Feature: Spa

Etali Safari Lodge

Etali Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve

Etali Safari Lodge is the perfect combination of Animals, Romance & the African Bush.  

We regard Etali as one of the best Safari Lodges that we have stayed at. A combination of peerless accommodation, excellent food (not always present at even some of the most expensive safari lodges), wonderful ambiance and superb game viewing. Above all, Etali has some of the most helpful staff that we have encountered makiong this a truly memorable experience. The very private accommodation is in 10 separate, thatched lodges. Each has comfortable living and sleeping quarters and a generous bathroom complete with double indoor shower and a private outdoor shower too. The deck is ideal for game viewing or just gazing at the splendid southern hemisphere stars – but don’t be surprised if the odd giraffe tries to ‘sneak’ past in the dark! The private plunge pool on your deck is, in fact, a heated Jacuzzi! This is truly your own 5 star heaven in the bush. The central facilities are excellent and include a fully equipped outdoor gym and an adjacent wellness centre.

About Etali’s Location

The experienced rangers and trackers will guide you on your game drives and, if you prefer, a bush walk. Dinner is in the boma close to a waterhole and we were particularly impressed by the impromptu show from a lone elephant that appeared committed to enjoying a drink and a shower while the guests / onlookers enjoyed their breakfasts.


Kurland

Kurland, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay

Ultimate luxury in a parkland setting within a short drive of spectacular beaches

This is a fascinating and luxurious hotel set in the countryside with views of the impressive Tsitsikamma Mountains. Although Kurland is one of South Africa’s leading stud farms and is renowned for its polo field and events, the hotel has a very relaxed atmosphere and is designed to ensure that families are not only welcome but exceptionally well catered for. The 15 suites are beautifully decorated and very generous in size. The style is Cape Dutch and so very traditional South African. Some family suites have a separate first floor open plane bedroom and bathroom for children complete with stair gate and cuddly toys on the beds to provide your children with a feeling of their own space. Some of the extra large suites also have their own private plunge pool.

About the Location

There is a childrens’ playroom complete with equipment and games right next to their own pool and outdoor games area. Activities include horse riding and quad bikes and the beach is approximately 15 minutes drive away.  The Crags has some fascinating animal parks populated mainly by animals rescued from domesticity and here you will be able to get close to cats, elephants, monkees and even snakes, There is the largest aviary in the southern hemisphere and you can round off a visit with a tour and lunch at a local winery.  Storms River with the Tree Top Canopy Tour experience and the spectacular Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park is just 35 minutes drive while for the exceptionally brave, the World’s highest bungee jump is even closer.


River Bend Country Lodge, Addo National Park

River Bend Country Lodge, Addo National Park

Great accommodation close to The Addo National Park

As a place to stay, now within the borders of the recently enlarged Addo National Park, and be pampered this small hotel of just 8 luxury suites offers their guests a calm and relaxed environment. The hotel’s rooms are exquisitely decorated and are in bungalows set around a central courtyard.

About the Location

After a morning’s game drive, return and have a leisurely breakfast overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Sunday’s River Valley, maybe relax beside the pool and then visit the health and beauty facilities before taking another game drive in the late afternoon. We advise an early and late drive because you will see different varieties of game. In the early morning you will see many different antelope including the massive, but normally shy and reclusive, Eland. Springbok, Kudu and Hartebeest abound and you are quite likely to spot a pair of jackal returning after a hard night’s work! Elephants will be walking to the waterholes for a morning’s refreshment and you will also see Warthog, Zebra, Meerkat, Ostrich and the extraordinary Secretary birds as the search for snakes! In the late afternoon you should see Rhino and Cape buffalo and, as they are introduced, Lion.


Oyster Bay Beach Lodge

Oyster Bay Beach Lodge, Oyster Bay, Cape St Francis

Out of the way charm 

If you are looking for accommodation that is different and in a remote location but relatively easy to get to, then Oyster Bay could be for you. The 10 bedrooms and 4 Cape Dutch style chalets are simply furnished but comfortable. The lodge serves breakfast, a simple lunch and dinner.

