JAO
Conservation and hospitality company Wilderness (formerly Wilderness Safari) operates over 60 lodges and camps across eight African countries – including in Botswana’s famed Okavango.
One of those, Wilderness Jao, opened in 1999 but has more recently had a complete revamp – with awe-inspiring results. The astounding installation of a giraffe skeleton in the library is one photo-worthy highlight, and the woven iconic bird nest structure at the swimming pool is another – it hovers just above the ebb and flow of delta water that arrives and then recedes again each year.
In fact, the entire lodge is elevated, creating a bird’s eye view of the meandering river below, where wildlife passes through, grazing and drinking. The new sustainable lodge was refurbished using synthetic materials that look like palm fronds for roofing, and with long-lasting supports and fire-retardant thatching. The design allows light into the buildings and panoramic views out. Slender sticks are bound together to create awnings and dappled shade, effective in the heat of summer.
The lodge is shaded by ebony trees (known as jackal berry trees), sycamore figs, leadwood and marula trees. Marula fruit is a yellow bulb housing a tart, white pulp that’s popular among wildlife. It’s also used to make a silky local liqueur, Amarula Cream, which blends fermented and distilled marula fruit with cream and sugar to make a sweet, butterscotch-flavoured drink.
In keeping with the sustainable nature of the makeover at Jao, the original carved rosewood has been used in the library and spa, leaving no material to go to waste. The original balustrade and large wide steps have been incorporated along the elevated walkways to the guest suites.
Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de Expat Living Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de Expat Living Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Ankle Agony!
Our ankles are heavy lifters when it comes to keeping us up and about. So sufferers of ankle osteoarthritis know only too well how debilitating it can be when this joint is affected. Here, consultant orthopaedic surgeon DR KEVIN KOO gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatments to ease this painful condition.
A Sustainability Journey
Sustainability continues to be a buzzword in the furniture industry and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look!
Do You Know What You're Breathing?
From air purifiers to mould remediation, there are ways you can help create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family. We asked the team from Initial Hygiene and Rentokil in Singapore about how to breathe better air indoors.
Start the Day Right
Rise and shine! From a trendy neighbourhood café and bistro to a brunch option that lets you still have a lie-in, Singapore's breakfast scene is buzzing. Here are a couple of our favourite tables!
A Magical FOREST
Expat Living's MELANIE LAM heads to a small Japanese island for hiking and forest bathing in an exquisite setting.
Cool & Classy
Chic looks from Silk Walk's different collections that will keep you feeling breezy, whether it's in the Singapore sun or on a tropical holiday.
Smiles for Miles!
Early intervention dental care is in demand, and treatment options now go well beyond traditional braces.
Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth
A look at a non-verbal therapy that helps patients navigate the complexities of trauma and aids in personal development.
Profile: Danielle Van de Velde
Tapping into Singapore's spiritual side.
Walking to Help: The MacRitchie Challenge
Since early 2023, British expat TOM PLATTS has been doing a great job raising money for the Singapore charity Dementia Singapore. What's even more impressive is that he's done it in a healthy, social and fun way!