A proud royal heritage
Historic roots brought to life with warm British hospitality & theatrical dining experiences.
The Rubens at the Palace
London
Enriching, rewarding & exceptional
Our beautifully restored historic hotel is cared for by a team who take genuine pride in delivering impeccable service and exceeding expectations at every turn. Overlooking The Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace - the entrance used by the Royal family - The Rubens showcases exceptional dining journeys, and enriching and rewarding experiences, from the very first moment guests are greeted by our red-uniformed doormen...
Our hotel remains open and we are here to welcome you for any business-related stay. Our restaurants and bars are closed, however you can enjoy in-room dining throughout your stay.
Days 1 - 4
Your journey begins at The Oyster Box, standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse. This is South Africa’s most cherished hotel and a national treasure.
Stay three nights in a Luxury Sea Facing Room, with a balcony that opens onto views of the coastline.
Relax at one of the two freshwater swimming pools, one with spectacular sea views and one surrounded by sub-tropical gardens, or enjoy direct access to the Umhlanga beach. Learn the secrets of The Oyster Box’s famous curry buffet, with a private curry masterclass.
Days 4 - 6
Travel to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
Stay two nights in a Deluxe Room, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner each day. Dine al fresco at Embers, a jaw-dropping location perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the valley below and lit by a roaring fire, candles and lanterns. For an extraordinary dining experience, Kadoro is perfect for romantic private dining by candlelight. Meaning ‘tinderbox of stories’, this rustic, secluded cottage in the heart of the reserve was originally an old shepherd’s house.
Venture into the bush for breakfast, with delicious organic produce from the vegetable garden and walled orchard. Explore the sprawling plains of the reserve or choose from four stunning swimming pools to relax in the heat of the day.
In this extraordinary environment, there is much to be seen (and heard) after sunset. Take a drive into the wilderness to spot the protected Cape Mountain Zebra. Bushmans Kloof is the custodian of over 130 unique rock art sites, some as old as 10,000 years, and is dedicated to protecting this extraordinary treasure. Rewarded with the status of South African Natural Heritage Site, the rock art depicts the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Bushman tribes who lived in these antediluvian mountains for 120,000 years. You’ll visit the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre for a wonderful insight into the lives and culture of the ancient Bushman people.
Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg
A magical wilderness experience among open plains, sandstone formations and ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years, Bushmans Kloof is the ultimate place to escape, rest and be at one with nature.
Days 6 - 10 four-night in Cape Town
Superior Sea Facing Room
Arrive at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, flanked by the majestic Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, for a four-night stay in a stunning Superior Sea Facing Room, with breakfast. You’ll be welcomed with an iced tea infused with the local fynbos plants, and a basket of delicious treats.
Days 10 - 13
Today, you’ll embark on a journey to Botswana for the ultimate bush experience. Xigera Safari Lodge sits on the western edge of the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta, on Paradise Island, surrounded by palm-filled islands, breath-taking floodplains and riverine forests. A pristine lacework of red-earth islands, papyrus swamps and dense trees, it is easy to see why this corner of Botswana is known as Africa’s ‘last Eden’. Stay three nights at the Lodge, with all meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (with the exception of wines, spirits and champagnes on the premium list) and game drives included.
Dining at Xigera
Dining at Xigera is a true bush experience, and a ritual that’s as essential as observing the spectacular birdlife teeming around this region of Botswana. Each evening, beneath the velvet night sky, dine on delicious dishes that are inspired by the Delta, using the very best fresh and local ingredients.
Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary - our dedicated and experienced team would be delighted to provide more information or to create an entirely bespoke trip across The Red Carnation Africa Collection.
Xigera is host to a diversity of wildlife
From the great predators, elephants and buffalo to unique species such as the secretive sitatunga and the friendly reedbuck. Rare birds such as Pels Fishing Owl make this island home.