SAS Category: Country Lodge

Small hotels with a distinctly local flavour. Standards of accommodation and service a very high by international comparison, some of these feature among the 100 top restaurants in South Africa.

Thula Thula

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

The story of Thula Thula is unique

Thula Thula is very special. The reserve is the brainchild of Lawrence Anthony and his Parisian born wife, Francoise. Their story is immortalized in a series of books starting with Lawrence’s “The Elephant Whisperer”. Following Lawrence’s premature death in 2012, Francoise has written two sequels, “An Elephant In My Kitchen” and “The Elephants of Thula Thula”. The story of how the reserve was established and the challenges they had with local politics and especially their initial elephant herd are fascinating and heart warming. You will be left marveling at the extraordinary behaviour of the elephants.

Thula Thula has developed into so much more than a sanctuary for wild elephants. The reserve has a significant diversity of animals so you will be rewarded on a game drive with thrilling encounters with elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game including giraffe and zebra. Although this is not a ‘Big Five’ reserve, there are predators such as hyena.  Guided game drives into the adjacent Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve can be arranged for a full Big Five’ game experience. But, it will be the elephants of Thula Thula that will provide you with lasting memories.

Accommodation is provided in a number of well appointed thatched  rooms and suites. There is also a luxury tented camp. This is rural Africa and so you may encounter the occasional bat in your room and you will need to keep doors closed so you are not visited by the adorable, but very destructive, vervet monkeys. Food has always been a passion of Francoise stemming from her French roots. A package including Thula Thulu provides three gourmet meals each day, two game drives and much interaction with the experienced and long standing rangers and other members of staff. Transfers to and from Durban’s King Shaka Airport are included.

Makakatana Bay Lodge, St. Lucia

A stunning location in a romantic lodge in a World Heritage Site

Clients who have spent time at Makakatana often wish they had stayed longer. Although rated 4 star by the South African Tourist Grading Authority, the lodge has a number of luxurious rooms in individual ‘huts’ set among the trees over looking the southernmost bay in Lake St Lucia.

About the Location

This lodge is fully inclusive of all meals and full day safaris throughout the iSimangaliso Wetlands including Lake St. Lucia. You will see many animals and as well as elephant, buffalo and zebra you may also see leopard and hyena. In the underwater canyons in the Indian Ocean close to where the lake connects to the sea, coelacanthes are found. These are a strange primordial form of fish that until relatively recently were considered to be extinct. It is possible to arrange a day trip for scuba diving at Sodwana Bay which is a 2 hour drive from the lodge.

Leisure Isle Lodge, Knysna, Garden Route

Leisure Isle Lodge is one of the few lodges in Knysna on a beach

Leisure Isle Lodge is situated close to The Heads, where the Knysna lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, this small, luxurious hotel is just a few metres from the beach. You can walk across a very quiet road to the beach and relax under one of the hotel’s umbrellas. This is one of the best beaches for swimming in Knysna. As you wade into the lagoon  you will see an amazing number of shells coming alive and moving around at great speed. Alternatively you could decide to relax beside the pool with a book from the lodge’s library.  All 11 rooms are exceptionally well appointed,  vary in size, and suites are available. One of the suites is a large penthouse complete with entrance hall and lounge with fireplace. Every room has a ceiling fan and underfloor heating for those chilly winter nights. Accommodation is provided on a B&B basis but you can book for lunch and dinner at the lodge’s own restaurant. Picnics can also be arranged.

About Leisure Isle Lodge’s Location

This is a quiet residential location set apart from the bustle of Knysna. The town is a 10 minute drive and here you will find plenty of good restaurants.   For Golfers, the hotel has preferential rates at Simola Golf Course which is a 15 minute drive. Knysna’s indigenous forest is a short drive away. You may see the impressive local bird – the Knysna Loerie – or you may be fortunate to spot one of the last wild forest elephants. A short drive away, you can visit Millwood which is the site of one of the first gold rushes in South Africa. At the weekends there are several interesting craft markets from nearby Sedgefield to the Saturday Market near Plettenberg Bay. The wonderful beaches and the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve are a 20 minute drive. The various animal sanctuaries at the Crags are an easy 30 minute drive. In short, there is so much to do and Leisure Isle Lodge will provide the perfect base.

