Well-proportioned and sensitively designed, this bush retreat is set in Kuleni Game Park, an indigenous sand forest on a tract of land set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline, the heritage site of Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, Hluhluwe and Phinda Private Game Reserve, known for its abundant wildlife.

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This is a natural habitat for timid bushbuck, zebra, nyala, giraffe and tree-dwelling bush babies that cling to high branches. Frogs and other nocturnal creatures hunt those lower down on the food chain. By day, bird life keeps watchers glued to their binoculars with over 140 species that live and breed here. The lodge itself is equally at one with this game-rich landscape. Inspired by her eco-sensitive design of luxury lodge Singita Lebombo on the Eastern border of the Kruger National Park, architect Joy Brasler used similar concepts and ideas for the lodge.

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Ultimately, the retreat was built along the lines of a grounded tree house, with wooden walls and floors, and expansive sections of glass that slide open to connect seamlessly with the surrounding forest. The result is an almost ethereal space defined by materials that are at one with their surrounds. It is the ultimate concept in ‘touching the earth lightly.’

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It is perfect for business and leisure use, for families with children over six years old and for friends.

Lazuli consists of a main lodge and four bedroom suites. The main lodge houses the living areas, including a fully fitted, high quality farmhouse style kitchen, a dining area, conversation area and fire place, a comfortable lounge area with ceiling fans and an outdoor patio with dining area next to the private swimming pool. It is equipped with a smart TV in the main area with full WIFI which allows you to cast your own DSTV or Netflix to via your phone and a DVD/CD player. Lazuli has a swimming pool set in natural surroundings (no net) and a waterhole where one can see wildlife enjoying a drink. 

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The central living area of the main lodge is extensive and allows for individual pursuits; a quiet reading corner; a zone for animated conversation; a warm and intimate space for a shared bottle of good red; in summer, ice-rattled gin and tonics over lunch outdoors.  

 

Four free-standing bedrooms with open-plan bathrooms are set at a distance from the main lodge and interconnected by boardwalks. Each has its own private deck, bath and outside shower. Two suites (The Amethyst room and the Rose Quarts room) have king size beds and the other two suites (The Citrine room and the Tree Agate room) have twin beds. All are equipped with airconditioning, comfortable sofa, writing desk and tea and coffee facilities. You sleep within a natural cocoon, with only glass separating you from the forest beyond. Anyone staying here feels an immediate and strong connection with the environment. Time seems to stall and blissfully with every day appearing to stretch to two, truly balm for the soul.

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