Stars of Safari and Cuisine: Monwana and Upper Union Celebrated at Luxe Awards

The 2025 Luxe Awards have announced their winners, highlighting excellence in the luxury hospitality industry. Monwana Game Lodge received Game Lodge of the Year and the Diamond Star Award. Upper Union was named Contemporary Restaurant of the Year, with Head Chef Amori Burger winning the Culinary Rising Star Award.

Monwana: A Diamond Star Shining in the African Bush

Monwana Game Lodge, in the heart of the Thornybush Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, offers a safari experience that is both intimate and immersive.

On the back of being recognised as Africa’s No. 1 Safari Lodge by Travel & Leisure in 2024, Monwana receiving the Game Lodge of the Year Award and The Diamond Star Award this year is a recognition of the team’s commitment to creating memorable stays for every guest.

At Monwana, the experience goes beyond luxurious accommodation – it is about fostering true connections between people and nature. On game drives, guests are invited to embrace the beauty of the wild – their hearts quickening at unforgettable sightings and their minds quieting before amber sunsets. And when they come home to the lodge, they can take comfort in the knowledge that they return to a one-of-a-kind warmth. Whether it’s a quiet moment by a private plunge pool or a starlit dinner in the bush, every moment at Monwana is curated with the utmost care.

Upper Union: A Culinary Experience to Remember

Upper Union has been recognised as the Contemporary Restaurant of the Year. The restaurant has always aimed to offer a dining experience that blends creativity, flavour, and a welcoming atmosphere, and this award serves as a wonderful affirmation of that vision.

Each dish at Upper Union is created with an emphasis on bold flavours and culinary craftsmanship. More than just a meal, they hope to create experiences that bring people together, celebrating locally sourced ingredients that are carefully crafted into globally inspired dishes.

Chef Amori Burger: A Bright Future Ahead

Adding to Upper Union’s celebrations, Amori Burger, Head Chef of Upper Union, was honoured with the Culinary Rising Star award. This recognition is given to chefs who are making an impact in the industry through their creativity and leadership, and we are immensely proud of Amori’s achievements.

Amori’s passion for food is evident in every dish she creates, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional flavours while maintaining a deep respect for the ingredients she works with. Her enthusiasm and talent have played a key role in shaping Upper Union’s identity, and we are delighted to see her hard work acknowledged in this way. She truly exemplifies dedication with the time and effort she brings to her craft and the collaborative spirit she encourages within her team.

The Luxe Awards remind us of the importance of thoughtful hospitality and innovation, and we are appreciative of their recognition. Our goal always remains the same: to create meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests, whether it be in the heart of the bush at Monwana or the tables of Cape Town’s Upper Union.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated teams and the wonderful guests who continue to support us. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey with us.