Inside Château Léoube, the Bamfords’ Organic Winery in Provence

Since Carole Bamford launched Daylesford back in 2002, it has become a household name in the UK – synonymous with the Cotswolds and all things organic. Lesser known, though, is one of the Bamfords’ other ventures: a wine estate in Provence, which, over the past 25 years, has been quietly but surely flying the flag for eco-minded viticulture. 

We’re talking about Château Léoube, a perfectly polished vineyard spread across four miles of coastline in the heart of Cap Bénat (the largest protected site in the Var), nestled within the sleepy town of Bormes-les-Mimosas. The Bamford family bought the estate back in 1997, enthralled by its seaside location, which not only looks beautiful, but also brings a unique quality to the winemaking. They set out to transform Léoube into an organic winery that showcased their holistic philosophy of nurturing the soil and working with the rhythms of the seasons. 

Brought in to spearhead the process was Romain Ott, fourth generation winemaker of the esteemed Ott family, who, having grown up in the region, was already well acquainted with the land. After ten years of careful planting and planning, the first vintage was born in 2008. Nowadays, Léoube produces around 350,000 to 400,000 bottles of wine each year, with 80 percent of that being rosé, alongside white, red and sparkling. 

The land is protected, meaning it has reached capacity in terms of production – allowing the focus to be on quality rather than quantity. ‘The Léoube style is authentic fine wines that are balanced, delicate and elegant,’ describes Romain. A love for the natural world dictates everything at the estate. ‘We have three jobs: to look after the land, to nurture nature, and to look after its biodiversity,’ Jérôme Pernot, Léoube’s head of export, tells us. ‘As much as we can, everything we do is by hand, from the planting to the trimming.’ The soil is nourished using only natural composts and manures, with no herbicides or pesticides used, and during the winter months sheep graze the land, acting as a natural method of weed control. 

Naturally, there’s a bit of Provençal glamour too – albeit in a relaxed way. Café Léoube is the estate’s chic beachside restaurant serving Mediterranean fare, made using ingredients from the on-site market garden.

And in 2021, James Middleton had his wedding at Château Léoube, attended by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But beneath the crisp glasses of rosé, pristine white linen and VIP guest list lies a clear, important message: that saving the earth starts from the ground up. As Romain puts it: ‘Viticulture at Léoube is and always has been a long-term vision, so sustainability is vital.’

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A Renovated Hotel Icon: Montesol Experimental Ibiza

As expected, the design takes inspiration from the bohemian spirit of the White Isle and was overseen by the acclaimed group collaborator and designer Dorothee Meilichzon. Inside the Neo-Colonial building, which dates to as 1933, is a palette of cool and tranquil colours that are set against playful patterns and fringing.

‘After renovating the restaurant Sabbaba and rooftop in 2021, we have renovated the rooms of this mythical hotel of Ibiza, the first opened on the island. The neo-colonial building from 1933 is made of columns, pediments and arches, painted in pale yellow and white. The colour palette we have developed for the interior design uses the pale yellow of the outside, but according to the Ayurvedic principles, we tried cooling, calming colours inside the hotel to counterbalance heat outside. Solar colours in common areas, lunar colours in rooms, favouring the colours of white, blue, grey, light green and pastel hues,’ says Dorothee Meilichzon

There’s a nod to the cosmos too, with moon carvings, brass suns, celestial greys, light greens and pastel hues. These have been studded with design features and further textures, such as masks that have been crafted by Anna Alexandra in Mallorca, oh-so-cool Playdough Stools by Diego Faibre, and shell textures within the walls – carefully made by hand-pressing shells into the lime to shape, one by one, to reflect the hotel’s proximity to the sea.

Playful elements continue, cue the bedroom wardrobe, where doors close as if they were jigsaw puzzle pieces, and they’re finished with a high shine lacquer. The bathroom vanities made from Lava in France feature large mirrors in walnut and lacquer above, and these are against the another design highlight in the form of the tiles; using traditional Zelliges to cover the niches of the mini bar in shades of orange, brown and off white for that relaxed sun soaked vibe.

BOOK IT: Room rates start at £245, B&B. montesolexperimental.com

Images courtesy of Experimental Group / Karel Balas.

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A Foodie’s Guide To Sicily

Vittorio Meli

Born in Catania, Sicily, Vittorio’s family have owned and run restaurants for over three generations – so the chef certainly knows his stuff when it comes to good food. He is now at the helm of Zoom East, a Sicilian restaurant in London which features traditional dishes like caponata, arancini and Stocco Alla Messinese, a fish stew with olives, potatoes and capers. 

