HONEYMOON News SRI LANKA In March 2024, Sri Lanka’s newest luxury resort, Kotiyagala Luxury Villas, will open its doors. This 12-villa all-pool oasis, nestled between Yala’s forest and the Indian Ocean, will offer striking villas, a roofed lounge boasting far-reaching views, a locally-inspired signature restaurant and bar, a rejuvenating spa and a well-equipped fitness centre. Each of the villas will feature a private deck with a freshwater infinity pool overlooking the surrounding landscape, as well as a four-poster bed and a rain shower. Kotiyagala Luxury Villas will feature contemporary Sri Lankan design that celebrates the property’s proximity to wildlife, whereby guests will have the opportunity to view the park’s 44 native species of mammals, 215 bird species and the plethora of additional animal species that call Yala home. Find out more at www.kotiyagala.com SOUTH AFRICA South Africa’s Babylonstoren, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is one of a few farms in South Africa that keeps, breeds, and milks water buffalo. The latest experience at this restored Cape Dutch farm will see guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the 200-strong herd of Mediterranean Water Buffalo, each with their own name and personality. After the tour, for a truly immersive farm-to-fork experience, guests can sample mozzarella, yoghurt and butter made from buffalo milk at the estate’s resident hyper-seasonal restaurant. Guests can also join the ‘Water Buffalo Whisperer’, Leonie Botha, for a feeding session with the water buffalo babies, a delight for all the family. Elsewhere on the farm, guests can enjoy guided walks with the farm’s horticulturists, tours of the wine cellar and olive press, sunset mountain drives and the sumptuous Hot Spa. After a day of invigorating activity, guests can retire to a choice of 28 charming guest cottages, including six Cape Dutch-style Fynbos Cottages with vineyard views and an elegant five-bedroom exclusive-use villa. Visit www.babylonstoren.com for more information. INDIA Celebrating 10 years of business, SUJÁN JAWAI has been widely acclaimed as a wilderness destination and impactful safari holiday for the luxury traveller. Founded on the principle of positively safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife, it sustains while providing livelihoods to the local community. The result is that wildlife has returned to what were formerly mustard and wheat fields, with a year-on-year increase in leopard sightings, including breeding leopard females who have given birth several times to cubs. SUJÁN JAWAI comprises of eight luxurious tented suites. A dedicated team of guides and trackers will be on hand, as well as a dedicated butler and a private chef for special occasions. The spacious and hugely comfortable interiors, along with the large bathtubs, hammocks and loungers, invite complete unwinding, while the sweeping deck has incredible views over the Jawai Hills. Check out www.thesujanlife.com for more information. AFRICA Angama Amboseli has officially opened in the heart of Kenya’s Kimana Sanctuary. One of the last havens for the continent’s Super Tusker Elephants, the lodge features 10 suites inspired by the elephants, with earthy, neutral tones accented by shades of green and red from the landscape. The property provides exclusive access to an area of Kenya renowned for its lush landscape and remarkable density of wildlife, all anchored by the unrivalled views of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Each suite has been designed as a private sanctuary, featuring a personalised drinks armoire, butler’s lobby, writing desk and a dressing area connecting the bedroom to the bathroom, which features a double vanity and a double shower. The floor-to-ceiling screened doors lead to a private patio with a lounge area and an outdoor shower. For more information, visit www.angama.com/stay/angama-amboseli Sammy Njoroge 88 Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials
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