color inspired by the antique Sumac rugs in the bedroom and lounge areas. A mirrored cabinet was against the wall past the sofa and a square wood desk faced a framed mirror hanging on the wall. There was an armless beige chair at the desk and a matching armchair of the same design.

Double wood doors led to a bedroom and an inner courtyard with a shower. The floor here was a mix of wall to wall carpeting with a small tiled section. The center of the room was taken up by a king bed set against a cushioned gray headboard and framed by identical wood night tables with beige lamps. A pale red bench sat at the foot of the bed. A beige armchair stood in the corner next to a wood closet (with an electronic safe) and framed by luggage racks. There was a small wood table and armless matching beige chair in the corner facing the wall. A full length framed mirror hung on a wall near the entrance to the bathroom.

Food The only meal available at the lodge was breakfast which consisted of a cold buffet of sliced fruit (papaya, pineapple and grapes), cereal (two types of muesli and packaged cereals), yogurt, milk, orange juice, jams and honey; and a made to order egg and sides (tomato, mushroom, bacon and toast).

Amenities There were house brand full size toiletries including conditioning shampoo, body lotion, shower gel, and bath salts. There were also power adaptors, hair dryers, electronic in-room safes, swimming towels, cotton bathrobes, slippers, complimentary sherry, minibar stocked with beverages and snacks, complimentary tea and coffee (there were in suite facilities and additional self serve options in the lodge kitchen), and an honor bar in the kitchen.

Facilities There was a small in-house gym for guests use, a small library with current titles for leisurely reads plus books on art and the history of Johannesburg. There were also two slender pools and a conference room.

Fitness Center There was an exercise room on one side of the lodge with a treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bicycle and some free weights. There was a television set and some towels.

Pools There were two pools: one was 22 meters in length by 2.5 meters in width and 1.6 meters deep; the second pool was 16 meters by 2.5 meters and 1.5 meters deep.

Other In 2009, the guest house received a Gold Achiever award from AA Travel Guides and American Express based on “extensive research carried out within the travel trade in South Africa and the U.K.”

It was a tranquil setting. Except for the sound of fruit falling on my bathroom roof the most noteworthy sounds I noted was early morning beautiful bird song and the chatter of neighboring guests sitting by the pool.

According to the owners, the staff endeavor to make check-in on arrival as simple and speedy as possible by pre-checking guests at the reservation level. The lodge staff proactively procured services from BEE companies (Black economic empowerment ) for services such as tour and taxi operators, carpet cleaning and garden services. The lodge donated used slippers and soaps to a local hospice.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review October 2009

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photographs by Juan Cooper

Service Staff were pleasant and helpful. Nicki, one of the executive staff, was friendly and helpful, making recommendations for nearby eateries and facilities.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression A cluster of immaculate South African stone and thatch rondavels nestled in lush indigenous gardens, Idwala Guest House was an enclave of bucolic luxury in the middle of Johannesburg. Located on a quiet residential street of the elegant suburb of Darrenwood, an easy 30-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Idwala (Zulu for rock) was an ideal retreat for a day of relaxation after my nightlong flight from Europe and before continuing on my journey further into Southern Africa.

Originally built over one century ago as a farmhouse north of Johannesburg, the property had over time become surrounded by the city’s urban sprawl. A few years ago, its classic circular structures topped by distinctive conical roofs may have become just another casualty to the modern age, without the dedication of its current owners. Working as a team, various members of the Friese family contributed their expertise (ranging from architecture and interior design to hotel management and computer technology) to transform the dilapidated farmhouse into a stylish nine-room luxury guest house. From timeless details of great hospitality to the latest technologies, there were many features designed to delight discriminating business and leisure guests.

Within its high exterior walls draped with exuberant bougainvillea, Idwala was a haven of understated South African elegance. Interior design showcased the omnipresent elaborate stonework as a background for the antique furniture and plush oriental rugs. But the serene loveliness of the surroundings was merely a framework for total pampering. I was delighted to discover fast, reliable WiFi Internet connectivity throughout the property, and a full service dining room offering freshly prepared, beautifully presented wholesome meals. Within my spacious suite I found heated floors, an exquisitely comfortable extra-long king size bed, an entertainment center-size television set with global satellite programming and a working-size desk. Next to the desk, a large butler’s tray held an assortment of goodies ranging from a fresh fruit basket and a tin of home-baked cookies to a full tea and coffee service to keep my energy up while catching up with e-mail.

