Vito Degrigoli, Author at Great Safaris

Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town

Enjoy tranquil luxury at the Queen Victoria Hotel, one of Cape Town’s most distinguished boutique hotels. Here, in a historic precinct near to the V&A Waterfront, classic elegance meets contemporary design. This five-star hotel’s prime location offers convenient access to outstanding amenities and a serene escape from the bustle.

Queen Victoria Hotel

The Queen Victoria Hotel has 32 rooms and three luxury suites, each one sophisticated, yet comfortable. This V&A Waterfront hotel has been tastefully decorated, bearing splashes of the royal shade, purple, customized wallpaper and artwork that alludes to the property’s location.

Queen Victoria Hotel

The Deluxe Rooms at the Queen Victoria Hotel are wonderfully spacious and include a range of luxurious amenities.  Each Deluxe Room features:

  • A television with satellite channels
  • A minibar
  • Complimentary coffee and teas
  • A king-size bed
  • Luxury cotton linen
  • Air conditioning
  • An en-suite bathroom
  • Heated towel rails
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • A hairdryer
  • International adapters available on request
  • An electronic safe

Pioneers Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls

“Pioneers” is the latest gem in the accommodation offerings available in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. A short 2.5 km from the magical Victoria Falls, and situated in a peaceful residential suburb, this lodge is in an ideal location. The nostalgic era of the pioneer explorers has been perfectly blended with modern amenities to meet all the requirements of today’s traveller. The property is exclusively reserved for residents which ensures topmost privacy.

Pioneers Victoria Falls exterior reception

Set in lush gardens with beautifully manicured lawns, this fifty room lodge is a great option for those who value comfort and elegance. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in a classic style, and each has a clear and open view of the garden.  As well as comfortable furniture, multi plugs and good lighting, they all feature air-conditioners, fans, room safes, mosquito nets and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has its own bathroom en-suite with shower, toilet and a double vanity unit.  Pioneers is a family friendly property with four family rooms available.

Pioneers Victoria Falls patio bar

The heart of “Pioneers” Lodge is the centrally located main area. The layout and classic décor here is extremely welcoming with a serene and stylish lounge which is airy and comfortable, and the rich inside dining room is certainly nostalgic and inviting. The guests also have the option of relaxing and dining on the spacious and expansive terrace, overlooking lush gardens. All areas have overhead fans and are beautifully finished. There is a large saloon style bar area which serves a variety of cold and hot beverages, including local craft beer made from our very own Zambezi water. For the modern traveller, Wi-Fi is important and this is readily available throughout the lodge. Under the hot African sun, well placed in the lush gardens are two swimming pools for the guests to use at their leisure. In addition to these, a day spa, TV Room and a meetings room are also available on the property.

Conservation and preservation of the environment are so important, and Pioneers is committed to being Environmentally Friendly. Carefully placed solar panels are used to harness the power of the sun and covert it to clean energy. Although not totally off the grid yet, most of the lodge runs off solar energy, backed up by generator as a contingency. Pioneers also supports local wildlife charities in aid of conservation, anti-poaching, essential research and anti-litter projects, all of which operate in the Victoria Falls region.

Notably, the guests at the Pioneers are at the forefront, and service is something the lodge prides itself on. From the owners and senior management team, to each and every member of staff at the lodge, the friendly and hospitable team are there to ensure guests are welcomed and comfortable throughout their stay. Certainly a great place to stay in the charming town of Victoria Falls.

Le Meridien Medina, Medina

Le Méridien Medina welcomes you to Saudi Arabia with an artful balance of refined elegance and relaxed comfort. You’ll find our hotel located in the heart of the Radiant City – home to King Fahad Quran Printing Press, where millions of Qurans are printed and distributed throughout the world every year, as well as the legendary Al Masjid an Nabawi Mosque. Stretch out in tastefully designed hotel accommodations, furnished with varying shades of Italian marble and generously appointed with contemporary amenities and traditional Saudi Arabian accents.

After a day of business or sightseeing, thrill your palate with flavorful international and Arabic cuisine at Al-Roshan Restaurant. With distinctive dining, a barbershop and an attentive hotel staff, Le Méridien Medina is a peaceful, oasis where inspiration abounds.

Le Meridien Medina

Assila Hotel by Luxury Collection, Jeddah

Assila HotelThe epitome of understated opulence and exclusivity, Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a celebration of the city’s progress. A modern masterpiece that artfully blends traditional Arabian hospitality with contemporary sophistication. Luxuriously spacious rooms and suites flawlessly furnished, with spectacular city views, present a picture of refined elegance and unprecedented comfort at the Assila. Enchanting spa, rooftop pool, sporting facilities and global gastronomy cater to every extravagant wish, want or whim.

