Virgin Limited Edition announces a complete re-design of Ulusaba

Both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge closed at the end of January 2026, with reconstruction work underway and bookings now open for the brand-new Ulusaba, which is due to reopen on 1^st April 2027. The project marks an exciting new chapter for one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations, blending stunning design inspired by the landscape, a comprehensive wellness offering and exceptional wildlife experiences.

The new interior design concept has been created by renowned multi-faceted design firm Luxury Frontiers, based in Johannesburg and Memphis, USA. The Architectural Digest 2025 Great Design Hotel award winners specialise in designing sustainable and immersive resorts in beautiful locations. Through their expertise, both lodges will offer guests an even deeper connection to the surrounding bush, blending in with naturalistic decor, while remaining true to Ulusaba’s beloved spirit and sense of place. Playful accents will add personality to the spaces and the sense of fun that Virgin Limited Edition is known for. Tsonga inspired detailing and craftsmanship will reflect the deep-rooted connection to the surrounding communities nurtured over the past two decades by Ulusaba’s not-for-profit arm, Pride n’ Purpose.

Brand-new wellness facilities and a wide range of treatments, in partnership with South African spa brand Africology, will become central to the Ulusaba guest experience, celebrating ethically-sourced African ingredients and inspired by the natural rhythm of the bush. Both lodges will offer multiple treatment rooms alongside cold plunge pools, Himalayan salt saunas, hydrotherapy pools, rasul mud experiences, a tactile reflexology walkway and an impressive yoga deck with sweeping wilderness views. A pickleball court will also be added to the two existing tennis courts, offering truly wild racquet sport experiences in the middle of the bush.

Rock Lodge, famed for its unique position perched dramatically atop the granite koppie for which Ulusaba, meaning ‘place of little fear’, is named, will feature nine accommodations, including five new Rock Suites and two new interconnecting Makwela Suites, with two Cliff Lodge suites remaining part of the accommodation mix and available to book together exclusively. Children under 12 years old will continue to be warmly welcomed at Rock Lodge, offering a personalised Cubs Club experience filled with fun and hands-on exploration, while Safari Lodge welcomes guests from 12 years upwards. Cubs Club activities range from learning resourceful bush skills, to tracking animals like mini rangers, followed by pampering with Africology spa treatments created just for kids.

The exterior re-design of Rock Lodge is being led by dynamic local architects Orbic, who bring valuable experience and sensitivity to the unique challenges of building into the koppie. As part of the transformation, the positioning of the new Rock Lodge has been thoughtfully considered to further enhance privacy and immersion within the natural surroundings, maximising views of landscape beyond the reserve.

Situated along a dry riverbed, Safari Lodge has been designed end-to-end by Luxury Frontiers and will comprise of 11 further accommodation options. These will include eight beautifully appointed Elephant Suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and vaulted ceilings, alongside an exciting new addition in an elevated position overlooking the Xikwenga Dam - three further suites and a separate shared living area complete with expansive deck and boma firepit, which can be booked together exclusively for larger groups. This new private enclave will be known as The Hide, offering an ideal option for families or friends travelling together while retaining the intimate safari feel that Ulusaba is known for. 

Joe Margison, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, commented: “Ulusaba is incredibly special to Virgin Limited Edition and its many loyal guests. This re-design is about carefully evolving what has made Ulusaba so loved over the past 25 years, while also future proofing the lodges for generations of guests to come. From private plunge pools in every suite, to thoughtful architectural touches that respond to the environment and reflect the local community, this is a truly exciting moment for Ulusaba.”

As with all Virgin Limited Edition properties, sustainability remains central to the re-design, with the lodges set to operate on up to 60% renewable energy upon opening, incorporating the existing solar panels already in place. This commitment builds on Ulusaba’s long-standing focus on conservation and responsible tourism within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Additionally, Pride n’ Purpose will continue its vital work within the surrounding communities, with Ulusaba staff members focussing on volunteering across various community support initiatives during the closure period.

Rates at Ulusaba start from $2,200 / £1,640 per person per night, including all meals, drinks and twice daily game drives. To book visit https://www.virginlimitededition.com/ulusaba/ email [email protected] or call 0800 056 343

For further information please contact:

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Notes to Editors:

• High-res images can be downloaded at https://we.tl/t-FrGbxOCBdX
• Foreign currency exchange is subject to change

About Virgin Limited Edition

Virgin Limited Edition is an award-winning collection of unique retreats, chosen for their beautiful locations and magnificent surroundings; each offers a sense of fun, style, luxury, and exceptional personal service. The group includes Necker Island and The Branson Beach Estate in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve and Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard in South Africa, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier, Mahali Mzuri and Finch Hattons luxury safari camps in Kenya, and the Son Bunyola Hotel and Villas in Mallorca. Please visit www.virginlimitededition.com for more details.

About Virgin Hotels Collection

Formed in January 2023, Virgin Hotels Collection is the parent company of Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, two award-winning and world-class luxury hospitality brands that form part of Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group. Dedicated to providing guests with irresistible and unrivalled hospitality experiences across the world, while making a meaningful and positive contribution to the communities and destinations the brands operate in, Virgin Hotels Collection is changing the luxury hotel business for good. Combining smart design, local arts and culture and creative food and beverage, Virgin Hotels delivers a vibrant and inclusive lifestyle experience showcasing the best of each destination. Virgin Limited Edition’s luxury brand delivers a portfolio of once-in-a-lifetime unique retreats, private islands and hotels, that takes its guests to some of the world’s most breathtaking sanctuaries for unforgettable experiences - including one of the most exclusive private islands in the world. The hotel brands will elevate their offering by developing Residences, to create world-class residential communities for those who want the Virgin Hotels Collection experience in their everyday lives. Under Virgin Hotels Collection, each distinctive brand comes together to redefine luxury hospitality with a truly differentiated customer experience, sense of style, fun, personalised service and of course the Virgin magic at the forefront. For more information on Virgin Hotels Collection and its properties, please visit virginhotelscollection.com