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SAFARI DINING IS RAISING ITS GAME: INTRODUCING AFRICA’S NEW GOURMET GETAWAYS

For travellers seeking a foodie escape in Africa beyond the well-known hotspots, there is growing range of exciting gourmet experiences to enjoy while out in the bush on safari.

May 1stAFRICA

NAMIBIA

GO OFF-GRID IN NAMIBIA
A GOURMET ROADTRIP TRAVERSING NAMBIA’S SAND DUNES AND DESERT, LED BY MAVROS SAFARIS’ ‘SAFARI BUTLER’

  • Accompanied by his gourmet bush kitchen and craft gin bar on the back of his 4×4, foodie travellers can travel through Namibia’s vast landscape, meeting locals and dining at places no person has ever dined at before

In 2018, Namibia as a gourmet destination came into the spotlight with the opening of spectacular lodges and luxe desert camps. For foodie travellers looking beyond these hotel-based experiences, new driving itineraries offer the opportunity to go off-grid and make the most of Namibia’s remarkable landscapes. Exclusively available through Africa specialists Mavros Safaris, travellers can explore Namibia on an off-road foodie adventure with the Safari Butler – in a brand-new itinerary for 2019. Accompanied by his gourmet bush kitchen and craft gin bar on the back of his 4×4, guests will travel through Namibia’s vast landscape, meeting locals and dining at places no person has ever dined at before. Arriving into Walvis Bay, Namibia travellers will be met by Dean and make their way to the NamibRand Nature Reserve – just 430 kilometres (an approximate six-hour drive) from Walvis Bay. Along the way, Dean’s passion for Africa and bush fire cuisine will see guests enjoy entertaining stories around the campfire, while dining on delicious dishes such as thick rump steaks cooked on mopani wood kindling, freshly caught bream and traditional sadza and stew. The expedition-style journey then ends with grand finale in Wolwedans Dune Lodge in the Namib Desert –  the oldest desert on the planet, one of the most remote areas on earth and Africa’s first and only International Dark Sky Reserve. During their three-night stay, guests can enjoy guided nature walks and safari drives, scenic drives into the dunes, or take a hot air balloon flight over the landscape. HOW: Rates for the five-night Namibia Safari Butler Road Trip with Mavros Safaris starts from £5,777 per person based on two people travelling. This includes return flights from London to Walvis Bay, accommodation on a full-board basis at Wolwedans Dune Lodge and all transport with Dean. For enquiries please call +442038246000 or email [email protected]www.mavrossafaris.com / @mavrossafaris.

SOUTH AFRICA

BRING A TASTE OF SAFARI HOME

  • Leading conservation brand Singita launches its first cookbook to celebrate the brand’s gourmet evolution and how food has positively impacted the lives of Singita staff and the local community through its favourite recipes

Since its conception, leading conservation brand Singita has strived to redefine the African culinary scene and following an overhaul of their gourmet offerings, the team have completely redeveloped their approach to dining on safari. With the introduction of interactive kitchens, many of the South African lodges now offer cooking demonstrations with the chefs and a constantly changing tapas sharing menu of dishes, which celebrate the produce of the area and offer a more informal dining experience. Singita places great emphasis on supporting adjacent local communities when it comes to sourcing produce to create a sustainable farm-to-table concept. This year, to celebrate Singita’s journey and continuing commitment to food, Singita presents its first-ever cookbook – Singita: Our Food Journey. The 274-page coffee table style cookbook showcases traditional and contemporary African inspired recipes, and aims to bring the taste of safari home, allowing guests to recreate the exceptional food experience at each of their twelve award-winning lodges and camps across five regions in Africa. Signature dishes in the book include Tanzanian specialities like futari (sweet potato, butternut and coconut stew) to South African classics like malva pudding, and Zambezi beer-battered bream inspired by the catch of the day at Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe.  All profits from the sales of the cookbook will go towards supporting the Singita Community Culinary School in South Africa and the Singita Serengeti School of Cooking in Tanzania. These programmes work to support and develop the next generation of Singita chefs who reside in the neighbouring communities to Singita Kruger National and Singita Grumeti fulfilling a local need for career opportunities and education.
HOW: Rates at Singita Lebombo start from £1,742 per night inclusive of Rates includes full-board basis, twice daily Land Rover safaris and return road transfers between the airstrip and lodge. www.singita.com Singita: Our Food Journey can be ordered and shipped internationally here: singita.com/singita-cookbook/

