Investing in diamonds might be a luxury that entices few, but those with an insurmountable penchant for the brilliant stones wouldn’t be able to pass up the opportunity to indulge in a start-to-finish tour of where they come from. In a unique and one-of-its-kind endeavour, Ellerman House of Cape Town, South Africa, has taken luxury travel to a whole new level. The hotel, an epitome of extravagance in the continent, has teamed with Benguela Diamonds to offer a diamond safari for up to six guests staying at their premises.
The exclusive package includes private airfare and road transportation to the diamond diving site, unmatched food and beverage that features the hotel’s signature ‘Dom Perignon Experience’ and first-hand learning of the source of diamonds. It is purported to be a one-day trip that starts with a limousine pick-up from the Ellerman House for an early morning private charter flight from Cape Town to Port Nolloth. An hour-and-fifteen-minutes-long journey later, guests will be served breakfast and drinks and presented with the day’s itinerary.
Benguela’s expert sorting team teaches guests about the grading of diamonds. Image Courtesy of www.ellerman.co.za
It is here that things start getting exciting. Those with level-one diving certification have the option of joining the Benguela dive masters under the water, and those who can’t may spend their time on the boat watching the seabed gravel come up to the surface and the gemstones get sorted out. If this wasn’t thrilling enough, special service awaits guests on shore where a private chef offers gastronomic delights in the form of a delicious lunch comprising fresh fish or crayfish (depending on the season) paired with award-winning South African wines handpicked from the hotel’s wine collection.
Guests have the option of joining Benguela dive masters under water to gather seabed gravel which is later sorted and graded. Image courtesy of www.ellerman.co.za
If you thought this was all, the day is not over yet. For diamond enthusiasts, real knowledge is yet to be gathered from Benguela’s sorting team that shares information about the grading of diamonds and selecting a rough diamond to be cut, polished and set into a piece of jewellery at the design studio in Stellenbosch. Finally, the private aircraft will bring the guests back to the Ellerman House, where the champagne experience is paired with a bento box-style dinner.
Beginning 1 September this year, it costs around $15,000 for up to six people. Dripping in style and exclusivity, this bespoke experience has so far not been offered by any other resort or diamond mining industry. Offering the best of accommodation, food and experience of the diamond process, it can be lapped up as a private affair that couples can enjoy or by an entire group to revel in. The very essence of luxury, it’s not an everyday affair that you can afford to miss.
For more information on Benguela Diamond Safari or reservations please contact info@ellerman.co.za