Mantis Hotels, EcoEscapes & Lifestyle Resorts offers travellers exceptional properties and authentic experiences across the globe. From beach, bush and city hospitality and spa’s, to experience packages like no other – Mantis has it all – and more.
Mantis is a family run collection of award winning, privately owned, 5-star properties located around the World, across all seven continents. Its specialist areas include Boutique Hotels, Game Reserves, Eco Lodges, Ski Lodges, Chalets and Boutique Cruises, offering in-the-know travellers the most exceptional properties and authentic experiences imaginable.
Each of the diverse, handpicked properties represents the finest example of its kind and celebrates the culture, gastronomy, architecture and nature of the locations in which they are found. Whilst every property is unique, being part of the collection ensures that the quality of the facilities, service and overall experience is consistently 5-star and guests can always expect personal, friendly service.
Officially founded by entrepreneur and hotelier Adrian Gardiner in 2000, Mantis is committed to the spirit of conservation and restoration, and each property is sensitive to its surroundings in respect of the building, environment and local community. The entrepreneurial spirit of the family underpins that of the group, allowing them to be dynamic in the growth of the portfolio, and to respond quickly to consumer demand.
In 2013, Mantis launched Mantis eXtreme, which offers an online collection of authentic, once-in-a-lifetime encounters and experiences worldwide, often paired with product from their field of expertise – five star, handpicked properties. Experiences include: Wilderness camps in the great Niassa at Lugenda Wilderness Camp, Mozambique; Bear Grylls Survival Academy, U.K., USA, Africa; Parabolic flights with Space Affairs, Europe; Rhino Encounters with Dr. Will Fowlds, South Africa; Midnight Golf, Bjorkliden, Sweden and Great Bear Tours, Canada.
Mantis and Mantis eXtreme offer member properties the ideal sales, marketing and management solution for their boutique business to ensure successful growth and drive long term brand development. The company also offers consultancy services in other disciplines including conservation, education and hotel development.
Below is Tourism Tattler’s September (Tourism Month) selection of luxury Mantis Group properties in South Africa, all of which can be purchased as vouchers on auction to the highest bidder – see end of this article:
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Karlkloof Safari Spa is located just 24 kilometers from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal’s magnificent Midlands, South Africa. Set in a verdant bowl, surrounded by towering cliffs, with the shimmering waters of the Albert Falls Dam in view, the Spa and its luxurious boutique lodge provide levels of intimate exclusivity and personalised service unparalleled in this part of Africa.
Karlkloof Safari Spa is a world class facility, blending the best of the globe’s major spa’s with a uniquely African sensibility. It will capture your imagination and invite you to submit mind and body to complete revitalisation.
Set in 3500 hectares/8648 acres, the game reserve is stocked with White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Kudu, Waterbuck, Nyala, Red Hartebeest, Bush Buck, Eland, common Reedbuck, Blesbuck, Grey Duiker, Warhog, Bushpig, Samango and Vervet Monkeys, as well as hundreds of species of indigenous birds and plants. The reserve also has five waterfalls including the 105m Karkloof Falls. The main lodge has 16 Luxury Villa’s (4 x inter-leading family Villas and 1 x Wheelchair friendly Villa).
Villa amenities include complimentary mini bar; air conditioning; underfloor heating; free WiFi and LAN connectivity; inhouse DSTV bouquet; ensuite bathrooms with separate bath, toilet and shower, luxury linens, bath robes, slippers, and hair dryer/shaver outlets. The lodge facilities include a heated pool, library, wine cellar, mountain bikes, boutique curio shop, and guest business study.
The Spa Hydro Facilities include a Roman bath, Kneipp pools, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas (combo steam room/sauna), floatation room, Rassoul, manicure and pedicure node, 17 treatment rooms, reflections room, and internationally trained Thai therapists.
For more information visit www.mantiscollection.com/property/karkloof-safari-spa/
Eastern Cape, South Africa
HillsNek Safari Camp lies in a secluded corner of Amakhala Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa.
This intimate family-run lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman’s River with a breathtaking vista of rolling African plains, offers an unprecedented safari experience where privacy and personalized attention is the hallmark of every stay.
Amakhala Game Reserve is renowned for its truly spectacular topography and boasts 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes. It is a particularly diverse and picturesque reserve, and has the Bushman’s River meandering through it. Amakhala boasts an abundant variety of wildlife including the Big 5, and over 250 species of birdlife thereby offering dynamic and abundant wildlife experiences on game drives, night drives, walking safaris and boat cruises.
The main lodge and four luxury tented chalets are elevated on expansive wooden decks that command panoramic views of the open plains. Discreetly positioned to ensure privacy and tranquility, all are complete with an en-suite bathroom and romantic outside shower.
The lodge sets the stage for unforgettable African sunsets followed by evenings enjoying bush inspired cuisine and celebrating all that is ‘safari’.
All four tents are linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways. The tents are complete with an en-suite bathroom and romantic outside shower. With all the canvas windows rolled up one may appreciate the beauty of nature from the comfort of your bed or whilst soaking in a deep bubble bath.
For more information visit www.mantiscollection.com/property/hillsnek-safari-camp/
Western Cape, South Africa
Lake Pleasant Living is a popular venue due to its surrounding natural beauty and position between the scenic towns of Sedgefield and Knysna on the Garden Route. The luxury self catering establishment provides travellers with comfort and choice in a relaxed environment.
Whether it is eco and nature, culture and heritage, outdoor adventure and sports, gourmet delights or spirit, mind and soul experiences you are after, Lake Pleasant Living is the ideal haven from where to explore all that the Garden Route has to offer.
