Zoo's company

CHESTER ZOO'S NEW LUXURY LODGE COMPLEX GIVES VICKY LISSAMAN A WILD NIGHT

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THE wow-moment of the trip happens as soon as we arrive... after stepping through the doors of our lodge there is a sight that stops us in our tracks.

A mere 50ft away from our private decking, a giraffe and a calf pad silently across the sand, a zebra then appears behind them. We stand and stare, not daring to move, as we watch them roam freely and feed on foliage.

Closeup and personal encounters with African animals are what people travel thousands of miles across continents to see.

We, however, are just 15 miles from the Mersey Ferry, and this feels as close to a safari as you can get without stepping on a plane.

We are among the first-ever guests staying at The Reserve, Chester Zoo's brand new luxury lodge complex, which opens to the public on Monday, and it certainly has the feel of a high-end, bucket-list experience.

Our safari adventure begins as soon as we drive into the new quarters, with greeters waiting at the doors to whisk our luggage to one of the 51 lodges, then valet park our car.

Into the elegant reception area, the central bar with natural, African-inspired decor, beautifully furnished with sink-in sofas, statement chairs and green foliage, leads out on to a sleek decking area overlooking a lake, perfect for sundowners. There's even a firepit for after-dark drinks.

The lodges themselves are a cut above, verging on honeymoon luxe, with giant beds placed front and centre the ideal lounging spot to watch those majestic creatures wandering past the windows.

The outdoor decking runs the length of the lodge, with an inbuilt love-seat ideal for snuggling up and observing animals by moonlight.