Millennium Hail Hotel

Millennium Hail HotelSet in a convenient location opposite Hail economic city, Millennium Hail Hotel Saudi Arabia offers luxury accommodations and an extensive array of services and amenities. Each of our 166 luxurious rooms and 17 suites is spacious, beautifully designed and well-appointed.

Built with perfection, the Millennium Hail Hotel Saudi Arabia places you in the center of everything you need, with the Saudi Railway Station right next to the hotel and Hail Regional Airport only 20 minutes away.

Shaden Resort, Al Ula

Shaden Resort in Al-ʿUla has accommodation offering mountain views, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a shared lounge and a garden. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Each unit at the Shaden Resort, Al Ula comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bidet and shower. Some units have a patio and/or a balcony with pool views.  A continental breakfast is available each morning at the luxury tent. The wellness area at Shaden Resort, Al Ula is comprised of a hammam, a hot tub and a sauna.

Shaden Resort Al Ula

Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana, Riyadh

Rosh RayhaanConveniently located on the popular Olaya street, Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana is surrounded by shopping districts and is only a short 20-minute drive from Riyadh International Airport. The Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana offers distinctive restaurants and lounges, each with its own unique style; ensuring guests enjoy an exquisite dining experience without ever needing to step outside the property.

With its contemporary design, the hotel offers 236 splendid rooms and suites spread over eight floors ranging from classic rooms to royal suites in addition to the Club Rotana rooms that specifically meet the needs of a business travellers.

Sarova Mara Game Camp, Masai Mara

Sarova Mara Game Camp is ideally located in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and offers a unique African safari experience for game viewing. The camp is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams.  The luxury safari camps include 20 Club Tents, 30 Deluxe Tents, 19 Standard Tents, 3 Family Tents, the main restaurant, bar and a free form swimming pool that has its own pool bar. All Sarova Mara Game Camp tents include an en-suite bathroom. The Club Tents offer a spectacular view of the rolling plains of the Savannah. The cuisine is exceptional with organic garden and bush dining options available. In addition, the Sarova Mara Game Camp has its own fleet of well-equipped safari vehicles with excellent safari guides.  Come explore the Seventh “New” Wonder of the World, the Masai Mara!

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Baobab Beach Resort and Spa

Located on the world famous Diani Beach, the Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is set within 80 acres of tropical gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean. An oasis of tranquillity and serenity, the resort’s picturesque location is nestled on a coral headland overlooking vast stretches of golden beach. Shaded by indigenous coastal vegetation and exotic coconut palms the resort stretches over 500 metres of golden beach front offering the ultimate luxury beach holiday.

Guestrooms at the Baobab Beach Resort and Spa have been specifically designed to provide paramount comfort and luxury for all our clients. Guests may utilize leisure facilities across the resort, including 3 swimming pools, dining areas and much more.

Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is renowned as Kenya’s leading all-inclusive resort and takes pride in an exemplary level of service and attention to detail. Our staff are on-hand to ensure your stay is both relaxing and unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming you to Baobab Beach Resort and Spa – “In a world of its own”.

Baobab Beach Resort and Spa

Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa

The Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa is set in a beautiful tropical garden and was totally renovated in 2016. The 92 rooms are in makuti roofed cottages bungalows, with only 4 rooms per unit; giving you a relaxing and quiet holiday. Restaurants and bars form a perfect match between hotel and nature and offer a real African atmosphere.  The resort is located at the South Coast at the famous Diani Beach.

At the Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa there is a refreshing fresh water swimming pool. The water sports center is located on the beach. The kids club, pool table, table tennis, darts, mini golf (putting), aqua-gym, water volley ball and beach volley ball are shared with Neptune Village Beach Resort & Spa as well as the 2 flood-lit tennis courts. Nearby there is golf course with 18 holes (Leisure Lodge Club).

Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa

Sentrim Mara Camp

Sentrim Mara is located in Masai Mara Game Reserve, 3 km after the Sekenani gate.  The entire 10 tents are spread out in serene surroundings amongst acacia trees that surround the camp.  The main guest area consists of the reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar.

The Masai Mara is a large park reserve in south-western Kenya. Named for the Maasai people and the Mara River, which divides it, it is famous for its exceptional population of game.

Balloon Safaris can be organized on request, at additional cost.

