Tongabezi Unveils Honeymoon House in Zambia

  • July 3, 2013
Tongabezi Unveils Honeymoon House in Zambia
The style is eco-eclectic: many of the decorative pieces are found objects that have been recycled for a new lease on life. A case in pont is a pair of old rowing oars discovered by owner Ben Parker, known as an avid collector with a keen eye for unusual finds. Designer James mounted the oars to the wall, “creating a dramatic and really cool piece of art.” Other finds include antique wooden chests and wardrobes for tucking everything away.

The color palette? Neutrals and whites are punched up with shades of blue on the bedspread and cushions and shades of red and orange on the antique carpets.

A claw foot bath has replaced the sunken tub, putting lovebirds a little closer to the stars of the African night sky. Couples can chill out in steaming-hot, bubbly water while clinking glasses of chilled wine from a bottle that reposes beside them.

The view from the Honeymoon House is a luxury in and of itself: the beautiful, mystical Zambezi flows in front of it. This is the river after which Zambia is named and the waterway that feeds Victoria Falls.

James started her career working in textile design in Zambia and Malawi and then transitioned to lodge design. She says, "I absolutely love my job….I get to combine my background in art/design, often working with local craftsmen to design one-off furniture or art pieces. And I love sourcing and finding suppliers who are making (especially hand-making) beautiful pieces and supporting local labor."

Tongabezi was built with romance and exclusivity in mind, and is known for its warm and attentive service. It comprises six houses, five river cottages and a villa. Each house and cottage has its own valet who takes care of guests throughout their stay and acts as a private concierge. "Everything Tongabezi does is calibrated to provide the physical and spiritual realm for visitors to achieve the holy grail of travel – returning to reality with renewed verve...a clearer, more sparkly version of you," says Parker.

All-inclusive rates for the Honeymoon House start at $620 per person per night.

For reservations: reservations@tongabezi.com or visit: www.tongabezi.com