Arrival/Check-in: The sun was dazzlingly bright as we inched our way along the dirt road, lost in the expansive bush of the Madikwe Game Reserve. A jeep appeared and pulled alongside to ask if we needed directions. Philip, the driver and our game-drive guide-to-be, invited us to follow him to the gates at Mateya. We arrived minutes later at the antique Zanzibari elephant doors, where we were met with a warm smile, steaming towels and a cool drink. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: No more than 10 guests stay in five ultra-luxurious air-conditioned thatched suites built from local materials and decorated with priceless African and European antiques . From our cottage at the end of a rambling path we could admire the distant Gabbro hills and elephants grazing just beyond the compound’s fence. A mahogany canopied bed dominated the room, while a large fireplace faced French doors that opened onto a rosewood sundeck and private infinity pool. The huge bathroom featured a deep marble tub with views of the veld. An adjoining indoor shower room with double showers opened onto a native blue-stone outdoor shower area, where a bust of Queen Mateya surveyed the land. (30/30)
Amenities/Services: All rooms have wireless Internet, and a business center is in the main building. A wellness center and a library of over 3,000 books, including rare works of 19th-century African literature, provide diversions. There are several dining options: outside, watching the landscape change as herds of animals come to drink at Mateya’s watering hole, or inside in the elegant paneled dining room or downstairs in the wine cellar, surrounded by 8,000 bottles of South African and French wines. Of course, the main attractions are the gamedrives. Early morning and late afternoon, Philip and KK take guests out to see any of the “Big 5” they request. At sunset they might spot a cheetah or a leopard or just enjoy cocktails and a snack while gazing off toward Botswana in the distance. (40/40)
The Experience: If money is no object, there isn’t a more exquisite place to have a private family gathering or company retreat.
Total Score: (100/100)
Mate ya Safari Lodge
Molatedi North West Province, South Africa 2838
tel 800-524-7979
http://www.mateyasafari.com
Read This Next
Park Hyatt Washington
2008
Dec 10, 2012All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis