The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is pleased to announce that two of its award-winning hotels, Ashford Castle and Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, were recognized in National Geographic's elite “Unique Lodges of the World” collection. This prominent list recognizes world-class hotels that represent rare, diverse and singular experiences. Every lodge has been identified for its embodiment of National Geographic's values, for having deeply rooted connections to the community, and for its efforts to protect and safeguard surrounding habitats and cultures. 

“We are thrilled that National Geographic has bestowed Ashford Castle and Bushmans Kloof with this incredible recognition,” said Jonathan Raggett, managing director of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. “It is an honor to be acknowledged by such a prestigious organization for our commitment to sustainability, authenticity and, of course, excellence in service; values which underpin everything that we do at Red Carnation.”

The 800-year-old Ashford Castle, a much-treasured retreat grandly overlooking the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland, has undergone a comprehensive restoration and enhancement project since its purchase in 2013. With 83 individually designed rooms, suites, and a new secluded Hideaway Cottage, this historic property is a jewel in the West of Ireland and every improvement lovingly made to the property reflects the local environment, materials, artistry and history. The estate's diverse range of activities includes Ireland's first school of falconry, an equestrian center, fly fishing, an exclusive nine-hole golf course, ziplining, a spa and wellness program, 32-seat cinema, billiards room and much more.

Bushmans Kloof is a multi-award winning lodge consisting of 16 luxurious guest rooms and suites, plus Koro Lodge, a private and fully-catered villa. Surrounded by thousands of acres of stunning, wind sculpted landscape and sandstone rock formations, Bushmans Kloof is a South African Natural Heritage site home to an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna and world-renowned for its guardianship of 130 rock art sites, some dating back 10,000 years . Activities include game drives to witness the abundant wildlife, hiking, cycling, canoeing, fly-fishing, archery, wine tasting, nature walks, botanical tours, stargazing, and the use of an award-winning spa with outdoor gazebo. Organic kitchen gardens are grown under scrupulous sustainable farming practices and guests can enjoy a private dinner or guided walk within their walls, learning about the culinary and medicinal benefits of the herbs, vegetables and indigenous plants growing there.

Guests who book their stay at Ashford Castle through “Unique Lodges of the World” will receive an exclusive opportunity to tour the hotel with a local historian and enjoy a rare opportunity to peruse original albums and items belonging to Lady Ardilaun. Booking Bushmans Kloof through National Geographic allows guests to enjoy a private presentation on the history behind the property's Bushman paintings from the lodge's resident rock art curator and a guided visit to the onsite Heritage Center displaying Bushman artifacts.

Both properties are driven by the guiding principles of The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established by The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its family of brands, that works to ensure the environment and communities in which they operate remain vibrant for generations to come.

For more information about The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, visit us at www.redcarnation.com or email book@rchmail.com.