Virgin Limited Edition to redesign South African reserve Ulusaba

Virgin Limited Edition’s South African private game reserve Ulusaba is to undergo a full redesign.

The reserve, which is located in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, is scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2027.

The two lodges that comprise Ulusaba, Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, will be “transformed” into a 20-room, all-suite retreat.

Rock Lodge will house five new Rock Suites and two interconnecting Makwela Suites, alongside the two existing Cliff Suites.

Safari Lodge’s eight existing Elephant Suites will be joined by The Hide – a three-suite “private enclave” with a shared living space, deck and firepit, which can be booked together for larger groups. 

While Safari Lodge is reserved for guests aged 12 and above, Rock Lodge features the Cubs Club where children of all ages can learn bush skills and animal tracking. 

The redesigned property will also incorporate an enhanced wellness offering in partnership with South African spa brand Africology. Both lodges will house multiple treatment rooms, cold plunge pools, Himalayan salt saunas, hydrotherapy pools, rasul mud experiences and yoga decks.

A pickleball court will be added to the tennis courts, as well as a tactile reflexology walkway.

Following the renovations, each lodge will utilise solar panels and operate with 60% renewable energy.

Joe Margison, chief executive of parent company Virgin Hotels Collection, said: “Ulusaba is incredibly special to Virgin Limited Edition and its many loyal guests. This redesign is about carefully evolving what has made Ulusaba so loved over the past 25 years, while also future proofing the lodges for generations of guests to come. 

“From private plunge pools in every suite to thoughtful architectural touches that respond to the environment and reflect the local community, this is a truly exciting moment for Ulusaba.”

Bookings for the redesigned retreat are open now.