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Honeymoon Bliss at Bandara Villas, Phuket

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending our first three nights of our honeymoon in Thailand at the amazing Bandara Villas, Phuket.

We had such a friendly welcome with drinks and refreshing towels to cool us off while we were being checked in. One of the staff members showed us to our room and WOW! What a room it was, we stayed in one of the Panoramic Pool Villas with a view that we were only able to see the next morning but knew it was close to the beach as we could hear the waves almost crashing underneath us.

We had breakfast each morning at Sumpao Restaurant where we could order a la carte or breakfast buffet, with some delicious traditional Thai breakfast dishes to try out.

We spent most of our days at Bandara itself as it was so relaxing there and our room was so amazing, with our own private pool with sea views, internet access and a fully stocked mini bar where the first round was on them.

The hotel also assisted us with planning a day trip to Phi Phi Island, it was done efficiently and effortlessly. We had an early departure that morning so the lady that assisted us arranged that the restaurant makes us early breakfast in take away packages that we could enjoy on our way to the docks.

After a full day out, we decided the next day to just relax at the beachfront pool and enjoy some cocktails from the beach pool bar. We signed out a stand-up paddle board that was part of their free amenities that we took to the ocean to try out for the first time. They also have daily activities program such as Yoga, Thai Boxing, Aqua Aerobics, Fruit Carving etc.

We had such a lovely stay at Bandara Villas, Phuket. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and the service is on point. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our Thailand experience.

 

Reveiwed By Anke Van Zyl- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book this spectacular accommodation – website

 stay@bandaraphuket.com

 

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A Luxurious wildlife experience at Naledi

After a very long drive to Hoedspruit we arrived bone-tired in the green oasis of Naledi. Upon our late arrival we were whisked away with great delight to join the night game drive in search of rare wild dogs that were spotted in the area.

 

As we were sipping deliciously cold wine against the background of a gloriously setting African sun, our informative tracker and guide entertained us with interesting stories about life in the bush. The game drive continued well into the night and ended on a high note as we not only spotted the elusive wild dog, but also some hyenas. Back in camp we were welcomed by the aromatic smells of an African braai and a bonfire in the Boma. The surprise of the evening was being serenaded by Naledi’s own African choir. Amidst singing, dancing and some vigorous drumming the evening meal was hosted by the delightful T.K. and was the end to a wonderful day.

Our early morning drive the next day started with the prospect of searching for lions. After some relentless tracking and bundu-bashing we spotted them and what a magnificent sight to see. This was the completion of an exceptional visit to a place where guests are made to feel like family and where generosity of spirit, comfort and professionalism reign.

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Reviewed By Marna Lourens -World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To view and book this paradise follow the link below

www.naledigamelodge.com

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Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa – A honeymoon in paradise…

It was a wet and rainy day when we arrived at Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa, Located just a short drive from Patong Beach over the beautiful mountains of Kamala Bay.

We received a welcome drink and refreshing towel while being checked in and had a chance to relax in the beautiful lobby. We had a choice of our own scent selection which consisted of four different oils for our room aroma, we decided on the fresh Lemon Grass scent.

The staff drove us to our room, the Grand Thai Natural Ocean View with Spa Bath room, which was set on the high terrains of the resort. It was the most spacious room that I have ever stayed in. The room had traditional Thai Décor, a spacious bedroom and living area with Natural and Ocean views. The room also included complimentary Wi-Fi, a 32-inch LCD Television, DVD player, telephone, safety deposit box and mini-bar and then for the bathroom which included a jacuzzi bathtub, rainfall shower, dressing area and hair dryer. They even had a Sound Bar where we could connect our phones and listen to music.

We had dinner at The Cradle Restaurant, where we enjoyed the local dishes that were amazing and full of vibrant flavours such as lemon grass, ginger and chili which we enjoyed with a glass of wine. As it was the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2018 the staff were assembling a projector for the restaurant guests to enjoy one of the games that were on.

After a comfortable night’s sleep in our King Size bed we woke up quite early and excited for breakfast which I can say was out of this world. The breakfast was buffet, or we could have ordered from the a la carte menu. The buffet selection had anything you could think – my favourite, “The Phuket Corner” had local breakfast dishes and colourful fruits from all around.

In the afternoon we made use of the resort shuttle bus that departs every two hours from the lobby to the Village where they drop you off at a certain point and pick you up every two hours, for which they were always on time.

The resort offers cocktail classes where they taught us to make a Thai cocktail and gave us each a chance to try and make it ourselves. They set up a whole area just for us and the barmen made us a Tom Yum Soup inspired cocktail, nice and spicy with ginger, lime and chili. We enjoyed it so much that they demonstrated two more cocktails that we learned to make and enjoy afterwards.

Our last day at the resort we witnessed how they were setting up for a beautiful rainy-day wedding for a small party in The Cradle Restaurant. The restaurant was decorated with white and green flowers with fairly lights hanging from the restaurant, it looked gorgeous and elegant. The General Manager Chai even took us through the wedding to show us their set-up.

The resort also features tennis courts, Ratana Spa and  Thai Cooking Classes at the restaurant. Overall, we had a wonderful experience at the spectacular Ayara Kamala Resort with excellent service from the friendly staff and amazing views. I was quite sad to say goodbye.

Reveiewed by Anke Van Zyl and Niel Van Zyl- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representatives

to view more of this stunning property click here www.ayarakamalaresort.com/

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A wintery weekend away at the NH Lord Charles

We arrived at the NH lord Charles on a stormy winters evening, after entering the warm lobby we were greeted by the warm smiles of the concierge and check in clerks. The lobby is beautiful and decorated with a modern touch of art that creates a chandelier in the shape of a tree. In the lobby you can take a seat on one of the many couches and have a cup of coffee or a light snack.

We proceeded to check into our room which was suite number 2103,the room included a lounge with a small TV and bathroom with an opening deck onto a balcony with sunbathing chairs and a view of the lake and gardens. The lounge leads into the spacious bedroom which includes a desk, king size bed and huge second bathroom. From the bed you can watch some TV or admire the view from your bedroom balcony.

Due to the water restrictions in South Africa the hotel has water wise taps in the public bathrooms as well as a mini timer installed in the shower and information brochures as you enter any of the bathrooms in the hotel.

After a comfortable night’s sleep we woke up early to enjoy the breakfast at the garden terrace restaurant. The breakfast is a buffet style with a vast variety to suite any palette.

We then had a walk around the hotels perfectly manicured gardens. This hotel is perfect for weddings with the rolling green lawns and gazebo as well as the many event spaces and ballrooms. The hotel has the perfect setting for your special day, I even saw a beautiful bride having her photos taken on the Saturday morning from my balcony.

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The hotel features an on-site restaurant La Vigna that serves international cuisine in a stylish setting. The Food at this restaurant is exquisite and the chef Henrico creates absolute masterpieces.

The hotel also features a traditional styled Scottish pub, perfect on a cold winters night for a nightcap or to watch the latest sports live.

With the hotels central location in Somerset West you are only minutes away from Somerset Mall, the beach or the local wine farms. A perfect location for exploring the cape winelands and all its offerings.

Overall we had a wonderful experience and I look forward to my next visit.

Reviewed By Melissa Hofmann- World Luxury Hotel Awards representative

To view or book please view the latest specials on www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-cape-town-the-lord-charles