Kusini Oases – favorite escapes for a vacation within a vacation!

Wolwedans is a luxurious oasis in Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve

 

At the aptly named Clouds Lodge, views are simply astounding

Classic Africa Safaris: Perched high atop a mountain in the Ugandan rainforest, Clouds Lodge is the ultimate retreat in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Private villas with personal butlers afford guests the ultimate in both space and luxury with every need attended to. Skilled massage therapists are available to work out any knots from a day of gorilla trekking. Relaxing with a sundowner on the terrace with the glowing Virunga volcanoes in the distance is unforgettable. Contact Phil at Classic Africa Safaris to make Clouds a part of your clients’ Uganda safari.

Always be sure to give your clients at least two nights at Gibb’s Farm

Albatros Travel: Tanzania’s Gibb’s Farm is an organic oasis known as a “sanctuary for the senses” with good reason! Even with the teeming herds of animals (both four and two-legged) nearby in the Ngorongoro Crater, every guest leaves wishing they’d planned more time to enjoy this special retreat situated among terraced gardens and ancient trees. Fresh coffee, farm-to-table cuisine and amazing Maasai healing treatments celebrate the healthy sense of well-being no traveler can deny. Contact Juliet at Albatros Travel for availability.

Pacific views from Los Colibris might include whales or some of the area’s 150 bird species

Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Los Colibris Casitas in Baja California Sur are bordered by tropical gardens and desert mountains. An inviting and refreshing pool promotes relaxation, while yoga on the sky deck both calms and invigorates. Afternoon brings magical light near sunset, and guests might even spot a whale from their terrace. Visitors can chill out in hammocks or get a massage – and after a languid day they can enjoy fresh fish tacos and mango-infused margaritas. Todos Santos Eco Adventures not only runs Los Colibris, they’ve made it their home!

What’s more relaxing than hanging out in a private splash pool overlooking the river at Zambezi Sands?

Imvelo Safari Lodges: Victoria Falls is a must-see for many, but its vibe can feel hectic for vacationers. Escape the crowds and endless helicopters at Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Gorges Lodge. With breathtaking views over Bakota Gorge, a pool, and lush, peaceful gardens, it has easy access (30 min) to the Falls while also offering seclusion. Clients can choose community visits, gorge walks, fantastic birding and more. Zambezi Sands River Camp is another option where travelers can get on the water to fish, paddle or enjoy a sunset cruise. Both are proximate to Vic Falls, but offer a true sense of escape and exclusivity.

Wolwedans’ rooms can be completely opened to take in the serene surroundings

Ultimate Safaris Namibia: Namibia’s landscapes are amazing to lose oneself in, but perhaps none is as special as the NamibRand Nature Reserve with its crimson dunes, rocky peaks and endless vistas. The silence is all-encompassing and gives guests the feeling of being a million miles from anywhere. That impression is only enhanced with a stay at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge. Rooms are simple but luxurious, meals and wines are exquisite, and the heavens will leave stargazers breathless. It’s the perfect end to an Ultimate Safaris adventure, where visitors can slow down to absorb their experience.

Kuriftu’s decor is exotic and almost sultanesque

Travel Ethiopia: Situated on the edge of Lake Tana, Kuriftu Resort and Spa is a place to linger. While clients should be sure to see the source of the Nile and the area’s ancient island monasteries, they should also have time to slow down and enjoy Kuriftu. Named by The Telegraph as one of ‘Ethiopia’s Best Lodges,’ its lovely rooms, fantastic pool and full-service spa give visitors a sense of calm. Sunsets are spectacular from the terrace. Travel Ethiopia can make a stay part of your clients’ visit to Ethiopia’s historic north.

Escape to El Convento’s terrace to enjoy the fire while stargazing

Maya Trails: Antigua’s colonial charm extends beyond its street fronts, and we sometimes struggle to choose which charming spot to lay our heads. Panza Verde’s art gallery tempts, as does Posada del Angel’s romantic garden. Casa Santo Domingo beckons with its storied history and hideaway nooks, but it’s El Convento with its pool, lovely gardens and fantastic roof deck (complete with cozy fireplace for those cool Antigua evenings!) that we’d like to escape to next! Work with Maya Trails to pick the perfect Antigua oasis for your clients.

Chilcabamba’s Cotopaxi view is incredible!

Tropic Ecuador: Travelers don’t have to venture far from Quito to find an idyllic retreat. Tropic Ecuador’s Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet it’s just a short and scenic drive. Sweeping mountain vistas and an outdoor playground await visitors to this special lodge, and after a hard day of play in the Andes, a cozy fire and piping hot meal await. Guests can visit on Tropic’s newly relaunched lodge-to-lodge trek, or opt for a longer stay on a customized itinerary.

We love the relaxing pool at Athol Place in Johannesburg

New Frontiers: South Africa has no shortage of oases, but we have a few to highlight. A peaceful retreat is a must Johannesburg and clients will love Athol Place with its spacious and thoughtfully-appointed suites. A four course tasting menu followed by a candlelit tub soak will make them forget they are in the city! For those in the Western Cape, New Frontiers recommends the new Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. Gorgeous rooms, fabulous wines, an amazing spa and a reading room with a unique collection make this property much more than a home base for Winelands visits.