Congratulations to our Swain Destinations colleague, Rich, on his recent nuptials! He and his bride, Alyssa, honeymooned in South Africa where they experienced luxury with heart first-hand.
Cape Town
Rich and Alyssa began their journey in Cape Town at One&Only—an oasis in the city. The resort exceeded their expectations with attention to detail, making every moment feel special. It was an ideal place to rest after their flight before setting off on their adventures. Highlights included excellent food, a lovely spa and a relaxing pool.
On a tour along South Africa’s breathtaking Cape Peninsula, the honeymooners found photo opportunities around every bend. They shared close encounters with adorable African penguins, watched seals lounging on the rocks and chuckled at noisy baboons making their presence known. It was a day spent making forever memories at the very edge of the African continent.
Franschhoek
The next stop on their journey took them to the stunning Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, a Virgin-branded retreat set in the food and wine capital of South Africa. Here, they marveled at the incredible views while savoring the superb dining and wine tasting experience. A special tour was tailored to Rich and Alyssa’s wine preferences and interests—guiding them through an exploration of bubbles and art.
Grootbos
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve was nothing short of magical for the couple. Their spacious suite offered privacy and spectacular views, as well as his and hers closets, possibly setting a new standard for their marriage!
Their stay at Grootbos was filled with phenomenal experiences. A marine Big 5 cruise brought the ocean to live with sightings of dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks. On land, a passionate botanist led them on a Flower Safari through the surrounding fynbos ecosystem, ending at the Grootbos art gallery adorned with botanical illustrations inspired by the landscape they had just explored. A guided cave tour offered a fascinating glimpse of the Stone Age when bushpeople lived among the limestone cliffs.
Sabie Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
Rich and Alyssa’s safari adventure began the moment they landed, with an off-road airport transfer that brought them straight into the heart of the Greater Kruger National Park. At Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, they were welcomed with exceptional hospitality and settled into a luxurious suite overlooking the wildlife waterhole. Thoughtful touches—from a charming painting set to a private plunge pool—created an atmosphere of total luxury.
On safari, the couple was amazed by the expertise and intuition of their guide and tracker. They were treated to sightings of cheetahs, leopards, lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, oxpeckers, hyenas, giraffes and even a sweet adolescent zebra. The African tradition of sundowners were a perfect way to toast a productive safari.
Qatar
The honeymooners concluded their journey at the 5-star St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, a waterfront haven of luxury and elegance. While in Qatar, they set out for an exhilarating adventure, buckling up for a high-speed ride across the dunes of the Arabian Desert. The experience included extreme adrenaline rushes and quiet moments of awe—a fitting finale to Rich and Alyssa’s dream-come-true honeymoon.
