June 15, 2009

AFRICA & MIDEAST | SOUTH AFRICA

Stairway to Safari Heaven

By Sandra Ramani

The new elevated way to enjoy Virgin’s private game reserve.

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The high life just got better at Ulusaba, Richard Branson’s Big Five game reserve in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Following the addition of a new Treehouse suite, perched above an elephant and rhino watering hole, the property recently unveiled Cliff Lodge: two luxurious one-bedroom suites towering above the Sabi Sand Reserve and accessible only by a wooden walkway from the main house.

The lodge’s larger suite boasts indoor and outdoor lounges, a swimming pool, plus private spa and gym overlooking the bushvelt. The second suite features a fireplace, outdoor Jacuzzi, custom-made furnishings and African teak floors. Works by noted South African artists adorn both sanctuaries. Guests looking for further seclusion can book the suites together (sleeping five adults and four kids), which come with a dedicated chef and access to a safari vehicle — just like inaugural guest Christian Slater enjoyed.

As Ulusaba goes more exclusive, other properties in the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio are becoming more accessible. For the summer season (June 19-September 20), Branson’s alpine retreat The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland, opens up individual rooms for three nights at around $3,500 per couple (including picnic hikes, paragliding, golf and spa treatments). And, previously available for private hire only, famed Necker Island is hosting a “Celebration Week,” July 15-23, during which all 14 rooms in the main house can be individually booked (for around $10,000 per couple for four nights).

Oh, and if you think it sounds like Virgin is testing the waters of hotel management, you may well be right. We hear whispers that Branson’s looking to acquire hotels in Malaga, Spain and — the Caribbean’s ultimate emerging destination — Cuba.