Virgin Limited Edition Announces a Complete Re‑Design of Ulusaba

Virgin Limited Edition, the award‑winning collection of retreats under the Virgin Hotels Collection, has unveiled plans for a transformational re‑design of Ulusaba, its iconic private game reserve in South Africa’s world‑famous Sabi Sand. One of the original properties that launched the portfolio 25 years ago, Ulusaba is set to undergo a ground‑up reconstruction that will re‑imagine both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge into a truly extraordinary 20‑bedroom retreat.

The new interior concept is being led by Luxury Frontiers, the Johannesburg‑ and Memphis‑based design firm celebrated for sustainable, immersive resorts and winners of Architectural Digest’s 2025 Great Design Hotel award. Their vision blends naturalistic décor with playful accents, ensuring Ulusaba retains its beloved spirit while deepening its connection to the surrounding bush. Tsonga‑inspired detailing and craftsmanship will highlight the reserve’s long‑standing ties to local communities, nurtured through Ulusaba’s not‑for‑profit arm, Pride n’ Purpose.

Wellness will take center stage, with facilities created in partnership with South African spa brand Africology. Guests can expect cold plunge pools, Himalayan salt saunas, hydrotherapy pools, rasul mud experiences, reflexology walkways, and yoga decks with sweeping wilderness views. A pickleball court will join the existing tennis courts, offering a playful twist on racquet sports in the heart of the bush.

Rock Lodge, perched dramatically atop a granite koppie, will feature nine accommodations, including five new Rock Suites and two interconnecting Makwela Suites, alongside the exclusive Cliff Lodge suites. Children under 12 will continue to be welcomed here, with a personalized Cubs Club offering bush skills, animal tracking, and spa treatments designed just for kids. Safari Lodge, situated along a dry riverbed, will comprise 11 suites, including eight Elephant Suites with floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors and vaulted ceilings. A new enclave, The Hide, will overlook the Xikwenga Dam, offering three suites and a shared living area with expansive deck and firepit—perfect for families or groups seeking exclusivity.

Joe Margison, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, describes the project as “carefully evolving what has made Ulusaba so loved over the past 25 years, while future‑proofing the lodges for generations of guests to come.” Sustainability remains central, with the lodges set to operate on up to 60% renewable energy, building on Ulusaba’s conservation legacy.

Rates at Ulusaba start from $2,200 / £1,640 per person per night, inclusive of all meals, drinks, and twice‑daily game drives.

For bookings, visit Virgin Limited Edition – Ulusaba or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.co.za