Yet these amenities paled next to the friendliness of the staff, and the thoughtfulness of the services they offered. An in-room massage to sooth my travel-weary body? Of course, when should it be arranged? And when would my jetlag-confused appetite desire lunch? The chef was happy to oblige any time. Would I enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, or a ride to the nearby Cresta Center, one of the most popular shopping centers in Johannesburg, or to trendy Sandton, just a little further away? I demurred on the latter offers. So happily ensconced was I in Idwala that I wouldn’t entertain the thought of leaving its sheltering embrace; until the next morning of course, when I regretfully had to return to the airport for the next leg of my trip. In Idwala, I found my Johannesburg home away from home, whenever business or pleasure takes me there again; and next time, I will plan a longer layover.

Class Of Accommodation Idwala was rated Five Star Guest House by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)

Connectivity Fast and reliable wireless Internet access was available throughout the property. Cellular phone access was excellent with a GSM 900/1800 compatible international cellular phone.

Handicapped Access Wheel chairs could be accommodated by previous arrangement.

Length Of Stay One night

Location Idwala was in Darrenwood, a centrally located northern suburb of Johannesburg, an 18-mile (30 kilometer) or 30-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport. It was a 15-minute drive from Sandton and the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD).

On-Site Manager Julia Ficosecco

Owned-Managed Idwala Guest House was owned by the Friese family. Co-general managers were Jeannette Friese and her son Robert Friese.

Size Within its one-acre (3,800 square meter) walled garden compound, the property consisted of nine rooms, including three rooms located in the main house, four garden rooms and two cottages with self-catering facilities. It could accommodate a maximum of 18 guests and employed a staff of eight.

Transportation Road transportation was necessary to reach Idwala. Per advanced request, Idwala staff arranged a fixed rate private car airport pick-up and drop-off. Complimentary parking was available on the property for self-drivers.

Year Open-Renovated In 2005, the property was redesigned and fully renovated under the direction of Stefan Friese, an architect. It opened for business in 2006.

Lobby And Common Areas On either side of the carved wooden double doors of the entrance to the main house, semi-circular large bay windows lined the façade for a panoramic view of the beautifully landscaped garden and a free-form plunge pool. The interior was an expansive, curved open-plan space covered by a slanted thatched roof. Floor covering was plush oriental rugs over flagstones. To the right of the entrance foyer, the dining room held several square walnut tables, each surrounded by four matching chairs with woven natural twine seats. The far wall held a long credenza that doubled as a buffet table for breakfast.

A sitting area was to the left of the foyer. Two tuxedo-style armchairs of peach damask, on either side of a matching sofa upholstered burgundy with taupe stripes, provided seating around a large round coffee table made from a glass-topped African braided straw basket. Along the far left wall, six bar chairs were lined up in front of a curved built-in bar made of natural stone with a thick walnut top. To the back of the room, one step up from the remainder of the space, a large circular hardwood floor platform covered with oriental rugs formed a second sitting area. The ceiling was a classic steep thatched cone with a multi-branch brass chandelier hanging from its central peak. The focal point of the room was a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the center of the curved white-plastered back wall, bracketed by two tall wood-framed wall mirrors. A brown leather club sofa, with on either side identical sofas upholstered in coral wool, faced the fireplace. Square walnut end tables held pillar candles in large glass hurricane lamps. Occasional chairs, antique chests and tall African baskets completed the décor. Brass wall sconces matching to the center chandelier provided additional lighting. Throughout the common area, artfully arranged fresh flowers enhanced the welcoming mood.

