Tatler has just awarded Karkloof Spa ‘Most Exciting Discovery 2009’ and it’s one of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Hot List Spas’ of the year. International applause for this fabulous South African destination spa… and definitely a reason to visit and see for myself.

I went in autumn when the late afternoon light lay golden over the winding rivers, pale orange over the lush landscapes and warm yellow on the road that wound up to the lodge. A white rhino gazed at us lazily over his grassy munchings and a few warthogs, tails on high alert, sprinted into the bushes.

Autumn light and warthogs (image: Robyn Hodson)

Lunching white rhino (image: Robyn Hodson)

The best part of the drive up to the lodge is that the whole place is barely visible… and the spa is set into the hillside with thatched and flat grass rooftops camouflaging any human activity from the wild animals that wander around the property (all vegetarians you’ll be pleased to know).

Hidden spa (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

The main lodge is huge, stylish and comfortable – cozy with generous fireplaces and heated floors for winter and then bright and cool in hot weather with large doors flung wide open to let in light summery breezes. The spacious outside balcony and comfortable setting is brilliant for sunset watching, champagne or G’nT drinking and romantic comfy couch snuggling!

Main lodge deck (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

Pool at main lodge (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

I loved my private villa – the best of the sixteen I thought! A lot of planning, intuition and skillful designing went into it. Perched on a hillside looking out at the best of the views it also had wrap around doors that could be fully retracted to make the most of the stunning scenery. I slept with the doors open all night and watched the sun rise from my bed, camera in hand.

Villa - lounge and view (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

I’l get back to you on the animals, walks, spa and food but suffice to say… I can’t think of anything negative. Start saving! And if you’re considering a private, relaxed, gourmet honeymoon… look no further!

In December I decided to take a break from London living (the dreaded winter and the relentless blah of the BBC and their terminal view of the economic situation) and decided to work on JUST THE PLANET with my partners in Cape Town. The best decision I have made in years ! So much to do… and a Cape Town summer to do it in. Not a hard choice, obviously!

My first trip back home was to a wedding in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands via a new safari lodge outside of Ladysmith on route from Johannesburg to Durban called Nambiti Plains. Partly sponsored by the wonderful Status Luxury Vehicles (see http://tinyurl.com/ktwd8r) my friend and I drove the Landrover Discovery all the way. What a car – almost like driving a spaceship and so comfortable.

We arrived at Nambiti Plains in time for lunch and were received by the staff with cold drinks and cool hand towels… mmmm… there’s nothing like being taken care of after a long drive. We had a look around the place – particularly liking that each room was its own private villa. We had an uninterrupted view of the landscapes and at one stage had an inquisitive giraffe flutter her eyelashes at us from about 100 metres away. Quite something to behold whilst brushing your teeth!

Nambiti Plains: Peeking giraffe (image: Robyn Hodson)

The lodge was vast and comfortable… huge decks, sweeping views of the bush and waterhole and comfy deckchairs in which to relax and read.

Nambiti Plains: Outdoor lounge (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)

I won’t go into the food – suffice to say that it was five star all the way with a wonderful mix of African and European tastes.

The safari drives were beautiful – there’s nothing like a good local guide to make even the smallest plant or animal interesting… and then there were the cheetahs – six of them in total, a band of brothers, long tails steering them into the twilight.

After G’nTs on the patio, a delicious dinner with our enthusiastic and entertaining hosts and then time for bed under a royal canopy of draped mosquito nets (which incidentally we didn’t need in the slightly cooler winter air).

Nambiti Plains: Decadent dinner (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)

Oh how I long to go back… I suppose what I loved most was that due to the intimate size of the place the visitor is king. There isn’t a single wish that isn’t granted. Staff are always on hand to help. The guide is your own and there aren’t large groups of people to spoil your fanciful musings.

Nambiti Plains: Pool at dusk (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)

I also LOVE having an outdoor shower… it’s all so ‘Out of Africa’!

Nambiti Plains: Outside shower (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)