Hideaways Lazuli Bush Lodger is a luxurious and discreet self-catering game lodge, accommodating up to 8 guests, situated within Kuleni, a securely fenced nature park 18 km from Hluhluwe. LaZuli Bush Lodge is a secluded, secure and private haven where one can be alone or with friends, lying at the private swimming pool or sitting around the fireplace and enjoy quiet walks and view the trees, the birds and the plains game.

Well-proportioned and sensitively designed, this bush retreat is set in Kuleni Game Park, an indigenous sand forest on a tract of land set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline, the heritage site of Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, Hluhluwe and Phinda Private Game Reserve, known for its abundant wildlife. This is a natural habitat for timid bushbuck, zebra, nyala, giraffe and tree-dwelling bush babies that cling to high branches. Frogs and other noctural creatures hunt those lower down on the food chain. By day, bird life keeps watchers glued to their binoculars with over 140 species that live and breed here.

Ultimately, the retreat was built along the lines of a grounded tree house, with wooden walls and floors, and expansive sections of glass that slide open to connect seamlessly with the surrounding forest. The result is an almost ethereal space defined by materials that rea at one with their surrounds.

LaZuli consists of a main lodge and 4 bedroom suites. The main lodge houses the living areas, including a fully fitted, high quality farmhouse style kitchen, a dining area, conversation area and fireplace, a comfortable lounge area with ceiling fans and an outdoor patio with dining area next to the private swimming pool. It is equipped with DStv, a DVD and CD player, a high quality Hi-Fi system as well as an ice-making machine. LaZuli has a swimming pool set in natural surroundings, and a waterhole where one can see wildlife enjoying a drink.

The 4 free-standing bedrooms with open-plan bathrooms set at a distance from the main lodge and interconnected by boardwalks. each has its own private deck, bath and outside shower. 2 of the suites, the Amethyst room and the Rose Quarts room, have king-size beds, and the other suites, the Citrine room and the Tree Agate room, have twin beds. Each suite is equipped with air-conditioning, a comfortable sofa, writing desk and tea- and coffee-making facilities. You sleep within a natural cocoon, with only glasses separating you from the forest beyond.

Anyone staying here feels an immediate and strong connection with the environment. Time seems to stall and blissfully with every day appearing to stretch to two, truly balm for the soul.