Dear Travel Partner
The hospitality industry — and the world — is facing a global crisis. In times like these, it’s important to work together and help each other out wherever possible. This week’s newsletter offers some great stories of inspiration and change.
Extraordinary remains committed to one truth: the safety of our people. In upholding our core values and in collaboration with the South African government, we are pausing our operations until 30 April 2020 at the properties whilst our sales, reservations and marketing teams work remotely and on shortened hours.
We wish each and every one of you a healthy and safe month and may Tourism bounce back rapidly.
Yours in travel,
Cindy
THE FIRST DESTINATION SPA WILL SOON OPEN IN VICTORIA FALLS
Africa Albida Tourism recently announced that come September, they are planning to open the largest and first purpose built spa in Victoria Falls. The new spa will allow for Zimbabwe’s top tourist attraction to become a sought out wellness destination.
The spa, being constructed by hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism, whose accommodation portfolio is made up of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites and Lokuthula Lodges – Victoria Falls, will be named Victoria Falls Safari Spa.
Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) chief executive Ross Kennedy said: “We want to create the leading spa and wellness offering in the region, and in doing so we believe travellers will be encouraged to visit Victoria Falls to take advantage of the spa.”
Open to in-house guests, guests from other hotels and local residents, Victoria Falls’ first destination spa will be ideal for wellness weekends, Monday to Thursday breaks, couples and wedding packages where bridal parties can book the spa out, Kennedy said.
The spa will include manicure and pedicure stations in the central area as well as private relaxation rooms, a restaurant, hair salon and changing rooms. Three separate treatment rooms will also be added, which will include one double and two single rooms, all of which will be located in a tranquil bush.
ROMANTIC DATE NIGHT IN THE HEART OF CAPE TOWN
The Cape Milner is launching a fabulous date for couples who want to get out of the house and enjoy a romantic night out in vibrant Tamboerskloof!
Spend the night out and indulge in some much deserved one on one time with your partner and enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, dinner for two at our 2 on Milner restaurant as well as a complimentary bottle of wine to enjoy with your dinner. The offer is valid until the end of September 2020.
Contact The Cape Milner for more details on +27 21 426 1102 or email reserve@capemilner.com
WELCOMING NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF BRUCE GLAISTER TO MABULA GAME LODGE
Chef Bruce joins Mabula Game Lodge with 27 years in the hospitality industry with experiences that range from 4 and 5 star hotels, lodges as well as time spent working on cruise liners. Although it is not just his culinary experience that he is bringing with him. Bruce is a registered Assessor and Trainer with NQF Framework and a motivational speaker.
“My pride in the presentation of the food and what I put forward to my patrons is of the utmost importance. I’m a true believer in being a leader and not a manager”, says Bruce.
We extend our warmest welcome to Bruce and look forward to all the wonderful things that he will bring to the Mabula Game Lodge family.
ADDITIONAL ROOMS ADDED TO BLACK RHINO GAME LODGE
Black Rhino Game Lodge offers authentic safari experiences in the impressive Pilanesberg National Park. Covering some 58 000 hectares, Pilanesberg is one of South Africa’s most exciting eco-tourism destinations and home to the Big 5. The guest rooms are especially spacious and well-appointed, ideal for both families and couples looking to spend a romantic weekend away.
Three new additional rooms have recently been added to the lodge, including a luxurious and romantic honeymoon suite. The new honeymoon suite will offer couples the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and Pretoria and indulge in a romantic getaway with the addition of a private plunge pool and outdoor shower.
The décor has been kept to exude the same understated luxury to which Black Rhino Game Lodge has been become known for.
ADVENTURE WORLD NEW ZEALAND VISITS MABULA GAME LODGE
Mabula Game Lodge recently hosted a tremendous group from Adventure World New Zealand while on a tour of South Africa.
The group gave some amazing feedback of their stay, with a highlight being their phenomenal guide Liam who helped make their trip a memorable one. Their only regret being that they did not manage see cheetah or leopard on their safaris.
WELCOME VISITOR TO HAMILTONS TENTED CAMP
Earlier this month we received these stunning images from Hamiltons Tented Camp in the Kruger National Park of this gorgeous leopard lounging with its kill on the branch of a Jackalberry tree. The pictures were taken from the deck of the lodge.
This leopard is a prime example of how to enjoy the Kruger at its best, with some much needed R&R time after a day spent out on safaris.
NEW SPA RITUAL AT MABULA GAME LODGE
The Spa at Mabula Game Lodge has included a fabulous new ritual to the African Body Massages.
Guests can now look forward to a relaxing and calming foot soak after each of the African massages as an additional way to finish off the tranquil experience. We cannot think of anything better to look forward to!
WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE GATE ENTRANCE FEE INCREASE
As of 1 March 2020, Welgevonden Game Reserve announced an increase in its gate entry fee to R 151.00 incl. VAT. This increase will apply to all Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway guests travelling from 01 March 2020.
EXTRAORDINARY ATTENDS THE WEDDING EXPO MARCH 2020
Extraordinary recently attended the annual wedding expo at the Sandton Convention Centre in early March as well as partnering with The Wedding Expo’s as one of the sponsors of their 22seven boxes with one lucky couple winning an all-inclusive two-night stay at Safari Plains. The expo was hosted on the 14th and 15th of March 2020 and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the couples in attendance and showing them our wonderful offerings of wedding and honeymoon destinations. We look forward to helping them make their special day as memorable as possible.
VICTORIA FALLS MAKES CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER’S 50 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE WORLD
Victoria Falls was recently named one of the most beautiful places in the world according to Condé Nast Traveller. The bucket list destination is among one of 50 stunning places including other African destinations like the Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar, Boulders Beach in Cape Town and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.