Vittorio Meli’s Pick: Best Restaurants in and Near Sicily

Pasticceria Savia, Catania

In Catania you must visit a ‘Tavola Calda Catanese’ (a Catanian ‘hot table’). These are casual restaurants or takeaways serving specialities including pizzette cartocciate and cipolline, savoury Sicilian pastries, and of course arancini. You can find Tavola Calda Catanese everywhere in the city but I especially recommend the traditional Pasticceria Savia, set at the corner between Via Etnea and Via Umberto. 

Via Etnea, 300/302/304, Via Umberto I, 2/4/6, 95131 Catania CT, Italy, lnx.savia.it

Zoom East

Trattoria Don Nino, Messina 

In the North of Sicily, at one of the three extreme points of the island is the city of Messina. Stocco alla Messines (stockfish) is the most important delicacy in the city – a real tradition that has historical roots linked to the geographically favourable position of the city on the Strait and its port in the Mediterranean Sea. Trattoria Don Nino is a great place to experience a classic Messina stockfish. 

V.le Europa, 39, 98124 Messina ME, Italy, facebook.com

Il Carretto, Cefalu 

Cefalu is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. In the historic centre a few steps from the Cathedral Basilica you will find Il Carretto offering typical Sicilian dishes with local products from fish to meat, both served directly at the table on lava stone. In Cefalu you will also often find slow-cooked black pig sandwiches served as street food. The Black Pig of the Nebrodi Mountains near Cefalu is a native breed with ancient origins. 

Via Mandralisca, 66, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy, facebook.com

Market A’ Vucciria, Palermo

In Palermo you must visit the market ‘A’ Vucciria’, an ancient bazaar with shops and food stalls – it can be hectic, but that is part of the charm. It is a great experience and the perfect place to try an array of different dishes as well as buy fresh ingredients. There you will find food stalls serving traditional dishes such as pane e panelle – chickpea fritters inside crunchy bread with lemon and parsley; Meusa (slow-cooked spleen with sweet and sour sauce) swordfish roll, boiled octopus, and cardoons in batter.

Piazza Caracciolo, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy

Osteria Mamma Carmela, Palermo

For a quieter option I would suggest Palermo institution Osteria Mamma Carmela in Borgo Vecchio via Principe di Scordia, just a few steps away from the famous theatre Politeama. Here you will find authentic, rustic cuisine not known to many. 

Via Principe Scordia, 159, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy

Getty Images

Trattoria Al Brigantino, Sferracavallo

Sferracavallo is a subarea very close to Palermo. It is famous throughout Sicily as a haven for seafood lovers. The Restaurant Trattoria Al Brigantino is one of the best known in Sferracavallo and offers customers typical dishes of Sicilian cuisine based on fresh fish.

Via Torretta, 104, 90147 Palermo PA, Italy

Restaurant Alla Kasbah, Mazara del Vallo 

Caponata is one of the most famous dishes in Sicily and something that you absolutely must try – Restaurant Alla Kasbah in the town of Mazara del Vallo is the perfect place. There is not actually a defined recipe, because each city or village has his own – and indeed each family in Sicily has his own recipe. Here you must also try the Gambero Rosso of Mazara – red prawns that the port town is known for. 

Via Itria, 10, 91026 Mazara del Vallo TP, Italy

Tha’am Restaurant, San Vito Lo Capo

Visit Tha’am restaurant, one of the most well-known restaurants in San Vito Lo Capo, to try classic Sicilian fish couscous dishes. A dish of North African origin, in Sicily couscous is cooked with fish or shellfish, and rich fish stock. 

Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 32, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy, thaam.it

Zoom East

Panificio Giummarra, Ragusa

The Scacce Ragusane are a rustic and tasty dish of thin pastry with different savoury fillings, widespread in Ragusa and its province. It is difficult to find a bakery that competes with homemade scacce but in the heart of Ragusa there is the Giummarra bakery that perfectly replaces the home oven. 

Via Traspontino, 23, 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy

Pasticceria Artale, Ortigia, Syracuse 

If you’re visiting Ortigia, the historical centre of Syracuse located on Sicily’s south-eastern coast, I highly recommend Pasticceria Artale, an artisan bakery close to the Cathedral of Syracuse, for their sweet pastries. They also have a great lunch and dinner menu. 

Via Saverio Landolina, 32, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, pasticceriaartale.it

Bar Girlando, Avola

Not far from the famous Syracuse on Sicily’s south-eastern coast is the coastal city of Avola where you will find Bar Girlando. Make a stop here to taste the fabulous ‘Granita di mandorle’ almond granita alongside the typical Sicilian brioche.

