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 an entirely new level. Alan describes the philosophy behind it as a sense of purpose – an approach that ensures thought and attention are applied to every detail while maintaining consistency across the MORE Collection.

Perched above the Sabie River with sweeping views of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the lodge’s location has profoundly influenced its guest journey. On arrival, guests will pause beside a stone fountain for a hand-washing ritual using herbal salts crafted in-house – a simple, grounding act designed to help guests become fully present in this extraordinary setting.

Inside the Botanical House Reception, layers of botanicals bring warmth and vitality to the interiors – a tradition that began more than twenty years ago. Robert recalls the early days when sourcing flowers in such a remote area was difficult, and how inspiration came from his mother’s passion for growing orchids. Today, that spark has blossomed into a collection of more than 7 000 orchids and other species, flowering throughout the year. This living golden thread now weaves its way through the entire Collection, from lodges to hotels, carrying a sense of life and continuity wherever you go.

Guests will also encounter the Artist Residency Programme, created in collaboration with the South African Foundation for Contemporary Art. This initiative supports emerging African artists by offering them space to live and work at the lodge, drawing inspiration from the surrounding wilderness. Positioned along the guest pathway, the studio invites quiet moments of discovery – guests can happen upon the artist at work, observe each piece evolve, and engage in conversation about process and inspiration.

The new Ivory Lodge design unfolds as a collection of intimate spaces, each crafted to allow guests the freedom to connect in their own way. Whether you seek a quiet nook overlooking the river, the convivial energy of the bar and lounge, or the indulgence of the wine room and deli, every area is designed to balance privacy with shared experience.

Each couple or group is cared for by a dedicated team – led by their butler and supported by chefs, housekeepers, and sommeliers. Behind the scenes, subtle coordination ensures every need is anticipated without a word being spoken. From a field guide preparing your favourite sundowner to a chef tailoring the evening menu, service feels effortless, natural, and deeply personal.

Field guides spend up to eight hours a day with guests out on safari, and at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge they are among the best in Africa. Accredited through the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), they combine deep ecological knowledge with an authentic respect for the land.

But what truly defines them is their presence. Calm, engaging, and empathetic, they host every drive with care – reading both the rhythm of the bush and the mood of their guests. They are storytellers, interpreters, and companions, turning every outing into a moment of wonder and connection.

Alan Rose summarises the philosophy perfectly:

“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 guest experience, watch Episode 4 below or on YouTube, and subscribe to follow the Rebuilding Ivory Lodge journey as we prepare for its reopening.