Sentrim Mara Camp

Tamarind Tree Hotel

Ideally located just 5 kms southwest of Nairobi, within the spacious Carnivore grounds and its iconic Carnivore Restaurant, Tamarind Tree Hotel has easy access to Nairobi, its national park, and the country’s diverse attractions via the neighboring Wilson Airport and Southern Bypass. The nearby Langata and Karen suburbs are among Nairobi’s liveliest and most popular with world-class shopping malls and excellent restaurants.

Tamarind Tree Hotel

Kati Kati Tented Camp, Serengeti

A mobile tented camp located in Central Serengeti, Kati Kati is strategically located to cover the vast Serengeti Plains. The solar powered camp offers comfortable accommodation and a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience. The camp is only a two hour scenic drive from Olduvai Gorge and Grumeti River.

The tents at Kati Kati, while reasonably simple, are spacious and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the experience of sleeping under canvas in the heart of the Serengeti. The tents and furnishings are khaki colored in order to blend in with the natural surroundings, with plastic windows allowing plenty of natural light while keeping mosquitos at bay. Each tent comes complete with either one king sized bed or two twin beds, each tent also has its own en suite bathroom with flush toilet, hand basin and safari shower to the back, as well as a small shaded veranda at the front. Lighting is solar powered.

Food is served under canvas in the central mess tent and is eaten communally. Despite being located in the middle of the Serengeti, Kati Kati’s chefs provide wholesome and hearty meals with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, much of which has been sourced from the gardens of the camp’s sister properties in the nearby Ngorongoro highlands. Before dinner, guests can gather around the campfire for appetizers and snacks.

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge, Tarangire

Situated on the shores of Lake Burunge and located in the migratory corridor of Manyara and Tarangire, Lake Burunge Tented Camp is only 20-minute drive away from Tarangire National Park.

The camp has twenty thatched guest rooms and pleasant elevated public areas. Lake Burunge Tented Lodge consists of 20 Luxury Tents and 10 Lodge Rooms nestled in a shady bush land grove, with spectacular views onto Lake Burunge. All rooms at Lake Burunge offer large beds with mosquito netting, en-suite bathrooms with built in showers, private verandas and views of Tarangire National Park and Lake Burunge. Since tap-water is piped from the lake, you are advised that it is neither for drinking nor tooth-brushing; bottled water is supplied for this purpose.

The lodge offers both refreshing outdoor and cosy indoor dining. Food is simple and abundant, a combination of European and local dishes. The latter are tasty, spicy and naturally adapted to the climate.  All ingredients are produced in local communities and are fresh, usually organically grown. Buffet meals are served in the dining room, or you may dine on your own verandah or take picnics by arrangement. The main building offers a central lounge and bar/dining area built on a raised wooden deck.

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge offers unrivalled opportunities to experience close quarters with native wildlife, from dik-diks bounding on the hillside and geckos frolicking in your thatch, to thousands of birds flitting through the trees, fighting for insects around the camp and serenading you throughout the life-throbbing African night.

Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, Lake Manyara

Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp is located just outside the Park on the northern shore of Lake Manyara, with spectacular views of the steep 1,950 foot high Great Rift Valley escarpment and beautiful sunsets to the west.

Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp offers comfortable accommodations while remaining true to the natural element of the safari experience. The camp comprises of ten canvas tented lodgings and sixteen self-contained cottages, all with deep soaking tubs, and other standard amenities include rainfall showerheads, coffee makers and private balconies or patios overlooking the real Africa, majestic, unfiltered and unadorned.

The thatched double-storey main lodge houses the restaurant, bar and upstairs lounge, all with views across the floodplain. The restaurant serves continental classics and contemporary Indian and traditional dishes with vegetables and herbs grown from the local villages. Meals can be served in the restaurant dining room, the garden next to the pool, or the upstairs lounge.

An infinity pool in front of the lodge shares the view and is a wonderful place to cool down after a hot day viewing game in the park. If you want to catch up on news or sport, there is a flatscreen TV in the upstairs lounge. A cold cocktail in the informal lounge or outside next to the pool, is a perfect way watch the sun set on another spectacular day in Africa.

The Last Word, Franschhoek

An intimate, five-star hotel of just 10 guestrooms and suites in the heart Franschhoek, the French corner of the Cape Winelands, The Last Word Franschhoek is best described as elegant and contemporary in style. The 8 Superior Double Room offers 45 square metres of floor space, sufficiently spacious for a double bed or twin beds, bedside tables and lighting, a chaise longue at the foot of the bed/s, a separate seating area, and ample storage space. En-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, twin washbasins with mirror over, and bathtub with shower attachment. Additional amenities include air conditioning, under-floor heating, heated towel rails, telephone, flatscreen satellite television, DVD player, bedside alarm clocks, tea-and-coffee tray, port/sherry decanter, safe, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, shaving points, robes, and slippers.

