Rebuilding Ivory Lodge: The Guest Experience

As the reopening of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge approaches, Guest Experience Manager Alan Rose sat down with Robert More to share how the rebuilt lodge will take guest experience to a new level. Alan describes the strategy as one rooted in a “sense of purpose”, ensuring thought and attention are applied to every detail while maintaining consistency across the Collection.

A sense of place from the moment you arrive

The lodge’s prime location, above the Sabie River with wide open vistas, has shaped the guest experience. Upon arrival, guests will be invited to pause at a beautiful stone fountain for a hand-washing experience that utilises herbal salts crafted in-house. This is a simple, grounding moment designed to help guests become fully present in this incredible location.

Botanicals and contemporary African art

Inside the Botanical House Reception, layers of botanicals bring warmth and life to the spaces, a tradition that started over 20 years ago. Robert recalls how sourcing fresh flowers was a challenge because of the remote location. But inspiration struck from his mother’s passion for growing orchids, which has now grown into a collection of more than 7,000 orchids and other species flowering throughout the year. This living “golden thread” is now woven through the entire Collection, from the main areas to the suites and rooms across all of our properties.

Guests will also encounter the Artist Residency programme, which operates in collaboration with the South African Foundation for Contemporary Art. This initiative supports emerging contemporary African artists by giving them space to live and work at the lodge, drawing inspiration from the wilderness around them. The residency is intentionally positioned so that guests can “happen upon” the artist at work while moving through the lodge, creating moments of quiet discovery. Guests are encouraged to engage with the artists, learn about their processes and stories and watch the evolution of each piece.

Spaces designed for choice and connection, brought to life by dedicated teams

Ivory Lodge has been reimagined as a collection of intimate spaces, giving guests the freedom to connect in their own way. Whether it’s a quiet spot overlooking the Sabie River, the energy of the bar and lounge or the indulgence of the wine room and deli, the design allows for privacy as well as shared moments.

To complement this, each couple or group is looked after by a dedicated team led by their butler and supported by chefs, housekeepers and sommeliers. Subtle communication between these team members ensures needs are anticipated without guests even having to ask. From a field guide arranging a favourite sundowner to a chef tailoring a menu to your preferences, service should feel effortless and personal.

World-class field guides

Field guides spend up to eight hours a day with guests out in the reserve. Highly trained and accredited through the Field Guide Association of South Africa, they bring deep knowledge of the landscape and wildlife as well as a genuine respect for the natural environment.

But it is not just about expertise; it is the way they host. With a calm and reassuring presence, field guides create a sense of safety and connection, ensuring every guest feels comfortable exploring the wilderness. They are storytellers, interpreters and companions, able to read the rhythm of the bush and the mood of each guest, shaping every drive to be as memorable and meaningful as possible.

Alan sums up the new guest experience best when he says. “It’s about anticipating needs, tailoring each moment and connecting guests to this beautiful place in a way that is deeply personal.”

For a more detailed look at the experience, watch Episode 4 below or on YouTube, and subscribe to follow the design journey as we prepare for Ivory Lodge’s reopening on the 22nd of September.