The latest news from our community includes a celebration of wildlife conservation in South Africa and Michelin-standard cookery classes at an outstanding European hotel…

THIRTY YEARS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION – SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – SOUTH AFRICA

With a long-standing history and connection to the African landscape, Shamwari Private Games Reserve in the Eastern Cape is one of the best game reserves in the country.

More than just a luxury safari vacation, this year it celebrates its 30th year of wildlife conservation – and the 25th anniversary of the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries – with the luxury lodge reflecting on extensive improvement of the reserve.

Shamwari aims to take its wildlife conservation message to as many people as possible, making its lion and leopard sanctuaries free to enter. Caring for one rescued lion can cost more than £5,000 a year yet the sanctuary runs entirely on donations.

An amazing destination for local or international travellers, these majestic animals can be observed, from a safe distance, in their natural habitat.  While visiting Shamwari, and staying in the stunning five-star lodges, adventurers not only enjoy an incredible safari but contribute to protecting wildlife and conserving a vanishing way of life.

COOKERY CLASSES – HÔTEL ROYAL, EVIAN RESORT – LAKE GENEVA, FRANCE

Under the guidance of a Michelin-starred chef and a head pâtissier, you’ll produce a full gourmet menu including starter, main course and dessert, all on the shores of the picture-postcard Lake Geneva.

The Saturday morning cookery classes are offered at the enchanting Hôtel Royal, at the heart of the Evian Resort, with breath-taking views over the French and Swiss Alps. Combining the charm of the French Belle Epoque with the elegance of modern design and the hotel’s signature powder blue, its 150 rooms include 32 beautiful suites.

Nestling in tranquil, 47-acre private wooded grounds, the five-star hotel is one of France’s 24 distinguished palaces, an award recognising its outstanding characteristics and services, stunning location and heritage.

BIRD OF PREY REHABILITATION – ROVOS RAIL – SOUTH AFRICA

While enjoying a journey on what is described as the most luxurious train in the world, passengers can take the opportunity to learn of the plight of an endangered feathered species – the raptor.

The excursion takes place in the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre, an initiative originally set up in 1997 as an educational centre. It evolved as a rehabilitation centre as a result of the need to care for injured and orphaned birds and now encompasses all species of wildlife.

The centre, in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, relies entirely on the generosity of the public and corporate communities for its important work.

Rovos Rail offers a range of bespoke train journeys aboard vintage wood-panelled coaches. Trips from 48 hours to 14 days link some of Africa’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.  Carrying a maximum of 72 passengers, they are also available for charter, while an Events Train caters for up to 250 guests.

CONDE NAST TRAVELER CHOICE – BAHIA DEL DUQUE – THE CANARY ISLES, SPAIN

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Tenerife’s Bahía del Duque as one of the best hotels in the world.

Owned by The Tais Hotels & Villas, it is the only Canary Islands hotel and one of just three in Spain included in the travel magazine’s annual selection.

Located in one of the warmest and most prestigious areas of the island, Costa Adeje, the hotel is surrounded by idyllic gardens next to the sea and has direct access to the Playa del Duque promenade.

Its 346 rooms, 58 suites and 40 private villas offer a peaceful retreat, beautiful views and elegant interiors. Gastronomic offerings include: the Nub, recipient of a Michelin star and Sol Repsol; Kensei, a contemporary Japanese cuisine; La Brasserie by Belgian chef Pierre Résimont and El Bernegal, the hotel’s main restaurant, on a spectacular terrace.