Development of a luxury eco-lodge within Addo Elephant National Park, designed to embody the Hiddn brand philosophy of ''The Joy of Discovery''. Bruce McNicol, co-founder and Development Director of Terra Nova Create, carried the project from scouting the site to opening day, overseeing feasibility, architectural design, sustainability integration and the guest experience framework. The lodge received a Five Star Award as Best Hotel Development South Africa at the 2026-2027 African Property Awards and is a nominee in the Hotel Development Africa category.

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"Hiddn was never simply a project; it was a journey that took years of walking the land, understanding its character and working through countless decisions with an exceptional team of contractors, consultants and specialists. To see the lodge recognised in this way is incredibly rewarding."

Bruce McNicol, co-founder and Development Director, Terra Nova Create

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Hiddn in Addo is the flagship Terra Nova Create project, a pioneering luxury eco-lodge that combines off-grid innovation, cultural authenticity, and immersive guest experiences. The project was conceived to push the boundaries of sustainable hospitality, designed to operate in harmony with its environment while delivering world-class luxury.

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Project Scope & Services

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• Land scouting and compass-led site exploration

• Ecological feasibility studies

• Sustainability strategy and off-grid systems integration

• Water discovery, mapping and long-term use modelling

• Master planning and site selection

• Architectural design oversight

• Guest experience development

• Community integration and local staffing strategy

• Interior concept development and procurement strategy

• OS&E specification and coordination

• ICT and CCTV systems integration

• Game and lodge vehicle specification

• Landscaping design, restoration and rehabilitation

• Project oversight, delivery and operational readiness advisory

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Who led the development of Mantis Hiddn in Addo?

Bruce McNicol, co-founder and Development Director of Terra Nova Create, led the development of Mantis Hiddn in Addo. He carried the project from scouting the site to opening day in March 2026.

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What is Terra Nova Create's flagship project?

Mantis Hiddn in Addo, a 14-key luxury eco-lodge within Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape, developed for the Hiddn Group and operated by the Mantis Collection. Co-founder and Development Director Bruce McNicol carried the project from scouting the site to opening day. In October 2026 it received a Five Star Award as Best Hotel Development South Africa at the 2026-2027 African Property Awards, where it is also a nominee in the Hotel Development Africa category.​