Irish country-house charm
Within the magnificent 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle, overlooking magical Lough Corrib.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Okavango Delta, Botswana
A luxury safari lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta
The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of renewal. Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa’s wild spaces. The same spirit that inspired this remarkable reimagining, perhaps a complete reinvention, of an Okavango Delta safari. This is Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’), named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. But Xigera is equally a line in the sand. A raising of the bar. A bold statement in the realm of luxury safaris in Botswana, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.
Experience Hout Bay...
Hout Bay
Just 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel the charming coastal suburb of Hout Bay is encircled by mountains, with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep. The large harbour retains plenty of work-a-day charm, and is home to a yacht marina, craft market, fish stalls and wide beach for walking. The suburb is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, from pan-Asian cuisine at Cheyne’s to beachfront family-friendly dining at Dunes.
Norval Foundation
In the heart of leafy Constantia, the striking Norval Foundation celebrates contemporary African artists and global creativity with an impressive roster of exhibitions across its indoor gallery spaces and outdoor sculpture garden.
Bay Harbour Market
This weekend market on the quayside of Hout Bay harbour is a colourful celebration of homegrown creativity, hosting artists and artisans, chefs and crafters from across the city. There’s a strong ethos of sustainability and upliftment in the make-up of stalls here, with a focus on nurturing start-up businesses from within the local community.
The World of Birds
One of the largest bird sanctuaries in Africa is situated just a short drive from The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Across four hectares of lush garden the World of Birds is home to 3000 birds and mammals across 400 species, housed in more than 100 walk-through aviaries and enclosures.
Constantia Valley Wine Route
South Africa is home to the oldest winemaking tradition in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1659, and the Constantia valley is home to some of the country’s oldest estates. With granitic soils and cooling sea breezes the acclaimed cellars here are especially famous for their Sauvignon Blanc, white blends and elegant Old World red wines. The museum at Groot Constantia, a National Monument, is particularly worth a visit.
Discover Noordhoek
Saddle up on Noordhoek Beach
The wide-open sands of Noordhoek beach, framed by the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park, are the perfect location to get back in the saddle. Giddy up for a gallop along sparkling white sands in the company of expert local guides. Riders of all skill levels are welcome.
Meet Franck
The Foodbarn Restaurant & Deli is a much-loved local eatery in the Noordhoek valley, helmed by acclaimed chef Franck Dangereux. The Foodbarn offers a relaxed fine-dining experience, while the Deli is all about artisan breads, great pastries and excellent coffee. Stop in for a lazy lunch, or a quick break on your peninsula exploring.
See the light
South Africa’s rugged coastline is home to dozens of lighthouses, but Slangkop Lighthouse at Kommetjie, an hour’s drive from the hotel, is entirely unique. Built in 1914, it is the only metal lighthouse in Africa.
The tower’s light shimmers 33 nautical miles out to sea