When it comes to biodiversity. South Africa is one of the richest countries in the world. Here are some of the most eco-friendly stays for you to experience
Thaba Eco Hotel, Gauteng:
Contrary to popular belief, the City of Gold is perfect for a getaway, and the award-winning Thaba Eco Hotel provides a truly luxurious experience. As the only venue in Joburg that does proper eco-drives, the hotel is equipped to disseminate information about the delicate biome of the area, and can even create a decadent picnic that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors. Visit the spa located right below the Klipriviersberg Mountains and once you’re relaxed, make your way to the unparalleled comfort of your stilted luxury room, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that look out to the magnificence of the mountains. Thaba Eco Hotel maintains their eco-consciousness through beautifully upcycled furniture, colours that reflect the natural African surroundings, water-conscious methods of cleaning, design elements derived from traditional African homesteads, and animal-inspired decor.
Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal:
For those ocean-adoring travellers: Thonga Beach Lodge, situated along one of the most pristine shorelines of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. With sandy white shores and warm azure waters of the protected Mabibi beach, the lodge has limited accommodation with only 12 eco-friendly, thatched rooms (some with private pools), nestled within the coastal dune forest, and overlooking the beach. The rooms, whilst set amidst nature, are fully-fitted with everything guests may require to enjoy their experience, including air conditioning to combat the North Coast summer heat. The floors are polished concrete, and the rooms are beautifully decorated in natural colours and textiles. Double vanities in the bathrooms, luxury mosquito-nets surrounding the beds that feel like royalty, massive glass windows that give way to an unspoiled view of the ocean – things that make one reconsider leaving these little villas in paradise.
Copia Eco Cabins, Western Cape:
A proper ‘think-week’ experience, these aesthetically-pleasing eco-cabins are repurposed from shipping containers and are a design dream. Set on a working farm just outside Cape Town, these cabins run on solar power and all water used by guests is then re-used for irrigation on the farm. Each beautiful cabin offers a hot tub on the deck overlooking the farm, as well as a grill for a proper South African braai. All luxuries are provided, but you will have to bring along a battery-pack for charging devices, although there is limited reception – perfect for real relaxation. Bring along extra groceries, alcohol, board games and books whilst you prepare for your getaway. Each of the cabins are different, but the design elements of contemporary, minimalist design, coupled with natural elements such as natural wood cupboards are a running theme. We are in love with the ceiling-to-floor glass design of the Soetdoring Cabin!
Words by Ria Naidoo
Photography: Courtesy images
