Sabi Sabiå‘s Earth Lodge recently was awarded a 5-Star grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
The grading was awarded to Earth Lodge following an inspection late last year, and reflects the world class standard of accommodation, cuisine, and service levels adopted by the lodge. Specific criteria on which the grading is based include building exterior, bedrooms and bathrooms, public areas, dining facilities, food and beverage, service and services and housekeeping.

Since opening early last year, Earth Lodge has made its mark as the first of a new genre of game lodges, designed to complement the natural surroundings and leave visitors feeling refreshed, relaxed and inspired by the spirit of Africa. While great care was taken not to impact on the environment during the lodge’s construction, no expense was spared to ensure that guests’ receive the ultimate luxury experience.

On announcing the 5-Star grading, Dr Silifou Siddo of the Tourism Grading Council said: “I would like to congratulate the Sabi Sabi team on this achievement. Your support for our efforts to improve and maintain the quality of standards of tourism products in South Africa is very much appreciated.”
Commenting on the grading, Sabi Sabi managing director, Patrick Shorten, said: “Everyone at Sabi Sabi is delighted with the outcome of the assessment at Earth Lodge, especially as it is a relatively new establishment. The 5-Star grading underlines our commitment to providing guests with the very best that Africa has to offer. It also recognises all the hard work and commitment from our staff, who have embraced the Earth Lodge philosophy.”

Earth Lodge comprises 12 luxury suites and the Amber presidential suite and features a unique design allowing the lodge to blend in with its natural surroundings. As far as possible, the lodge was constructed using natural materials and the result is a uniquely African feel with unadorned wall finishes, wooden sculptures, indigenous vegetation, hand-crafted furniture and natural fabrics.

Each suite has a private swimming pool and private butler, and a glass-fronted bathroom looking out over the bushveld. Other facilities include a fully-fledged health spa, 6000-bottle wine cellar, in-suite dining, lounge and reading room, meditation garden and boma area for outdoor dining. Guests are also treated to wonderful game viewing with sunrise and sunset game drives accompanied by highly qualified game rangers with sundowners in the bush an added attraction. Bush walks that bring guests closer to nature are also offered.

“The grading confirms Earth Lodge’s position as one of South Africa’s most exclusive and well-run lodges and we look forward to living up to our grading,” concluded Shorten.

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