It is now 10 years since Little Bush Camp, the newest lodge in the Sabi Sabi Portfolio, first opened its doors to guests. In celebration of this anniversary, Little Bush Camp has undergone a major transformation.
Taking its place as a beautifully intimate lodge with its own unique personality, the recently refurbished suites at Little Bush Camp are perfectly positioned between the eclectic “Today” design of Bush Lodge, and the avant garde “Tomorrow” philosophy of Earth Lodge.
The 6 stunning suites have been remodelled and upgraded. They are ultra-luxurious with an air of African sophistication and a chic finish. Using the continent as his source of inspiration, designer Derrick Tabbert patterned the new look around ‘African adornment’, with aesthetics borrowed from diverse African cultures. Tabbert has an unerring eye for charm, and introduced a myriad details, special features and interesting touches throughout the supremely luxurious spaces.
Bold organic patterns in warm earth tones have been hand-painted onto the interior walls of the suites, creating an unexpected artistic backdrop to the stylish furnishings and carefully sourced original artefacts. Draped netting over the beds is tied with leather fasteners, hand-dyed African print fabric has been inlaid onto comfortable wooden armchairs, rope and copper pipes combine to create towel rails. There is deliberate asymmetry in the bedrooms, creating a naturally comfortable atmosphere. Beautifully carved wooden tables and decorative pieces add extra appeal to a fascinating mix of textures. Finally, to complete Little Bush Camp’s transition to an ambiance between those of Bush Lodge and Earth Lodge, Tabbert utilised some classic African canvas elements to blend in with his modern approach, then added the lustrous colours of South Africa’s mineral wealth as a finishing touch.
Beyond just recreating the design of the suites, the rooms themselves have been remodelled to bring in much more natural light and a feel of being open to the bushveld. The en-suite bathrooms are now enormous and bright. Floor to ceiling glass French doors have replaced the walls around the bath on 3 sides, creating the perception that the indoor bath is actually part of the outdoor shower – a stunning illusion. And while some may prefer to shower outdoors, the huge indoor rain shower is glass walled to continue the open effect. Besides the artefacts in the bathroom, African influence is brought in via the ‘suri’ light, a gorgeous hanging light, its interlocking circles fashioned after the earrings worn by the women of the Suri Tribe in Ethiopia.
Flowing from the luxurious interior is an inviting private wooden deck overlooking the Msuthlu River and beautiful ancient riverine trees. Here one finds the ultimate indulgence, Little Bush Camp’s signature spa bath. This is the spot to unwind, the cool water a delicious place to relax and have a bush cocktail. A comfortable day bed with soft cushions and other outdoor easy chairs are just perfect for taking a nap, catching up on some reading, or just lounging, watching and listening to the surrounding animal and birdlife.
Tabbert has preserved many of the former features and objets d’art of the lodge, and integrated them perfectly into its new style and character. His fresh approach has taken Little Bush Camp to a whole new level, a stunningly beautiful Sabi Sabi lodge in a league of its own.
Click here for photographs of the stunning new suites at Little Bush Camp.