Royal Malawane

The past two days, we stayed at The Royal Malawane. It is probably the most amazing place I have ever stayed. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the front of house, spa manager, and sous chef. The sous chef was there to check in on all dietary needs, which helps when travelling with my grandmother.  The rooms were absolutely gorgeous with a small private infinity pool on the deck.  The mini bars are fully stocked and they do not charge for it. From start to finish, our experience was incredible. All the staff members know you by name. The food was beyond incredible and overabundant. The first night they served a six course dinner! There is even a somelier to pair wines with your meals. Breakfast was a full continental breakfast plus a hot breakfast. Needless to say, we skipped lunch yesterday because there was just no room for it. Last night, they cooked on a grill that was in front of the tables. I had an amazing piece of lamb with a red wine reduction sauce. 

We also went on game drives through the Thornybush Reserve. Although the game viewing was not as good as Mala Mala, we still saw and learned a lot. We watched elephants be the destructive creatures that they are, tearing branches off trees and even uprooting entire large trees! We saw many journeys of giraffe and dazzles of zebra (words we learned to descibe their respective packs). We finally found hippos and crocodiles as well as a black rhino. On the night time drive, you stop for a little snack. They had a gorgeous little set up with wine and spirits. A glass of wine watching the sun set was spectacular. When we returned to the lodge after the evening drive, they poured us hot chocolate with amarula (similar to a bailey's). It was delicious. 

Yesterday, the elephants came right up to our lodge. We went up to the lobby and viewed them tearingdown trees (occassionally they even drink from the swimming pools). 

I got a little bogged down by jet lag, which is why I missed a couple days of blogging. I am all caught up on sleep now though and should hopefully be able to endure the craziness of the rest of our trip. 

The Royal Malawane was luxury living at its finest (they even sent your laundry back wrapped up and tied with a bow). It is even a yearly travel spot for Elton John!