Fynbos Ridge, Plettenberg Bay

Fynbos Ridge is an old favourites set in its own Nature Reserve close to the wonderful resort town of Plettenberg Bay

Fynbos Ridge is well appointed and set in extensive grounds, which is a private eco-reserve. Recent wild fires in early 2017  have damaged the vegetation and the pool area but we expect a quick recovery. The owners have created a tranquil environment. Here you can live in the unique cape fynbos, which is one of the key floral kingdoms of the world. The accommodation is 5 beautifully appointed large bedroom suites in the main house where you will be accommodated on a bed & breakfast basis. Dinner can be provided on request. There are 3 self-contained cottages and one studio unit. The cottages are some of the finest we have seen and can accommodate up to six but in a very spacious and private environment. For chilly autumn and winter evenings there are log fires. For the frequent warm, fine evenings you will have all that you need to cook the traditional South African way with all the Braai (barbecue) facilities you need.

About Fynbos Ridge’s Location

Plettenberg Bay is nearby (7 minutes drive) where you will find excellent food shops. These include Woolworths, which UK travelers will recognise as identical to Marks & Spencer!  You will find this an excellent base for walking, Trails can be found on the property, in the nearby Harkerville Forest, on Robberg Peninsula or along one of the many wonderful beaches nearby. The pristine Tsitsikamma Forest and Coastal National Park is a 45 minute drive. Bustling Knysna is just a 15 minute drive. There is an interesting local wine route. There are 16 wineries producing some excellent and little known wines. A number of the wineries serve great farm to table food to compliment a wine tasting. The fascinating animal parks in The Crags are just a 15 minute drive. These allow you to get close to many cats, elephants, monkeys, birds and even snakes. Most of these animals have been rescued from inappropriate captivity.

Glen Avon Lodge, Constantia, Cape Town

Glen Avon Lodge is real luxury in wonderful gardens conveniently situated for Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula

Glen Avon Lodge is one of our personal favourites. It is a gracious gem tucked away in the heart of the Constantia Winelands approximately 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town. The hotel, which is a consistent favourite with our clients, has 11 beautifully furnished en-suite rooms. These are set in the wonderful traditional Cape Dutch gardens and present a very calm environment. There is a beautiful pool to relax alongside after a hectic day. The property is owner run and this adds to the excellence of the service you will find from a dedicated staff.

About Glen Avon Lodge’s Location

Glen Avon is very conveniently located. It is a good location from which to explore Kirstenbosch Gardens (10 minutes drive) and the Peninsula. The penguins at Boulders Beach are a 30 minute drive.You can also explore the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch (40 minutes drive) from here.  The centre of Cape Town, the Waterfront and the Table Mountain Cableway are a 25 minute drive. You can request a truly romantic a candle lit dinner to round off a memorable stay. Here you will enjoy some of the finest cuisine in The Cape. You are also within easy access of some of the finest restaurants in The Cape. These include one of our favourites – Buitenverwachting Winery. This is just a 5 minute drive and provides fine dining during the evening and picnics most days, with some great wines. One of the Cape’s oldest wineries, Groot Constantia is a 10 minute drive. The winery has some excellent wines, a great museum in the splendid old Cape Dutch Manor House. There is also a good restaurant for casual eating.

Constance Lemuria Resort, Anse Kerlan, Praslin

Lemuria is a great location for families and couples

Lemuria has accommodation to suits all requirements. The Junior Suites are situated in blocks which are a little lacking in style compared to many of the hotels we have visited. The accommodation, however is generally stylish, comfortable and the location is convenient for the beach and central facilities. The pool villas are more expensive but have greater style and provide a more romantic location.

