Hluhluwe, South AfricaHluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Biyela Lodge
Cliffside apothecary lodge
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Hluhluwe, South Africa
Renovated
2022
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
mFulaWozi WildernessCliffside apothecary lodge
Hillside pavilions step down to the river, furnished around the botanical remedies and folklore of traditional Zulu healers.
What it’s good at
Notable
Apothecary-themed interiors furnish stone and concrete pavilions built into the hillside.
Notable
Private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and deck dining across twelve riverfront suites.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Game trails wind along the White iMfolozi River below, bordering the historic reserve of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
1 of 4
The rooms
Suites look down on the river floodplains from glass-railed decks, and most have their own rim-flow plunge pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A rim-flow infinity pool sits on the multi-level observation deck, looking out across the river and wild bushveld.
The spa
Two treatment rooms in a secluded pavilion face the hillside vegetation, offering holistic massages with Africology products.
At the table
Drinks are poured in the open-air thatched lounge, and dinners are set by lantern light beside glowing fire braziers.
How it began
Chief Phiwayinkosi Biyela, a descendant of King Shaka Zulu, partnered with the founders to open his clan's land to conservation.
Hluhluwe
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.