From a brand-new halal lodge to a reimagined grande dame and an updated business hotel you’ll want to check in to one of these new hotels.
The Grande Roche Hotel
Paarl, South Africa
Paarl’s grande dame, the Grande Roche Hotel, has reopened after a makeover, with new owners, a new restaurant, and a refreshed look across its luxury suites.
The interior has especially benefitted from the renovations, with the 18 luxurious Terrace Suites completely refurbished, and while no expense was spared in the renovations, nothing went to waste either.
Existing furniture was refurbished and revitalised where possible to minimise the environmental impact of the revamp. Guests can also look forward to the abundance of local fine art, rescued from dusty storerooms to claim their rightful place on the walls of the hotel.
The estate’s landscaping has also enjoyed some much-needed attention. The vineyards stretching in front of the historic manor house have been replanted while the lush estate gardens have been enlivened with water-wise indigenous Cape fynbos.
The hotel’s reimagined restaurant, Viande (formerly Bosman’s), is the brainchild of Pete Goffe-Wood. The restaurant’s interior has also been revamped, giving it a more relaxed atmosphere and making it more appealing for locals.
Viande means “meat” in French, and it is a perfect title for this eatery, which offers contemporary nose-to-tail dining.
However, Goffe-Wood is nothing if not versatile, and has crafted a wide-ranging menu that allows for an easy balance of adventurous meaty dishes alongside more approachable vegetarian, fish and poultry plates.
The reinvigorated Grande Roche Hotel is perfect for boutique conferences and destination weddings, with a modern events facility set a short walk from the historic manor house.
The function venue can be divided into three stand-alone areas and is ideal for events with up to 220 guests.
The facility also offers a dramatic outdoor amphitheatre, framed by the granite monoliths of Paarl Rock. The Grande Roche Hotel is offering a two-night stay special from 1 September to 31 October 2019.
Buckler’s Africa Lodge
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Managed by BON Hotels, this luxury self-catering lodge is particularly exciting due to its halal certification, welcoming Muslim travellers from around the world.
Since it is classified as “dry”, alcohol will not be sold on the property, but guests are welcome to bring along their preferred beverages for the duration of their stay.
The lodge has 16 units with kitchenettes, bathrooms, and air-conditioning. Ranging from two- to four-sleeper options, Buckler’s is the ideal destination for a romantic retreat or exciting family getaway.
Located close to the Crocodile Bridge Gate along the banks of the Crocodile River, guests can take in the view of the Park.
Southern Sun
Ridgeway, Lusaka
This newly refurbished landmark hotel is just 3 kilometres from the city centre for easy access to embassies and government offices. Southern Sun Ridgeway’s focus is clearly business and events.
Business services include boardrooms, courier services, a full business centre with internet connectivity, PC and printer services, photocopiers, and secretarial services.
The hotel offers a selection of spaces, with the largest room ideal for meetings and social events.
It can seat 120 people schoolroom style and accommodate 180 people for a cocktail event. Subdivided, the room caters for 40, and 80 people seated schoolroom style.
Two smaller rooms are ideal for meetings up to 20 people, and a well-appointed boardroom seating eight people are available.
Outdoors, the large pool deck with beautiful gardens is ideal for outdoor cocktail parties for up to 200 people.
Guests can visit local attractions such as the Lilayi Game Ranch, Kalimba Reptile Park, Choma Museum and Crafts Project, and Nembo Scenic Park, using the hotel as a base.
Southern Sun Ridgeway has been certified environmentally responsible and holds a silver classification in the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme.
Words by Leanne Feris
