Deals of the day
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is a four star family friendly safari destination just 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town. The 10 000 hectare conservancy is situated between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape, South Africa, and home to the majestic Big 5 legends: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
Game drives are offered on traditional safari vehicles, on horseback, or on quad bikes. Each of these offering their very own unique personal encounters with the wildlife at the reserve. Guests also have the opportunity to experience a fly-in safari by helicopter.
The reserve has a large swimming pool with a poolside bar, serving cocktails and ice-cold beverages for socials around the 35m long crystal clear pool. There are large dedicated dining areas and an African-style restaurant that serves local cuisine and traditional South African dessert. Furthermore, overnight visitors can relax in the dedicated mezzanine-level bar and lounge with magnificent reserve views.
Having always embraced Halaal travellers, Aquila offers on-site prayer facilities. The Salah prayer room is equipped with a basin and water-friendly services, prayer mats, the Quran, and seating for the elderly.
Aquila has a curio shop and children’s entertainment area with mini-golf, big chess, and childcarers. Children also have the opportunity to join rangers on a fascinating Junior Ranger Programme.
The nighttime fire pit transforms into a social gathering under the Karoo stars. Here guests share their stories and safari photos while enjoying a Marshmallow braai. They are also entertained by a stargazing guide and telescopes that bring the magic of the Milky Way to the fire pit.
The Tranquila Spa adds to the world-class facilities and services on offer. Here visitors can enjoy a luxurious African treatment and unwind after an action-packed day. The spa boasts a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and ten treatment rooms; it is a masterpiece of luxury. A group or couples room adds to the special serenity of the spa and its creative use of natural elements.
Accommodation is offered in various styles. Guests can opt for the bush-style cottages with outdoor rock showers or the modern-style Aquila Lodge with great vistas over the Reserve. Formats include rooms for two people up to accommodation for families of four, six, or eight. Accommodation includes welcome drinks, lunch, dinner, and breakfast as well as two traditional safaris.
Many awards and accolades over the years have reaffirmed Aquila’s conservation and community upliftment projects. The reserve most recently received the Skal International Sustainable Tourism Award for its various projects and policies that find the perfect balance between tourism, conservation, and the community.
Included in the Aquila safari experience is a complimentary eco-synergy project tour. Here guests learn about Aquila’s projects to offset its carbon footprint – including recycling, solar energy, aquaponics, and many other green projects.
Aquila is so much more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience. It is a luxurious African adventure that will make memories to last a lifetime.
History of Aquila
Acclaimed for service excellence, renewable energy, social responsibility efforts and conservation programmes, Aquila is more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience, it is an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land.
Named after the endangered black or verreaux eagle (Aquila verreauxii), Aquila’s story began in 1999 when its owner, Searl Derman, driven by a desire to share his passion for the wild with Cape Town, set about searching for the perfect piece of land to re-introduce the Big 5 to the Western Cape. He was fortunate enough to come across a nature reserve that would later become Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Situated in the historic town of Touws River, in a valley between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Karoo, the 10,000 hectare conservancy has evolved from its early days of being residence to various antelope species only to becoming the home of the Big 5 – elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard – as well as a significant amount of other wild game, which roam freely on the reserve.
Aquila’s purpose is to protect and preserve Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife and is fully committed to social upliftment, job creation, skills development and various sustainable empowerment programmes.
Creating the ideal, sustainable balance between nature conservation and the empowerment of the local community of Touws River is at the core of how Aquila operates.
Today, Aquila’s guests can experience a day or overnight safari experience. Aquila offers its guests a unique opportunity to experience the reserve’s natural flora and fauna by vehicle, quad bike or on horse-back. Guests have the option of tailor making their overnight packages or choosing from 4 different day trip safari packages.
Premier Lodge Rooms
These lodge rooms are spacious and pleasant while they offer magnificent views of the reserve. Guests can relax and enjoy unforgettable sunsets from the balcony or patio.
The Premier Lodge Rooms are furnished with a useful sleeper couch for afternoon leisure time or can accommodate one child for an overnight stay. The rooms offer en suite bath and shower facilities with reserve views from the bath.
Premier Lodge Rooms have twin beds which can be made up to queen size beds. The lodge accommodation is conveniently located next to the restaurant and mezzanine bar with access by stairs and lift. The lodge accommodation also has parking for ease of access.
Family Lodge Rooms
This configuration is perfect for families or friends travelling together as the Standard Lodge and Premier Lodge Rooms are connected by a common passageway which forms a private and safe space for families. This family lodge configuration will offer two bathrooms and a shared balcony.
Premier Luxury Cottages
The Premier Cottages offer a rustic Karoo overnight safari experience with the units privately positioned on the hillside – built in harmony with the rock – which is the focal point in the large bathrooms and alfresco showers. These cottages also offer a private wood deck patio with amazing panoramic reserve views while guests enjoy unforgettable Karoo sunsets.
