andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, South Africa

Conservation-focused luxury travel company &Beyond has reopened one of its most iconic lodges, Phinda Forest Lodge, situated in &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, after an extensive and exciting rebuild. The property, which was lauded as one of the first true eco-lodges at the time of its original construction, has now been reimagined within the context of the contemporary luxury safari, while retaining subtle references to its original ‘Zulu-zen’ décor with a new elegant and minimalist interior design.

The iconic &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 29 866 hectares (73 800 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, the reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as 436 bird species.

Located within the reserve is the sand forest, a captivating and distinctive habitat, home to numerous unique plant species and many curious creatures beneath its canopy. Situated within the rare sand forest is Phinda Forest Lodge, one of the world’s first eco-friendly lodges that has been meticulously designed in perfect harmony with the forest’s natural flow, blending seamlessly into its surrounds. In keeping with our core ethos, the Zulu-zen inspired lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment ensuring to continue the legacy in which it was originally built. A real-life example of how development can be both environmentally and socially responsible without compromising luxury and quality.

Unwind in absolute tranquillity in one of the lodge’s 16 air-conditioned suites. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters, providing the utmost privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while tiny duiker graze below, the suites feel as if they are one with the forest while each suite’s private veranda allow for gentle contemplation with breathtaking forest views. A new family suite completes the lodge offering, ensuring families an intimate and comfortable safari experience.

Interior designers Fox Browne Creative, who have previously worked on the refurbishments of the other five lodges on the reserve, partnered with architectural designer Jack Alexander to reimagine and bring to life the new property in a design that will offer past guests the comfort and familiarity of one of their most loved lodges while also providing exciting improvements in room flow and functionality. Throughout the rooms and main guest areas, the interiors have been reimagined with new fixtures and finishes – drawing inspiration from the surrounding sand forest, blending aspects of Japanese minimalism with an ode to local culture.

Major structural additions include a family suite, a library and lounge, a walkway with a central fire pit linking the main area to the library, a newly reshaped and tiered pool, and significant upgrades to the main dining and bar areas. An all-new massage sala has also been constructed next to the pool.

Phinda Forest Lodge has always provided guests with an exclusive, private experience immersed in the sand forest, and this has now been further enhanced through the redirection and reduction of pathways to and from the rooms. In order to assist with the rehabilitation of the old pathways, &Beyond established a nursery which cultivates sand forest tree species that have been planted along the trails.

Phinda is also uniquely positioned to offer other extraordinary adventure activities like diving or ocean safaris at nearby Sodwana Bay. Depending on the season, guests may also be able to enjoy expeditions to admire turtles nesting along the Indian Ocean coastline.

With such a wealth and diversity of unique offerings, combined with the newly refurbished and reopened Phinda Forest Lodge, &Beyond is excited to continue bringing their guests experiences that go beyond the expectation of average luxury to leave the world a better place.