Bathroom The en-suite bathroom was striking in its appointments as well as décor. It had retained elements of the original farmhouse stonework in several areas. A floor-to-ceiling rough stonewall flanked by two tall walnut-framed mirrors served as a backdrop for the deep white porcelain claw-footed bathtub. The oversized shower stall with double glass doors featured a rain showerhead. Walls were a blend of off-white rustic tiles and natural stone. The white porcelain sink was set in a vanity of pale polished poured concrete, topped with a large square walnut-framed mirror. The water closet was discretely tucked away within its own stone walled enclosure. Floors were natural ceramic tiles that beautifully showcased the red oriental rug in front of the bathtub.

Room My 325 square foot (29 square meter) room, Main House Room Two, was an inviting circular rondavel with a soaring thatched ceiling and white rough-plastered walls. A multi-armed pewter chandelier hung from the peak of the ceiling. Two picture windows opened onto a secluded garden. Flooring was thick taupe wall-to-wall carpeting with oriental throw rugs. Furniture was made of walnut. In addition to the king-size headboard and matching bedside tables, it included a storage armoire, a sideboard that held the mini-bar, and a desk and chair. Two wing chairs upholstered in cinnabar wool sat on either side of a round side table and a black wrought iron floor lamp with a red silk shade. A long brown leather bench outlined the foot of the bed. Window treatment was floor-length cream glazed poplin drapes with a light cinnabar floral design. Pewter wall sconces and tall hourglass shaped ceramic and opaque glass bedside lamps completed the lighting of the room. A television set sat on the sideboard opposite the bed. Small African prints in walnut frames and fresh flower arrangements enhanced the cozy atmosphere. Although neither was needed at the time of my visit, the room had air conditioning and heated floors.

Food Idwala featured a full service restaurant (an uncommon feature for a nine-room inn). Meals were wholesome, well prepared and elegantly served, using fresh local ingredients. The breakfast buffet included freshly baked breads and pastries, cold cereals, fresh fruits and assorted cheeses and cold cuts. Full English breakfast was also available. For lunch and dinner, advance notice was recommended to ensure the meal would be promptly ready at my preferred time and according my dietary requirements and preferences.

Amenities It was clear from the generous array of thoughtful amenities that considerable effort had been extended to ensure that Idwala Guest House would truly feel my home away from home.

Bedroom amenities included: electronic safe, golf umbrella, a variety of electric convertor plugs, electric kettle, an extensive assortments of regular, decaffeinated and herbal teas, regular and decaffeinated coffee, hot cocoa, milk and dark chocolate bars, a tin of home-baked cookies and a basket of fresh fruits. In the mini-bar, there was fresh milk, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water. A sewing kit, shoe-cleaning mitt, citronella room and linen sprays were also included, as were the latest issues of several travel magazines.

The bathroom featured heated floor, heated towel rack, terry cloth bathrobe, slippers, several candles and roses in bud vases. There were cotton swabs and cotton balls, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Toiletries were Crabtree and Evelyn facial soap, shower gel, foam bath, shampoo and body lotion.

Facilities A meeting room could accommodate up to 16 participants. Equipment included state-of-the-art WiFi and cable modem Internet connectivity, surround sound speakers, projector and electronic projection screen.

Pool Against a backdrop of fluttering weeping willow branches, the free-form swimming pool with its waterfall of artfully stacked rocks peering through lacy ferns was an idyllic place to while away the afternoon. Poolside furniture was of elegant wrought iron with comfortable natural canvas cushions. It included a large green canvas market umbrella, two lounge chairs and three bistro tables, each surrounded by three chairs.

Spa There was a wellness and spa center within a 10-minute drive from Idwala. However in-room treatments could also be arranged with same-day notice.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Last Visit October 2009

Reviewers Article and photographs by Josette King

Service At Idwala, the emphasis was clearly on pampering guests, from the warmest of welcomes by several members of the staff, who already knew me by name upon arrival, to the on-site manager, Julia who also provided the most thoughtful concierge services. In addition to booking airport transportation for me, she personally reconfirmed my next-day flight with a small Southern African airline, leaving no detail unchecked (she ensured that my name was spelled correctly and that the airline provided us with the correct confirmation number). For business travelers, basic office services were available on demand. My room was serviced twice daily.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes