Jan Stapel, Author at Great Safaris

Baines Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is located on a huge private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on Earth. This is Sanctuary’s smallest and most intimate camp, with only five luxurious suites.

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is our smallest Sanctuary camp with only five luxurious suites. With star baths and sky beds on your private deck, this is a romantic oasis.

Set in a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, this low environmental impact camp has been built using commercially grown wood and recycled tin cans. The local community in Maun were invited to collect as many cans as they could, and paid a fee for every can collected. These cans were then incorporated into the camp buildings, forming the backbone of the structures.

There is a communal swimming pool, and the wide wooden deck that surrounds the main dining and sitting room is the ideal place to relax while observing the varied wildlife present here. See prowling lions looking for prey at the edge of the lagoon that the camp overlooks, or watch one of the many elephants who live in the area.Baines’ is also one of only two camps to offer you the opportunity to walk with elephants.

• Offers unique Living with Elephants activity
• Romantic sky beds and star baths on your private deck
• Located on a private concession which means we can offer walking and night drives
• Seasonal Mokoro excursions and motorised boating available

The five suites at Sanctuary Baines’ are opulent and luxurious, with ensuite facilities and four-poster beds swathed in mosquito netting. Traditional safari ceiling fans create a cooling breeze at even the hottest times of the year. Should you wish, your bed can be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck for a night under the stars, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River where hippo can often be spotted.

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, Botswana

Chobe Chilwero, Chobe National Park, Botswana

A great deal of thought has gone into making Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero into a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush, with all of the facilities of a larger resort. Guests can relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for.

The main area commands fabulous views over the Chobe River which borders Chobe National Park to the north. As well as the elephants for which the park is famous, there are also huge herds of buffalo living in the towering teak forests that are characteristic of the area. Each room has two showers – one inside and one outside. The freestanding tubs in the bathrooms are big and comfortable. Each cottage has its own private garden where guests can sip cocktails after a day of game viewing, or why not enjoy your very own private dinner served under the African sky.

While at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, a visit to the spa is an absolute must. The full-service spa offers a range of treatments and rituals of the highest quality to relax, restore and revitalize guests. Authentic African design has been integrated with, and inspired by, the abundance of nature that surrounds the lodge. Great care has been taken in selecting brands, treatment methods and practices that are environmentally friendly. Treatments are provided by trained professionals, and include products from both the Africology and Thalgo lines. Spa facilities include an indoor spa bath, Vichy showers, hydrotherapy, plunge pool, relaxation area and private treatment rooms – one of which is elevated in the treetops. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Chobe Chilwero bedroom

Mara Plains Camp, Maasai Mara Game Reserve

ACCOMMODATIONS:  MARA PLAINS CAMP

Imagine a camp set right in the heart of some of the greatest predator country of Africa… This is Mara Plains Camp, located on the northern border of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in the 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Rarely a night passes without lion roaring nearby, while leopard are regularly found to wander through the camp and cheetah have established territories on the savannah nearby the main area.

Mara Plains Camp is a small, high quality, seven-roomed camp under canvas and on raised decks with sweeping views across Kenya’s notable savannahs. It is among the smallest and most personal camps in the Maasai Mara region. It is just one of four camps currently operating within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which boasts the region’s lowest vehicle density with no mini-buses, and lowest ratio of guests to land. In total, guests of Mara Plains have access to over 100,000 acres of low-density vehicle tourism lands as well as an additional 375,000 acres within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve itself. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

mara plains camp loungemara plains bedroom

Marriott Petra

Marriott PetraThe Petra Marriott Hotel combines the warmest Arabian hospitality with the splendor of the ancient city of Petra. Majestically situated to overlook the dramatic and picturesque rose-red city, the Petra Marriott Hotel offers an experience of a lifetime.

Le Méridien, Amman

Location: Set in the heart of Jordan’s capital city, Le Méridien Amman is located in the centre of Amman’s Shmeisani commercial business and diplomatic district. A walk away from the Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and many of the city’s malls and shopping areas and a daytrip away from the Dead Sea, Jerash, Petra, and Aqaba, the hotel is an ideal gateway to all that Jordan has to offer. Only a 40-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport, Le Méridien Amman is an ideal location for business and pleasure.

Accommodation: Le Méridien Amman offers a chic and unique style in every one of its newly-renovated guest rooms and suites. The luxurious sitting and working areas create an inviting atmosphere for you to discover and enjoy.

Facilities: The hotel’s health club features superior spa facilities, including sauna and steam rooms, massage and facial treatments, and indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel’s numerous restaurants and lounges feature cuisine and entertainment from around the world.le-meridien-amman

Movenpick, Petra

The Movenpick is ideally located opposite the entrance to the Petra site. The hotel is a mixture of Arabic and international design featuring an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood and Middle Eastern fabrics and textures..

