Elite Traveler Winter 2023/24

WILDLIFE

Belmond Mount Nelson, Honeysuckle Cottage CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA When planning a wildlife-rich vacation, Cape Town might not be the fi rst place that comes to mind. Yet, the city’s Belmond Mount Nelson is a gateway to the wild, with experiences like a guided walk around Table Mountain to seek native fynbos and fauna; a dawn hike on the mountain at fi rst light; and a marine tour through the Cape Kelp Forest led by a local shark scientist. You can’t go wrong with any of the accommodations, but for the very best, book the two-bedroom Honeysuckle Cottage. Built in the late 1800s, it has undergone a serious restoration, emerging as a sweet refuge with its own fl ower garden and access to a private pool away from other hotel residents. From $2,000 per night. Contact Mariette du Toit, revenue manager, mariette.dutoit@belmond.com, +27 214 831 000, mountnelson.co.za

Wilderness Vumbura Plains OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

andBeyond Phinda Homestead PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA

Suites at Wilderness Vumbura Plains put guests closer to the wildlife action than you’d think possible. Set on the water’s edge with unobstructed views out across Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the suites are designed to appear as if they fl oat above the ground with contemporary architecture mixing wood, glass and canvas. Each of the camp’s thatch-roof suites has its own viewing deck, outdoor plunge pool and covered salas. In place of walls, the accommodations have canvas sheets, truly putting guests in the heart of the wild landscape. The main camp is just a short jaunt along the elevated walkway, where you will fi nd the main dining and lounge areas. From $1,650 per night. Contact Alex Chaplin, chief operations o ffi cer, enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com, +27 112 575 000, wildernessdestinations.com

Seeking a quintessential South African safari experience in seemingly boundless luxury? Look no further than andBeyond Phinda Homestead. Found in the heart of the 73,800-acre Phinda Private Game Reserve, where cheetah, black rhino, lion, leopards, elephants and more roam freely and boldly, the exclusive-use villa promises wildlife sightings galore (and limited vehicle numbers ensure intimacy). As well as the standard animal sightings, the team can also arrange for excursions further a fi eld which could, depending on preference, include beach trips, ocean safaris or photographic expeditions. Phinda Homestead has four spacious bedrooms, as well as plentiful communal areas culminating in the fun interactive kitchen. Guests are also treated to dedicated butler, chef, ranger and tracker services, with the entire vacation — from game drives to mealtimes — completely customizable. From $7,875 per night. Contact Valerie Mouton, global PR manager, media@andbeyond.com, +1 619 598 1199, andbeyond.com

Six Senses Fort Barwara, Raja Man Singh Pool Suite RAJASTHAN, INDIA Few wild species are more elusive, more rare or more majestic than the royal Bengal tiger. Six Senses Fort Barwara, however, is giving a handful of lucky guests the chance to witness a beast few have, and few will: The hotel’s tiger safari experience takes travelers into the heart of the Ranthambore National Park — a region that was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur but is now fi ercely protected — on the trail of the endangered Bengal tiger, guided by an expert naturalist. Back in the comfort of the grand hotel, check into the Raja Man Singh Pool Suite. The palatial suite exudes lavishness at every corner, from the circular pool built into the fort tower to the grand dining pavilion. Inside, the interiors (comprised of a bedroom, lounge, dining area, dressing room and huge bathroom) are fi nished in a contemporary Rajasthani style, with state-of-the-art, in-room technology and dedicated butler service, guaranteeing a stress-free stay. From $5,324 per night. Contact Karan Mahajan, assistant director of sales, karan.mahajan@sixsenses.com, +91 971 1122 076, sixsenses.com