Viale Lido, 22, 96012 Avola SR, Italy, facebook.com

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However, the rest of the year is much more low-key, with a focus on environmental initiatives to preserve their precious eco-system, including a coral restoration project in front of the elegant Le Sereno where guests are encouraged to get involved…

Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

See The Other Side Of St Barths At Le Sereno – Review

STAY

© Emily Lab

Le Sereno is a chic, family-owned and operated beachfront hotel rebuilt (after Hurricane Irma 2017) and designed with the late Christian Liaigre. Located in the north-east of the island, just a 15-minute drive from the airport, it stretches along 600 feet of pristine sandy beach on the coast of the island’s only highly-protected Grand Cul de Sac marine sanctuary.  The constant breeze on this side of the island keeps guests cool when the sun is high. 

Contemporary-style accommodation includes 39 spacious suites plus three enormous four-bedroom villas with private pools. Minimalist in design yet luxurious in feel, think lots of wood and stone, handcrafted furniture, crisp white linens, and the comfiest of beds. 

Most rooms have sea views and also outside space should you prefer breakfast on your terrace or maybe a sundowner before heading out to eat. Swimming pool, sundeck, restaurants and the spa pavilion set within lush tropical gardens are all within easy reach. Non-hotel guests are welcome to drink, dine, and book a treatment in the spa, but the pool and loungers are strictly reserved for hotel guests only. 

DO

The spectacular shallow lagoon, just in front of Le Sereno, leads out to the coral restoration project that launched in 2015. Just walk out then swim, snorkel, or take a paddleboard to get there (you might pass a couple of giant turtles on your way) – to learn about this successful initiative is a must.  The members monitor reefs, grow coral in a nursery then attach these to a sea table, educate school children on the importance of a thriving biodiverse environment, and encourage them to get involved with beach cleanups and coastal restoration for plants, turtles, iguanas, dunes.  Guests have the opportunity to do their part too – just ask at the desk.

Take an island tour and hike – the rugged landscape is dramatic, the scenery spectacular.  On your return, head straight to the serene spa for a muscle-melting massage or one of the facials from the extensive menu featuring Valmont Switzerland products.

Plan a half or full day cruise on board the stylish new ‘Favorite Child’ Lagoon 46 catamaran with Sunkissed Charters – it’s a great way to see the island from the water, where you stop at various swim spots and dive off a cliff if you dare.

There’s so much going on on the island – carnival, regattas, music, theatre, art, and film festivals – but if food is your thing, plan your visit for November-time to enjoy the St Barths Gourmet Festival which welcomes Michelin-starred guest chefs who work with local restaurants to create extraordinarily delicious menus.

EAT

Le Sereno Al Mare is your spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner – start the morning with homemade pastries, fresh tropical fruits and healthy juices, then move on the Mediterranean-style menu later in the day with fresh grilled fish, a variety of pastas and a divine lobster linguini. The vibe here is chilled, loungey, relaxed.

Bar Sereno is fun for pre and post dinner drinks. Pull up a stool at the bar, enjoy a cocktail and the sounds of the DJ or the weekly guest, Soleil.

Plage offers light snacks beachside or by the pool, healthy salads, sandwiches and burgers, and perhaps a glass of very chilled rosé!

If you venture out, make sure to book a night at Sella St Barths for a cool open-air setting, glam crowd, and mouthwatering Middle Eastern dishes.  

THE FINAL WORD

Le Sereno is the spot for sophisticated travellers looking for luxury, comfort and privacy coupled with the opportunity to learn more about sea life and contribute to its restoration and preservation. On offer too is a newly-launched Wellness Programme which combines nature explorations, mindfulness activities and healthy dining.

BOOK IT: Suites at Le Sereno from €860 per night and villas from €5,100 per night, including breakfast, transfers, and service charge. March to May is recommended as the best time to visit. serenohotels.com

Private charter transfers to St Barths are available via Tradewind Aviation.

The post See The Other Side Of St Barths At Le Sereno – Review appeared first on Country and Town House.

Japan Airlines Has Launched A New Holiday Clothes Rental Scheme

This is the thinking behind a new scheme from Japan Airlines, the ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ venture, which allows travellers to rent a package of clothes ahead of their trip. It’s running in partnership with trading company Sumitomo, who will source pre-owned items and overstock before delivering the items to your Airbnb or hotel. You’ll be able to choose from styles such as casual and smart casual, with clothes available in sizes ranging from small to extra large.

There are, of course, personal benefits to travelling light – swanning through the airport with no suitcase in tow is always nice. But Japan Airlines will also be looking into whether the project could have an environmental impact, monitoring how a lighter load on board could affect the aircraft’s carbon emissions.