About the Location

The resort is close to the airport. The hotel has  the only championship golf course in the Seychelles in a truly idyllic setting. There are tennis courts, a great spa and wellness center, shops as well as a scenic pool. There are three restaurants one of which provides some of the finest dining in the Seychelles. There are three beaches. Two are close to the suites and one is a twenty minute walk although there is a regular shuttle provided. It is also possible to hike over to Anse Lazio for the energetic.

Acajou Beach Resort, Cote D’Or, Praslin

Acajou has great accommodation and is perfect for families on a budget

Acajou is family owned and run and  we are constantly impressed by the high standard of cleanliness, décor and attention to detail. The accommodation is attractively priced compared to many hotels of equivalent quality in the Seychelles.  The  rooms are spacious, the beds are beautifully appointed and comfortable and the bathrooms are exceptionally well appointed. There is a large pool and poolside bar. The extensive beach is adjacent. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and exceptionally well kept.  The hotel has a large restaurant and a resident chef.

About the Location

The hotel is situated on the  Cote D’Or beach. The extensive white sands and gently shelving bay are the very essence of the Seychelles. You will be able to walk out quite far and see a myriad of fish following you. In the evening you will be able to see hermit crabs scurrying into their burrows. The beach has views across to the island of Curieuse. The hotel will arrange excursions  for scuba diving and snorkeling in the pristine turquoise waters and also across to Curieuse.

Coco De Mer, Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin

Coco de Mer is a great family hotel and the Black Parrot Suites are perfect for couples

The main hotel is by a wide sandy beach which feels very remote. Accommodation is in beautifully appointed huts right by the beach in exotic landscaped tropical gardens. The recently refurbished rooms are reasonably sized and have well appointed bathrooms. The restaurant has a well deserved reputation and serves breakfast and a la carte dinner. For lunch there is a pretty beach and poolside restaurant which serves delicious lighter fare. The hotel has a pier that juts out into the bay. There are a number of comfortable swinging hammocks as well as an infinity pool. The Black Parrot Suites are co located on the hillside and offer very private accommodation for couples. They have their own restaurant and there is a small sandy cove just below the suites. The feel of this property is exceptional. The management and owners look after their staff and you can sense this in the atmosphere around the hotel. The service is impeccable and among the best we have encountered anywhere!

About the Location

Although the hotel is only 20 minutes from Praslin airport, the location feels very remote. There are no villages close by so the beach is very private. Boats are provided for guests and there is a diving school. Guests can also hike in the extensive grounds which border the Vallee de Mai National Park.

St. Francis Golf Lodge, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

St. Francis Golf Lodge is a must for golfers set in an enviable position amid a Jack Nicklaus designed course

St. Francis Golf Lodge is a beautifully appointed and tastefully furnished hotel. The 10 stylishly decorated rooms are located on two separate buildings overlooking the first tee. All rooms have large en suite bathrooms. Two of the rooms (without views of the course)  are larger and feature a private patio complete with outdoor showers. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the nearby clubhouse is available for lunches and for dinners on Mondays and Wednesdays. At other times, St. Francis Bay and Port St. Francis have good restaurants. Golf is, of course, a feature and guests have preferential green fees during their stay.

About St. Francis Golf Lodge’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon.

Dune Ridge Country House, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

Dune Ridge is the perfect spot to unwind either at the start of your holiday or at the end of your vacation

Dune Ridge is one of the most tranquil locations we have encountered. Close to the resort town of St. Francis Bay, the lodge is tucked away in the countryside. You can choose between two Garden Cottages, four Garden Suites and one Family Cottage. Whichever you select, you won’t be disappointed. The decor is very tasteful adding to the comfort of the serene environment. There is a pool to relax by, listening to the myriad of birds. Or, perhaps, you will be fortunate to spot one of the Nyala antelopes while you sip a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the restaurant is available for dinner. Should you wish to be pampered, the lodge boasts a well equipped bush spa for your enjoyment.

About Dune Ridge’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon. For golf enthusiasts, St. Francis Bay has two rated courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed Links. Both courses are within a 5 minute drive.