iD Collective is delighted to announce its appointment today as the Australian PR agency for international luxury travel specialist, Sanctuary Retreats.

Established in Kenya in 1999 with the opening of its first luxury safari camp, today Sanctuary Retreats has grown to encompass an exclusive collection of 16 boutique safari camps and lodges across Southern and East Africa including some spectacular safari experiences, as well as 6 cruise ships in Myanmar, China and Egypt.

Embodying the philosophy Luxury. Naturally, Sanctuary Retreats is focused on providing its guests with authentic, boutique luxury travel experiences. Each property within its portfolio is completely individual in design, and all reflect the company's strong commitment to philanthropy, conservation and responsible tourism.

Ranging from lodges in the more traditional big-game territories like Kenya's spectacular Masai Mara and Tanzania through to luxury camps in the gorilla-filled mountains of Uganda and the green 'wilderness' of Botswana and Zambia, each of Sanctuary Retreats' African properties are small, charming, exclusive and private, set in fantastic landscapes that blend naturally into their environment.

The company's floating boutique hotels explore some of the world's most amazing cultural and ecological sites along epic rivers including the Nile in Egypt, the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar and the Yangtze in China. Each vessel is restricted to a limited number of travellers to create an intimate and personal cruise experience. Secluded docks as well as carefully designed itineraries in each destination, offer the ultimate cruise experience.

For further media information, please contact:

Mary Morton
iD Collective
Phone: +61 3 8554 48888 or
Mobile: +61 418 369 636
Email: marym@idcollective.com.au

To book your Sanctuary Retreat itinerary today please email:

reservations.australia@sanctuaryretreats.com.

To enquire further about Sanctuary Retreats please contact:

Michael McCall
Sanctuary Retreats
Mobile: (0431) 976 125
Email: mmccall@sanctuaryretreats.com
www.sanctuaryretreats.com

The Sanctuary Retreats Collection

Sanctuary Retreats in Africa

Sanctuary Retreats operate 16 boutique camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. 

Botswana

Botswana offers a varied safari experience across its broad, flat and open expanses of savannah, desert, saltpan and wetland. The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and has been identified in 2014 as the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp – set on a private concession within the Okavango Delta, eight classic canvas tents look out over the floodplains.  Seasonal Mokoro (traditional canoe) rides are available.   This is the home of a unique elephant interaction activity in partnership with the 'Living with Elephants' foundation enabling guests to explore on foot from an elephant's perspective with three orphaned elephants.

Sanctuary Baines' Camp – set on raised platforms above the Boro River in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Featuring just five suites, each with a four-poster 'sky bed' for a night under the stars and a private 'star bath' which can be set up on the deck. Seasonal mokoro (traditional canoe) rides and motorised boating are available during the Okavango flood season, and the exclusive 'Living with Elephants' interaction is also available here.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp – this camp is in the exclusive Mombo Concession in the Moremi Game Reserve on Chief's Island, one of the many islands created by the seasonal floodwaters of the Okavango Delta. The 12 luxurious guest pavilions all have their own private decks as well as indoor and outdoor showers.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero – this luxurious lodge is located on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the largest remaining population of elephants in the world. The 15 thatched cottages have an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a private garden.  The lodge also houses a full-service tree-house spa.   There is a photographic safari boat with rotating seats to capture all angles and the split-level swimming pool is the ideal place to end a safari day.

Kenya

Kenya is well established as a safari destination, with some of the highest concentrations of game in the world.  Exceptional game viewing opportunities are on offer including the incredible Great Migration which takes place in the Masai Mara from July to October when over two million wildebeest and zebra move between the Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania.   

Sanctuary Olonana - this award-winning tented camp is in a private concession bordering the Masai Mara, overlooking the Mara River.  There are fourteen spacious canvas tents, a pool and mini spa.  There is a high concentration of game around the camp and during the migration; it is ideally placed to enjoy the action.  Sanctuary Olonana has strong community and environmental values, holding close relationships with the local Maasai tribes and conservation projects.

Sanctuary Masai Mara Seasonal Camp –  this seasonal camp is on private ground on the banks of the Mara River and attracts a great variety of wildlife providing a fantastic vantage point for migration viewing. The camp has 9 spacious luxury tents, all with en suite bathroom and indoor bucket shower.

Tanzania

Tanzania has been described as a 'wilderness and wildlife extravaganza' – with the largest wildlife herds on the African continent and incredible natural landscapes.  As a destination, it is still relatively low-key, yet it offers extraordinary opportunities for game-viewing as well as the chance to combine a beach holiday with a safari experience.