The aviation industry contributes to five percent of the world’s global warming problem, so anything that might help reduce its impact is worth exploring. According to the rental website, cutting around 22 pounds of luggage on a flight from New York to Toyko cuts carbon emissions by around 16.5 pounds – the equivalent of 78 days of not using a hair dryer. 

Experts have highlighted that it could also help with a mindset shift. Richard Cope, sustainability consultant at Mintel, has suggested schemes like this could ‘raise awareness, to a degree, around emissions related to weight and distribution, and the need for all of us to buy, own and make do with less.’ 

On the other hand, while the carbon footprint might be cut from the airline’s side, there will be new emissions created from the rental service itself. Saif Benjaafar, a professor and supply chain expert at the University of Minnesota, has argued that rental services ‘often fall short in delivering on the environmental promise’ as a result of the emissions from the delivery, return and cleaning of items.’

Japan Airlines has said they are looking into greener delivery options, and other ‘sustainable transportation solutions’.

Others have predicted the venture might mean people end up just filling their luggage with other items – books, accessories, make-up, whatever floats your boat. And there’s also the question of: will travellers actually go for it? We’re all for renting clothes, but going on holiday and not knowing whether your outfits will suit you, or fit well, might not be so appealing.

The scheme kicks off this week for a 14-month trial, so watch this space.

The post Could Japan Airlines’ New Clothes Rental Service Cut Carbon Emissions? appeared first on Country and Town House.

Read our Great British & Irish Hotels Guide 2023

Hotel of the Week: Win A Stay At Artist Residence

Enter our Hotel of the Week competition for your chance to win a one-night stay for two people in one of the Artist Residence suites in Brighton, Oxfordshire, Bristol or Penzance – including welcome drinks & breakfast. Read on to find out about these gorgeous hotels…

Artist Residence Brighton

The story of the Artist Residence group began 14 years ago when Justin and Charlotte Salisbury first met as students. Justin’s mum, who’d just bought a Brighton guesthouse in need of renovation, was seriously injured in an accident and 20-year-old Justin stepped in. Having no
idea how to tackle the redecoration, he filled the listed townhouse with artists, asking them to decorate the rooms in return for free board. And so, the first Artist Residence, successful and buzzy, was born in Brighton. It was soon joined by four more. The Brighton original has sea views and retro-style bedrooms ranging from tiny crash pads to a huge suite. The newest editions include three fabulous apartments – one sleeping four guests, one with a balcony – and all with high ceilings, original features and sea views. Each individually decorated room also features vintage furniture, organic Bramley bath and body products, limited edition art prints and Nespresso coffee machines. There’s also a relaxed neighbourhood hangout serving breakfast and cocktails.

Artist Residence South Leigh, Oxfordshire

When it opened in 2017 this was a new departure for the burgeoning Artist Residence group of funky, art-themed hotels that have sprung up courtesy of Justin and Charlotte. The energetic couple, complete with a new baby, headed out of town to leafy Oxfordshire and took on the Mason Arms, a well-loved local inn in South Leigh, stamping it with their inimitable sense of style. There are now five stunning bedrooms upstairs and a further three suites in the stables and outbuildings, plus a cool shepherd’s hut in the garden. Original features have been retained and restored, auction houses and reclamation yards scoured and modern art set against William Morris wallpaper. The restaurant features art by the Connor Brothers, Ben Eine and Lucy Sparrow, while the kitchen produces hearty and rustic British food (think classic fish and chips, and rump steak) in a fun and friendly setting.

Artist Residence Bristol

When Justin and Charlotte were hunting for a site for their latest Artist Residence hotel they settled on an old boot factory in Bristol’s artsy St Paul’s community, a stone’s throw from the city’s buzzing centre. To start with, the building had all of the qualities the pair typically looks for – a nod to the past, original beams and exposed brick walls – to which they added their signature industrial-luxe style, an eclectic mix of vintage and boho furniture and a collection of original, specially-commissioned artworks by local artists. The 23 rooms in the boutique hotel range from the super-cosy Shoe Box, which has arched fl­oor-to-ceiling windows, to the vast Artist Suite – think Georgian cornicing, views over leafy Portland Square and a roll-top tub in the bathroom. The idea was to create a proper, vibrant neighbourhood hang-out so there’s a real emphasis on the social spaces that are open to everyone: a coffee shop, bar, casual all-day restaurant, intimate dining room offering a seasonal menu, garden and event spaces for private hire.