At check-in, guests in the Premier Cottages get to enjoy a complimentary bottle of house wine and they can opt to replace one game drive with a horseback adventure. If you are planning to celebrate a special occasion, make sure you check the availability of the honeymoon room.
Aquila Overnight Restaurant
The triple volume restaurant is perfectly situated to offer breath-taking views of the reserve. The upstairs viewing area enables guests to enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set behind the magnificent Karoo Mountains.
This thatched spacious African- character building is the perfect setting for the extensive buffet-style meals served. Meals to suit all culinary/dietary requirements are prepared by our resident chefs, including traditional South African cuisine.
Complete with wall to ceiling windows for optimal viewing the restaurant can seat 280 – 300 diners in comfort and large log fireplaces set a romantic mood. The restaurant opens up to a sunken boma area and the large welcoming swimming pool.
Aquila Wet Bar
Situated adjacent to the swimming pool and restaurant, the Pool Bar enjoys the same architecture and African design as the restaurant and seats approximately 20 guests while enjoying the convenience of the pool area and includes a “wet bar”. Speciality cocktails are served poolside. Bar drinks, covered pool seating and a crystal clear swimming experience awaits.
Tranquila Spa
Join us in our of our newly opened African spa using natural products that harness the medicinal powers of indigenous plants, flowers and herbs and are free from petrochemicals, synthetic ingredients, colourants and preservatives.
Spa facilities include: 1 large heated indoor pool, 1 cold indoor pool, steam room, sauna, nail bar, 10 treatment rooms, a couples or group treatment room and an outdoor pool.
The Tranquila Spa is a place of peace and serenity and as such access is subject to availability. Access to the Tranquila Spa is free to guests booked into the Premier Cottages and guests that have overnight stays for 2 nights and longer.
Day visitors can buy spa access to also make use of the locker and change rooms. The use of the spa facilities and all treatments are only available to Aquila guests and visitors.
Aquila Infinity Pool
The swimming pool has a length of 35 meters, and features a rim flow as well as ample decking for lounging in the African sun. A wet bar which is well-used in the summer months, finishes off this special area at Aquila. This is situated next to the restaurant. Bar drinks, covered pool seating and a crystal clear swimming experience awaits.
Aquila Conference Venue
Aquila is an outstanding South African conference venue with a host of wildlife safaris. Safaris include full course buffet breakfasts, picnics at rock pools, and etched-in-memory animal encounters. Aquila is an ideal executive getaway close to the city.
Aquila Private Game Reserve is situated on the R46, just off the N1, near Touws River and is under two hours’ drive from Cape Town. Aquila is an ideal executive getaway and Cape Town conference centre. There are a variety of room set-ups possible, full catering amenities and stately conferencing equipment.
Aquila Game Reserve has a conference centre with a dance floor and buffet area. The conference centre can seat up to 92 pax. There are two breakaway rooms and an option to strategise in the Boma restaurant. Aquila has an impressive activities list. Traditional game drives, safaris on horseback, quad biking.
Aquila Children’s Entertainment Area
Aquila offers an indoor and outdoor children’s play area, with a variety of activities aimed at toddlers to pre-teens. The outside area has a mini-golf course, a sandpit and a wooden playground to delight your little ones. Offering daily activities and Junior Ranger program. The Children’s area is open from 8am to 8pm daily.
Wildlife and Conservation
Aquila is proud to have re-introduced the big 5 into the western cape and is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. Aquila’s conservation efforts extend to wildlife rehabilitation and re-introduction, land rehabilitation, anti-poaching programmes, eco-friendly tourism and community support
When you start researching an African safari, the term “Big 5” often crops up. The “Big 5” refers to the African lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo. Approximately 250 years ago, the Big 5 were on the verge of extinction in the Western Cape by virtue of being hunted.
The owner of Aquila, driven by a desire to share his love of the wild with Cape Town, set about searching for the perfect piece of land to re-introduce the Big 5 to the Western Cape. He was fortunate enough to come across a nature reserve that would suit his purpose and was already home to various antelope species.
Day Trip Fly-In Safari
This exhilarating Big 5 Fly-In safari gets you to Aquila quickly and conveniently, maximising your time in the Karoo. The route takes you over the Hex River Mountains and Cape Winelands Vineyards.
You’ll be awed by the mix of ruggedness and might in the mountain peaks, interlaced ridges, wild bush shrubs and high waterfalls. Helicopter and fixed-wing transfers include luxury road transfers between your Cape Town hotel and nearest airport.
Overnight Fly-In Safari
The overnight safari starts with a 45-60 minute flight over the majestic Hex River Mountains & Cape Winelands vineyards. Guests have the option to fly either via helicopter or airplane. The overnight fly-in safari includes scenic flights, traditional Big 5 safari game drives, hearty meals and luxury Aquila accommodation.
