Newsletter Articles
All three of The Huka Retreats properties continue to offer an extraordinary style of hospitality experience to our guests. We like to say, that not only are you spoilt for choice with Huka Lodge, Dolphin Island and Grande Provence Estate – we like to say that you are also spoilt from the moment you arrive at any of our sister properties.
Huka Lodge Awards
Condé Nast Traveler (USA) Magazine, Reader’s Choice Awards – November 2009.
Huka Lodge was ranked second in the Top 20 Resorts category within Australasia and Pacific.
Andrew Harper’s “Hideaway Report”, Reader’s Choice Awards – September 2009.
Huka Lodge is ranked 19th worldwide in a new Food & Wine Resort special awards category. Within the Top 20 International Hideaways, Huka Lodge is the top Australasian property with an overall global ranking of 12th.
Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA), Best for Service – June 2009.
Huka Lodge was voted 92.19 out of a possible 100% by this influential reader’s survey. It was also placed first for New Zealand and second overall for service within the Top 10 properties listed for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Two New Executive Chefs
Two new Executive Chefs have joined The Huka Retreats – both with great reputations for superb flavours, stunning presentation and true innovation.
Dutch-born Michel Louws has successfully led the kitchen team at Michelin-starred ‘t-Veerhuis’ in Zeeland, The Netherlands, for the past seven years before taking up his new role at Huka Lodge.
Darren Roberts, new Executive Chef at The Restaurant, Grande Provence Estate, hails originally from Australia. However, his stellar career has taken him to many of the world’s most enviable locations and top establishments – as an Executive Chef, a Restauranteur as well as a consultant.
The Restaurant, which was once again named as one of the ‘Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa’ recently, is in safe hands with Darren Roberts.
Dolphin Island
Dolphin Island, Fiji is currently undergoing refurbishments and will be enhanced by additional accommodation, larger bathrooms, new decor and a swimming pool. The island will still be deliberately rustic in style however it will now be able to accommodate a maximum of six guests on a double occupancy rather than four, as previously.
Dawn Simpson and her staff will provide warm Fijian hospitality and Dolphin Island will continue to offer a Pacific paradise private island experience, on an exclusive-use basis.
Grande Provence
This magnificent South African heritage wine estate, established in 1694, was originally settled by French Huguenots near the charming village of Franschhoek, just one hour from Cape Town. Grande Provence Estate is a destination in its own right, nestled in the very heart of the lush and magnificent Western Cape region.
Grande Provence Estate offers discerning visitors award-winning cuisine at The Restaurant, award-winning wines at The Tasting Room, boutique conference venue at The Jonkershuis, leading South African art at The Gallery and The Sculpture Garden with design and craft items available at The Shop.
The Owner's Cottage at Grande Provence
The excitement is starting to build as the opening of the FIFA World Cup series approach fast. Visitors to South Africa who take the opportunity to tour before and after the World Cup will find the 5-star accommodation at Grande Provence Estate perfect for a family or a group of friends. The Owner's Cottage has five superb en suite bedrooms, including a deluxe suite, fully equipped kitchen with personal chef, conservatory dining, study and lounge. Private grounds are enhanced by a swimming and spa pool – all within the lush vineyards.
Recently Grande Provence Estate was named as the Top Hotel in South Africa by House & Leisure magazine, in association with Visa.
For reservations please contact
Nicole Bischoff on telephone +27 21 876 8600 or
email ownerscottage@grandeprovence.co.za
