What do luxury accommodations mean to you? Is it the thread count of the sheets or the number of stars behind the property’s name? For this baby boomer, personal service is the key. That’s what Alan and I found at the all-inclusive Lion Sands Ivory Lodge located in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
As the Land Rover screeched to a halt in front of the reception area, Robyn from registration waited on the steps to meet us. Another staff member offered a hot towel plus a cold glass of tea. And, from that moment on, the Ivory Lodge staff greeted us by our first name wherever we went.
Our villa, one of only six, offered seclusion and comfort dressed in contemporary black and white decor. A deck, with lounge chairs resting in front of a plunge pool, separated the bedroom from the living area. The bed overlooked a wall of windows making nature the star in our dreams. In the large, open bathroom, I recovered from the rigors of safari by soaking in the huge oval tub with a river view. Alan favored the outdoor shower.
The living area included a fireplace, plenty of seating options and a telescope for animal viewing. Books and CD’s on a South 
African theme added to our immersion into the culture. A well-stocked mini bar provided alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Each morning, coffee and muffins were delivered through a dumb waiter located next to the mini bar.
Meals were served in the dining room or on the adjacent tree-shaded patio. The dinner menu, especially, offered a variety of elegant choices. At night, a flashlight wielding staff member escorted guests to the dining room where we gathered in the bar area for drinks and conversation before being escorted to dinner. My favorite? The night we were led by lantern to an outside area where tables draped in white linen cloths sat around a roaring fire. More lanterns hung from tree branches twinkling down on an enchanting meal.
The luxury continued on safari. Well maintained Land Rovers offered tiered seating, two to a row, so that all guests had a 
view. A covered box located between the seats contained binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain ponchos and books on birding and animals. Each morning, at a refreshment stop,our ranger and tracker set up a table with coffee (spiked with Amarula if you wished), fruit juices, granola, smoothies, muffins and small quiches.
In the evening,sun downers included champagne, gin and tonics or wine along with a variety of appetizers. Returning from safari, Derrick, the bartender, greeted us at the reception area with a different signature drink each night.
Of course the animals are the stars of this experience. But, my massage by our villa’s plunge pool was a close second.
On this trip, Alan and I fell under South Africa’s spell. When we return, Ivory Lodge will be a repeat on our travel itinerary. Have you experienced luxury on a South African safari? Post a comment to let me know.