KENYA

DINE WITH ENDANGERED ROTHSCHILD’S GIRAFFE AND SAMBURU WARRIORS IN THE SAMBURU WITH THE SAFARI COLLECTION

  • The Safari Collection offers once-in-a-lifetime gourmet experiences across Kenya including afternoon tea with Giraffes, sundowners with Samburu warriors and picnics atop Mount Kenya

Founded and operated by fourth-generation Kenyans, Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, The Safari Collection portfolio consists of four of Kenya’s most boutique luxury lodges, each selected for their individuality. The lodges create a circuit from Samburu in the north through to the foothills of Mount Kenya, into the heart of the Masai Mara and to Nairobi. Each property offers a unique gourmet experience which is individual to its location and those that inhabit it. At the renowned Giraffe Manor, guests are invited to enjoy afternoon tea where they can enjoy a delicious spread of sandwiches and as they watch Rothschild’s Giraffe saunter to the manor, making for an extraordinary golden hour tea experience. For those in search of a stronger tipple, the property has a dedicated gin bar which serves up artisanal Musgrave Gin with signature flavours of cardamom, African ginger and grains and other African spice routes. Further North, situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Sasaab Lodge offers a once-in-a-lifetime sundowner experience atop Sundowner Rock, led by a member of the Samburu tribe. Here, guests can soak up panoramic views of the expansive arid landscape of the Northern Frontier District, whilst your guide builds a fire to serve up local delicacies delicious refreshments alongside tasty nibbles.
HOW: Rate at Giraffe Manor start from £475, at Sasaab Lodge start from £575 on an all-inclusive basis and per person.https://www.thesafaricollection.com/

ZIMBABWE

A GOURMET SAFARI FOR FOODIES ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI 
AT MATESTI VICTORIA FALLS

  • Discover a uniquely Zimbabwean menu, inspired by the property’s location on the Zambezi River, including: crocodile ceviche, carrot risotto and smoked brisket with parsley champagne jelly
  • Experiences include: an early morning, pre-game-drive breakfast delivered through each suite’s butler hatch, a mobile ‘Gin Bike’ set up in the bush to accompany game drives and wine-tasting an incredible section of labels in the private wine cellar with a sommelier

Just 45 minutes from the iconic Victoria Falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls is a beautifully designed lodge located on a private 17km stretch of the Zambezi, where dining is a critical component of the safari experience. Each dining experience is carefully thought out by the
Zimbabwean Executive Chef, Shane Ellis. Before heading off on an early morning safari, coffee and light snacks are delivered discretely through each suite’s very own ‘butler hatch’. Game drives are a gourmet affair with a surprise visit from a gin connoisseur who delivers snacks and tipples on his pop-up bike direct to the bush. All of the gins served are sourced from South Africa’s impressive craft gin scene. Included in this selection are Inverroche, a spirit made from fynbos botanicals found deep in the Cape Floral Kingdom and Cruxland Gin, which is formulated on a grape base mixed with Kalhari truffles grown in the Namibian desert. Lunch is to be enjoyed on the banks of the Zambezi river, with starters including crocodile ceviche served with harissa mayo, before a vegetarian main course option of carrot risotto with lemon basil oil.  Guests’ evening game drives within the Matetsi Private Game Reserve will then end with a sundowner and begin the night time meal. Following this, guests can choose between freshening up in their suites or enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine as they enjoy views over the 55,000-acres. Should they choose a bush dinner, guests’ evenings will end their days with a chandelier- lit bush dinner, lit up by a collection of hurricane lanterns hung from a nearby Acacia tree. Other evening gourmet highlights served at Matetsi Victoria Falls include locally sourced Zambezi Bream, venison with sadza and peanut butter rice paying homage to authentic Zimbabwean cuisine.
HOW: Matetsi Victoria Falls rates start from US$776 (approx. £605) per night, per guest on an all-inclusive basis. Rates include accommodation, meals, house selection of non- alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in the lodge and on safari activities, laundry, safari activities, including game drives, birdwatching, a boat cruise on the Zambezi River, canoeing, and amateur fishing. https://matetsivictoriafalls.com/

More News

A New Era for Roma Norte: El Cortés Opens in Mexico City

July 16th

A New Era for Roma Norte: El Cortés Opens in Mexico City

A New Era for Roma Norte: El Cortés Opens in Mexico City

The restored historic presidential residence debuts with 15 design-forward suites and a destination restaurant by chef Luc Liebster.

