Hoedspruit, South AfricaThornybush Game Reserve
Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane
Flagship safari lodge
Thornybush Game Reserve Hoedspruit, South Africa
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Local WellnessOutside the door
The house
The Royal PortfolioFlagship safari lodge
Elevated wooden walkways link thatched suites above the bushveld, leading to an open deck overlooking the active waterhole.
“The thatched-roof lodge exudes classic safari splendor, emphasizing earthen tones of the African bush with elegant embellishments like large Persian rugs and jewel-toned furniture.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Private butler service, bespoke bush dining, and claw-foot bathtubs with Ralph Lauren linens.
Remarkable
Certified master trackers lead daily open-vehicle expeditions across private Thornybush bushveld.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The sublime Royal Malewane, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, falls squarely into the latter category.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The private Thornybush concession shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam across the wilderness.
The rooms
Suites have four-poster canopy beds and indoor fireplaces, opening onto broad timber decks with private plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 25-meter heated lap pool sits in a central courtyard, flanked by cushioned loungers and hanging swing benches.
The spa
Treatment suites use indigenous South African botanicals, and open-air pavilions shelter twin soaking baths beneath cane ceilings.
At the table
Dining unfolds on elevated wooden decks above the waterhole and around lantern-lit tables deep in the bush.
How it began
The lodge began as the Biden family's private bush retreat before welcoming safari guests in 1999.
Good to know
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Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane
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Hoedspruit
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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.