There are 183 rooms and suites, all of which have en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities such as TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities. All rooms also feature a complimentary mini bar. The rooms are modern, however it is worth being aware that modern design in Jordan can still feel somewhat dated compared to other international hotels in the Middle East. The main areas of the hotel are more Arabic in style, including intricate tiles and carved wooden panels and window trellises . The Movenpick Resort Petra has a good range of facilities including an outdoor pool and a fully equipped gym. The hotel has a extensive range of treatments in the spa and you can enjoy the Turkish baths and enjoy a full Hammam experience.

There are a number of restaurants to choose from, ranging from international buffets to candlelit Arabic cuisine. There are some great options for lighter bites, including the Caravan Stop Shop, which offers sandwiches and pastries, the Al Baraka Tea Room which serves refreshments in a cosy setting, and the Al Maqa’ad Bar, with an extensive drinks menu and light snacks.  During summer the Al Ghadeer Roof Garden provides an atmospheric place to enjoy a sundowner and live music.

Grand Hyatt, Amman

Location: Located in the heart of Amman’s stately business and diplomatic district, 30 minutes to Queen Alia International Airport plus 3 minutes to downtown and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Features: The Grand Hyatt Amman’s 316 rooms and suites feature the latest in modern conveniences combined with traditional Arabesque ornaments and offer the ultimate in luxurious accommodations.

All rooms are air-conditioned and include a refrigerator, in-room safe, television, coffee/tea maker and minibar. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bar/lounge, several restaurants, business centre and complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby. Also offered are a health club, hair salon, sauna and nightclub.grand-hyatt-amman

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

As Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s premier hotel, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi sets the standard for exceptional service throughout its 499 impeccable rooms and suites, 11 innovative dining and lounge venues, and the luxurious ESPA at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. The interiors of this Abu Dhabi resort embody a contemporary fusion of elegance and momentum, created with sensuous curves and sleek lines.

Experience the pure comfort, plush amenities and latest in technology that features in all of the generous guestrooms, with a minimum of 581 square feet or 54 square meters of space to relax and enjoy. To ensure that guests stay in rooms tailored to their needs, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi has a variety of guestrooms to choose from, including interconnecting rooms and suites. Custom furnishings and modern conveniences highlight the guestrooms’ innovative design, matching the hotel’s striking architecture.yas-viceroy-abu-dhabi

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

The enchantment is immediate at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. While the hotel is conveniently located near the airport, golf course and city center, its lush garden landscapes place it in a serene, faraway world of its own. Magnificent views enthrall as you enter. The grand golden-white main building reflects in the swimming pool by the entrance. Your senses are bewitched by the hotel’s impressive architecture, with its fine Arabic decor, full of warm tones and organic textures.

The epitome of Arabian luxury, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi is truly an oasis in the heart of the Emirates. Located on a private stretch of one-kilometer long beach, the hotel’s rooms and suites set the benchmark in exclusivity and comfort. Each of the 214 rooms feature a balcony or terrace with a breathtaking view of the canal. All rooms are elegantly appointed with modern facilities and Arabian architectural flare. To enjoy the pinnacle of privacy and extravagance, there are six spectacular four-bedroom villas, each with a private pool. To cater to the needs of extended stay guests, the hotel also has 161 serviced apartments ranging from studios to four-bedrooms.shangri-la-hotel-qaryat-al-beri

Miombo Safari Camp, Hwange Park

Miombo Safari Camp has the distinction of being the closest quality accommodation to Hwange National Park Main Gate & is located in the DETE annex, on a private concession within the eastern border of the Hwange National Park. Having undergone a total transformation, there are seven brand new boutique raised above ground level platforms that are 75sqm, atop of which are exquisite luxury 55sqm safari suites, configured to accommodate two guests in a queen sized double or twin-bed configuration. Each of these guest suites has a main bedroom, with a wardrobe & storage space for clothes & footwear, a private en-suite bathroom with twin ´His & Hers` basins, ample hot & cold running water on demand, an interior private shower & separate private toilet. We also have two standard tree houses. These accommodation units are rustic & not of the same standard as the new platform units. Instead they cater to safari lovers who may have been to Miombo Safari Camp prior to its transformation, or folks who are seeking a slightly less luxury & more `rustic` bush accommodation.

Miombo Safari Camp

Somalisa Camp, Hwange Park

Location: Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Somalisa is an authentic bush camp, a blend of old African charm and elegance together with an exclusive safari experience. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breath taking views of the savannah plains of the famous Kennedy Vlei line. At Somalisa Camp, you will experience the heightened romance of the African Bush in one of the most natural environments in Africa. This is the way Africa was meant to be explored.

Only six elegantly furnished canvas tents with en suite bathrooms, flush toilet and romantic alfresco bush shower make up this camp. The décor echoes of an old era, from colonial to the ancient tribes of Africa, telling the story from all corners of this magnificent continent. It’s stunning main area and pool lends to complete relaxation, whether it be with a cup of tea or one of our refreshing cocktails; overlooking the pan where the herds of game congregate in large herds, offering rare moments of outstanding nature.somalisa-camp

Hotel Paradise Sun, Praslin, Seychelles

At the quiet-end of a 2km stretch of white sand, bordered by granite boulders, Paradise Sun’s collection of charming ocean facing French-Creole bungalows peek out from tropical flowering gardens. The turquoise horizon is interrupted only by the postcard beauty of St Pierre Island and bobbing sail boats.

