Editors' Picks

Singita Boulders Lodge

Earthy, elemental, contemporary

Singita Boulders Lodge, Hazyview, South Africa

+27 13-735-9800

See Website

Indagare Adored

At a Glance

If it can be said that East Africa is the birthplace of traditional safari, then South Africa is the original home of “stylish safari”—lodges with cutting-edge design and anything-you-want amenities. And for that experience, now widely popularized and copied, we have Luke Bailes, the founder of Singita, to thank. Singita has grown its portfolio to over a dozen properties in six ecosystems in four countries; starting in 1993, with the launch of Ebony Lodge, on land that was once his grandfather’s farm, Bailes did it—one wine cellar in the bush and one plunge pool overlooking elephants at a time. But the trappings were the bait to accomplish a larger mission: to save Africa’s animals, by preserving the continent’s land and improving the lives of its people. Sister property to the more traditional Singita Ebony, Singita Boulders Lodge is a younger iteration with an earthy, contemporary look and a game-rich riverside location.

The Standout: The design and surrounding nature at Boulders Lodge—from the huge rocks outside, studding the riverbank and riverbed, to inspired, refined styles inside Don’t Miss: Meeting the antipoaching scouts and dogs and donating to their work.

Indagare Loves

  • Thoughtful contemporary design that blends into the unspoiled setting
  • Apartment-size suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and private plunge pools overlooking the Sabi Sands River
  • The two, two-bedroom family suites that can be sectioned-off at one end of the property

Review

Carved into the banks of the Sand River that bisects South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Boulders is made for lovers. Honeymooners, yes, who fold into their enormous, glass-walled suites or lounge in private plunge pools, but nature lovers, foodies, oenophiles, design aficionados and seasoned escape artists, too.

The younger sibling to Singita’s original Ebony lodge, Boulders takes its name and monochromatic palette from the time worn rocks scattered across the grounds, though the celebrated interior design feels wholly modern. An oversized fireplace, walls of stacked stones and an installation-like pillar of gathered wood and woven rattan define the thatch-roof main lodge. All the modern comforts (four-poster beds, separate living areas, tubs for two and furnished decks with private plunge pools) are present, but the real ornamentation is left to nature—Singita’s 45,000 acres framed in full walls of glass.

Beyond these sumptuous amenities, the real star of this show is the wildlife. First- and fiftieth-time guests alike will be astonished by the diversity of wildlife here; the area is known for the leopard but the game is fantastic, from hyena and hippo to elephant, cheetah and much more; the open-top 4x4 jeeps make you feel even closer to the action. For longer stays, mountain biking, fishing, archery, community visits and stargazing safaris are available on request, and there’s a gym for more active types.

Between game drives, there’s a lot of eating: Pastries and coffee before sunrise, a variety of offerings for brunch after the morning drive (beware the opportunistic monkeys), pre-drive afternoon tea (or a cocktail!), then a multi-course gourmet dinner that changes daily. All meals and drinks (excluding French Champagne) are included, so wine lovers can take advantage of Singita’s impressive cellar that’s stocked with exclusively South African varieties. For alternative indulgence, spa treatments are available in dedicated therapy rooms, in your suite or under African skies on your outdoor deck.

Who Should Stay

Nature lovers, design lovers, feline lovers and honeymooners ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime safari

Nikki Ridgway

Written by Indagare

What's Nearby
Indagare employees walking up stiars

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