BUSH, BEACH & BALANCE
There is a rhythm to travel—the excitement of the bush, the calm of the ocean, and the restorative power of wellness experiences. When bush, beach, and balance come together, the journey becomes more than just an escape. Join us in this edition of the Collective as we explore how experiences at Phinda Forest Lodge, Sala Beach House, and Londolozi help find harmony.
Phinda Forest Lodge offers a rare blend of bush, beach, and wellness in one journey.
Tucked deep within the rare and ancient sand forest of KwaZulu-Natal, the lodge provides a serene base for safari drives, guided walks, and up-close encounters with endangered species.
It’s unique location also places guests within easy reach of the Indian Ocean, where golden beaches, world-class diving, and seasonal turtle nesting experiences await. Between safari adventures and coastal immersion, the Forest Lodge Spa adds another dimension of balance, inviting guests to unwind with calming treatments inspired by nature. Together, these elements ensure balance between adventure and rest.
Did you know?
Guests can enjoy a relaxing array of Healing Earth treatments in the lodge’s intimate wellness spa. The spa’s signature ‘Quiet Mind Journey’ treatment is ideal after a morning safari drive.
Harmony at Londolozi Healing House comes from the rare balance of adventure and restoration. Twice-daily safari drives and guided bush walks bring guests into close contact with the Big Five, bringing with it the excitement of the wild, while quiet moments in nature at the Healing House allow guests the space to simply be present. After the adrenaline of the day, this space offers a different kind of journey—one that turns inward. Guests can choose from yoga or meditation, or explore treatments such as sound therapy, massage, and integrative bodywork, each designed to release tension and restore the body’s balance. What makes it special is how these experiences feel completely connected to the surrounding wilderness, with the energy of the bush flowing into every treatment.
Did you know?
The Healing House is not a classic spa and is the first of its kind in the Safari industry. It is a peaceful space which focuses on forward-thinking, emotional wellness practices and bodywork.
At Sala Beach House, mornings begin with yoga on the deck as the sun rises over the Indian Ocean, set against the charm of Ballito on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast. The sound of the waves shapes the outcome of the day, whether it’s swimming, surfing, or watching dolphins and migrating whales pass by. Stylish suites and warm, contemporary hospitality enhance the experience, creating a seamless flow between comfort and the coast. After the energy of the bush, Sala provides the perfect counterbalance—an invitation to slow down, immerse in natural beauty, and reconnect with the ocean. It is barefoot beach living at its most refined, where relaxation and elegance go hand in hand, offering guests a true balance between activity and stillness.
Did you know?
The spa at Sala Beach House offers treatments inspired by the sea, where the sound of the ocean becomes part of the experience, helping guests sink into a deeper state of calm and renewal.
The Great Plains Cape Town team were recently treated to a truly memorable dining experience at the Apostles Braai Restaurant, located at the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town.
The restaurant offers an authentic taste of local culture — it feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into a friend’s home for a classic South African braai (barbecue). It is perched on the rocks at the foot of Table Mountain, and it offers a spectacular vantage point to take in the sunset over the Atlantic. We arrived just as the sun was setting and had the glittering ocean in front of us and the pink tinted mountains behind us.
We were spoiled with chilled wine and cocktails while enjoying starters such as biltong croquettes, braai broodjies, and freshly made sushi. The main course was a true feast, featuring all the South African favourites — from perfectly grilled steak, tender chicken, boerewors, sweetcorn, hearty salads, and golden potatoes. To end the evening on a sweet note, we indulged in a zesty lemon meringue tart paired with a smooth Amarula — the perfect finale to an exceptional meal.
A heartfelt thank you to Nicole Smith and the amazing Twelve Apostles team for hosting us and allowing our Safari Designers to experience one of Cape Town’s most iconic dining spots along the Atlantic Seaboard.
COLLECTIVE MONTHLY WRAP UP
Please click on the link below for all the latest
Third Party Product updates for the past month of September.
This month’s update spotlights the following and more:
Zambezi Crescent introduces its new Camps Bay Villa
Brookdale opens a new Private Lodge
More Collection undergoes a rebrand
Children at Cheetah Plains stay free of charge
Keeping the dream alive,
Eluisa Di Benedetto | Product Manager
