THIS IS LIFE. THIS IS LUSH.
The Lupini family, rooted in tradition and closeness, are living out their dreams by creating a nurturing place for all to enjoy in the African bush. After searching for the right place, the location for the lodge would reveal itself with the appearance of a rarely-seen herd of buffalo.
This was the sign. The Lupinis had found where new foundations could be laid down.Lush, tucked into a wooded hillside, holds you in the bush and in the moment. Five individual, luxury suites afford the privacy of home, while the main lodge, run on Italian hospitality, ensures you are very well taken care of. Life in an unspoilt wilderness, free of everyday concerns, creates a sense of wholeness. All at once you are in tune with the beat of the wild, belonging back in nature.
Lush is located on the Black Rhino Reserve – a private concession within the malaria-free greater Pilanesberg National Park. The park, encircled by the hills of a volcanic ring-dyke complex and containing both Kalahari and Lowveld biomes, is a wilderness Eden. Nearly all animal species endemic to Southern Africa are to be found here. The development of the park is considered one of the most ambitious projects of its kind anywhere in the world.
It began with Operation Genesis in 1979, which game-fenced the area and reintroduced long-vanished wildlife. Today, Pilanesberg is home to over 7 000 animals – including all of the Big Five, 25 other mammal species, 350-plus kinds of birds, and innumerable reptile and insect species.
ACCOMMODATION
LUXURY SUITES
Choose from three Bush-Facing and two Mountain-Facing Suites – distinguished only by their views. Covered walkways lead to each, interspersed between the trees and with their own private entrances. Wilderness-inspired interiors, innovative use of space, and extended fold-back glass doors mean you feel immersed in nature even when in your suite. Their décor gives a nod to the Lupini’s Italian heritage, though much of the furnishing is local, supporting South African artisans. Designed with every comfort in mind, your Suite is not simply a base from which to explore the surrounds, but a living space.
Amenities:
- Emperor-sized bed, convertible to ¾-bed set, with down duvet and pillows
- Pause area with well-stocked Smeg minibar,
- Nespresso machine and coffee pods
- In-room, free-standing bath with a view
- Walk-in rain shower with botanical-infused body products
- Open-air shower made private by curved walls and bushveld foliage
- Bathrobes of terry cotton and full-length
- Hairdryer with two speed and three temperature settings
- Air-conditioning, personally adjustable
- Private splash pool and deck, with cushioned loungers and two-seater table
Max Guests: 2 (Max 2 adults )
Children: 10 – 12 years pay 70% of the sharing rate,
12 – 18 years pay 100% of the sharing rate
Please note:
children 12 years and older are welcome; age restriction is revisable when the lodge is booked exclusively.
Luxury Suites
In January 2022, three additional Luxury Suites will be launched. Larger in size, more private and exclusive, guests will have their own personal experience of Africa – best enjoyed from a viewing lounge upstairs, the deck, the heated plunge pool or the bedroom
VILLA DELUXE SUITE
Villas with superior interior and exterior spaces, a dedicated lounge and working area. Close, more distinct views of the mountain and an open bush with an upstairs panoramic viewing area. A larger outside deck complemented with a larger heated pool.
Amenities:
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking
- Sitting area
- Air conditioning
- Desk
- Cleaning service
- Safe
- Ceiling fan
- Wake-up calls
- Turn down service
- Bathroom amenities
- Hairdryer
- Separate tub and shower
- Bathrobe
- Coffee / tea facilities
- Refrigerator
- Minibar
- Patio
- Plunge pool
Max Guests: 2 (Max 2 adults )
Children: 10 – 12 years pay 70% of the sharing rate,
12 – 18 years pay 100% of the sharing rate
EXPERIENCES
Lush guarantees you authentic safari adventures to write home about. Exclusive traversing in Black Rhino Reserve and the Pilanesberg’s Wilderness Area offers the opportunity to explore an untouched environment. Access also to the public section of the park increases your chances of encountering a large variety of wildlife.
Game drives, with scenic stops for refreshments – offered by the lodge, on the traditional twice-daily basis
Guided morning bush walks bring you closer to nature – offered by the lodge, on request and subject to availability and attracts an additional cost
Hot-air balloon flights* give you a different perspective on the herds – booked with a trusted tour operator, on request
Golf* at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses, set in parkland and bushveld, respectively – transfers by arrangement
*At an additional cost; please enquire upon making your Lush reservation
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DINING WITH AN ITALIAN FLAIR
Dining is an essential part of the Lush experience. Days here are punctuated by culinary delights – as anticipated as the activities. All menus celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients in freshly prepared dishes. The Lupini family ethos of cooking now for now ensures consistent quality and satisfaction. Dining options range from light and healthy to downright indulgent, but special dietary requirements – including vegetarian and gluten-free – are catered for on request. Private dining can also be arranged.
- Breakfast – continental buffet and cooked meals to order
- Lunch – lighter meals that do not skimp on flavour
- Afternoon tea – spreads of sweet and savoury treats
- Dinner – chef’s signature tables and fireside barbecues