Luxury Travel Advisor - August 2007 - (Page 54) Family members looking for a little R&R after a day spent in the African wilderness should check out Thanda’s spa, which boasts two indoor treatment rooms. Guests who prefer majestic views to go along with their lavish pampering should opt to take their tantalizing treatments at the outdoor treatment area in the sala, an elevated, open-air platform overlooking the game reserve. We suggest the Decadent African Manicure Experience, a nourishing oats-and-honey scrub followed by a relaxing pressure-point hand massage, an application of yogurt and crushed fruit to the hands, which are then placed in warm mittens. The treatment continues with a headand-neck pressure-point massage. While Thanda says that guests can book spa treatments upon arrival, we still think it best to make reservations ahead of time, since there is only one massage therapist. Simon Pillinger (gm@thanda. co.za; 27-35-573-1899) is the general manager, but the name to know here is Lodge Manager Bianca Shaw (bianca@thanda.co.za; 27-35-573-1899), who is the contact person for luxury travel advisors (she’s also the spa director). Tip: Reserve clients at Thanda as soon as you can; the holiday season is their busiest, and bookings for the months of December and January should be made six to eight months in advance. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (www. grootbos.com), in Gansbaai, is another place that loves families. The property actually consists of two lodges: the Forest Lodge, which is more contemporary and modern, and the Garden Lodge, which is traditional and homey. Although all rooms boast breathtaking views of Walker Bay and peaceful sunset views, we hear that clans traveling together should opt for the Garden Lodge, which is more family-friendly. Quick specs: The Two-Bedroom Luxury Suites in both lodges hold a maximum of two adults and three children. The One-Bedroom PEZULA, on South Africa’s Garden Route, is an ideal pre- or post-safari stop. Luxury Suites with a second standard room are also a top pick for families traveling together. Not to be left out, the younger guests visiting Grootbos have a plethora of activities to take advantage of. Topping our personal faves are horseback riding through the reserve (for kids older than 12), a treasure hunt in the Milkwood Forest, a Cave & Beach experience (where young guests explore smaller caves and go swimming and sand castle building), and abseiling at a waterfall in Afromontane Forest. Guests needing to unwind aching muscles after their safari escapades should opt for a spa treatment in the privacy of their room. We suggest the Full-Body Aromatherapy massage for a rejuvenating experience. Note: Make sure to book treatments for clients ahead of time. Foodies will love the property's restaurant, Red Indigo, which is popular among locals. The Tempura Crayfish Tail is an absolute must. In fact, seafood is a popular local favorite due to the region’s proximity to the harbors of Gansbaai and Hermanus. Note: Advance table reservations are recommended for the restaurant. For those clients who want to enjoy time with family in the comforts of their own room, the property can arrange for private butler service on request. Other feats the property has fulfilled for guests include arranging for their own private chef and guide, helicopter transfers and flight transfers and exclusive use of all the lodges. They can even book exclusive viewings at museums and private dinners with local SABI SABI’S SELATI IVORY SUITE is a favorite among royalty. 54 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | August 2007 http://www.grootbos.com http://www.grootbos.com
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