Let me start this review by saying the real gem an...

Let me start this review by saying the real gem and value add of this lodge is their staff. Friendly, resourceful and supportive. I did not meet one staff member that was not friendly; Beatrice the lodge manager who is also receptionist and what else. The massage therapist Devaline (I hope I spell this right, masks :)) is one of the best. This lady enjoys her job and if I may say her resources are limited; she has to work to make it a pleasant experience and she does. Small little person with strong powerful hands, little dynamite she called herself.

The surroundings are beautiful; if you are looking for a weekend breakaway and want to feel like you had a two week holiday then this definitely makes it possible. The electric scooters is fun in slow motion, our fifteen year old teenager enjoyed this more than she thought she would. It is slow riding but it is fun.

We wanted family time; so no minute was spared to do things separately; it was about having an experience together. It would have been nice to be able to do the spa treatments simultaneously but they can only do one person at a time; but still we were collected by Devaline so it did not feel disconnected.

Overall the rooms were beautiful, crisp cotton bedding, thirsty towels, clean and with double doors opening up on the little porches, it gave me an afternoon nap, that still has a lingering effect.

Is it perfect, unfortunately not. But before I start the list; I must say it did not take anything away from a lovely weekend break and we will go back. They were also working on the lodge so I belief it will only improve.

When you arrive; the parking is outside. So when it rains there is no shelter to unload you car. Pack light because you have to carry your luggage some way.
The porch doors we had is wood, swollen and need a hell of a bang to get it close enough to lock.
Showers is lovely but everything is wet when you finish and it is slippery affair.
The taps came off and the pipes rumbled.
Echo the automated smart system was fun but inconsistent in a funny way. In general she worked fine but she was fickle when it came to the lights.
The food was fine enough but in our opinion over prized or another way of looking at it would be "under done". Do not mind to pay R 325 but then one does not expect plain fatti's and moni's pasta, with chicken and broccoli. It was tasty enough but we were underwhelmed and this is something we will not do again when we go back.
There is no light blanket in the room and no way to warm the rooms on a chilly weekend like we had. We probably could use the aircon but we do not find it a healthy option. In our room was a fireplace but we were not allowed to use it.
If you are on the bulky side like me the dining room chairs felt unsafe and rickety. There were nice furniture outside but as it was raining and cold; sitting outside was not an option.