Press Release: Orient Express Hotels
September 25, 2000
NEW YORK, NY -- Orient-Express Hotels' Africa Collection, in conjunction with Surgeon & Safari, has introduced
a personalized rejuvenation program, including either surgical or non-surgical procedures, with recuperation packages
at the company's Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg and Mount Nelson in Cape Town.
Established to provide a personalized program of cosmetic surgery in complete privacy, Surgeon & Safari combines
recuperation packages featuring pampering health and beauty treatments with opulent surroundings. Guests have the
option of embarking on an exciting safari following their treatment as well at Orient-Express' Gametrackers camps
in Botswana. According to Surgeon & Safari founder and director Lorraine Melvill, ``We chose to partner with
Orient-Express because of the elegant locations of the hotels, the Westcliff's proximity to local surgeons and
clinics, and each property's discreet layout and sense of privacy.''
``South African surgeons are among the best in the world,'' said Nick Seewer, managing director for Orient-Express'
Africa Collection. ``Given our favorable exchange rate, cosmetic surgery can cost less than a fifth of what it
is in the U.S., making it an attractive option for our affluent guests.''
Surgeon & Safari works with leading plastic surgeons, notably Johannesburg-based Dr. Saul Braun, who performs
cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures, under secure, technologically advanced conditions at
a private clinic in Johannesburg. A member of the Medical Association of South Africa, he also belongs to the prestigious
Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa.
Surgeon & Safari's personalized program includes liaison with a registered surgeon, on-line consultations,
pre-/post surgical appointments, airport meet and greet, and special rates at either The Westcliff or Mount Nelson
Hotels for the one- to two-week recovery stay. Surgeon & Safari accompanies clients every step of the way.
Once procedures are completed, patients relax in their private paradise -- within a luxurious private room at the
Westcliff or Mt. Nelson, where they indulge in a personally designed rejuvenation and recovery program. Treatments
include aromatherapy and massage to speed the healing process at the Westcliff's Camelot Health & Beauty Center
or Sharon's, the body care clinic at the Mount Nelson.
Customized programs and rates are based on surgical and non-surgical procedures. The three-day non-surgical package
at either The Westcliff or Mount Nelson, including soft procedures such as botox, derma live, and restylane as
well as health and beauty options, start at R10,825 or approximately US$1,515.
A seven-day package including a selection of two surgical procedures such as lip enhancements, tummy tucks, eyelid
surgery, full face laser resurfacing or liposuction begin at R27,225 or approximately US$3,800, including accommodation
at The Westcliff and some meals. A 14-day package including surgical procedures such as eyelid surgery, full-face
laser resurfacing, liposuction, breast lift, health and beauty options, accommodation at The Westcliff and some
meals start at R54,450 or approximately US$7,620 per person.
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town's oldest and finest hotel, celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. First opened
in 1899 to provide accommodation for passengers traveling on the luxurious Union and Castle ships, ``The Nellie''
as she is affectionately called, is renowned for her extensive gardens, elegant guestrooms, magnificent setting,
and the Cape Colony, the hotel's premier dining outlet served under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Garth
Strobel and recently named among the world's top ten hotel restaurants.
Three Gametrackers camps in Botswana -- Savute Elephant Camp, The Khwai River Lodge, and Eagle Island Camp at Xaxaba,
all members of Orient Express Hotels' African Collection of properties -- pamper binocular- and camera-toting wildlife
enthusiasts with top-of-the-line facilities, but with very different types of accommodations situated in diverse
ecological environments. Interiors include artful Zimbabwe-crafted furniture, a dressing area with full-length
mirrors, roomy shower, toilet and double hand basins. Eagle Island Camp, Khwai River Lodge and Savute Elephant
Camp each display characteristic fauna, avifauna and flora phenomenon. Eagle Island Camp is situated in the wetlands
of the Okavango Delta. Khwai River Lodge is on the eastern periphery of the Delta bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.
Savute Elephant Camp is located northeast on the banks of the Savute Channel in Chobe National Park.
The Westcliff is Johannesburg's most luxurious hotel, located in the residential suburb of Westcliff. Built on
a hillside and commanding spectacular views over the city's Zoological Gardens, the hotel was designed to resemble
a Mediterranean hillside village. Cascading in a series of villas, it is set in formal gardens amid fountains and
cobbled pathways. Guests enjoy absolute security and seclusion provided by the property's elevated position.
Most of the Westcliff's 115 guestrooms have private balconies with glorious views, while all have marble bathrooms,
a digital safe, VCR, computer and fax line, and butler stations with mini bars. Room service is available round
the clock.
For rates on specific procedures and individual itineraries, please contact Lorraine Melvill at info@surgeon-and-safari.co.za
or visit Surgeon & Safari at http://www.surgeon-and-safari.co.za.
Additional information and photography can be found at http://www.orient-expresshotels.com.
SOURCE: Orient Express Hotels