Dreaming of Africa is what probably most of our fellow
travelers on board Emirates Airlines 777-300ER did before we landed in Durban.
We were looking forward to discover some of South Africa’s finest hotels
and resorts, including the Karkloof Safari Spa, an all inclusive wellness and
wildlife retreat near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal. We arrived early
August after a relaxing eight-hour flight under a blue South African sky with
spring like temperatures. Customs was a quick and friendly formality and within
less then twenty minutes our khaki uniformed driver welcomed us at the gate
with a big, bright smile.
We hopped into a Land Cruiser, where our driver
offered us a couple of cold towels, a cool drink and then quickly stored our
Rimowa luggage. He told us that we should arrive at the outskirts of the
Karkloof Safari Spa resort after about an hour. We witnessed how our
surroundings turned slowly from the bustle of Durban, to the calmer outskirts
of the city, then country roads and through wilderness, until we came to the
entrance of paradise, defined by a stream and marked with a large wooden arch
reading “Welcome to Karkloof Safari Spa”.
Later on we would remember that riding through that
stream signified entering this African dreamland and leaving the stressful
world behind. Karkloof Safari Spa, named after the scenic valley, which is
located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, can be described as a luxurious eco -
organic spa retreat within 3500 hectares of private land, with all the sights
and sounds of an authentic African wildlife reserve. Here in private
surroundings at the ‘central lodge’ we were welcomed with grand
smiles and a couple of delicious organic fruit drinks.
The central lodge sparkled with old world colonial
charm, original artwork, natural rock walls, randomly placed deep plush
couches, stunning crystal & dark metal chandeliers and panorama windows.
Artists from the local community had been commissioned to produce their
creations for the lodge, mostly utilizing elements found on the property. At
check-in it was explained to us that all that was needed in and about the lodge
would be taken care of with just one signature. It’s true, the price of a
one-night stay includes unlimited spa treatments, or spa packages (The Spa is
open for extended hours, upon request) and houseguests may choose from a
variety of activities, such as guided game drives, bush walks,
a
105 meter waterfall - (CLICK HERE to take a closer look) and
historical excursions.
We were guided into our
accommodations, which was one of sixteen villas that have been individually
designed for the most discerning guests, each exuding the feel of exotic
elegance. The villas are connected through wooden walkways with the central
lodge, dining and bar areas as well as with the spa. The walkways have a
leisurely feel and wind through natural gardens while crossing over small
meandering streams. Electric vehicles provide additional transportation to and
from the central lodge for those who prefer.
The villas are beautiful, with high vaulted wooden hut
ceilings, while the furniture, decorations and fabrics artfully interpret the
colors of the land. The bathrooms are elegant and spacious and expertly
designed with heated towel racks, as well as heated floors. As a matter of fact
the entire resort is equipped with a cutting edge floor heating system, adding
especially during the cold season cozy warmth from the ground up. The bath
amenities are organic and were developed for Karkloof, to support their
unwavering commitment to the environment with their formulations mandated to be
‘freely and rapidly biodegradable with no part of it that had ever been
tested on animals’. One that we may especially recommend contains organic
orange and frankincense oil, which proposes highly effective regenerative and
soothing properties.
The villas have large covered terraces with beautiful
mahogany lounge furniture, enticing one to relax here with a fresh organic
fruit juice or a glass of fine South African wine and quietly absorb the views
and sounds of this unique location. The photos that one will take right here
are what African vacation dreams are made of. It is evident that no expenses
have been spared and the hands-on owner Fred Wörner is the soul of
Karkloof Safari Spa.
Mr. Wörner has
without a doubt exquisite taste and it is his attention to detail what makes
this place perfect. We especially liked the fact that as a guest, you may
request a consultation with the Chef de Cuisine to discuss your personal
dietary needs and have your meals at whatever time you desire.
(Karkloof Safari Spa RESTAURANT Review - CLICK HERE) Every night at turn-town, a crystal carafe filled with an irresistible sherry was placed on the table as nightcap. By the way, the only beverage not included, is French Champagne. The food at breakfast, lunch or dinner was beautifully presented on elegant white china (Steelite 'Organics' and 'Monaco') and prepared with mostly organic ingredients, grown in Karkloof Safari Spa's pesticide-free vegetable and fruit gardens.
Karkloof Safari Spa's organic gardens were developed
by
Ms.
Esther Nkosi (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look), a lovely lady
who taught herself all about formal organic gardening. The vegetables and most
of the fruits in season are harvested about an hour before they are prepped and
their taste is divine. Breakfast alone, served on the terrace of the main lodge
overlooking one of the watering holes, was an unforgettable experience every
morning. From presentation to taste to the smallest detail like the wild
organic honey drawn from neighbor’s bees, to the locally grown Avocados,
to over easy free-range happy chicken eggs and still warm house-baked goods
– this natural morning feast was setting the tone for a healthy day
surrounded by nature.
The Karkloof Safari Spa is simply sublime and is said
to be the largest destination safari spa in Africa. It is an eco-friendly and
organic destination spa within a unique wildlife sanctuary featuring views that
will take your breath away. For example, the glass front manicure and pedicure
lounge is a startling delight for viewing the most amazing wildlife, ever
changing and always exciting. Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeasts, Buffalos, Black
and White Rhinos, just to mention a few, roam freely on the property. The
resort, including the spa building, which is set aside from the main building
and the private villas is protected overall by security surveillance and is
under a limited fly zone with altitude restrictions which makes it typically
suited for celebrities, diplomats and other high-visibility guests.
