Eleven new properties join Relais & Châteaux
Just as our hotels and restaurants each celebrate their own uniqueness and distinct local connections, we appreciate our guests also want to pursue one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experiences. We invite you to discover the regions, gastronomy and art de vivre of these new members’ establishments in Africa (Botswana), the United States (Louisiana), Europe (Spain, Romania and France), Middle East (Israel and Egypt) and Asia (China and India).
Sitatunga Private Island, Okavango, Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango River is famous for the Okavango Delta, which is one of the largest inland deltas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This mysterious network of interconnected waterways and wildlife-rich islands is renowned for its tremendous biodiversity and unique ecosystem. Here, on an isolated island, on the “river that never reaches the ocean” and amidst a natural biome unlike any other in the world, is where the Sitatunga Private Island can be found. It is an exclusive retreat encircled by narrow, crystal-clear waterways winding toward the vast Okavango swamps in the south.
Sitatunga Private Island is the perfect base for exploring the delta’s natural waterways to discover fascinating wildlife, including antelope, elephant, crocodile, hippo, and a dazzling variety of birds. With an expert guide, guests may board an aluminum, flat-bottomed boat or a traditional fisherman’s canoe known as a mokoro to set off on safaris, capturing each moment with a professional camera set, complete with a range of lenses and high-quality binoculars, furnished by the safari camp.
To build the two guest suites and two-bedroomed villa, Dereck and Beverly Joubert – the celebrated wildlife photographers and co-owners of Great Plains – used recycled wood wherever possible to protect the environment and honor local traditions. The canvas-constructed suites, each with a private verandah and pool, are raised off the ground and have been designed to hang in gigantic bamboo-and-wood-inspired “fishing baskets,” a nod to the local fishermen. The interior décor is a collection of natural woods, linens, and soft touches designed to evoke a sense of calm, luxury, and relaxation.
After a massage or cosmetic treatment in the privacy of your suite, enjoy dinner by starlight on the floating terrace or at the foot of a towering, ancient baobab tree. These are the perfect settings to savor thoughtfully prepared cuisine crafted to each guest’s tastes with responsibly sourced ingredients.