Artist Residence Penzance

Artist Residence Penzance brings a slice of eccentric charm to the historic seaside town. With 16 eclectically decorated bedrooms, three luxe suites and a cosy three-bedroom cottage, the revitalized Georgian pile is a unique seaside inn, perfectly situated for daily forays to local beaches, trips to the Isles of Scilly and just a short stroll to the pubs, restaurants and bars of Penzance town centre, the unique art deco lido and a view of the fairytale that is St Michael’s Mount.

For more information, visit middletonlodge.co.uk

WIN

A one-night stay for two in one of the Artist Residence suites in Brighton, Oxfordshire, Bristol or Penzance – including welcome drinks & breakfast.

Click here to enter the competition.

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The Dior Spa Cruise Has Arrived In Paris

Launched to mark haute couture fashion week, the Dior Spa Cruise returns for its second year running – complete with some extra touches of luxury. The French fashion house has taken over a yacht at Quai Henri IV and transformed it into a floating spa, complete with a roof deck, giant hot tub, pool and juice bar. 

Naturally, the boat is the epitome of stylish: think umbrellas in the Maison’s blue Toile de Jouy pattern, Dior-branded cushions and wooden cabins for treatments. 

On a two-hour cruise, lucky guests will be able to enjoy treatments, take part in holistic activities, and of course relax – all while soaking up the Parisian sights. You can choose between two experiences: the treatment cruise, which includes a one-hour massage or facial followed by an hour-long trip along the Seine. Alternatively, there’s the wellness cruise, where you can swap the treatment for an hour of yoga, pilates or meditation. 

Treatments on offer span five categories: detox, balance, reverse-ageing, power and relaxation. Highlights include a hydrafacial, which offers deep facial cleansing and exfoliation before a Dior Floral Peeling Location, using special technology. There’s also the High Precision Facial: a lifting massage designed to stimulate cellular regeneration and reduce the effects of ageing.

Interested? You can book the experience here – but, quelle surprise, it doesn’t come cheap. The treatment cruise will set you back €680, while the wellness cruise is significantly less at €280.

Dior is no stranger to moving spas. The fashion brand has also joined forces with Belmond to create a spa on a train experience, the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman. A homage to Christian Dior’s love of Scotland, this will see a carriage turned into a wellness haven where you can enjoy tailormade treatments. Which mode of transport will Dior take over next?

Bookings available until 14 July

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Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

Hotel Review: Villa Alessia, Ibiza

Sat elegantly on an Ibizan hillside, Villa Alessia is a light and spacious retreat, ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a private, smart and capacious place to recline. Situated in San Agustín in the Ibizan municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, the villa lies near sleepy rural village San Agustín. Often overlooked (and, it is said, one of the best-preserved villages on the island), the area features ancient olive farms and a local church that surpasses two centuries.

Among the rural landscape of this beautiful Balearic island, Villa Alessia displays views across the valley, leading the eye towards the shoreline beyond – reminding us that the ocean is never far, wherever you may find yourself. Turning a blind eye to the beach clubs and buzzy restaurants Ibiza is known for, a stay at Villa Alessia allowed us to embrace a slower pace of life reflecting the deepest locales of rural mainland Spain, with just a handful of the quaint restaurants and bars of St Agustín.

STAY

Lovingly restored outside and in, Villa Alessia is as beautiful as its name suggests. With deep sofas, rustic wooden features and rattan interior accessories, the smart but suitably relaxed property hosted a group of seven of us (but can cater to up to 12) across five bright and airy bedrooms. With privacy paramount inside and out, each also includes an en suite bathroom, meaning we could enjoy our own space before reconvening poolside.

The open plan layout frames the well-kept garden, buzzing with insects over the flowers that surround the pool. On the ground level (and in the centre of the property) is a large L-shaped living area with a lounge and cosy TV room at one end, while the kitchen is home to a large dining table and polished white island. Saturated by the Spanish sunshine, large windows and bifold doors open out onto the patio and garden beyond.

One of the largest bedrooms is also on the ground floor, with a king-size bed and double sofa bed. Upstairs, the four other bedrooms include our master bedroom – with its private balcony and glorious views – and another room with a free-standing bath.

DO

It’s worth checking out the azure ocean that surrounds Ibiza. Not sure how to go about this? SamBoat may well be your answer. This platform connects you with local skippers and their variety of boats in Ibiza and beyond. We hopped aboard a lovely 46 ft yacht on the southern shores of Ibiza, navigating the crystal-clear waters of Formentera for the day. The fastest growing platform for boat rental, think of it as the Uber of the seas… samboat.com

EAT

Villa Alessia has a large gas BBQ, perfect for relaxed suppers at your own pace. We grilled local fish and meat, washed down with Spanish wine on our terrace while the orange sun dropped towards the horizon; a picture-perfect setting.

