Rebuilding Ivory Lodge: The Guest Experience
July 29, 2025
Guest Experience Manager Alan Rose joins Robert More to reveal how the redesigned Lion Sands Ivory Lodge redefines hospitality through purpose, connection, and personal attention.
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.
