November marked the much anticipated reopening of Little Kulala, Wilderness Safaris’ popular lodge located on the doorstep of Sossusvlei in the remarkable landscape of the Namib Desert.
Refurbished Little Kulala really brings out the soulful side of Namibia. With the almost limitless space of the Kulala Wilderness Reserve that surrounds the lodge, guests can experience the freedom which only the wide open gravel plains of the Namib can give. Set along the dry Auab riverbed with its dead camelthorn trees, the lodge’s bleached wooden decks, thatched roofs and earthy green coloured walls seamlessly blend in with the sun-scorched surroundings.
The interiors are stylishly decorated with patterns and textures inspired by and subtly hinting at the lines of the nearby dunes and desert landscape. Most striking, however, is the use of a dusty-rose coloured pink amongst the more-desert pastels and earthy colours. It is immediately very notable in the main area, but any misgivings are soon dispelled when the sun sets and the sky mirrors the same soft rose colours as those found throughout the lodge. The same colour is used for the eye-catching chandeliers made of multiple leather thongs, beautifully crafted to create the dramatic roof fixtures that round off the space.
Little Kulala not only has a fresh look and feel, but now also includes a new holistic health and wellness offering to its guests. The brand new spa introduces an additional level of guest relaxation to be enjoyed in comfort. A wide range of treatments contrasts the extraordinary, harsh environment outside. Forming part of the holistic approach to guest experience and well-being is the carefully crafted new menu with meat or vegetarian options. Every meal is a culinary masterpiece on its own.
Of course, being close to Sossusvlei with its own entrance into Namib-Naukluft National Park, visiting the remarkable Deadvlei is a must do. The knowledgeable Wilderness guides have an in-depth knowledge of the area, which greatly enhances the drive and time spent in this unique setting. Other activities on offer include nature drives, guided walks and eco-sensitive quad biking. For the adventurous, the newly laid-out running and e-biking trails allow for an intimate way to explore private areas of the reserve that are not accessible on drives and to see the wildlife of the new Eco-Zone.
Each of the 11 air-conditioned rooms have their own private plunge pool and a set of exercise equipment for guests to keep fit and active in the comfort of their own suite. Each unit also boasts a ‘star bed’ from where to lose oneself in the glittering night sky of Namibia’s south.
After a year in which the world has been thrown into unending uncertainty, Little Kulala offers a space to cleanse body and mind, relax, re-energise and, more importantly, just breathe.
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