&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

Currently closed for a refurbishment – opening June 2019

&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is perched on a dramatic hill top overlooking the lush Lebombo foothills.  This Big Five luxury safari destination will steal your heart with its beautiful private suites, some of the best views in the world and access to a selection of unique adventure safaris. The grand dame of all the &Beyond Phinda lodges and the beating heart of the reserve, this is the third major refurbishment it has undergone during its lifetime.  Working with the existing footprint and providing a sustainable, positive impact on the guest experience, this lodge, steeped in Zulu heritage, offers a spectacularly intimate experience.

Inspiration

Following a design narrative of Zulu heritage, and a fine balance of contemporary and traditional South African safari, the aesthetic at &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge draws its vision from the collection of rare Zulu beadwork which forms part of a valuable &Beyond Phinda art collection. Splashes of iridescent blue, inspired by the Indian Ocean nearby, enhance the colour scheme.   26 sophisticated rooms are adorned in intricate Zulu artefacts, basketware and beadwork with black, white and teal reflecting the refined colour palette.

Overall Lodge Layout

Guest Suites:

Roomy bedrooms are more spacious with the dividing wall in the room having been removed. This allows for more natural light to stream through the expansive glass windows. Solid wood parquet flooring has been chosen as the floor finish which will speak to the Zulu weave basket narrative. The bathrooms have been completely refurbished with new wall and floor finishes including new sanitary fittings. Handmade herringbone shower tiles were inspired by Zulu basketware designs.  A new beautifully appointed personal bar, including tea and coffee for your convenience, has been added. A sunken lounge with built in sofa faces the spectacular view. The colour palette is neutral with soft tones of stone and grey, and bursts of deep blue.

Guest Area:

A succulent, landscaped garden of aloes and cycads create a welcoming atmosphere at the entrance. New pathways have been constructed simplifying the connectivity between the guest area and suites. The new bar in the sitting room features a gleaming white marble counter with railway sleeper base and showcases a vast array of South African artisanal spirits. The innovative opening up of the bar area allows for more natural light and links the pool, gym and spa to the guest area via a raised deck.  Two treatment rooms are offered with a shower, and a gym features a tread mill, spin bike, row machines, weights and yoga deck with view. The new interactive kitchen and pizza oven in the new dining room celebrate the abundant produce of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the midlands region.  The rim flow pool follows the contours of the of the hill, maximising the natural curves of the mountain, giving guests spectacular 180 degree views from this vantage point of the Lebombo foothills. The Safari shop has been enlarged to become more of a craft studio showcasing the best of regional basket and beadwork. The Boma offers an amphitheatre ambiance, with the retention of the original stone work for dramatic effect.

For Families:

Embracing and welcoming families, the lodge staff endeavour to create memories for multi-generational safaris that last a life time.  Space, comfort, privacy and sensational views were top of mind with the refurbishment of the family suite. Inviting and playful, the children’s playroom has been up renovated, and is a space of creativity, safety and learning. A sparkling new pool is the ideal respite from the heat and provides the perfect spot for families to frolic and enjoy the sun sheltered under expansive umbrellas. The kids can don their aprons and chefs hats and delight in making delicious pizzas in the interactive kitchen in the main guest area. Forging relationships on a family safari with the guide and staff, who lovingly take care of all ages, is paramount to the success of an adventure brimming with significant moments and extraordinary experiences.