The Experience

Royal Malewane

Luxury in its purest form. Situated in a private game reserve adjacent to the Kruger National park in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, it is in the heart of big game country. Royal Malewane’s luxurious accommodation redefines the concept of solitude. The thatched lodge has been beautifully decorated in an elegant, colonial style by one of South Africa’s leading interior designers, with antiques, comfortable deep-cushioned couches, and Persian rugs.

Each of the six superb air-conditioned luxury suites includes a fireplace, a ball-and-claw Victorian bath, indoor and outdoor showers and the luxury of a secluded gazebo and private spillway pool on a wooden viewing deck. The jewels of the Lodge are the Royal and Malewane Suites, the largest and most exclusive in Africa. These are ultra lavish, private hideaways each accommodating 4 guests in two en suite rooms with private lounge and dining facilities and the complimentary services of a private butler, chef and up to four complimentary massages per suite per day. The food, prepared by an award-winning chef, is an important part of the experience, with fine dining by candlelight in the dining room or by starlight in the boma against the backdrop of a crackling fire. Leisurely brunches may be enjoyed before relaxing in the privacy of your gazebo, cooling off in your pool, or viewing game from the deck and spotting the brilliant bird life. Guests are treated to a full breakfast, lunch, high tea and gourmet dinner – all expertly prepared by an award-winning chef, who is on hand to cater for any special preferences or requests, be it a favorite dish for dinner under starlight in the boma or a pre-packed bush breakfast. Game viewing at Royal Malewane provides guests with the best opportunities for seeing the natural abundance of big game on the 12000 ha Reserve, home of the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Over 250 recorded bird species are also to be found in the Reserve. Game viewing is tailored to guests’ individual needs, either by open Land Rover or on foot. Our expert ranger and master tracker (The only surviving one in Southern Africa) accompany the guests. Royal Malewane is now also home to one of the most exclusive Spas on the continent. Completely surrounded by the untamed African bush, The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is a veritable oasis of calm. With internationally qualified therapists on hand to provide therapeutic massage, luxurious body treatments and hydrotherapy, this is the ultimate refuge for those seeking to refresh and restore the mind, body and spirit. The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa philosophy draws on the much-celebrated healing powers of water. All hydrotherapy treatments make use of untainted, mineral rich water specially sourced from an underground stream that flows through the game reserve.   Gentle whispers of flowing water invite guests through majestic antique Indian Teak doors into the Bush Spa’s beautiful central courtyard. Here, with the seamless African sky as a ceiling, guests are free to relax around the palatial heated pool and enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa. Positioned around the central courtyard are the beautifully appointed treatment rooms, as well as a fully equipped gymnasium, a steam room, hot and cold African baths and bush casitas where guests can enjoy the treatment of their choice, or simply relax in private. Defining the African experience are The Waters of Royal Malewane signature treatments. Completely unique and unashamedly indulgent, these treatments make use of rare indigenous oils and traditional ingredients to provide a sensory experience with an unforgettable African touch.
With up to 20 guests at a time, Royal Malewane, set on a private reserve within the greater Kruger area, assures you a delightfully exclusive safari experience. Mornings begin with a ranger-accompanied game drive to search for the “big five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), followed by a leisurely breakfast; an afternoon and a night game drive are also offered. Explore the camp and discover the library, shop and spa/gym facility. To truly treat yourself, reserve the Royal Suite or the Malewane Suite, both of which boast butler and chef service, private game drives and complimentary massages per suite, per day.
 
The guides are among the most knowledgeable around. Most have been here more than ten years. –Ansley Thomas New York, New York Distance from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS): 35 minutes

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
    • (not applicable to Royal Suites or Africa House)
  • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
  • 10% off spa treatments
    • and products & 15% off all curio shop purchases
  • Luxury Suites recieve:
    • A choice of ONE of the following: a 30min photographic lesson, a talk on wildlife at Royal Malewane, or a local pre-school visit
  • Royal Suites & Africa House recieve:
    • A choice of two of the following: a 30 min photographic lesson, a cooking course, a talk on wildlife at Royal Malewane or a local pre-school visit.
  • Early check-in/late check-out
    • subject to availability
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