Finca La Plaza

Beyond the plush comfort of the villa, shift from one private garden setting to another at Finca La Plaza. From the Island Hospitality Group, you’d easily miss this exceptional dining spot in Ibiza’s Santa Gertrudis. Inspired by all the wonders of the Mediterranean, this was one of the best meals I’ve had the pleasure of on the island. So, despite its rural location (arguably part of its charm…), it’s well worth a visit. A combination of modern techniques and presentation styles (cue dry ice) with organic ingredients, dishes include smoked wagyu rib-eye, corn tortillas and pickles, grilled sea bass ‘a la espalda’ cooked on charcoal, and grilled octopus. fincalaplaza.com

Beachouse

Part of the same Island Hospitality Group is Finca La Plaza’s sister restaurant: Beach House. A well-known bohemian bolthole, on the southern sandy shores of Ibiza, enjoy Spanish favourites throughout the day and into the night. Celebrating a decade this year, this breezy open-air bar, restaurant and lifestyle boutique is set to the soundtrack of the ocean. Also with its very own kids club, it’s perfect for parents looking for a lassie-affair meal, whilst younger ones are equally entertained. beachouseibiza.com

THE FINAL WORD

Villa Alessia is one example of Oliver’s Travels portfolio of handpicked properties, each brimming with charm and personality. On a mission to become an ‘environmentally progressive villa company’, choose from rural hideaways to chic Châteaus. Earlier this year they also launched their City Homes & Apartments collection, offering a more so urban escape of equal elegance.

BOOK IT

Exclusive use for 12 guests from £5,120 for four nights. oliverstravels.com

Read more about Oliver’s Travels’ sustainability mission here.

The post Hillside Hideaway: Villa Alessia, Ibiza – Hotel Review appeared first on Country and Town House.

Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

Review: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Safari Camp, South Africa

STAY

Clad in mud repurposed from excavating the lodge’s foundations, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge’s low-slung suites blend seamlessly into the surrounding bushveld. Each one is tucked beneath a cloak of grass and feels very private, without a neighbour in sight. Once inside, the suites are cavernous. An open-plan lounge and romantic bed laced in mosquito nets take up most of the footprint, while the en-suite bathroom has a full glass front leading out onto the terrace. And the terrace itself is the real deal – there’s a large shaded alfresco lounge equipped with ceiling fans, alongside a pool flanked with sun loungers.

Stone and wood feature heavily in the suites’ décor, with handcrafted headboards and chandeliers adding a good dose of local flair, and a suitably earthy palette of warm greys and beige with some leather accents. Each suite also has an impressively large drinks cabinet.

If you’re all safari-ed out, you could all too easily while away a lazy morning or a late afternoon in your private retreat. There are 13 suites in total, including the recently refurbished two-bedroom Amber Villa, which spans 2,500 square-feet and is perfect for small groups or families seeking a bit more privacy, as it comes with its very own butler and private safari vehicle.

DO

Naturally, the aim of the game at Earth Lodge is the pursuit of exciting wildlife encounters. Game drives are held every morning and afternoon with a maximum of six guests per vehicle. With its privileged location, Sabi Sabi Game Reserve is home to a vast array of wildlife, including 47 large mammal species and more than 500 bird species. It’s a proclaimed hotspot for the Big Five – leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo – and all this amid a diverse and beautiful undulating landscape pocked with fever trees and umbrella thorns. Aside from regular game drives, there’s the opportunity to partake in night drives to spot nocturnal creatures on the hunt, as well as walking safaris for anyone keen to get up close and personal with some of the smaller animals of the bush.

While Sabi Sabi’s three other lodges in the area – Bush Lodge, Selati Camp and Little Bush Camp – all offer access to excellent guiding within this private reserve, returning to Earth Lodge at the end of a hot day rattling through the wilderness feels utterly indulgent. The entrance deserves a mention in itself; you wind your way down to the heart of the communal zone, a vast circular space centred around a trickling stream. Artworks by renowned sculptor, Geoffrey Armstrong, made with wood salvaged from trees torn down by elephants, are dotted across the property.

But that’s not all: Earth Lodge is a fully-equipped gym with views over the wilderness, and the Amani spa, where you can treat yourself to a holistic massage.

EAT

Those in the know will be familiar with the fact that, on safari, you’re fed practically all day long – so light and fresh dishes help lighten the load. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge offers some pleasingly healthy options. Local organic produce is a focus, which pulls through in the flavours of the dishes. Breakfast is served buffet-style, but there’s also the option to order more elaborate dishes from the menu. The lunch menu is lengthy with plenty of salads and wraps alongside more substantial mains. Dinner is typically served a la carte, paired with wines from some of South Africa’s small independent wineries stocked in an underground cellar holding over 6,000 bottles of rare vintages. The open-air restaurant leads out to a landscaped garden overlooking a nearby waterhole, and the lodge also hosts African-themed evenings in the romantic boma for a change of scene, with all sorts of meats grilled on the braai. There’s also a bar for sipping cocktails before and after dinner.

