For many people, July is a month of celebration. Our American and Canadian families both celebrate their national holidays (not to mention the official arrival of their long-awaited summer) with tremendous pride and ceremony. In the southern hemisphere, winter is welcomed and many families gather for the increasingly popular Christmas in July movement so that they too can enjoy a festive feast with more of a winter feel.
From Nelson Mandela Day to International Tiger Day and even World Ranger Day, July gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate and here at &Beyond, we have a few more. Both &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp in Botswana and &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge in South Africa recently underwent significant and glamorous makeovers and the unbelievable before and after photos really are a celebration in themselves.
Our long-time friends and former &Beyonders, Chris Browne and Debra Fox, the award-winning design gurus of Fox Browne Creative, were once again commissioned to work their magic and add their personal flair, elegance and incomparable style to these two iconic &Beyond lodges.
So, to commemorate #transformationtuesday and celebrate these two extraordinary makeovers, we invite you to join us on a visual journey through some of the most exciting highlights. We’d love to show them off to you in person, so why not book your next bucket list adventure and indulge in the classic safari ambience of &Beyond Nxabega or the earthy glamour of &Beyond Phinda Rock.
1. Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
The second and final phase of &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp’s grand makeover is now complete and the camp has officially reopened its doors to guests. The sophisticated new look now extends from the sumptuous guest suites all the way throughout the inviting guest areas where guests are encouraged to relax, unwind and enjoy the Delta sights and sounds.
The elegant entrance sets the tone, with its light and earthy feel, and guests can freshen up on arrival with a piping hot cappuccino lovingly prepared by the expertly trained baristas at the sleek new interactive food and coffee bar.
Handsome new interiors feature earthy tones that echo the breathtaking natural setting, while a sophisticated safari style adds a contemporary spin to this traditional tented camp. Decorated in neutral colours, the dining areas feature the clever use of mirrors to invite the outside in and enhance the sense of space and light. The al fresco boma, encircled by a rugged wooden fence on the very edge of the Okavango Delta and set beneath the mottled shade of the camp’s towering ebony trees, allows for romantic starlit dinners.
The pool area has also been completely redone, with the addition of comfortable, shaded loungers perfectly positioned to capitalise on those magnificent Delta views. A dedicated massage sala entices guests to indulge in pampering treatments in a private, tranquil and scenic setting.
Before / After
2. Phinda Rock Lodge, South Africa
Celebrating 20 years since its original opening date, our beloved &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge in South Africa also recently reopened its doors with a brand new and totally revamped look and feel. The lodge has been extensively refurbished and the incredible, you-won’t-believe-your-eyes makeover has been getting rave reviews from guests.
Chris and Debra chose to enhance the lodge’s unique African adobe style with an earthy soft grey palette and stylish interiors that are not only raw and natural but also luxurious and elegant. Keeping with the enduring spirit of this small and secluded six-suite lodge that clings dramatically to steep cliffs, the refurbishment has retained the overall sense of privacy and intimacy that is integral to the Phinda Rock Lodge experience. Glamorous new touches and quirky objets d’art have been carefully selected in order to retain the lodge’s unique sense of place, deep in the heart of South Africa’s Zululand.
The lodge’s guest areas have been restyled using a combination of beautiful woven linens, hand-embroidered cotton and exquisite reloaded oriental carpets. The colour scheme is an elegant blend of oatmeal, grey and stone.
The windows in the guest lounge have been replaced with grand French doors, opening up the room onto an extended outdoor veranda that boasts magnificent bushveld views. All of the outdoor decks have been reconfigured to allow plenty of space for intimate al fresco dining, with stretched sweeping canvas shades for protection from the sun. A new rooftop terrace provides the ideal venue for dining beneath the stars.
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