Country Places, City & Safari Collection

For 26 years Portfolio has been benchmarking the sophisticated independent Country Houses, Boutique Hotels and Private Game Reserves of South Africa. The first such concept in the country.

Each quality establishment in Portfolio has been personally visited and hand-picked, some are exceptional, each is unique. All are independent and owner-managed, and subscribe to Portfolio’s philosophy of Pride and Personal Service.

We welcome 10 new establishments and game lodges to this Collection, and the return of a number of previous participants. The overall rising standards are reflected in the revised ratings in this Collection, and a number of establishments have been double-graded. Several establishments previously included will be featured in the 2008 Retreats Collection instead.

Categories Prestige - Ultimate quality, décor and ambience with a very high standard of personal service. Luxury - Luxury of quality, décor, service and more, with those extra touches to indulge and enjoy. Great Comfort - Refined comforts with added extras and thoughtful touches and good service. Comfortable- Home from home comforts with relaxed personal service. Self-Contained - Villas, Apartments or Suites which are fully contained with fitted kitchen, and serviced daily. Game Reserve - A wildlife experience featuring game drives in open landrovers and personal service. Eco-Reserve or Natural Heritage Site - Emphasising flora and fauna, often with antelope or plains game. New - Establishments featured for the first time in this portfolio.   Accolades Chef's Hat - Good food Accolade, for inspired chefs and cooks who provide sublime food. Golf - Establishments with a golf course on their property or which are opposite or alongside a golf course. Wellness Spa - Wellness Spa combining advanced water therapies and beauty treatments. Health and Beauty Treatments - Therapy room or rooms with a range of health and beauty treatments offered. Working Farm - Establishments set on a working farm, also known as Agri-Tourism. Provincial Heritage Site - Formerly known as National Monuments, these are now Provincial Heritage Sites. Fair Trade - Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) Trademark is an independent symbol of fairness in the tourism industry. The trademark is awarded to tourism establishments that meet stringent criteria.