About the Location

There is a reasonably sized pool but you are within easy walking of an incredible beach that has the feel of being part of Oyster Bay Lodge. Even in the height of the summer season when nearby Jeffrey’s Bay is heaving with surfers, this location has a wonderful ‘get away from it all’ feel. You should note that access to Oyster Bay is 25 kms along a good quality gravel road. Accommodation can be provided on a dinner, bed & breakfast, bed & breakfast or self-catering basis.


Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel, Coffee Bay, The Wild Coast

A charming location by the side of a spectacular beach

For the adventurous, Coffee Bay will reward you with a beautiful beach, rugged coastline near to the impressive ‘Hole in the Wall’ which is one of the Wild Coast’s renowned views. Ocean View is a simple hotel comprising 30 double rooms (most en suite) some with stunning views over the ocean. We were particularly impressed by the spectacular sunrises! The pretty grounds extend down to the beach and include a pool and bar. The food in the dining room is simple, traditional South African fare served by friendly and obliging Xhosa locals. By South African standards this offers good, if slightly simple, but inexpensive accommodation.

About the Location

Coffee Bay can be reached from the N2 highway near Umtata, along a reasonable tarred road but there are potholes and free roaming domestic and wild animals that means a good hour’s drive. To get to Coffee Bay you will most likely either fly into Port Elizabeth or Durban (7 hour’s drive) or to Umtata (less frequent flights but only 1 hour’s drive. Driving through the Transkei, as this area of the Eastern Cape is known, is an experience – this is ‘real’ Africa with bustling towns and markets and the hill tops dotted with pretty rounds huts. It is, however, a relatively poor area and you will see scenes of poverty, over grazing and appalling soil erosion. Once you arrive at Coffee Bay, however, you will be rewarded with one of the most scenic coastal vistas  and a beach that has been voted one of the best in South Africa.


Woodall Country House

Woodall Country House & Spa, Addo National Park

Woodall is for people wanting to be pampered and enjoy a ‘get away from it all’ feel.  

Woodall is owner run and is a consistent favourite of ours and our clients. Accommodation comprises very luxuriously appointed rooms and suites   in the main house and four cottages in the grounds. Some rooms in the cottages also feature very private outside showers in addition to the luxury provided by the well-equipped bathrooms. These are beautiful set alongside a peaceful lake and among citrus orchards. The stunning  pool is surrounded by palms and a waterfall and is situated close to an excellent wellness centre.As well as the sumptuous breakfasts, dinners served in the thatched restaurant overlooking the dam is an experience in itself. Great, freshly cooked food and perfect selection of wines.

About Woodall’s Location

The area is a haven for water birds. Woodall is well renowned for its fine cuisine and you are sure to be impressed by the imaginative dinner menu and the extensive wine list. Escorted game drives are arranged in the Addo National Park and Schotia and Shamwari Private Game Reserves. From here, you can also explore the Zuurberg Mountain area and tour around the historic 1820 Settler region.


Bushmanskloof

Bushmanskloof, Clanwilliam, Western Cape

Superlatives just don’t do justice to Bushmanskloof and its location. 

It is almost difficult to describe the quality of Bushmanskloof’s accommodation, the complete tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings. The location is remote, approximately a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. Your every need will be catered for. The lodge has 16 luxurious rooms and stunning suites which are among the most comfortable we have encountered.  There are two ‘infinity’ swimming pools overlooking the surrounding wilderness for you to relax around. The restaurant provides exquisite cuisine and all meals are included. There is a very well stocked wine cellar and to burn off those calories, there is a well equipped wellness centre. The evening game drive will show you some of the indigenous species that have been reintroduced over the last few years. The morning nature walk will fascinate you.  You will be introduced to the fascinating plant life. These will include the amazing and surreal kokerboom (quiver tree) to the tiny stone plants occupying seemingly inhospitable rock faces. There is also an extraordinary range of bird life and the experienced rangers will provide you with detailed information. Access from Clanwilliam is an hours’ drive along a gravel road that can be variable in condition.

