When Liz and Phil Biden opened Malewane Lodge in 1999, their ambition was to create a safari lodge that felt timeless, elegant and genuinely welcoming.
That vision laid the foundation not only for Royal Malewane, but also for The Royal Portfolio, now one of South Africa's most acclaimed collections of luxury hotels, lodges and private residences. With the reopening of its original lodge, The Royal Portfolio celebrates the property that started it all.
A Timeless Safari Lodge, Reimagined – A member of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), the lodge accommodates a maximum of 20 guests across just six Luxury Suites and two Royal Suites, ensuring privacy and an intimate safari experience.
As with all The Royal Portfolio properties, the interiors have been designed by Liz Biden, known for her distinctive style and extraordinary talent for creating richly layered and characterful spaces.
Liz comments: "Malewane was our very first lodge. We created it with enormous love and instinct rather than a master plan. Twenty-six years later, it felt like the right time to reimagine it while preserving everything our guests have always loved.
"Many of the antiques have their own stories—some came from our family home, while many of the beds and armoires were sourced in Sri Lanka. We wanted the lodge to remain timeless and authentic for guests who appreciate a more classical safari experience."
The suites have been reconfigured to enhance privacy and flow. New additions include private courtyards, entrance halls framed by handcrafted Moroccan doors, and paintings by renowned wildlife artist Larry Norton. Fireplaces, refreshed outdoor living spaces and beautifully retiled pools complete the transformation.
Elsewhere, the main lodge has been refreshed with an expanded boutique, a redesigned bar and an observation lounge.
The Royal Waters Spa has also been updated with new treatment spaces, a sauna and cold plunge, and an upgraded fitness centre.
Guests arriving by air are now welcomed via a new arrival pavilion at the Royal Malewane Airstrip.
