The Royal Portfolio is a collection of boutique hotels, luxury lodges and private residences across four different locations in South Africa.
The collection was started in 1999 when Liz and Phil Biden converted their then family holiday home in the African bush into Royal Malewane. That first foray (with Liz’s excellent eye for art and design, and an attention to detail and level of service fitting the Royal name) then led to the conversion of another holiday home in Hermanus, called Birkenhead House. La Residence followed thereafter, and in 2017 the jaw-dropping icon that is The Silo Hotel opened.
This was the second property of The Royal Portfolio we visited, and while so completely different from that of La Residence in the Franschhoek Valley (about an hour’s drive out of Cape Town), the magical elements – like service, design, eclectic art, ambience – all carried through from the other property.
If this is your first introduction to a safari, you will embark on a journey that I’m sure will have you returning for more in such a wonderful country as South Africa.
Hotel
This classic and traditional bush style lodge is anything but ordinary, it had an old-world charm blended with an eclectic design, world-class facilities, filled with interesting art and antiques and had one of the best spas that I would still include as one of my favourites of anywhere in the world.
Consisting of four lodges, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Original Lodge boasts six one-bedroom and two (royal) two-bedroom suites; Africa House is a six en-suite bedroom private house sleeping 12; Farmstead is a three-and-a-half bedroom exclusive villa, which sleeps six adults and two children; and Waterside House is a four-bedroomed private villa sleeping eight.
Room
At the time of our visit there were six luxury one-bedroom suites and two royal suites (both two bedrooms) with prime locations at the edge of the lodge. With a spa focus being of particular interest for me, they had given us the royal suite nearest to the spa. Since our visit, Africa House, a six-bedroom bush house, has been added, and although our royal suite was pristine, they have since been fully refurbished again.
What I liked the most, apart from the service which excelled throughout, was the space and design of this villa. Although we only needed the one, there were two huge en-suite bedroom suites, a massive open-plan living and dining area, full kitchen and an outside terrace the full length of the villa with a good sized pool, and unmatched expansive views of the bush.
If I was to say the all-inclusive rate included the mini-bar, this would be a complete injustice. There was a full-size antique wooden drinks cabinet as well as soft drinks, mixers and snacks; everything you could possibly need in addition to breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and snacks/drinks.
As is often the case with safari lodges, you don’t need to take lots of luggage if you have small plane flights, all laundry was included too as standard.
Food and drink
Like everything with the Royal Portfolio, the choice of food and drinks/wine was second to none. Having risen exceptionally early for the first game drive of the day, when back for breakfast you feel justified by indulging after the morning activities, and the scenery from the main lodge terrace is stunning, watching the bush animals pass by, or to go to the watering hole for a drink. Just watch out for the odd cheeky monkey that might try and swing from the tree branches above you to steal some of your breakfast.
After a morning of relaxation, you’re back to the main lodge for lunch, and there was no shortage of options, with all dietary requirements or special requests taken into account. You can also choose your dining location, so if you’d prefer lunch by the pool or in your villa you can do just that. Having been to La Residence first, by the time we then flew to Royal Malewane they knew exactly what our dietary likes were, who liked what tea, drinks and the like, it was a level of detail that I hadn’t experienced elsewhere.
I love the concept of sundowner cocktails on a safari when out on the early evening bush drives, and as with meals (or anytime) all premium drinks were included. There’s nothing better than a refreshing gin and tonic being served out in the bush, and there were always some delicious snacks and canapés served each evening too, before heading back for dinner at the lodge.
Spa and wellness
In the main lodge, the Royal Waters Spa is located around a central courtyard with a 25 metre-long heated pool as the centre point, with three treatment rooms as well as a fully equipped gym, steam room, and hot/cold African baths. At one end of the courtyard, the gym had a stunning view across the lap pool, and it was good encouragement to work out knowing that next would come relaxation.
There was a full selection of massage rituals, facials, signature treatments and a range of hair and grooming add-ons. Treatments were excellent, and I loved having some 90 minute massages in between our game drives. You could relax in the steam room or baths before or after, and chill/read on loungers or in the private casitas around the pool.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying at The Farmstead exclusive-use house, there is a double treatment room there, or it’s close enough to be able to use the Royal Waters Spa at the main lodge. For Waterside, Reflections Spa provides three treatment rooms as well as a Hammam.
To do
You’re in the heart of the African bush, and there is no shortage of animals to see or activities to do, all organised for you by a team of specialist rangers. There was the usual safari lodge concept of an early morning rise (dependent on time of year and sunrise) where tea/coffee and breakfast snacks would be provided before you leave the lodge, then back for a full breakfast after your morning drive.
Taking the rest of the day to relax, have a leisurely lunch, snooze or spa; there would then be a late afternoon drive through to early evening, returning to the lodge for dinner, unless there was a special night with dinner being held elsewhere (I won’t spoil the surprise). Whenever you come back from a drive, you’re met by the lodge staff with cold towels and a welcome drink, which was a nice touch.
In a nutshell
Wow, I think sums up this amazing safari experience. Not only do you have the African bush on your doorstep, you’re experiencing the best that Kruger can offer in ultra-luxe surroundings with the best of accommodations, service, food and drink.
Factbox
Getting there: Nearest airstrip: Jackalberry Airstrip (private flights). Nearest airport: Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS) is the closest airport at a 45-minute drive from the lodges. It has direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Address: Avoca Road, Off Orpen Gate Road, Hoedspruit
Phone: +27 (0) 15 793 0150
Email: malewane@royalmalewane.com
Website: theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane
Photography courtesy of The Royal Portfolio/Royal Malewane Lodge unless otherwise credited.