Boma

THE FINAL WORD

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is undeniably a unique proposition in the bush – from its dramatic construction and eye-catching design details, to an incredible wine cellar. This refreshing take on a traditional safari will sate the appetites of architecture aficionados and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

A Typical Day At Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

By Sarah Rodrigues

start the slideshow

BOOK IT

Rates from £1,245 per person per night. This includes open vehicle safaris by day and at night, environmental awareness walking safaris, breakfast, lunch, ‘boma’ dinner, all drinks excluding French Champagne and Private Collection Wines, WiFi and limited laundry service. sabisabi.com

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Best Outdoor Swimming In England: Lidos & Wild Swims

The Swan at Streatley, Reading

Set on a clean stretch of the River Thames, The Swan at Streatley is in prime position to invite its guests to enjoy the benefits of wild swimming. Led by wild swim instructor, Jo (who has been open swimming since she was twelve and even swum the English Channel twice), the wild swimming events are unlike any others. The session will cover entry and exit, technique, kit recommendations, swim etiquette, water safety and how to adapt pool swimming to outdoor swimming. You can even pop to the hotel afterwards for a spot of lunch or a steam and sauna.

Find It: Streatley-On-Thames, Reading RG8 9HR

Thurlestone Rock, Devon

Thurlestone Rock in Devon is a great destination to aim for if you want a truly wild swimming experience. The rock formation is situated in Thurlestone Bay on the south Devon coast, sitting around 500 metres off the shore at high tide, and is famous for its unusual natural arch, created over centuries by the crashing waves.

Don a wetsuit (the water can be cold) and goggles and challenge yourself; experienced wild swimmers pride themselves on being able to swim through the arch, but it’s just as fun to simply float over the reef and – if the water’s clear – take in the aquatic garden of seaweed and fish below you. visitdevon.co.uk 

Find It: South Milton, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3JY

Grassington, North Yorkshire

Grassington, Skipton

Grassington is an idyllic little Dales market town with a cobbled square, but if you can escape from its cosy pubs, it’s also a great base for a spot of wild swimming. The surrounding area is scattered with plunge pools, cascading waterfalls and the pristine waters of the River Wharfe. Choose to ride a rubber ring down the chutes, cool off with a paddle or brave the jump into the plunge pool at Loup Scar. Stick to the summer months unless you’re impervious to the chilliest of temperatures. wildswimming.co.uk

Find It: Skipton, North Yorkshire

Swim Serpentine, London

Swim Serpentine is a one-day open water swimming festival staged in the heart of London. Organised by London Marathon Events, the festival is held in and around the beautiful Serpentine in Hyde Park, the venue for the open water swimming competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Sharpen the elbows; it can get busy. Alternatively, the open-water lido is open everyday in the summer until mid-September, 10 am until 6pm. swimserpentine.co.uk

Find It: Marathon House, 190 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YB

Lido Bristol

The Lido, Bristol

Tucked away inside a secluded courtyard in the heart of Bristol’s most prestigious area, Clifton Lido provides a luxurious leisure space that is another modern destination for both locals and visitors. The large outdoor pool and hot tub are complimented by an award-winning restaurant that cooks delicious yet affordable meals that are prepared using the finest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally. lidobristol.com

Find It: Oakfield Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BJ

Jubilee Pool Photo by Benjamin Elliott

Jubilee Pool, Penzance

The Jubilee Pool is the country’s largest sea water lido and has been a significant feature of Penzance’s seafront for 85 years. With stunning views of both St Michaels Mount and the quaint fishing town of Newlyn, this lido is a fantastic place to splash around on a summer’s day. The pool opened in 1935 and has since become one of Cornwall’s greatest landmarks. A true beauty, jutting out into the sea and providing locals with a safe spot for sea swimming for 85 years. The addition of a new heated geothermal pool means that there’s no need to brave the cold, although tickets sell out months in advance and priority goes to Cornwall locals, so be quick! jubileepool.co.uk

Find It: Battery Road, Penzance TR18 4FF

Swim Trek, Lake District

How about a short escape swimming holiday in the Lake District? With freshwater swims in some of the region’s most iconic lakes, this weekend getaway is the perfect way to spend some time in the great outdoors and discover this beautiful part of the British countryside from a unique perspective. swimtrek.com

