Between them, dynamic Londolozi housekeeping duo – Jacqui Wood and Lillian Ngwenya – inspect Londolozi’s chalets and suites every day. And every day, they’re tasked with creating the bushveld’s most soothing and uncluttered spaces. The views over the Sand River are a head start for Jacqui and Lillian, but aside from the majestic backdrops, what are the little things that you can do at home that will immediately add to your sense of calm in the bedroom?
- Go green … literally
There is no doubt that plants in a bedroom add a natural dimension, but they don’t have to be flowers. Evergreen, shrub-like plants create a very serene and simple ambience. To maximise on the effect, choose a glass vase. Glass in a bedroom adds texture and interest, but also increases a feeling of space and light.
At Londolozi we often use Ruscus (pictured above). The greens work beautifully with the stone, wood, glass and leather textures found in our camps, and contribute to a space that is light and uncluttered.
Simple elegance on the Granite Suites deck. Dark frames and chocolate leather can be offset with mirrors, glass and simple greenery.
- Make “smell” a feature
Don’t underestimate how much humans respond to smell. In the bush, our team knows the importance of aromas in a bedroom, but we are very careful to steer clear of anything too manufactured or floral. Jacqui recommends a small bowl of bath salts in the bathroom. “Add a few drops of aromatherapy oil to the bath salts every two or three days” advises Jacqui, “and this will create a beautiful, subtle smell through-out the space.”
Lillian Ngwenya inspects a Londolozi suite ahead of guests arriving. She’s tasked with ensuring that these are the most pristine suites in the world. That includes using the Londolozi 1926 fragrance in the bathrooms and allowing it to subtly linger into the suite’s airy fabrics.
- Chemicals aren’t always the best option
“In a bathroom, the chrome must shine, and the tiles must be spotless,” says Lillian, “but there are better options than the chemicals you find in supermarkets.” For a really spotless bathroom, Lillian recommends a mixture of white spirit vinegar, lemon juice and little bit of baking soda.
You can also add vinegar to a washing machine for fluffier towels. Use about one cup of white vinegar with a small amount of detergent – this is a great way to pull out the chemical buildup and hard water that gets stuck in the fibers of the towels.
The use of chrome and glass in Londolozi’s bathroom suites is generous. Our housekeeping team has found that vinegar and lemon are often the best remedy. One way that they stay up-to-date is on the internet, and yes, the Londolozi housekeeping team has their very own Pinterest board which includes everything from towel origami to home-made carpet cleaner.
Jacqui Wood is passionate about three things: coffee, horses and attention to detail. She is leading a housekeeping team that use lemons, is generous with the vinegar, and has their own Pinterest board.
We are interested in your tips for creating a soothing bush bedroom. How many readers have removed digital items from their bedroom in recent years? Are laptops allowed in bed? What are your favourite smells in a bedroom? How can you use furniture to create a more relaxing space, and are there any feng shui rules that you live by?
Love the rooms. Always immaculate. Calming decor. Relaxing.
Agreed Marinda. Look out for some more interior decor tips soon.
Great inspiration, I especially like the greening side, bringing in plants and making sure the room smells beautiful. Thank you Ryan.
Love this article. Brings back memories of the great job housekeeping did during our visit a year ago. Just wondering where I can get someone to come in and take care of me like they did!
I ask the same question Lynn 😉
Sounds absolutely fantastic! I like the ‘smells’ idea, but prefer the green in the garden 🙂
No one creates a soothing bush bedroom better than the amazing people at Londolozi!! So beautiful and serene!