Flowers of Peru
Image
Reply
Category Archives: Celebrations
Nice photo of Shane Arrold at Machu Picchu
Orient- Express Regional Director of Sales, Asia Pacific
Our resident photographer
Notice the steepness of the terraces at MP
Find our group exploring Machu Picchu
I slipped off to shoot some pics from the top. Huffing and puffing!!
Entry to Machu Picchu
So excited to be there!!
Machu Picchu built on a mountain top
This side plunges straight down.
Our Divine Day at Machu Picchu
We arrived at Machu Picchu at 1230P and for the next 4 and 1/2 hours, explored the ruins. What a photo op!
After our divine day at the site we visited Orient Express’s Sanctuary Lodge- located at the entrance of MP. When the crowds are gone you have the site to yourself.
We were treated to High Tea at Sanctuary Lodge -yum- before our amazing return trip back to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham. Met with trays of pink champagne, we thought the lunch trip was fun until we had the unforgettable experience of more singing, dancing dinner and drinks on our return. A very happy tired group tucked into bed that night at the gorgeous Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco- brand new sister hotel to the iconic Monasterio Hotel.
More about the hotels next!!
View from our table- Orient Express Hiram Bingham Train
Astounding vistas
Best way to reach Machu Picchu- Orient Express’s Hiram Bingham
The ultimate thrill is to explore the incredibly spiritual citadel, Machu Picchu.
Our group did it the fun way, we took the -luxury with a capital L -Hiram Bingham. Named for the explorer Hiram Bingham, who discovered MP in 1911.
It is an Orient Express train- done to death. I think they must have two employees for every guest. I was blown away with the welcome and care the staff took to make us happy.
We started with champagne, and the local specialty – Pisco Sour. In the early morning, no less!
We placed our order for lunch and enmass headed for the bar car. Orient Express Hiram Bingham absolutely has glamour and service down to a T. There was a musical group playing in the observatory car at the back of the train – next to the bar car, and we danced and sang the morning away. Lunch was a gourmet formal affair, four divine courses, and before we knew it we had arrived at our destination, Machu Picchu. It really is not just about getting to a destination, I have learned the journey is just as important. And what a journey. There are other options to get to Machu Picchu, Peru Train, and a four day trek, hiking the Inca Trail. But adding the Hiram Bingham is an unforgettable, delightful experience.
Molori – Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Fabulous, glamorous Molori in Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Image courtesy of Molori
Ending with a bang! MOLORI, Madikwe (Malaria free) Reserve, South Africa
Stunning Lodge!!
Protea – National Flower of South Africa
Seen in an arrangement at Molori, Madikwe South Africa
Gorgeous Cheetah- Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Yes the clay is really that color!
Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
Image
Pool – Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
Image
Bar- Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
Image
Ahhhhh- visiting Singita Sweni and Lebombo, Kruger National Park
Located in the most famous game rich preserve in the world, Singita Sweni and Lebombo live up to all their hype. Considered as one of the top resorts in Africa, they work hard to make sure their guests are comfortable and happy. Trackers, Rangers, Chefs and hotel staff are all top of the heap. The Wine Cellar is enormous!! And the gift shop is one of the most comprehensive and beautiful I have seen.
Sweni is situated on the river and more intime. Lebombo is on a ridge with vistas over the thickets with gorgeous public spaces. One can experience both properties when staying at either Sweni or Lebombo. Rooms are similar- just a different view.
I think Sweni is one of my personal favorites and I hope to return very soon. Anyone want to go? I’m ready!
One of my favorites: Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park
Image
Find the Owl in this picture- Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park
Image courtesy of Gavin Ford
Bath with plunge pool and outdoor shower – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands
Image
What’s in the fab gift shop – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands
Image
Lobby – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands South Africa
Image
Singita Boulders
Image
Singita Boulders – Sabi Sands South Africa
Singita Ebony is done in a more traditional style, warm colors and lots of English Safari antiques and decorative accessories. Singita Boulders is more contemporary, walls are stacked boulders, and the color palate is soothing blues, taupes and greens. Both have an appeal and the staff in each is above par.