Sanctuary Kusini – in the southern part of the Serengeti, this luxury camp is ideally placed to witness the migration from mid-December to the end of March. The 12 double luxury tents have amazing views from the rocky outcrop, or kopje, around which it is set.   The kopje also offers the chance for cosmic safaris at night. The park is noted for its lion and cheetah populations and leopards and there is the chance to contribute to the cheetah watch project that is taking place in the region.

Sanctuary Swala – Tarangire National Park, where Sanctuary Swala is situated, is in the heart of Masai country and is one of the least visited parks in Tanzania.  This magical camp is in a remote setting, with 12 luxurious tents, an infinity pool with incredible views out over the plains and a waterhole which is regularly visited by a whole host of wildlife. It is well located for visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, and has high concentrations of game, particularly elephant.  It is also home to a small migration of wildebeest and zebra from June to October.

Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge - set inside the Saadani National Park in a magnificent coastal setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, with a deserted sandy beach. The lodge is unique in being able to offer a traditional bush safari as well as a relaxing beach atmosphere on this remote part of the Tanzanian coastline.  All suites have direct access onto the beach.  As well as game drives in the quiet National Park, there is also snorkeling, turtle watching and sand bank picnics. 

Sanctuary Saadani River Lodge – set on the southern shore of the Wami River with hippos, crocodiles and flamingos as neighbours and near to Saadani National Park.  This peaceful and luxurious lodge has 17 stilted suites, each with its own balcony and river view and one private villa, the Wami Suite, which is ideal for families.  The lodge and its split level swimming pool overlook the natural backdrop of the river.

Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp – this travelling camp has been created to follow the migration all year round, it moves from its springtime location in the Western Serengeti (April – July) to the Northern Serengeti (August – November) and the Southern Serengeti (December – March) each year, depending on actual migration movements. There are just 10 luxury safari tents with their own en suite bathroom with indoor bucket shower, bringing guests close up to the migration action as it happens.

Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp - perched on the rim of this amazing spectacle, the camp provides a grandstand view across the caldera. The camp comprises just 10 luxury safari tents, all with en suite bathrooms with indoor bucket showers and king-size beds. Three communal tents provide a dining area, lounge, and lounge bar with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Game drives can be arranged to explore the rim and the crater itself.

Uganda

Uganda is a landscape of lakes, mountains and thick rainforests offering wildlife not found anywhere else. It shares the highest mountain range in Africa with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the largest lake in Africa with Tanzania.   Uganda is also home to the world's greatest concentration of primates and home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  It is also a paradise for bird watchers with over 350 species of bird recorded in Bwindi.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is a World Heritage Site is one of the most remote and atmospheric camps in Africa.  This is the ideal base for mountain gorillas that live in Bwindi and the camp is often visited by gorilla families due to its unique location.  It is the only luxury camp within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and offers 8 stylish and spacious tents.

Zambia

Rich in wildlife and still unspoilt, Zambia is less established as a holiday destination than many of its neighbours, making it one of the best places to have an authentic safari experience. Zambia is home to 19 of Africa's best wildlife parks as well as the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma - located just 10km upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is the only lodge the area able to offer guided walking safaris.  The main lodge is made up of 12 Sussi tree houses connected by wooden walkways and set in giant ebony trees overlooking a bend of the Zambezi River. There are also two private two bedroom Chuma houses, with their own dining areas and decks with plunge pools, as well as a private chef and dedicated staff.  The river comes right up to the lawns of the lodge, and an infinity pool makes a perfect setting for an evening sundowner with dramatic views over the Zambezi.

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge - this lodge maintains a colonial feel and each of its ten suites comes complete with a four–poster bed and private veranda.  The game viewing in the park is considered to be some of the best in Africa with two endemic species – Thornicrofts's Giraffe and Crawshay's Zebra.  It is also considered to be one of the five best places in Africa to spot leopard. 

Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp - this stylish tented camp is perched on an escarpment in a remote part of the South Luangwa and is named after the Puku antelope that graze on the floodplain below, over which it has superb views.   With just seven luxury tents, the camp has been designed to leave no trace on the environment and offers an authentic safari experience.  Overlooking the beautiful floodplains below, the tents are spacious and comfortable, with private decked balconies and secluded outdoor showers.

