88 the World Of Hospitality
The Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
The Kitchen The Pool Area The Guest Tents
The kitchen is at the heart of the lodge and
guests are encouraged use it like their kitchen
at home. There is an open cooking area in the
centre and dining tables and chairs located
to provide fabulous long-distance views.
Again, materials are light: limed timbers, white
painted floors, geometric fabrics, rattan sofas
with high backs and a beautiful handmade
layered timber screen. The residential style
cooking counter is of timber, above this,
there is a sculptural light crafted by South
African designer David Krynauw out of Panga
Panga wood with brass shades. Guests are
invited to reduce their plastic use by re-filling
water bottles supplied by the lodge from the
carbonated and still water dispensers located
in this space. The new pool is smaller than its predecessor,
reducing water consumption and allowing for
more space around it to relax. It is constructed
of fibreglass with a low-energy heat pump
keeping the temperature above 260C and has
a stone coloured interior so that it blends into
the surroundings and becomes one with the
landscape. Loungers and seating are set up
with views over the plains. Next to the pool
is a multi-function space that can be used for
private dinners or yoga and a fire pit is just a
few steps down. The Spa Tent The main feature in the 12 guestrooms is
the bed with a bright blue leather-clad sofa
at the end, both facing out to the view. Once
again carved nomadic poles are a source
of inspiration , this time translated into
limewashed timber bed posts over which a
mosquito net is softly draped. Handmade blue
and ivory-toned string chandeliers hang over
the coffee table and in the bathroom, creating
beautiful shadows at night. Rattan seating,
made by southern Africa’s Blind Society are
upholstered in a blue-toned fabric inspired
by local wax cloth. Existing timber floor was
re-used and stained light.
The Spa tent is positioned at the edge of the
camp surrounded by thick bushes for privacy.
Its sides can be completely rolled up, allowing
breezes to flow through the space. Its palette
is sage green with hand-glazed green tiles
and a simple white painted floor; a beaded
chandelier takes inspiration from pods and
plants and wicker furniture adds to the natural
feel. There is a large terrace with low slung
chairs, perfect to relax in. The terrace is very large – a living space
outside for guests – and decking is in a
composite bamboo. The statement piece
is a huge daybed with its own canopy and
African-inspired carved side panels - in effect
an outdoor four poster ideal for an afternoon
nap. There are also low-slung armchairs, side
tables and an exquisite locally carved cocktail
cabinet.