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andBeyond Phinda Homestead, South Africa - hotel review

First impressions

Within andBeyond’s 28,555-hectare private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal province is this luxury four-bedroom villa, recently rebuilt. The private lodge is hidden in a forest bubbling with the sounds of the bush. Nyalas, a native antelope, stroll past to use a watering hole, while elephants drink from the (chemical-free) swimming pool.

The lodge lets you feel like you’re in the thick of the action but at the same time ensconced in luxury. Phinda Homestead is ideal for splashing out on two or three nights with friends and family when completing the safari leg of a longer South Africa trip.

Looks

The sprawling single-level structure, made mainly of wood and glass, can only be used by one group at a time — it sleeps up to eight guests — so it has the feel of a contemporary bush farmhouse.

Everything is connected by covered wooden walkways so you can move easily between the entrance, the open-air infinity pool and the spacious bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

The lodge has been designed to feel as though you’re outdoors but to still maintain a comforting, homely interior. And this design is something to be admired in its own right — it’s screaming to be photographed at every turn. What’s most appealing is the lengths andBeyond has gone to to fulfil its ethos of responsible travel within the design. It reflects Zulu culture with intricate basketwork, pottery and textiles.

Feel

The vibe is friendly, and given Phinda Homestead is only available for private hire, there’s also a sense of seclusion, and the peacefulness means you can appreciate what an extraordinary place you’re in.

Extras

Enjoy a feast from your personal chef, have a massage, do a workout in the gym, experience a Zulu village tour or go on a bush walk with your private ranger and tracker.

For an extra charge, you can even help with conservation work such as dehorning rhinos.

Outside

The reserve has been rebuilt to encompass diverse ecosystems in which the rarest of wildlife can thrive — most noticeably, the endangered black rhino. From the dry sand forest to the footlands of the Lebombo mountain range, the reserve is home to magnificent landscapes as well as the Big Five and a large population of cheetah.

Getting there

Airlink has scheduled flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to the reserve’s private airstrip from about £308 one way.

In a nutshell

A luxury, sole-use lodge providing bespoke safari experiences.

Exclusive use of the lodge from £5,352 a night, which includes three meals a day, drinks, safari drives and activities, private airstrip transfers.

andbeyond.com