Chitwa Chitwa is a family owned and run luxury lodge in the Sabi Sands. The lodge has been owned by the Brink family for 40 years. The style of the architecture is thatched and fairly traditional- with very high volumes and generous spaces.
The lodge is comprised of a private 2 bedroomed Villa- Chitwa House, another 2 bedroom villa Charlsy Suite and an additional six suites, each with a private deck overlooking the waterhole, with private pool. The living areas are spacious, with a large lounge and bar, sumptuous dining room, outside reception area on the deck and large sundowner area on the front deck.
Charl approached me to do a refurbishment for the lodge. It was an exciting and challenging task. The brief was to make the lodge lighter and brighter with a more contemporary take. My inspiration came from the environment, as it does always. The lodge had always – through its various phases- had an eclectic twist. Interesting artworks, fun lighting, combinations of different styles of European and African furnishings. It was important for me to retain an element of this, to keep the DNA…while bringing in a ease of new life and making the interiors fun and interesting, but restful at the same time.
Each room has its own personality and I drew on this when redoing the interiors. In each space- I retained elements of the previous, brought in new carpets, new lighting, a few punches of colour, recovered classical furniture, introduced more contemporary lines furniture The floors were rescreeded and shutters introduced,
The main living area- with its glorious high ceilings was accentuated by the bespoke Highthorn leather Chandeliers, the floors bedecked with Julia Swanepoel Rugs- each one a limited edition artpiece. Olaf Hajek artworks inspired the bright reception deck style. The rich emeralds, golds and fresh teal brings life and a bit of glamour to the lounge and bar areas.
I was allowed total freedom by Charl. He trusted me to do what was best for the lodge and bring in a new fresh look. It was great fun- as always- particularly challenging with a full camp of guests, logistics and throw in a bit of bushveld heat…. but in such a spectacular environment – it is a real privilege to have the opportunity to work and create.