Mexico

Marking its official arrival as the latest addition to the Perowne portfolio, El Cortés has opened its gates in the heart of Mexico City’s vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood. The boutique property—originally a historic presidential residence—has undergone a meticulous restoration that honors its architectural legacy. Tucked away among the neighborhood’s celebrated tree-lined streets, independent galleries, and design studios, the hotel preserves its striking Art Nouveau facades, hand-carved moldings, and original marble finishes. Each of its 15 highly personalized rooms and suites acts as a gallery of contemporary Mexican talent, balancing historical preservation with modern artistic design.

The hotel’s culinary anchor, Lotti, has already established itself as a standout in Mexico City’s highly competitive dining scene. Led by chef Luc Liebster, the destination restaurant features European-inspired cooking shaped by personal memories and deeply grounded in local Mexican ingredients. Combining historic elegance with a fresh, contemporary pulse, El Cortés delivers the intimate, design-forward retreat that Roma Norte has long been missing.

AURIC ROAD MARKS THE MILESTONE WITH DUAL JULY DEBUTS IN THE AMERICAN WEST

July 9th

AURIC ROAD MARKS THE MILESTONE WITH DUAL JULY DEBUTS IN THE AMERICAN WEST

Westward Expansion

Auric Road Debuts New Luxury Additions in Montana and California

USA

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, boutique hospitality group Auric Road has launched two major July debuts across the American West, reinforcing its commitment to restoring and stewarding historic properties. In Big Sky, Montana, the historic Lone Mountain Ranch—fresh off its cover feature in Condé Nast Traveler’s July/August issue—has unveiled Bison Lodge, its newest and largest accommodation. Perched on a scenic ridge overlooking the valley, this 5,000-square-foot private mountain residence hosts up to 16 guests and features six king bedrooms, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, a dedicated game room, and a private heated pool and sauna, all framed by panoramic mountain views.

Simultaneously, in Southern California, Palm Springs’ historic Korakia Pensione is debuting a brand-new spa and wellness enclave alongside an outdoor fitness area. Inspired by the elemental desert landscape—incorporating the themes of sun, mountain winds, fault lines, and geothermal waters—the new sanctuary is designed to elevate the body’s natural restorative process. Guests will be guided through a curated sequence of dry heat, wet sauna, exfoliation, massage, aromatherapy, and facial treatments. Together, these dual openings showcase Auric Road’s dedication to creating deeply authentic destinations shaped by local character, layered history, and a strong connection to their natural surroundings.

OKU Hotels Debuts Adults-Only Sanctuary in Bodrum

June 19th

OKU Hotels Debuts Adults-Only Sanctuary in Bodrum

OKU Hotels Debuts Adults-Only Sanctuary in Bodrum

The design-forward brand brings barefoot luxury, boho-chic minimalism, and slow living to the Aegean coast.

Bodrum

The Turkish Riviera has welcomed a major new design destination with the opening of OKU Bodrum. Marking the award-winning lifestyle brand’s official debut in Türkiye, this intimate, adults-only sanctuary is carved into the rugged northern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula. Framed by dramatic mountain backdrops on one side and the glittering, turquoise Aegean Sea on the other, the 58-room boutique property joins the brand’s acclaimed portfolio in Ibiza, Kos, and Andalusia, bringing a refined philosophy of barefoot luxury and slow living to one of Europe’s most sought-after summer coastlines.

True to the brand’s name derived from a Japanese architectural concept meaning ‘inner space’, the design seamlessly blends a minimalist, boho-chic aesthetic with distinct Turkish heritage. Earth-toned linens and contemporary lines are balanced by walls crafted from reclaimed stone and striking accents of local marble. In a special collaboration with leading Turkish art curator Begüm Güney, the property features unique sculptural installations that connect the architecture directly to the land. Every single one of the 58 guest rooms and suites offers front-facing sea views and private terraces, with many featuring private or shared plunge pools tucked into the hillside.

