Africa’s leading conservation and hospitality brand, Singita, has reopened its founding lodge, and the matriarch of the collection, Singita Ebony in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, unveiling a super chic design transformation. Always evolving, always ahead of the curve, the new refresh has been designed to meet the changing needs of modern guests while remaining true to the origin of the Singita story that began 30 years ago.
Offering a free-spirited aesthetic, antiques and heirlooms fill each space, whilst modern artworks crafted by local artisans have been carefully selected to a backdrop of saturated hues and textures, taking cues from the colours found in nature.
A new Interpretation
The main guest area includes a new wine cellar and a Conservation Room, with several spacious lounge and deck areas encouraging a relaxed flow and uninterrupted views. The layout of the main lodge has been rearranged to create a greater sense of space and fluidity. The chunky, rounded shapes of Adobe architecture (inspired by North and West Africa) combined with thatch, timber and canvas elements, and views of the Sand River, give the lodge a laid-back and light-filled feel.
Cécile & Boyd’s Design Director, Geordi De Sousa Costa, says: “The new design is an intentional mix of past and present. This classic safari lodge takes it to the next level by successfully contrasting bold and lightweight, dense and open.”
Textures. Layers. Contrasts.
This mix of old and new continues throughout the interiors, where utilitarian furniture sits alongside simple sofas and armchairs. Cotton slipcovers update antique chairs, and contemporary African art is the perfect paradox to chandeliers and vintage traveller chests. Existing Berber rug murals underline the North African theme, and leather buckles and fold-up-style furniture adds layers. The pared-down look introduces natural fabrics with texture, mood, and feeling, with softer colours inspired by nature – indigo, écru, ochre, and chocolate brown. As the brand’s matriarchal lodge, the design incorporates antiques and heirlooms central to Ebony’s identity as well as modern artworks crafted by local artisans, and a flow of saturated hues and textures, taking cues from the colours found in nature.
Elevating the Guest Experience
The main guest areas at Singita Ebony include a few significant updates to the guest experience. A new Conservation Room has been added – a thought-provoking space placed strategically in the centre of the lodge, where guests can view interactive displays and learn more about the 30-year history of Singita, the biodiversity of the region and the inspiring work of the Singita Lowveld Trust (Singita’s conservation partner in South Africa).
The beloved wine cellar has been moved, leading onto a deck overlooking the Sand River exuding warmth, with brass, steel, and leather details. As with its other lodges, Ebony now has a signature bar/deli fridge, giving guests easy access to snacks and drinks throughout the day. There is a new informal lounge at Ebony, a warm and homely space with a TV, a well-stocked library, board games, cards and puzzles, where guests can relax.
Shaded by ancient trees on the banks of the Sand River, Ebony Lodge has evolved gently while retaining the unwavering commitment to conservation and the 100-year purpose that guides Singita.
Georgie Pennington, Singita’s Group Head of Creative Direction, said: “Ebony is the keeper of many beautiful stories and memories, and we have updated the lodge to evolve our product, brand, and guest experience, but the essence of Ebony remains the same.”