Promoting organic
and natural products in almost every aspect, Karkloof Safari Spa conveys a
clear message, that it is not disturbing the indigenous forests; rather it is
an integral part of it. All the buildings are covered with ‘thatch &
living roof’ material, inviting all kinds of animals, like warthogs and
nyalas to come and play, entertainment for all who came to get away. All of the
treatments that we experienced at Karkloof Safari Spa were prepared with
natural ingredients, like organic yogurt, cream, honey, fruits, spices and
vegetables. The natural aromas that are drifting from the treatment rooms are
divine.
Mr. Wörner supports the local communities with a
classical African philosophy or worldview “in the spirit of Ubuntu”
by using products that are harvested from the surrounding Midlands, including
his own organic gardens. The products that are used on the property are all
biodegradable and environmentally friendly and the excess waters from the
resort, including pools and floating salt pools are recycled through a natural
process. The round floating Dead Sea salt indoor pool treatment is a deeply
relaxing experience. While one is floating comfortably and almost immersed in
the temperate warm waters with essential minerals replenishing the body, the
‘sky’ lights up slowly with endless little sparkling stars lifting
the already weightless drift into a timeless dimension.
Another treatment one should not miss is the sixty
minute ‘Thai Melon and Honey Facial’ with ingredients that are said
to have been used for this facial ritual for centuries. All raw and organic
ingredients are used for this treatment like cucumbers (cooling and hydrating
properties), yoghurt (gentle exfoliation), melon (detoxifying and high in
vitamin C) and honey (highly nourishing and hydrating components). Every step
of the facial ritual as presented by my therapist was so flawless that the
process itself was beautifully disguised.
Additionally, we feel it imperative to experience the
forty-five minute ‘Coconut Body Polish’. Coconut is known to be an
important ingredient in the world of spas. Here at Karkloof Safari Spa fresh
coconut is combined with Avocado oil from the neighboring Avocado farm. This
gentle exfoliation leaves ones skin vital and visually revived. Karkloof Safari
Spa also offers several Thai inspired ninety-minute massages of which some
include Thai and Chinese herbs, essential oils and stretching techniques. The
Thai Poultice Massage has been in practice since the 14th century. This is a
unique massage-therapy in which a selection of Thai and Chinese herbs, warmed
in a muslin poultice, is worked into the skin through reflexology strokes. The
level of service presented at Karkloof Safari Spa is genuine and the spa
personnel highly skilled. It is evident that the people who are employed here
are proud of their work, their amazing spa and their team.
Karkloof
Safari SPA- 2012 Award
“The fact that Karkloof Safari Spa’s
magnificent property is so profusely inhabited by Africa’s finest, means
there is no need for an early wake-up call… adventure when you are ready,
the game rangers and our four legged friends are on standby to suit your
schedule.” Yes, we were ready! Ready to explore every single one of these
3500 hectares of incredibly diverse and infinite land. We had heard that
Karkloof Safari Spa offers their guests the most distinctly unique safari
experiences and we readily agreed after the first fifteen minutes on the game
viewer with ‘Kenny’.
There wasn’t a moment where we didn’t click
our camera buttons profusely or forgot the click, because we were so excited.
It was hard to believe that the Karkloof Safari Spa resort is located only
thirty minutes by car from Pietermaritzburg by watching the abundance of
wildlife here in its own wild habitation. We had a close encounter with a Rhino
family, as well as Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests and a large number of
Antelopes, Warthogs and all sorts of Monkeys, while most times the adrenaline
was pumping. This was not a ride through a petting zoo; this is the real thing.
However the sanctuary is free from lion, allowing us to take the most
fascinating close up photography.
Karkloof Safari
Spa is famous for an exceptional controlled breeding program for their
disease-free African Buffalo herds in order to increase the population of these
distinguished animals. “The essence behind this is that unbeknownst to
many, as Buffalo carry certain diseases such as Foot-and-mouth, Corridor
Disease and Tuberculosis (TB), all of which affect cattle – the knock on
effect of this can be extremely hazardous. Karkloof Safari Spa’s
Buffalo’s are disease-free certified and the dedicated game and wilderness
specialists working on the property are extremely proud of their
accomplishments to date.”
Kenny, our safari guide was an experience himself. He
rode that six-passenger game viewer like a stallion, with great skill while he
freely shared his wealth of knowledge about all these exotic animals and birds
and this unbelievable land they are roaming on. Of course, the game viewer was
equipped with refreshments and all kinds of gadgets.
We especially liked that the group, the couple or the
single person might determine the length of the safaris they like to take part
in. After all there was at any time of the day a massage or spa treatment to
indulge and /or a new lunch or dinner creation to savor while watching some of
this fascinating wildlife right from the massage bed or the
balcony.
The Karkloof Safri Spa resort is a true epitome of
luxury accommodations and world-class spa-ing in an environmentally sensitive
African wellness & wildlife retreat, giving you the feeling that it is a
fantasy, a dream of ethereal magnitude bordering on the unreal. Our dining
experience at this incredible place was an exceptional one as well, complete
with the total sensory perceptions of exotic sights, sounds and flavors all
rolled into one. The level of service presented at Karkloof Safari Spa was
genuine and the spa personal proved to be highly skilled. It is evident that
the people who are working here are proud of their work, their amazing spa and
their team. Congratulations to a world-class team!
