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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.
In
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 (USA - Canada - Australia)
* « 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. Locals come for special dinner (and you can too) ».
* 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 (United Kingdom)
« 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. … »
Getaway guide to Karoo, Namaqualand & Kalahari (South Africa)
“La Bohème Guesthouse, at 172 Groenpunt Road, has
a fivestar rating and offers accommodation in a self-catering
Cottage or two double rooms with private verandas and entrances
directly accessed from the garden. It has everything you could
need and more. The proprietor, Evelyne, speaks English, Swiss-German,
Italian, Hungarian and French, making it a popular option with
overseas visitors. She can also organise tours to Kalahari, Botswana and Namibia. Meals are by arrangement.””
Le
Guide Michelin (France)
« 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. »
Translation:
« Evelyne Meier, the lovely Swiss lady of the Kalahari, will welcome you in French in her magnificent villa located in a residential area. The décor, inspired by dreamy trips in Africa and in the Oriental countries, the exotic garden, like a natural balcony over the landscape stretching away forever, and the exquisite flavours of the meals promise an exquisite stay».
“Red design” = “We especially love this establishment”
Le
Petit Futé (France)
« 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. »
Translation:
« Arriving from her mountains (Alpes) with a lot of passion and generosity in her heart, Evelyne Meier climbed quickly the steps up to the first place of the regional podium. Situated a little bit out of town-centre, in a very quiet residential area, La Bohème is an establishment of high class – made in the image of the owner – who is as lovely as distinguished. You will enjoy, like we did, the African-design lounges, the cool verandah to savour your breakfast in front of the lawn and the pool,; and of course the very luxurious rooms as well as the self catering cottage. Elevated on a hill, the villa offers a soothing view above the vast landscape. In all corners of the property, souvenirs of journeys, like an invitation to dreaming. The “tropical room”, a little bit tucked away and the less expensive one, is my favourite. At the table of La Bohème, there are South African specialties and balanced meals for good health. A stopover which touched my heart, you would have understood it, which will also enable you to get good information to discover the Kalahari».
Merian
Reiseführer (Germany)
« 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. »
Translation:
« A cottage, surprisingly decorated and furnished in Asian Zen-style, in addition two luxurious rooms with tropical and African themes, can be found in the residence of Swiss owner Evelyne. Relaxing atmosphere, pool, large palm tree garden. Beautiful views over the Kalahari landscapes ».
ADAC Reiseführer (Germany)
“Ruhig und etwas ausserhalb der Stadt gelegen, eine luxuriöse
Oase am Rande der Kalahari“.
Translation:
« Quietly located slightly out of town, a luxurious Oasis at the border of the Kalahari ».
Note: La Bohème is the only accommodation establishment of Upington & surroundings which is recommended in this travel book.
Notiz: La Bohème ist die einzige Unterkunft der Upington-Region die in der ADAC Ausgabe 2010 emfpohlen wird.
Baedeker Allianz Reiseführer (Germany)
“Edle Bleibe in der Green Kalahari, erhöht mit herrlichem Ausblick gelegen.
Die Schweizerin Evelyne Meier schuf hier ein sehr privates Paradies (nur 2 DZ und ein Cottage)“.
Translation:
« Noble place to stay in the Green Kalahari, elevated with wonderful views. Evelyne Meier from Switerland created here a very private paradise (only two rooms and one cottage) ». |
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