Five-star hotel opens in Chintsa

Just a stone's throw from Chintsa's 22km ribbon of unspoilt, level beach, and under a canopy of ancient trees, nestles Prana Lodge, which is named after prana meaning life force. The hotel is designed to rejuvenate the entire being.

The Prana Lodge precinct includes a Wellness Centre and spa, luxury accommodation, a top-class restaurant with resident executive chef, and a fully fitted boardroom and business Centre.

Individually designed suites

Prana Lodge offers luxury accommodation in seven individually designed suites, each featuring select pieces from a private collection of famous South African artists, Persian carpets, luxury linens, an oversized bathroom with garden views, and private patio with plunge pool all behind tall garden walls.

All suites boast air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a safe, robes, a hairdryer, a mini-bar fridge, a state-of-the-art digital telephone system, a flat-screen television with satellite DSTV, a DVD player, and a CD player.

Additional Prana Lodge facilities include an outdoor pool, several cozy lounge areas for reading, relaxing or intimate conversation, a beautiful bar in the poolside lounge, and a library with books, DVDs, music CDs and wireless Internet access.

Thai Wellness Centre

The Thai Wellness Centre is a spa sanctuary for tailor-made wellness treatments designed to relax, rejuvenate and revitalise. Guests can also enjoy the steam room, sauna, outside showers, gym, Pilates and yoga, the jet pool, and a juice bar.

Fine dining at Prana Lodge sees the combination of the freshest ingredients into new and exciting dishes at the hands of executive chef, Dewald Hurter. "Fresh, it has to be fresh," said Dewald, who strives to delight the senses at each meal. Private dinner parties can be hosted for groups of six or more, when a selection of menu choices or a customised menu can be developed to suit individual preferences and budgets. Booking is imperative, and reservations may be made by calling +27 (0) 43 704 5100.

Elegant business venue

For guests seeking a small, elegant business venue for meetings, small conferences and private events, the Prana boardroom offers luxury furnishings and the latest communication technology, including surround sound. The Business Centre amenities include photocopier, fax, scanner, printer and Internet access.

Prana Lodge is a 40-minute drive from East London's airport, making it the perfect getaway destination for locals and domestic or international guests flying in from Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban and intent on enjoying the best of the Eastern Cape coastline. Shuttles can be arranged on request.

The Chintsa area is home to an abundance of bird life, including sea, estuary, river and inland species. Visitors can hike; go deep-sea fishing, surfing, kite boarding, running, walking, and cycling. Golf can be arranged at the East London Golf Course, and bowls and tennis at the Chintsa Country Club. The rolling savannah of Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is a 10-minute drive and guided tours in open vehicles to see rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope can be arranged.