Cashew Bites from William’s Camp

Safari by Appointment. Our clients and I rave about our Kenya Safari Team’s wonderful portable tent camp in the migration path in the Maasai Mara on the banks of the Sand River. They own the spot and return every year to set up an exclusive private camp. In weeks, the herds will head toward the Serengeti, with half a million wildebeest competing for grazing with herds of zebra, all will eventually cross the Mara River. Our safaris include all private transfers, one does not share a bush plane with other travelers. At William’s Camp, you travel in custom stretch Land Rover Defenders with luxurious comfy leather seats.

Brekkie in the Bush, Kenya

It goes without saying that we provide the best guides and in our portable camp, Stormin’ Norman, the indomitable bush camp chef, turns out soufflés, exquisite appetizers and bountiful banquets. Eventually you beg him to stop serving more food, he doesn’t understand NO! If you need a stationary bike or small gym set up in the bush, we can oblige!

In Kenya, after staying at a few spectacular lodges, we usually conclude our safari’s at William’s Camp. One of my favorite snacks among a long list of menu items is a snack we dubbed Cashew Bites from William’s Camp.

Cashew Bites from William’s Camp
2 segmented and chopped limes
2cm piece of chopped ginger
1 finely diced shallot
1/2 chopped hot chili
1 Tbsp coriander leaves
2 Tbsp peanuts of cashews
dash fish sauce ( optional)
sprinkle of sugar
8- 12 spinach leaves
Mix together all ingredients except spinach leaves.
Lay the spinach leaves on a platter and place a spoonful of the mix on each, roll up on each leaf and eat in one bite!

Lunch in the bush, Kenya

A Day in the Life of A Safari Guest

  • As your plane descends towards the sun-baked airstrip, a beaming member of my land team is ready and waiting to welcome you with chilled drinks before you are whisked off on a scenic game drive en route to your lodge or camp.
  • The lodge staff is waiting at the entrance to greet you with refreshing drinks and fragrant towels. Your personal butler escorts you to your bush suite, where your luggage is already waiting, as you unwind and drink the views of the surrounding bush.
  • Mouth watering aromas waft on the still air as lunch is served on the private deck of your suite, on the wide veranda of the main guest area or at the poolside.
  • Choose between a blissful nap on your downy bed or chilling out at the pool.
  • After a sumptuous high tea, embark on a thrilling afternoon-into-evening game drive. Chances are excellent that you will encounter a great variety of exciting animals and birds. Your professional, highly trained ranger and tracker will interpret the wonders of the wilderness, making your experience effortlessly enlightening and unforgettable.
  • As the golden orb of the sun sinks towards the horizon, you stop in a scenic bush setting. As if by magic, a table with snacks and drinks appear, with the noises of the African bush as a primeval soundtrack. A traditional Sundowner is a nightly occurrence in the bush.
  • After a dramatic spot-lit night drive where you thrill to predators hunting and other nocturnal animal activity, you return to the lodge, where iced drinks and snacks await you in the fire- and lantern-lit boma under a bright canopy of stars.
  • Alternatively, you may experience a real surprise on your night game drive. Rounding a turn in the bush, you come across an enchanting scene: dozens of lanterns festoon the trees, and huge fire-bowls illuminate damask-clad tables twinkling with crystal and silver. An alfresco feast of scrumptious Pan-African cuisine is served by smiling chefs in crisp white, followed by cigars, cognac and stargazing.
  • As you drift into a deep sleep, you contemplate the delights that the next day will bring: an early morning wake- up tap on your door, fragrant coffee and muffins before setting off on a game drive as the pre-dawn sky reveals tints of cerise, gradually turning to azure blue as the new day welcomes the warmth of the rising sun. The bush is alive with wildlife, early risers browsing, lion stretching and yawning as their fluffy cubs frolic nearby. A mid-drive stop produces welcome hot drinks, chilled fresh juice and snacks: merely a prelude to the delicious breakfast that awaits your return to the lodge.
  • Later, you may decide on a fascinating bush walk, where your ranger will share intriguing insights into the fauna and flora of the area. Or you may simply opt to relax in a quiet corner, where warm, friendly land teams will ensure that your every desire is anticipated and exceeded.
Kenya Safari
Kenya Safari endless horizons

Heckfield Place – Life, Interrupted

An inspired 19th Century estate, Heckfield Place is the very latest in countryside lodgings, albeit fairly close to London, but far enough removed, residing amidst 400 glorious acres of secluded Hampshire grounds. Formal garden terraces and provocatively described ‘pleasure grounds’ truly feel like a private park. The epitome of Georgian excellence, gently evolving for over 250 years, the property consists of walled landscaped gardens, an organic farm and extensive woods. Dig out your wardrobe for country pursuits: wellies and tweeds and your herringbone woolen flat cap. Boots and slickers are available for guest use in the mudroom. Brilliant British countryside at is best, activities include farm and orchard tours, fly fishing, classes, cinema, horseback riding nearby, clay pigeon shooting. Discover the gardens and the hidden historic follies with one of the residential experts.

Heckfield Place
Moon Bar, Heckfield Place

In addition to the gorgeous rooms, Heckfield Place serves destination-worthy bio-dynamic cuisine made with ingredients grown on its Home Farm. Add the Little Bothy Spa, the bucolic landscapes, and The Assembly’s cultural programming, and you have a getaway that invigorates mind, body and soul.

When the sun sets, follow me to the Moon Bar. Nestled in the center of the mansion, inspired by the lunar phases, Moon Bar Cocktails are unique to Heckfield in concept, presentation and most importantly in flavor. A unique list of handcrafted cocktails uses liquors, tinctures and infusions created with fresh ingredients from the Home Farm and gardens. The spirits range from exceptional classics to incredibly rare small batch discoveries. A pre-dinner cocktail is essential here or in one of the other comfy sitting rooms, really no request is denied for a snack, lunch tea or cocktail in all of the public rooms. Sipping bubbly under the enormous sparkling disco ball in the Moon Bar was truly magical. The ambience is unparalleled.

May I suggest a Peach Leaf Spritz?

Moon Bar, Heckfield Place

Immunity Boosting Cocktails
The Drinks’ Team at Heckfield Place has been busy conjuring up great cordials for these unprecedented times using ingredients that help boost your immunity to help protect from the coronavirus. There are many more ingredients that you can consider from green tea to elderberry.  
 
What you’ll need | Cordial:
• Lemon, Ginger, Turmeric Cordial 
• Sparkling Water 
• Build in Hi-Ball and Fill with Ice 
• Garnish with Three (3) Sticks of Fresh Ginger 
 
What you’ll need | Mocktail:
• 35 ml Golden Shrub (Ginger, Turmeric, Lemon Juice, Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Black Pepper) 
• Top Up Chilled Still Water 
• Pour into a Nick & Nora Glass 
• Garnish with a Fresh Sage Leaf 

Heckfield Place

Heckfield Place is a lifestyle, do indulge, let us guide you to our favorite suites! https://www.heckfieldplace.com/