About Bushmanskloof’s Location

Clanwilliam is an attractive historically significant village. A look at the cemetery will tell you of the important role the village played in the closing stages of the Boer War. This  is the heart of the Rooibos (Redbush) tea industry which is unique to a small region based on Clanwilliam. guided tours to the tea plantations can be arranged. Guided hikes can be arranged in the rugged Cedarberg to see some of the extraordinary geological shapes in these stunning mountains. In late August and early September  you will experience this semi arid location burst into colourful bloom.


Hout Bay Manor, Hout Bay

Convenient location and pleasant accommodation in an historic manor house

Four-star accommodation in the bustling beautifully situated Hout Bay with its great restaurants (noted for the excellent local seafood) and picturesque fishing harbours. The hotel is a national monument and was built over 130 years ago. It is in a quiet location a short walk from the village centre and beach and it has the air of an English Manor House rich with beams and history. The 16,  bedrooms are very comfortably appointed and decorated in classic, cottage style although they tend to be a little smaller than many of the properties we feature. Breakfast, lunch and tea are served either in the dining room or beneath the magnificent oaks on the terrace.

About the location

Relax and enjoy a drink in the lounge which is richly decorated with antiques and still has its original paved floors and window frames. In the evening the owners have created a bistro and this is beginning to gain critical acclaim in the Hout Bay area. This is a convenient location from which to explore nearby Chapman’s Peak Drive with its spectacular views as you drive to Noordhoek and Fish Hoek with their renowned beaches. Constantia with its wineries and the Kirstenbosch Gardens is a short 20 minutes drive and the centre of Cape Town is just 20 minutes away along the beautiful coastal drive via Camps Bay.


Boulders Beach Lodge, Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula

At Boulders Beach Lodge, you can sleep and swim alongside penguins

Boulders Beach Lodge is a small country hotel exquisitely positioned next to Boulders Beach, close to Simons Town. Boulders Beach is also home to the largest colony of Jackass Penguins in Africa. The rooms, which are all en suite and have outside access. The rooms do, however,  tend to be small. The furnishings fairly basic but are reasonably comfortably  with simple, clean cut decor. Some rooms have good  views across False Bay. You should, however, note that these rooms are at the top of fairly steep stairs. Please specify your requirements on booking. There are also self-catering units available but these can be arranged on a bed and breakfast basis. Note that this is not 5 star accommodation.  Expect to see penguins visiting to see who is around but also be prepared for the sound of the penguins (rather like a donkey) which is quite noticeable especially at night. The restaurant is difficult to recommend but there are plenty of excellent places to eat in nearby Simon’s Town. The gift shop is well worth a visit with its unique penguin theme.

About Boulders Beach Lodge’s Location

The beach is just across the car park and has a small  fee during the day and it is obvious that you share it with the penguins. You will soon begin to wonder who is being watched! The beach for the breeding colony is a 10 minute walk along the attractive boardwalk and here you will find a visitor centre with everything you need to know about these fascinating birds.The interestingly renovated naval town of Simon’s Town with its restored Victorian buildings is close by and Cape Point is a 15-minute drive. Cape Town is 40 minutes away. There are some good restaurants in Simons Town and also in Kalk Bay which is a small fishing village 20 minutes away.

The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town

Slightly impersonal but a very convenient and comfortable hotel

The Vineyard is a large family owned and run hotel set in beautiful garden in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Newlands. It is very convenient for the cricket and rugby grounds and Cavendish Square Mall that is within walking distance. The reasonably sized rooms are comfortably furnished and decorated and either have a courtyard view or a mountain view. There are two excellent restaurants that offer a wide choice of cuisine. The pool and wellness centre must be seen to be believed with state of the art design and facilities. Guests will also find the ancient giant tortoises a delightful encounter as they wander around the luxuriant gardens.

About the Location

The hotel is one of the closest to the airport (approximately 20 minutes) and only 15 minutes from the city centre yet with a country ambiance. This is a very convenient location for the Kirstenbosch Gardens which are a 10 minute drive. Cape Point is approximately a 40 minute drive while the Cape Winlands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are just a 30 minute drive.