Defining what is meant by Luxury in the context of travel is complex. Increasingly, though, it seems it’s as much about the experience as it is about the trappings that go with it. 
For luxury travel operator, Sanctuary Retreats, it’s often the little things that give true meaning to the term – a guest’s favourite drink served in the middle of the African bush; a large, comfortable bed; reliable Wi-Fi. Which is why these things come as standard with every stay at a Sanctuary Retreats camp, lodge or cruise.
There are, however, opportunities to experience a level of indulgence that goes above and beyond. Here are Sanctuary Retreats’ favourite suggestions for those seeking the ultimate luxury holiday.
GEOFFREY KENT LUXURY SUITE, SANCTUARY CHIEF’S CAMP, BOTSWANA
One of Sanctuary Retreats’ flagship properties, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp was re-built in 2016 to create a luxurious contemporary safari camp in one of the best locations in Africa. Offering ten stylish pavilions, the Camp has set new standards in the luxury safari experience.
For the epitome of luxury, the 620m² Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite, named after the eponymous safari pioneer, can accommodate from two to six guests. The suite is ideal for honeymooners looking for the ultimate retreat or groups of friends in search of the utmost privacy and comfort, with two pavilions, a private kitchen, indoor lounge, private bomawith fire pit, two private plunge pools and a secluded deck area. Even better, it is fully staffed – with a dedicated chef, personal waiter and housekeeper as well as a private vehicle with its own guide.
CHUMA HOUSES, SANCTUARY SUSSI & CHUMA, ZAMBIA
Built on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park upstream from the world-famous Victoria Falls, the lodge is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the river amidst Jackalberry trees and Phoenix palms, providing unrivalled views and exclusivity. The lodge’s twelve luxurious Sussi treehouses, linked by elevated wooden walkways, offer a sophisticated take on modern safari life, with all the five-star fixtures and fittings you would expect from one of the world’s leading boutique safari operators.
But for a truly luxurious experience, you can book one of two private houses, each with two bedrooms. Each one has been seamlessly built into the surrounding ebony forest and practically ooze elegance, with freestanding bath tubs and outdoor showers, complete with stunning views of the Zambezi River, their own dining areas and decks with plunge pools, as well as a private chef and dedicated staff – perfect for families, multigenerational travellers, or those seeking the ultimate exclusive safari getaway.
HONEYMOON SUITE, SANCTUARY CHOBE CHILWERO, BOTSWANA
A luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is home to the world’s largest remaining population of elephants. Sitting above the Chobe River, the lodge offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia. This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just fifteen guest cottages, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit. Relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the lodge’s renowned gourmet food.
For those who want an added element of privacy, the Honeymoon Suite is the perfect option. Brightly decorated with traditional Botswanan artefacts, this charming 101m2 cottage enjoys all the benefits of the usual suites – indoor and outdoor showers, free-standing bath, sumptuous bed and private garden – with some added extras thrown in that are sure to lend more than a little romance to any stay including a private plunge pool, a secluded deck area, a private dining area and a private vehicle and guide.
CELESTSIAL & IMERIAL SUITES, SANCTUARY YANGZI EXPLORER, CHINA
Widely regarded as the most luxurious option on the Yangtze River, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer was re-launched last year after a major refurbishment. Twenty sumptuous suites have all been fully refitted with new furniture, authentic Chinese artwork, stylish textiles and soft furnishings and ‘silver-leaf’ wallpaper designs featuring the mudan, or peony, which is native to the Yangtze region, and each of its 38 deluxe cabins have also been extensively enhanced.
But for the plus ultra cruise experience, book yourself a berth in either of the Celestial and Imperial Suites, which have both been refreshed in a contemporary-Colonial Chinese style. The largest cabins on the ship at 110m2, the suites are dressed in traditional Chinese décor, the ideal setting as you sail through some of China’s most dramatic landscapes. Offering the ultimate in comfort and indulgence, their additional benefits, including separate bedroom and living areas, in-suite private dining and private room service, will leave you feeling like an Emperor.
OWNER’S SUITE, SANCTUARY ANANDA, MYANMAR
Custom-built using traditional Myanmar materials, the Sanctuary Ananda combines all the comforts of 5-star contemporary luxury with the refined elegance of authentic Burmese design, as well as one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on the Irrawaddy, offering up a truly remarkable and fascinating way to enjoy all that Myanmar has to offer.
The luxuriously appointed Owner’s Suite takes things to a new level. Draped in lush silks and adorned with polished teak, beautiful lacquer ware and chic curios, the Suite is one of the largest suites on the River at 75m2. Boasting a large veranda with sun loungers, table and chairs and a spacious bathroom with freestanding tub, monsoon shower and his-and-hers sinks, this suite truly is the epitome of extravagance. Along with its own separate bedroom and living areas, other little extras include a private guide for shore excursions, butler service and in suite private dining.
GEOFFREY KENT SUITE, SANCTUARY OLONANA
Last on the list, but by no means least, is the new Geoffrey Kent Suite scheduled to open at Sanctuary Retreats’ recently relaunched flagship property, Sanctuary Olonana, in March next year.
Set in lush woodland on the banks of the Mara River in Kenya’s Masai Mara, the new-look Sanctuary Olonana brings the outdoors inside, almost literally, thanks to fourteen spacious glass-sided suites, designed especially to maximise the wilderness experience for guests.
Complementing these, the new Geoffrey Kent Suite will include two private ensuite bedrooms, a dining area, lounge and private decking area. The Suite’s stylish contemporary interiors, furnished with bespoke plush king-sized beds and elegant nature-inspired furnishings, along with its coolly elegant slate and marble ensuite bathrooms equipped with rain showers and generous freestanding bathtubs, are expected to deliver the ultimate in luxurious comfort.
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