Sanctuary Retreats Cruising

Sanctuary Retreats' ships explore some of the world's most amazing cultural and ecological sites along epic rivers including the Nile in Egypt, the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar and the Yangtze in China.  Each boat has a limited number of travellers to create an intimate and personal cruise experience. Secluded docks as well as carefully designed itineraries in each location offer the ultimate cruise.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, Yangtze River, China – the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer brings new levels of luxury to cruising in China. Carrying a maximum of 124 passengers in 62 cabins, it offers the finest and most personalised service on the Yangtze, with the highest crew-to-passenger ratio on the river.  With 38 deluxe cabins, 20 suites and 4 speciality suites, The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer features the largest suites and cabins on the Yangtze, all with private balconies.  Itineraries are designed for a relaxed pace, and tailored to water levels at different times of the year. There are Tai Chi, Chinese cookery and calligraphy classes, as well as a full-service spa.

Itineraries are a 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang and a 4-night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing.  Highlights include - Local market of Fengdu, villages of the Three Gorges – Qutang, Wu, and Xiling, Three Gorges Dam Project.

Sanctuary Ananda, Myanmar – set to bring new levels of luxury to cruising in this beautiful destination, Sanctuary Ananda was launched in Myanmar in November 2014. Custom-built using traditional Myanmar materials and arranged over four decks, this floating palace combines all the comforts of 5-star contemporary luxury with the refined elegance of authentic Burmese design. The Sanctuary Ananda offers one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on the river, allowing guests to enjoy the mysteries of Myanmar with a choice of six itineraries led by expert guides.

Sanctuary Ananda is the only all-balcony (fully furnished), all-suite ship on the Ayeryarwady River, with just 21 beautifully appointed suites, including the prestigious Owner's Suite.  There is an onboard gym and spa, well-stocked library, gallery, lounge, cocktail bar, and plunge pool. There will also be a selection of cultural lectures and masterclasses.

There are a total of 21 suites including 2 suites, 14 deluxe suites, 4 luxury suites and the Owner's Suite.

Itineraries available are 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries on the Upper Ayeyarwady River, 11 nights on the Upper and Lower Ayeyarwady River and 10 nights on the Chindwin River

Highlights include – U Bein Bridge, Ananda Temple, Shwedagon and Shwezigon Pagodas, Sagaing Hill, Monwya, Mount Popa.

Egypt – Nile River

Sanctuary Retreats has four small luxury boutique ships to choose from to explore this ancient civilisation.  World renowned Egyptologists offer a truly unique and intimate experience alongside access to 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.

Highlights include – Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Unfinished Obelisk, Philae, Luxor, Denderah, Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

Sanctuary Sun Boat III – the Sanctuary Sun Boat III is an intimate and stylish river yacht with just 18 unique cabins.  Sanctuary Sun Boat III has been voted amongst the top 100 most beautiful boats in the world by Condé Nast readers. This graceful boat has fantastic facilities including a pool area on the sun deck.  All cabins feature traditional wooden shutters while the four-poster beds are reminiscent of a time when Nile cruises were home to the rich and famous.

Accommodation is in a total of 18 cabins including 2 royal suites and 2 presidential suites.

Itineraries – 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV – Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a contemporary boutique boat with an art deco influence offering a mix of modern fittings and technology combined with elegance.  All cabins and suites have stunning river views and en suite bathrooms.  There is a heated swimming pool on the sun deck.

Accommodation is in a total of 40 cabins including 2 royal suites and 2 presidential suites. 

Itineraries – 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer – the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer offers an elegant and relaxed cruising experience with just 32 modern comfortable cabins.  It is widely regarded as one of the best boutique ships on the epic Nile, and named as one of National Geographic's 'Journeys of a lifetime'.   The ship's design combines modern styling with authentic Egyptian character. All cabins are spacious with stunning river views. The extensive sun deck areas are decked with elegant teak and have private cabanas around the pool area.

Accommodation is in a total of 32 cabins including 2 presidential suites and 2 deluxe cabins. 

Itineraries – 3-night cruises from Aswan to Luxor, 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau – the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is a bespoke dahabiya, available for charter. With only four cabins and two suites it offers the unique opportunity to tailor an Egypt cruise and each day's sightseeing by offering an “a la carte” style touring itinerary.

An oasis of calm, the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is reminiscent of the glamour of old-world sailing.  With a beautiful upper deck, a luxurious Arabian themed sun deck and an opulently styled dining area, this is the epitome of style.

Accommodation is in just 6 cabins including 2 suites. 

Itineraries – Bespoke, a minimum of 4 nights