New 5 star lodge in Maun

My husband and I wanted to make the most of our trip to the Okavango Delta, so we decided to stay one night in Maun, Botswana, before we jetted off early in the morning.

We were greeted by a warm and friendly Otis with a beautiful, hand-stitched tapestry for Gray’s Eden, the most exclusive, chic hideaway that has recently opened in Maun.

The beautiful Manor house has a strong Cape Dutch feel, inspired by the vineyards of Stellenbosch. The expansive wraparound veranda overlooks lush green grass and the lazy Thamalakane River, where we sunk into cosy chairs while drinking tart margaritas. Woodland Kingfishers trill from the trees, and woodpeckers knock busily on Jackalberry trees. 

It was so sticky and hot when we arrived that we were dying to get into the inviting infinity pool.  The pool area exudes a strong Greek aesthetic from exquisite hand-painted blue and white tiled murals to powdery white sand, squishy striped loungers, and cheeky, white fringed ‘sunbrellas.

After a glorious dip, we unpacked in our chic, little thatched bungalow. The rooms are deliberately simple yet beautifully decorated. Rattan headboards marry with crisp white linen, wispy mosquito nets, and colourful scatters. The woven baskets on the wall and Mozambican fishing nets used as lights add a touch of Afro-beach chic to the setup. The bathroom was voluminous with a generous shower and ample space to waft about.

The attention to detail is exceptional for dining. 

A custom-painted, azure blue butter dish jostles for attention with the blue and white crockery and vibrant pops of Bougainvillaea on each table. Dinner was a feast, with sorbets to cleanse the palate, chilled soups, and homemade bread, accompanied by generous steaks and crispy calamari. A European menu in a truly African setting, glittering stars and noisy cicadas to top it off. 

After sleeping like newborns, we ate a delicious fresh breakfast and headed off to Maun airport with charming Otis to charter into the Delta with Wilderness. 

Will we be back? There is no doubt in my mind. 

Grays Eden is new, but I firnly believe it will settle into its own groove soon.

Home Page