Mantis Hiddn in Addo

Just around 70 kilometres from Gqeberha, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mantis Hiddn in Addo has opened as a new safari refuge that consciously seeks a quieter approach to travel. Set within a private reserve of approximately 800 hectares, the property combines immersion in nature with seclusion and generous space to follow one’s own rhythm.

The location is defining: perched on a remote ridge, it opens up sweeping views across valleys, bushland and vast, largely untouched landscapes. Instead of tightly structured schedules, the focus here is on how one chooses to spend time – accompanied by personal guides who tailor activities individually.

The reserve is among the more diverse regions of the country and offers encounters with the ​“Big Five”. Game drives, guided walks and birdwatching are part of the stay, yet they are intentionally understated in their design. The emphasis lies on observing and understanding the environment – with time to engage with details rather than trying to see as much as possible in a short period.

Hiddn also takes a different approach to wellness. Instead of a conventional spa offering, the focus is on regeneration as part of everyday life. Sleep quality, movement, breathwork and mental calm play a central role. Treatments use plant-based ingredients and traditional methods, complemented by yoga and meditation. Retreat spaces such as private bathing areas or individually curated moments of stillness support this concept. The culinary approach follows a similar philosophy. There are no fixed menus – cooking is based on what is available and what suits the guests. Some evenings take the form of a private dinner in one’s own suite, others of a shared meal outdoors.

The property comprises ten freestanding suites, two larger units and two villas with private pools. Materials and construction methods are rooted in the region, without imposing themselves visually. Large windows, open spaces and restrained colour palettes bring the landscape indoors. Terraces, outdoor bathtubs and wide sightlines ensure that the stay remains constantly connected to its surroundings.

At the same time, the relationship with the environment plays a central role. Energy and water systems have been designed with resource efficiency in mind, while rewilding projects strengthen the surrounding land. The integration of local communities is also part of the concept: employment, training and economic participation ensure that the project is sustainably anchored in the region.

Mantis Hiddn in Addo represents a development visible across many areas of travel: less focus on staging, more on what truly matters. The experience is defined by its surroundings, its quietness and the opportunity to rediscover one’s own rhythm – an approach that convinces precisely because it does not try to force anything.

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