Creole warmth and island discovering, ocean and garden-fresh cuisine, endless jungle and underwater exploring as well as all-natural spa reviving make Paradise Sun hotel on Praslin in the Seychelles a place for family, romance, adventure or simply a wish-you-were-here dream island getaway.

From breakfast poolside to lunch on the beach and dinner with the ocean lapping against St Pierre Beach Restaurant, cuisine at Paradise Sun is a menu of Creole-inspired, always-fresh, familiar-favourites and Seychelles flavours. From oven hot pizza to ocean fresh sashimi and from jungle picked fruits to French style pastries, dining with us at our Praslin restaurant is a plate to remember.

Hotel Paradise Sun Praslin

Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, Seychelles

Location: Just 10minutes away by boat from Mahé, making it a convenient stepping-stone for island hopping in the Seychelles. The Sainte Anne Resort & Spa is located on the 200 hectare private island of Sainte Anne in the Seychelles archipelago.

The Sainte Anne Resort is an exclusive resort which has just undergone major refurbishment and is a magnificent retreat surrounded by three fabulous beaches and clear glistening sea.

Accommodation: The accommodation is villa style and each spacious villa has a secluded garden with views of the sea and a furnished gazebo for either relaxing or dining al fresco.

87 air-conditioned villas with; bath, shower, outside shower, mini bar, safe, hairdryer, satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities, and patio with gazebo.

28 villas now have private pools. Ocean villas are closer to the beach. One and two bedroom villas are available and the spectacular Royal Villa has three bedrooms.

Facilities:

  • Four restaurants.
  • Bar.
  • Swimming Pool.
  • Two floodlit tennis courts.
  • Fitness centre offering the latest equipment.
  • Variety of free water sports.
  • Supervised Bob Marlin Mini Club for children 3 to 12 years.
  • Dive Centre.
  • Clarin’s Spa.
  • Helipad.

st-anne-resort

Anantara MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, Seychelles

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, set on a rocky peninsula between 2 bays on the island of Mahé, is 8 km from Seychelles Golf Club and 17 km from the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens.

The thatched-roof villas with island-chic interiors feature ocean views, air conditioning, infinity pools, outdoor baths, gazebos with en suite dining, butler service, and wet bars or minibars. Upgraded villas add private butlers, and some have beach access.


All Meals and drinks are included,  served in villas or in the resort restaurant and bar, and there’s a spa, a fitness center and a pool. Scuba diving and water sports are also included.

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

Zanzibar Serena Inn, Zanzibar

Idyllically situated on the sea-front of ancient Stone Town, and flanked by an exotic mix of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbors, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of one of Africa’s most ancient and most enchanting towns. A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the inn has been styled to represent the epitome of Swahili style, ethnic elegance and Arabic opulence.

Zanzibar Serena Inn

Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar

Located along the Bwejuu – Paje beach that was named as one of the top 30 in the world by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Baraza is Zanzibar’s most exclusive boutique resort. Baraza Resort and Spa is 5 star all inclusive hotel voted as one of the 60 best new hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, a prestigious world wide travel magazine. With just 30 villas, this stunning fully inclusive resort evokes the heritage of Zanzibar dating back to the era of the Sultans. A fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design, with Swahili arches, intricate hand carved cement decor, beautiful antiques, handmade furniture and intricate brass lanterns; Baraza offers unparalleled standards of luxury on the Island of Zanzibar.

Baraza Resort & Spa

Matemwe Retreat, Zanzibar

Location: Combining the spirit of Zanzibar with the highest standards of luxury, Matemwe Retreat’s secluded villas are considered the most exclusive choice of accommodation on this exotic island.

A dedicated butler will ensure that your every whim is catered for. Select your menu with the chef each morning, sip a fresh cocktail in your plunge pool and enjoy a relaxing massage in the privacy of your villa. Leave your sanctuary to dive and snorkel at the nearby reef. Whatever you choose, Matemwe Retreat provides the perfect escape and an indulging haven of luxury.

matemwe-retreat

Sopa Camps & Lodges, Tanzania

amboseli-sopa-lodge

Elewana Camps & Lodges, Tanzania

Meaning harmony or understanding in Kiswahili, Elewana alludes to a balance sought between all the elements expected by the most discerning traveler and the exquisite but fragile ecosystems of the African bush. A balance between people and nature, tourism and conservation, between extremes of comfort and style and the raw, often brutal, beauty of the Worlds greatest wildlife experience.elewana-lodges-logo

Ngong House, Nairobi

Location: Ngong House is a private, serene and luxurious home stay situated in Karen / Langata area of Nairobi.

The lodge overlooks the Ngong Hills, only a few minutes away from what used to be Karen Blixen’s coffee farm.

ngon-house