Lion Sands Game Reserve

I should warn you—you might not be prepared for what’s coming next. If you’ve already been shown some truly beautiful hotels in South Africa, just like The Residence, Lion Sands transports you to a whole new world. Nestled in the heart of a private reserve, you’ll have the chance to get up close to wildlife while enjoying the ultimate luxury of your suite. A truly unforgettable experience with thrills guaranteed.

Lion Sands has several different lodges, each with a small number of suites. We have to admit we have a clear preference for Narina Lodge: absolutely stunning, it features nine suites, all of which have their own private pools. Tucked away among the trees, Narina Lodge offers a superb view of the Sabie River within Kruger National Park. More than just a house, it’s a magnificent, ultra-luxurious treehouse that awaits you—and for this reason, only children ages 10 and older are accepted.

For obvious reasons of seclusion, Lion Sands offers an all-inclusive package: your accommodations, as well as all your meals, drinks, snacks, and, of course, tours of the reserve. The minibar and dry cleaning service are complimentary when you stay at the Ivory Lodge. And because every detail has been carefully planned to ensure you have an extraordinary adventure, leave your room behind for one night: enjoy a night under the stars in one of the treehouses designed just for this purpose. High enough that you have nothing to fear from wild animals, nothing will spoil your view of the starry sky—an experience you absolutely must have.

On rainy days, you can enjoy the elegant and cozy common areas and a fireplace to curl up by. And if you’d like to focus on relaxation, head to the Lion Sands Spa. A word of advice: plan on staying at least a week to truly experience all this place has to offer. The activities at Lion Sands are virtually endless: jeep safaris to spot wildlife, walks through the savanna, breakfast or dinner surrounded by nature, hippo watching, and more.

Dining:

Rest assured, just because you’re far away from the rest of the world doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up on fine dining—quite the opposite! Lion Sands has everything covered: whatever your preferences may be—whether you’re vegetarian or looking for gluten-free options—anything is possible. And as for the setting for your meals, it can change every day—just ask. Have breakfast at sunrise, have a table set up in a secluded spot for a romantic meal, or, if the weather’s bad, dine by the fireplace—the choice is yours!