Lobby Singita Ebony
Image
Family Villa Singita Ebony – Sabi Sands South Africa
Image
Singita Sabi Sands: Singita Boulders and Ebony
Next stops were the fabulous Singita Sabi Sands : Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders.
Singita Resorts and Lodges are always at the top of any Safari Lodge rating. They are in a class by themselves. The best rooms, staff, decoration, and amazing attention to detail. Like Royal Malewane, Singita employs impeccable staff and educates them well. They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, passionate, and extremely welcoming. No request is too difficult; one feels like you are in a private home. Care of their guests is extremely well thought out, down to a warm bubble bath waiting for you after an afternoon game drive- with a bucket of chilled champagne sitting on the tub!! Food selection is top notch – innovative, gourmet standard and the wine cellars are eminently well filled with thousands of bottles from all over the world to choose from. All part of their incredible service.
Chilled champagne set by my hot bubble bath – awaiting me on my return from an afternoon game drive- Singita Sweni
How were they able to keep the bubbles and the water hot????
Lobby – Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, South Africa
Incredibly soothing.
Recipes from the Road- Royal Malewane’s Apple Tart
YUM! It was delicious!
Courtesy of Executive Chef Nathan Macke.
More to come! Thanks Nathan
Recipes from the Road- Pumpkin Soup from Leadwood Lodge
Image
Recipes from the Road- Amazing Iced Coffee from Leadwood
Image
Birds are a bonus at Sabi Sands Reserve
Image
Leopard Sabi Sand Reserve
Image
Sabi Sands South Africa
The world renowned KRUGER NATIONAL PARK has a number of private nature reserves that were created fifty years ago along-side it’s western boundary. These private reserves are now part of the Greater Kruger, and are no longer separated from this iconic wildlife conservation area by fences or any barrier at all. area. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one such area and Leadwood and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge are landmark destination lodges within this incredible wildlife sanctuary.
The Reserve is famed for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of wildlife, including the Big Five, the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey and larger than some independent countries. Game drives traverse an area of 10 000 hectares (24 700 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sighting ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience. Offroad driving ensures that you have the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements.
Private plunge pool – Exeter Leadwood Lodge, Sabi Sands South Africa
Image
Rooms Exeter Leadwood Lodge – Sabi Sands
Image
Exeter Leadwood Lodge -Sabi Sands South Africa
WIlliam and Andrew- Best rangers!
Moving on the Sabi Sands Preserve near Kruger National Park, we we delighted to discover Exeter Leadwood Lodge. Along with the Lodge we encountered our favorite ranger/ game drivers. Their passion and humor was the highlight of our trip. I told Africa Inscribed that they should hire them as guides becasue they were completely professional and the most outstanding rangers we met. The could be a traveling comedy act; they were hilarious. We hated to leave them.
Dinner – Royal Malewane
Image
Bath – Royal Malewane
Image
Royal Suite at Royal Malewane
Image
Bedroom at Royal Malewane
Image
The Glamorous Royal Malewane – Thornybush Reserve South Africa
We are continuing our adventure with a visit to the grand dame of luxury camps, Royal Malewane. Located in Thornybush private Reserve, adjacent to greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane is the the standard all luxury camps wish to reach.
Family owned, the glamorous Royal Malewane offers unparalleled service, food, and the number one Spa in South Africa. Liz Biden is a very hands on proprietor; one sees her touch everywhere. Most of the staff have been there since the opening 13 years ago, which makes for a pleasant return. When they say welcome back, they mean it!
Tracking Lion with Africa Inscribed at Sabi Sands
Image
Southern Zimbabwe- gorgeous!
Image
Martha and Yeardley with our great pilot, Stephan
Singita Pamushana- Zimbabwe
Dispatches from the Road 