A harmonious blend of conservation, recreation and lifestyle, Lake Pleasant Living is positioned on the edge of Groenvlei Lake – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also adjacent to the Goukamma Nature & Marine Reserve area, which is protected under the Cape Nature Conservation Act, and central to all Garden Route towns, attractions and activities – including world famous Golf Courses.
The spacious Suites and Villas (120m² to 259 m²) all have picturesque views of the lake and/or indigenous, landscaped garden from private patios and/or balconies.
Guest facilities, activities and services include a Health Spa on the lake with steam room, sauna heated relaxation pool and gym; an Outdoor infinity pool; a Bistro on the Lake with bar, lounge and terrace overlooking Groenvlei Lake; Children’s play area, with jungle gym, sandpit/volleyball court and pool with water slide; a Jetty and slipway for boating (no-fuel motorized) and fishing. Weddings, Conferencing and Boardroom facilities up to 60 delegates.
For more information visit www.mantiscollection.com/property/lake-pleasant-living/
Gauteng, South Africa
Monarch Hotel is a luxury 5-Star hotel located in the prestigious Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank. Once the iconic 1930s Saxonwold Post Office, the Monarch hotel is a sophisticated, lavishly styled hotel.
Reflecting an affluent ambience of old world elegance with refined period-like interiors enriched with classical and contemporary furnishings complimented by an extensive art collection of established and emerging South African artists.
A prominent heritage landmark on Oxford road, the Monarch is a glamorous yet eclectic setting of wrought iron entrances, rich fabrics, muted marble, brass banisters, panelled walls, and ceilings perfectly balanced by bespoke contemporary finishes, providing the ultimate discreet ‘urban’ sanctuary for business travellers and tourists alike.
The Monarch prides itself on the rich cultural history of Johannesburg and welcomes its guests in modern style and traditional charm.
For more information visit www.mantiscollection.com/property/monarch-hotel-johannesburg/
Eastern Cape, South Africa
No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel, situated in Port Elizabeth on the Southeast coast of South Africa, sets a new standard in discreet and elegant boutique accommodation. Step into a world of unsurpassed sophistication and excellence, nestled in the affluent beachfront suburb of Summerstrand.
No.5 Boutique Art Hotel has 7 Suites in the main hotel, and 3 Private Villa suites across from the main building – all with WiFi access, satellite television, air-conditioning, bathrooms with shower and bath, non-allergenic pillows, luxury bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, fully stocked mini refreshment bar, Nespresso coffee machines, and in-room safety-deposit boxes.
Facilities include the Champagne Lounge; a 28 seater Jazz Room Restaurant; Pool and Deck areas; the Salon Prive whiskey and cigar lounge; a 10 seater Executive Boardroom; 15 seater Mount Batten Movie Theatre; and a16 seater Wine Cellar. A ‘Healing Earth’ Spa, Gymnasium, and 24-hour concierge service complete the picture.
For more information visit www.mantiscollection.com/property/no5-boutique-art-hotel/
Gauteng, South Africa
131 on Herbert Baker Boutique Hotel offers an incredible 180 degree view of the city of Pretoria. This exceptional Boutique Hotel stands primely positioned in the leafy suburb of Groenkloof, bordering on the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, the private wboutique hotel offers discerning visitors to Pretoria and Johannesburg an exclusive refuge from the bustle of the city.
Originally built as a private residence, 131 on Herbert Baker Boutique Hotel was exquisitely transformed to provide outstanding hotel luxury, catering perfectly to the refined tastes of its clientele. The meticulous attention to every detail, together with impeccable service and superb dining, creates a distinctive boutique experience that has quickly earned 131 on Herbert Baker an excellent reputation.
The hotel offers nine beautifully appointed guest suites and rooms, each with its own private balcony or patio/terrace. For guests who prefer to celebrate life in supreme style, the magnificent Presidential suite includes its own private lounge and dining area.
131 on Herbert Baker Boutique Hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes’ drive from the Pretoria CBD, with easy access to all major highways. A mere 35 minutes’ drive from the Johannesburg CBD and 5 minutes from the highly efficient Pretoria Gautrain station.
For more information visit www.mantiscollection.com/property/131-on-herbert-baker-boutique-hotel/
Special Auction Promotion: Weekend Breakaway Deals for September 2015:
Tourism Tattler in association with Mantis and BidorBuy.co.za are auctioning 2-night fully inclusive accommodation vouchers for 2 people sharing at selected luxury Mantis Group properties in South Africa. The aim of these auctions is to promote domestic tourism in support of South African Tourism’s Sho’t Left initiative.
Auctions for Tourism Month in September 2015 include the 5-star Karlkloof Safari Spa near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, Hillsnek at Amakhala Game Reserve (between Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth), No 5 Boutique Art Hotel (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape, Lake Pleasant Living (on the Garden Route between Sedgefield and Knysna) in the Western Cape, and 131 on Herbert Baker (Pretoria), and The Monarch Hotel (Johannesburg) in Gauteng.
Bidding starts as low as R2000 and increases in bids of R150 until the auction closes. The winning bid walks away with a voucher that ranges in value from R7,000 to R46,000. Each auction is open for a limited number of days.
The vouchers entitle the winning bidder to experience the quality, excellence and distinction of the Mantis Collection luxury properties at a price that you decide on.
Each voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue (excluding peak periods – 20 Dec 2015 – 10 Jan 2016).
For more information visit www.bidorbuy.co.za/seller/3147611/TourismTattler
