East London - There is a Sanskrit word used in yoga, Oriental medicine and martial arts that refers simultaneously to a deep-breathing technique as well as those sun-derived life forces that nourish the soul: prana. It is also the name of one of only two five-star beach and wellness resorts straddling East London in the Eastern Cape.
The Prana Lodge Private Beach Estate and Spa is on the Wild Coast at Chintsa East, while Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is just outside Port Alfred. Both are within an hour’s drive of East London, with Oceana also near Port Elizabeth.
Both properties have successful businessmen behind them.
Joburg-based Tim Davidson bought what was to become Prana, as a family holiday home about 30 years ago.
“In 2006, my father decided the property needed to become financially sustainable,” says head of marketing Megan van den Berg.
“The name and nature of this place was inspired by a visit my parents took to Thailand. They fell in love with its culture and architecture – many elements of which have been incorporated here.”
Megan and her mother, Gail, run the operation which is situated on 5.7 hectares of densely wooded dune forest. Though none of the seven secluded suites (each with plunge pool) has a sea view, a short walk through the indigenous greenery with its abundant birdlife leads to a 22km stretch of pristine beach.
Guests can drink in the beauty and solitude on foot or horseback.
The luxury accommodation is supplemented by wellness and gastronomic pampering.
The Thai wellness centre is headed by Penkae Sringen and guests are given personal assessments. This ensures that tailor-made treatments can be constructed.
“Prana’s tranquillity is also conducive to creative thinking and brainstorming,” says Van den Berg, “so we built a ‘Boardroom on the Bay’ for business meetings, small conferences and private events.”
An undoubted highlight of any visit is the time spent savouring the food from the kitchen of Jaycee Ferreira. After working for years for Rovos Rail, Jaycee can truly be called an “itinerant” head chef.
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve, a member of the Mantis Collection, offers scenery and solitude in abundance, making it an ideal getaway for honeymoon couples.
Owned by Texan developer Rip Miller, who bought the place a decade ago, it has been expanded to comprise seven suites and a plush, free-standing three-suite house. The main design considerations are opulence, views and privacy. With specific regard to the latter, the number of guests is limited to 20.
“This is the only game reserve in South Africa that has a 7km-long, unspoiled beachfront. You can enjoy solitary walks and picnics on the beach, guided game drives or just laze in the lounge or on the deck and take in the spectacular views,” says general manager Hennie de Clerk.
The kitchen is headed by local chef Jacques van Rooyen.
Reader offer
Prana Lodge in conjunction with Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is offering a four-night Eastern Cape Escape at R14 000 a couple to Saturday Star Travel readers. The offer incorporates:
l Prana Lodge
Two-night stay in a Prana suite inclusive of dinner and breakfast, complimentary drink on arrival, 60-minute Thai massage for couples as well as a romantic candle-lit aromatic petal bath, a sundowner pack (Protea chenin blanc or Protea merlot, fresh fruit and a cheese and preserve platter).
l Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
Two-night stay inclusive of dinner and breakfast, complimentary drink on arrival and snack platter, daily game drive, complimentary wi-fi and use of the steamroom, candle-lit bubble bath followed by private dinner in your suite (on request). Contact either of the resorts, quoting “Saturday Star Travel reader offer” at:
Prana Lodge
043 704 5100
E-mail: info@pranalodge.co.za
Website: www.pranalodge.co.za
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
083 616 0605
E-mail: reservations@oceanareserve.com
Website: www.oceanareserve.com
Offer valid till September 30. Beverages and extras excluded, terms and conditions apply. - Saturday Star