by Editor | Nov 1, 2008 | Africa, Kruger, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
This attractive luxury bush property favored by the rich and famous was lovingly maintained and well run. It was named Malewane for the ravine on which the property was built. We arrived a little wilted following a day of travel from Cape Town via Johannesburg. John Jackson, the property general manager and our gracious host, immediately showed us to our quarters, the Royal Malewane Suite, on one end of the property that would be our home for the following three nights. There we were greeted by a sea of welcoming smiles from the small group of staff members who would take turns looking after us during our stay.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2008 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Built on a hill in a leafy and upmarket suburb of Cape Town in front of stately Table Mountain, Villa Higgovale’s most precious feature was a magnificent view of Cape Town Bay and the sea. We arrived at the six-bedroom 30 million rand house on a gorgeous summer day, finding our way easily from the Waterfront area after plucking in the address into our GPS (global positioning system) device. An understated outer security gate revealed little of the pretty grounds or the property that lay behind it. Following down a steep and narrow drive we slowly discovered the lovingly maintained gardens, and parked in front of the main entrance to the two-story house.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2008 | Africa, Kenya, Kenya Coast, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Inspired by the rich architectural tradition of the East African coast, the Serena Beach Hotel stretched along the Indian Ocean shoreline with the exotic appeal of an ancient Swahili town. The property was divided into picturesque clusters of whitewashed two- and three-story buildings, with a central core of elegant public spaces. The reception hall set the mood. Its intricately carved portal led into a cool soaring foyer with lush oriental rugs scattered about the gleaming stone floor. To the left of the entrance the wall behind the long marble-topped reception desk was covered with rows upon rows of letterbox-shaped slots, exact replicas of those found in the harems of Swahili homes until the 19 th century. Now, they made unusual key receptacles. On both sides of the hall, tall pillars led the eye to the far end of the building and the low staircase rising to a landing with a panoramic view of the sun-washed terraces and galleried lounges facing the palm-shaded beach and the cerulean blue sea beyond.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2008 | Africa, Kenya, Kenya Coast, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The pundit who declared that “happiness is a journey, not a destination” probably was not thinking of a twenty-four hour trip across two continents in airplanes booked to capacity; and clearly had never experienced the Maisha Spa upon arrival. That is precisely what I did on a recent visit to Kenya: no sooner had I settled into the Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel that I headed for its spa.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Maine, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
This striking Victorian gem was one of the most luxurious country inns I have ever come across! Set in a residential neighborhood of grand old 19th century homes shaded by venerable trees, this three-story gold-trimmed claret-colored clapboard beauty served notice at first sight that it was the grandest of them all. Its interior confirmed it. Expansive, coffered-ceilinged public rooms with inviting fireplaces opened onto a two-story center foyer with an elaborate staircase soaring to a wide second floor gallery; gleaming oak banisters; crystal chandeliers: this was a house meant for gracious living in a bygone gilded age. Built in 1898 by local business mogul Charles Berry as a wedding gift for his bride, the manor remained a private residence until 1998 when the present owners adapted it into an exceptional home-away-from home for their guests.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Maine, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
In a town filled with exuberant Victorian homes, the Captain Lindsey House was noticeable for its stark simplicity. It was impossible not to be intrigued by this plain Federal facade of yellow-painted bricks, with its neatly lined windows under dark green canvas awnings, and its large window boxes overflowing with cabbages, kitchen herbs and drooping clusters of ripe tomatoes. Then there was the entrance door tucked away at street level in the corner of the building: lacquered fire engine red. This was a witty house that knew how to capture my attention. Beyond that red door, a short walk up a half-flight of non-descript stairs, an unexpected world unfolded. I had walked back in time into the sophisticated home of a sea captain of old, filled with remarkable antiques and oriental rugs mellowed by age.