The culinary landscape at OKU Bodrum introduces three distinct dining destinations that champion locally sourced produce and bold, vibrant flavors. At the heart of the hotel is To Kima, a relaxed poolside restaurant serving Mediterranean classics with Asian-inspired twists. As the sun sets, guests can head to The Round Bar on the cove-side jetty for crafted cocktails and local meze snacks against panoramic coastal views, or dine at Teyo Bodrum, an open-air dinner concept where Japanese culinary techniques meet a vibrant South American spirit.

Wellness and exploration are woven deeply into the guest experience, anchored by the serene OKU Spa. The facilities include a traditional Turkish hammam, a sauna, a sea-view fitness area, and open-air treatment cabanas right on the water’s edge. Beyond standard therapies, the wellness program features sunrise beachside breathwork and dusk sound healing sessions. For those looking to connect with the local culture, the hotel coordinates curated experiences ranging from garden-to-glass foraging workshops in the surrounding hills to guided hikes and visits to traditional artisanal weaving studios. With direct access to a protected swimming bay and a private jetty for boating adventures, the retreat offers an ideal balance of secluded relaxation and easy access to Bodrum’s famous marinas.

A Farm in Mayfair

May 23rd

A Farm in Mayfair

A Farm in Mayfair

Claridge’s and The Newt in Somerset Bring Rural Charm to London

London

Claridge’s has officially unveiled A Farm in Mayfair, a spectacular two-week sensory installation in collaboration with the renowned Somerset estate, The Newt. Running from Monday 18th May until Sunday 31st May 2026 to coincide with the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this unique partnership transforms the hotel’s legendary Art Deco lobby into a rural oasis. Visitors and guests are invited to experience the rich sounds, scents, and textures of the countryside right in the heart of the capital, complete with a naturalistic meadow planting of British-grown grasses and native perennials inspired by The Newt’s vibrant spring gardens.

At the center of this transformation is a breathtaking, six-meter-tall sculptural tower made entirely from 60,000 rods of locally grown Somerset willow. Crafted by a team of skilled British artisans using both traditional and contemporary weaving techniques, the monumental piece took ten people 148 days to complete. The structure features beautifully woven figures of water buffalo, British White cattle, a stag, and chickens ascending toward the sky, all paying homage to the estate’s rich agricultural heritage. At the very peak sits a single willow egg symbolising seasonal renewal, while the experience extends throughout the hotel with willow-framed archways, facade decorations, and a stunning hallway installation of 800 fresh apples for guests to take home.

The collaboration beautifully extends beyond the visual and into the culinary, with Claridge’s menus completely embracing the bounty of the Somerset estate. Throughout the fortnight, guests dining in The Foyer and Reading Room can savor exclusive dishes featuring estate-reared British White beef, lamb, heritage tomatoes, and fresh buffalo mozzarella from The Newt’s own Creamery. Dessert menus will spotlight seasonal rhubarb, strawberry, and apple creations, while Claridge’s Bar will be pouring The Newt’s signature Cyder. To commemorate the event, a limited-edition Claridge’s x The Newt tote bag will also be available to purchase online and in both properties’ boutiques.

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in this unique celebration of British hospitality and artistry, a special Claridge’s X The Newt Stay package is available for booking. Starting from £1,120, the exclusive experience includes luxury overnight accommodation, bed and breakfast, a curated three-course dinner in The Foyer showcasing the collaboration’s estate-to-table menu, and a selection of handpicked welcome gifts from The Newt. For more information or to reserve a stay, visit the official Maybourne booking page.

Inside Casa Bonavita, Malta’s Stunning New Design Retreat

May 18th

Inside Casa Bonavita, Malta’s Stunning New Design Retreat

Inside Casa Bonavita, Malta’s Stunning New Design Retreat

Following a meticulous seven-year restoration, Christopher and Suzanne Sharp transform a historic Attard estate into an intimate, character-rich retreat.