The common areas include the pleasant lounge, in which plush sofas and armchairs surround coffee tables and ottomans, all under the twinkling lights of a chandelier. The breakfast room features chic individual tables-and-chairs, laid in readiness for your first meal of the day. This can be the setting for lunches and dinners too, but most guests prefer to venture out to enjoy the amazing experience of fine dining in Franschhoek! A small bar within the hotel serves a good range of drinks, and you can request spa treatments such as massages within your own room or suite. The gorgeous gardens also promote relaxation, with their fragrant roses and bougainvilleas – and of course the solar-heated swimming pool!

 

Dulini Leadwood Lodge, Kruger Park

Leadwood captivates its guests by taking deep root in their hearts, much like the ancient trees after which the Lodge is named. Leadwood Lodge is the ultimate safari choice for discerning travellers in search of luxurious exclusivity and solitude. Tucked secretively into the lush elbow where the Mabrak and Sand rivers confluence, four Leadwood suites whisper of lavish luxury, designed with crushed stone, raw cement, rough granite and glass with air conditioning, fireplace, sitting room, ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower and private  eternity-edge pool with a wrap-around deck.

The contemporary elegance of the Leadwood suites is complemented by the chic attention of personal butlers, and the exclusivity of the experience. Meals are sometimes served at separate tables in conventional restaurant style, whilst at other times a single large dining table is used, usually hosted by managers and guides. Private tables and special meals can usually be accommodated. Bush meals, picnics and sundowner drinks are also a possibility.

Akademie Street Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek

Just under 1,000 ft  from the Franschhoek monument, in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel offers luxurious suites and traditional cottages, some with their own private swimming pools. All of the accommodation at Akademie Street is set in lush gardens and many have views of the mountains of the Cape Winelands. Each suite or cottage has its own theme and the property boasts with wood fired hot tubs and fragrant landscaped gardens. Gelatenheid, Oortuiging and Vreugde each have their own sun-kissed swimming pool and shady, private garden.

A full English breakfast is served each morning.  Since Franschhoek is considered the gourmet capital of South Africa, your lunch and dinner should be enjoyed at any one of the award-winning restaurants in town, complimented of course by local wines from the nearby estates. The hotel’s concierge desk is open 24/7 to help you with restaurants, wine tours, hikes and advice on what to see and do.

Villa Santorini, Mozambique

Nestled above the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay in Vilanculos, Villa Santorini Mozambique is like a small Greek village in the heart of a raw African landscape – a magical combination. The main villa is your home away from home and offers guests the choice of two swimming pools, a snug lounge, snack kitchen and many private terraces and smaller annexes that are ideal for private dining by candlelight.

There are five individually named suites in the main villa and views of the Bazaruto Archipelago are visible from the rooms. All the rooms are light and airy and decorated in nautical tones with large, comfortable beds, modern bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, standalone bathtubs and private terraces with loungers where you can enjoy the sweeping sea views. Rooms include air conditioning and fans, iPod docking stations, Wi-Fi access and private room safe.

The white sandy beach below is a short walk down wooden steps where you can laze on bean bags under your private thatched beach banda or take out a kayak or paddle board into the ocean. Explore, island hop, snorkel, laze in the warm Indian ocean or around the courtyard pool.

Mont D’Or, Franschhoek

Mont d’Or Franschhoek is in the center of the historic picturesque town of Franschhoek, surrounded by beautiful scenery within the Cape Winelands.

This beautifully renovated boutique hotel has eleven air-conditioned en-suite rooms, each decorated emitting its own unique character. Each room has a choice of satellite TV channels, complimentary Wi-Fi access, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini fridges (which can be stocked upon request) and a safe for peace of mind. Each decorated in a rustic, yet charming, luxurious style. Breakfast is served on the veranda, prepared using only the finest local ingredients.

The in-house Mont d’Or spa will offer you a chance to fully unwind with a choice of treatments. A welcoming home lounge area, a garden with a pool and sun loungers, perfect for enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the African sun.

Walking distance to a wide selection of restaurants and wine tasting venues many with a French feel reflecting the influences of the French in the area. Only a few minutes walk to an array of up-market boutique shops, chocolatiers, art galleries, museums and historic monuments.