Singita Game Reserve, Kruger National Park,
South Africa
Breaking news: 10 July 2008
Singita outshines top hotels around
the globe
Voted best in the world, scooping three major international travel awards when it was named *Best Hotel in the World*, *Best Small Hotel in the World* and *Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East* in the US Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2008. Singita is the first South African property to have won these prestigious accolades three times (2004, 2006 and 2008), since the Travel + Leisure awards were introduced 13 years ago.
Luke Bailes, CEO of Singita Game Reserves, said that it was a rare honour and an extraordinary tribute for Singita to be voted their guests' number one hotel experience worldwide. 'At Singita, which means 'place of miracles' in Shangaan, we set out to create an unforgettable safari experience for our guests in a world-class eco-environment of luxury and high design. Winning three of the world's leading travel awards for the third time, serves as a true inspiration for us to continue doing so.'
In a smart move that redefined safari style forever, Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni were featured more for their cutting-edge bush decor in the leading lifestyle glossies than they were for the Big Five. But it goes without saying that its possible to combine the two at all of their lodges - now voted the finest in the world.
Celebrating its third award for the year, Singita's Lebombo and Sweni lodges in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were ranked in first place among 20 top international resorts listed in the US 2007 Andrew Harper Hideaway Report. Voted best in the world (for hideaway properties with 50 rooms or less), Singita's two most glam lodges in the 15 000 hectare (33 000 acre) concession offer more than stunning lodgings and game-rich viewing.
Designed by leading SA architects, Andrew Makin and Janina Masojada, their eco-friendly glass and wood structures lead the way in the sensitive world of lodge architecture. And, coupled with the inspirational work of legendary interior designer Boyd Ferguson's sophisticated but imaginative touch, Singita's charms are subtle but powerful.
The Zagat Survey (US) has also awarded Singita double winnings: voted Top Small Hotel (less than 100 rooms) in the World's Top Hotels, Resorts and Spas Survey as well as clinching prime position in Top Rooms, Singita was the only African property included in this year's listing.
Condé Nast Traveller's Top 100 Readers' Awards 2007 currently rank Singita as 5th overall, making it the most desirable game lodge to visit in the world.
“These prestigious achievements reflect Singita's undisputed international reputation and unique position at the cutting edge of eco-tourism. More importantly, South Africa proved that it is a winning nation and one that is well able to benchmark itself internationally against the very best,” said Mark Witney, Singita Game Reserves Group Director.
Singita also offers a pristine wilderness experience at three of its lodges in
Tanzania: Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp and Faru Faru Lodge, all of which
are situated on the famous migratory route in the Serengeti, in the Singita Grumeti
Reserves.
