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THE
STORY
“La
Bohème” is the result of a dream… The dream
of a Swiss woman who was wishing since long to change her Lifestyle,
somehow, somewhere, sometimes….
In
2002, when visiting the Upington area, Evelyne fell in Love with
the magical beauty of the Kalahari: the vast plains stretching
away for ever, the generous gifts of nature, the sunny sky, the
friendly and welcoming inhabitants, the breathtaking contrasts,
the voluptuous sounds, colors and perfumes… Evelyne’s
mind, body and soul were “hooked” !
This
“love at first sight” experience made her decide to
leave everything behind her to create her oasis in this fascinating
land, at 12000 km’s away from her Country of origin.
When
searching for the “ideal spot” to start her Life-changing
project, she left the final decision to destiny: If she finds
“her” spot, she stays. If she doesn’t find it,
then it is not meant to be and she flies back to Switzerland forgetting
about the idea !
And so, destiny brought the answer…
Three months later, Evelyne moved into “her ideal spot”
found, which became from then on her new home -and future guesthouse.
At
the end of 2003, after one year of building works undertaken throughout
the 600m2 property situated on a 2900m2 ground, “La Bohème”
was born and opened its doors to the first visitors.
Evelyne
called her secluded retreat “La Bohème” in
tribute to the free Bohemian spirit and to the Bohemian way of
Life, of which the guide lines are:
“Go with the flow, listen to your heart, believe in your
dreams, follow your moods, enjoy the present moment, don’t
worry and live the Life !”.
PUBLICATIONS (English – French – German)
The
Fodor’s Guide (2006/2007)
* « If you arrive here in the evening,
it will be to candlelight, soft music, and a star-studded sky.
Swiss owner Evelyne Meier’s attention to detail and desire
to pamper combine to create a haven of refined tranquillity where
the town ends and desert begins. The hillside location provides
for sweeping views over the Kalahari and the Orange, especially
from the palm-fringed pool. You can opt for the Zen-like self-catering
cottage or either of two double rooms, one of which has a large
tub for two. Interiors are both elegant and natural, thanks to
earth-tone interiors and water-features. … »
* Black star = Highlight sights and properties
we deem highly recommended, places that our writers, editors,
and readers praise again and again for consistency and excellence
The
Greenwood Guide (2006/2007)
« La Bohème claims its rightful place in this book
on many counts: its fantastic view from a green green lawn over
the Orange River flood plain; its cool-blue pool; its palm tree
that rustle in the hot breeze. But all this plays second fiddle
to Evelyne herself, who is a hugely friendly and energetic and
a wholly exceptional host. A cultural blend herself, half Hungarian
and half-Swiss, her guesthouse also melds various styles. There
are only three rooms here, guaranteeing the personal touch and
each offering something different. … »
Le
Guide Michelin (2006/2007)
« Evelyne Meier, la jolie Suissesse du Kalahari, vous accueille
en français dans sa somptueuse villa nichée dans
un quartier résidentiel. La décoration intérieure,
inspirée par la rêverie des voyages en Afrique et
en Orient, le jardin exotique, tel un balcon naturel sur le vaste
paysage, et les saveurs de la table promettent un séjour
exquis. »
Le
Petit Futé (2006/2007)
« Débarquée de ses alpes natales avec au coeur
beaucoup de passion et de générosité, Evelyne
Meier s’est rapidement hissée sur la première
marche du podium regional. A l’écart du centre, dans
un quartier residential très calme, La Bohème est
une auberge de grande classe, à l’image de la patronne,
aussi jolie que distinguee. Vous apprécierez comme nous
les salons afro-design, la terrasse ombragée pour déjeuner
devant la pelouse et la piscine, et bien sûr les chambres
de grand luxe et le cottage self-catering. Installée sue
une hauteur naturelle, la villa offre une vue apaisante sur le
vaste paysage. Aux quatres coins de la propriété,
des souvenirs de voyage, comme une invitation baudelairienne à
la rêverie. La chambre “tropicale”, un peu à
l’écart et la moins chère, est ma préférée.
Une étape Coup de Coeur, vous l’aurez compris, qui
vous permettra de recueillir en français tous les bons
plans découverte du Kalahari. »
Merian
Reiseführer (2006/2007)
« Ein Bungalow, überraschenderweise im asiatischen
Zen-Stil eingerichtet, dazu zwei luxuriöse Zimmer mit afrikanischen
und tropischen Motiven, in der Residenz der Schweizer Eigentümerin
Evelyne. Entspannte Atmosphäre, Schwimmbad, grosser Palmengarten.
Wunderbarer Blick auf die Ausläufer der Kalahari. »
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