Attard, Malta

After a meticulous seven-year restoration, Casa Bonavita has opened its doors in the historic village of Attard, introducing a deeply personal new style of hospitality to Malta. Conceived as a house first and hotel second, the 17-bedroom retreat is the first hospitality venture from Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, the celebrated design duo behind The Rug Company. Shaped by Suzanne’s Maltese upbringing and the couple’s long-standing love for the island, the estate eschews polished Mediterranean luxury in favor of an authentic celebration of Malta’s eccentricities, faded grandeur, and rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the property, Suzanne Sharp Studio has masterfully revived the building’s original grandeur while preserving the unmistakable warmth of a private home. Soaring ceilings and noble architectural proportions are layered with vintage family heirlooms, frescoed walls, and bespoke artistic commissions. Notable collaborations include local pottery house Villa Bologna and a hand-painted 17th-century Valletta wallpaper by de Gournay in the intimate cocktail bar. Mirroring this thoughtful craftsmanship, each of the 17 residential-style guest rooms carries its own distinct personality shaped by unique light, color, and texture, with many opening directly onto private terraces, gardens, or the pool.

At the heart of the estate lies a semi-wild garden sanctuary, a fifteen-year passion project by Christopher Sharp filled with citrus trees, palms, jasmine, and rosemary. This lush oasis sets a slower rhythm of living that extends directly to the dining experience, led by Executive Chef Dex Oseman of London’s famed The River Café. The restaurant celebrates ingredient-led Mediterranean cooking rooted in seasonality, with candlelit dinners spilling into the courtyard beneath the palms. Meanwhile, the estate’s original house kitchen remains a nostalgic focal point, bustling with the creation of traditional Maltese pastries, fresh pasta, and oranges picked straight from the trees.

Perfectly positioned between the baroque splendor of Valletta and the ancient walled city of Mdina, Casa Bonavita serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring Malta through a more nuanced, insider lens. The hotel will soon expand its offerings to include a curated wellness program alongside its existing pools, hammam, sauna, and gym. Also on the horizon is the unveiling of The Folly Suite—the hotel’s crown jewel—which offers a secluded, villa-style residence complete with its own rooftop terrace and private swimming pool. Ultimately, Casa Bonavita is designed as a living love letter to Malta, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the island’s quieter beauty and enduring sense of home.

Sardinia Uncovered: The Thinking Traveller Launches into Italy’s Most Desired Island

May 7th

Sardinia Uncovered: The Thinking Traveller Launches into Italy’s Most Desired Island

Sardinia Uncovered: The Thinking Traveller Launches into Italy’s Most Desired Island

The Mediterranean’s leading villa specialist adds Sardinia to its collection, blending architectural heritage with soulful coastal living.

Sardinia

The Thinking Traveller has officially expanded its Italian portfolio to include the ruggedly beautiful island of Sardinia, launching a curated collection of exclusive-use properties for the 2026 season. Grounded in the brand’s philosophy of ‘understanding, not consuming’ a destination, this new offering focuses on a thoughtful selection of villas that reflect the island’s unique sense of place. From the iconic, organic architecture of the Costa Smeralda in the north to the quiet, luminous beaches and historic depth of the south near Cagliari, the collection provides a sophisticated gateway to the Mediterranean’s second-largest island.

The inaugural portfolio features architectural gems that honor Sardinia’s heritage, such as I Corbezzoli, a villa designed by the legendary Savin Couëlle that epitomizes the low-rise, natural aesthetic of the 1960s. In the North-East, Salinedda Six offers modern luxury with an infinity pool overlooking Capo Coda Cavallo, while the villas Maria and Lia provide a secluded retreat amidst the mature gardens of Santa Margherita di Pula in the south. These properties are managed through direct, long-term relationships with owners, ensuring the rigorous quality standards and exclusivity that have become the hallmark of the brand over the last two decades.

Beyond the physical beauty of the villas, guests are supported by a dedicated team of Local Specialists who offer an immersive, highly personalized experience rooted in authentic Sardinian culture. Whether navigating the island’s ancient Nuragic ruins, discovering hidden coves, or exploring a world-class food scene, the service is designed to uncover the island’s quiet confidence and wild interior. With improved accessibility through new direct flight routes to Olbia and Cagliari, The Thinking Traveller’s entry into Sardinia invites discerning travelers to explore one of Italy’s most storied landscapes with unprecedented intimacy and insight.