This season, three remarkable luxury retreats—Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana in Ubud, andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp in South Africa, and Savute Safari Lodge in Botswana—are setting new standards of exclusivity and refinement.
Each property, newly renovated or expanded, offers a unique way to experience nature’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, whether it’s the tranquil rice paddies of Bali, the iconic Timbavati River in South Africa or the wildlife-rich Savute Channel in Botswana. These properties offer a luxurious retreat for those seeking adventure and serenity in some of the world’s most breathtaking settings.
Tanah Gajah’s New Premier Pool Villas
Tanah Gajah, the Balinese resort renowned for its artistic heritage and serene location amid Ubud’s iconic rice paddies, has launched four Premier One Bedroom Club Pool Villas, available for guests to book Jan. 2025.
With just 20 villas and suites in its collection, this expansion marks a new chapter for the boutique property. The new villas provide uninterrupted views of the rice fields and Mount Agung, and guests can also enjoy a private plunge pool and modern enhancements, including an outdoor dining pavilion with a fully stocked complimentary minibar. Families will appreciate the built-in sofa bed, while couples will enjoy the outdoor soaking tub.
“With our late founder, Hendra Hadiprana, being one of Indonesia’s most celebrated architects and art collectors, these new villas honor his legacy while embracing contemporary design,” said Deasy Swandarini, General Manager of Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, in a press statement. “The result is a harmonious blend of timeless Balinese aesthetics and modern convenience.”
Each villa is adorned with bespoke furnishings by the House of Hadiprana, including custom-designed lamps, coffee tables and armchairs. Original artwork graces the walls, while sculptures and paintings from the Hadiprana family’s extensive collection enhance the resort grounds.
Guests of the Premier One Bedroom Club Pool Villas enjoy an array of exclusive benefits, including:
- Butler service and in-villa check-in/check-out
- Daily a la carte breakfast and afternoon tea
- Sunset cocktails at Tempayan Restaurant
- Complimentary minibar with alcoholic beverages (refreshed daily)
- Private car service to/from Ubud Centre with onboard WiFi
- Daily laundry service for up to six items
- Yoga classes, wellness facilities, and a guided rice paddy trek
- A complimentary photo session with one digital photo included
For more information or bookings, visit tanahgajahubud.com.
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp Reopens
After a 6-month closure for an extensive redesign, the iconic andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp has reopened, welcoming guests back to its prime location on the banks of the Timbavati River.
This reimagined camp retains its signature bush romance while elevating its luxury and exclusivity. Nestled within andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, the camp offers unparalleled wildlife experiences, including sightings of African wild dogs and the region’s famous white lions.
The newly refurbished guest tents feature an expanded layout, ensuring more spacious interiors and serene outdoor spaces. Each tent now includes secluded outdoor decks, indoor and outdoor showers and an al fresco bathtub for the ultimate relaxation. New pathways and private butler hatches enhance the sense of exclusivity and tranquility.
The central guest area has also been transformed with elevated decks featuring retractable awnings that provide versatile dining options, while the lounge offers a peaceful vantage point overlooking the dry riverbed. The camp’s swimming pool and deck have been expanded, offering shade for sunbathing or informal dining. The spa has been upgraded, and a new gym adds to the camp’s wellness offerings.
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp welcomes guests aged 12 and older, providing a romantic, intimate alternative to the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge in the reserve’s northern section.
For more information, visit andBeyond.com.
Savute Safari Lodge For Wildlife Experiences
After a comprehensive rebuild, the Savute Safari Lodge, part of the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio, has officially reopened, promising guests a refined blend of luxury, comfort and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
The lodge’s 12 redesigned luxury tents blend traditional thatching and canvas, immersing guests in the natural surroundings of the Savute Channel in Chobe National Park. Each room offers sweeping views of the abundant wildlife that gathers around the famous waterholes. A private outdoor shower provides an opportunity for starlit bathing or a refreshing cool-down after a morning on safari.
“The rebuild of Savute Safari Lodge has been an incredibly exciting project,” said Matthew Johnson, Managing Director of Desert & Delta Safaris, in a press statement. “The new lodge offers guests a front-row seat to the wildlife of the unique and mysterious Savute region, all from an exceptionally comfortable and stylish setting. Its distinct design complements our portfolio while maintaining our commitment to local empowerment and warm, professional service.”
The lodge’s open-air communal areas have been reimagined to maximize views of the waterhole, famously featured in National Geographic’s Savage Kingdom and the BBC’s Planet Earth series. An elevated deck with a central fireplace leads to a sunken wildlife-viewing hide, offering eye-level encounters with elephants, antelope and other wildlife. The adjacent pool area features cozy chaise cabanas for relaxation and leisure.
For more information, visit desertdelta.com.