Find It: Glenthorne Guest House, Easedale Road, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9QH

Watkin’s Path Waterfall (c) Daniel Sessler

Watkin Path Waterfall, Snowdonia

Wild swimming lovers, you’ll have to earn this idyllic swim. Located off the Snowdon Watkin Path, the nearest parking spot is a 20 to 30 minute walk away, but totally worth it for secluded pools and cascading waterfalls with views of rolling hills and ancient woodland. wildswimming.co.uk

Find It: Snowdonia National Park, Beddgelert, Caernarfon LL55 4NL

Scilly Sea Swim Challenge

Watch the spectacle (or join the madness) as 150 swimmers swim and walk between Scilly’s main islands in just one day. Starting at sunrise from Bar on St Mary’s north side the swimmers head first to St Martin’s arriving at Higher Town Quay. They then walk the length of the island to Lower Town Quay. Here they set off for Tresco, to Old Grimsby Quay passing Tean and St Helen’s. After walking across the backbone of Tresco to New Grimsby, they head off once again for the shortest of the swims to Bryher and then on to Samson. From Samson, comes the penultimate swim and arguably one of the toughest – through the deep channel to St Agnes. And then the longest swim of all to wrap up the challenge: from St Agnes to Porthcressa Beach back on St. Mary’s. Sounds easy, no? scillyswimchallenge.co.uk

Find It: Isles of Scilly

Salford Quays

Salford Quays, Manchester

Situated in the heart of Media City, Salford Quays proudly boasts the best water quality of any open water in the UK. Since 1987, APEM have managed and monitored the water quality at the Quays ensuring it is entirely safe, giving you complete peace of mind during your swim. Both Uswim and Helly Hansen offer classes at Salford Quays – whilst Uswim attracts a range of ages and abilities, Helly Hansen draws in a more competent bunch! salfordwatersports.com

Find It: Manchester M50 3UB

Saltdean Lido, Brighton

The UK’s only Grade II-listed lido in Saltdean, near Brighton, reopened in 2017 after a five-year restoration programme. The lido is one of the finest remaining examples of modernist lidos in the UK. Phase one saw the opening of the main 40-metre-long swimming pool and the children’s swimming pool re-opening – with heated water, for the first time since it was closed in 1940. Phase two restored the main building, with a café/restaurant/events space, pending funding. You can support the Lido’s ongoing restoration here – just think of the fabulous days out that lie ahead. saltdeanlido.co.uk 

Find It: The Oval Park, Saltdean Park Road, Saltdean, Brighton BN2 8SP

Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall

Following its closure in 1990, a local campaign succeeded in protecting the lido from demolition, resulting in the lido opening its doors once again in 2008. Bude Sea Pool is nestled in the rocks of a laid-back seaside town, making it the perfect place to relax in between exploring the beautiful beaches views and wild coastline. Built in 1930, the part natural, part man-made pool is topped up by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean each day, making it one of the few tidal swimming pools currently open to the general public. budeseapool.org

Find It: Cornwall EX23 8HN

Hampstead Ponds

Hampstead Ponds, London

The Hampstead Ponds were originally dug as reservoirs in the 17th century. Over the past 400 years they have been converted into three separate bathing ponds consisting of a Ladies, Mens and Mixed Pond. The Ponds are as iconic as the Heath itself, offering a chance to step out of the chaos of modern city living and immerse yourself in a pool of calm. After taking a dip in the Ponds make your way through the Heath and take in one of London’s finest parks. Truly the best of both! Tickets for the following week are released every Monday at midday – but be quick as they sell out fast. hampsteadheath.net

Find It: Hampstead Heath, London

London Royal Docks

Long day in the City? London Royal Docks is the ideal place for those craving a post-work swim. There are numerous supervised swimming sessions which run throughout the week in both the daytime and evening. So whether you’re looking to get a serious cardio workout or simply relax after work, the Docks are perfect for you. Follow the course of the water as it meanders through Canary Wharf and around the O2. Although before taking a dip, ensure you purchase an electronic wristband from NOWCA which allows you to track your progress and keep you safe in the water. londonroyaldocksows.co.uk

Find It: Dock Road, London E16 1AH

Queen’s Dock, Liverpool

The charity Local Solutions is committed to widening participation in watersports, they run open water sessions every Wednesday for just £5. What’s more, your fee is reinvested back into the local community to help disadvantaged individuals who do not have access to sports facilities. The sessions are open to all abilities and are designed to allow everyone to experience open water swimming at their own pace. liverpoolwatersports.org.uk

Find It: Liverpool

Featured Image: Jubilee Pool, Penzance (c) Benjamin Elliott 

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