Virgin Limited Edition closes Ulusaba for two-year redesign, reopening April 2027

SOUTH AFRICA – Virgin Limited Edition has closed its renowned Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Sabi Sand for a complete redesign blending modern luxury with local Tsonga-inspired craftsmanship, with both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge set to reopen on April 1, 2027.

The interior design by Luxury Frontiers incorporates naturalistic décor, colourful accents and Tsonga-inspired detailing throughout both lodges.

To begin with is Rock Lodge’s exterior redesign. The operation will be led by local architectural firm Orbic tasked to respond to the unique challenge of building into the granite koppie where the lodge is positioned, resulting in five new Rock suites and two interleading     Makwela suites alongside the existing Cliff Lodge suites available for exclusive use.

On the other hand, Safari Lodge will offer 11 suites including eight Elephant suites featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors and vaulted ceilings. In addition, it will have three new suites forming a private enclave known as the Hide offer views over Xikwenga Dam with a separate living area, deck and boma.

It will also feature new facilities including cold plunge pools, Himalayan salt saunas, hydrotherapy pools, rasul mud experiences, a tactile reflexology walkway and a yoga deck with panoramic views

In a statement, Joe Margison, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, explained: “This re-design 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,” he added.

For hospitality investors across Africa, Ulusaba’s transformation demonstrates how heritage properties can evolve through thoughtful design that honors local culture while meeting contemporary luxury standards.

More importantly, the two-year timeline signals commitment to comprehensive quality rather than rushed reopening, setting a benchmark for safari lodge renovations across the continent.

As Virgin Limited Edition future-proofs its flagship African property, it highlights that sustained leadership in luxury safari hospitality requires continuous investment in both physical assets and guest experience innovation.

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