Grootbos

Gansbaai, Western Cape / South Africa

For those seeking a break from the bustle of city life, the Grootbos Private Natural Reserve couldn’t offer a more idyllic escape. Capturing every essence of what makes rural Africa so enchanting, the reserve is caught between mountain and sea, and as well as being home to the breathtaking milkwood forests, its adjacent coastal waters are regularly visited by marine life such as whales, dolphins and seals. Sitting on the southern coast of South Africa, the resort is home to exceptional lodges and villas, and is located just two hours away from Cape Town.

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What to love

Hailed as a botanical paradise, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is filled with a remarkable amount of flora and wildlife species and boasts a beautiful natural landscape from lush rolling hills to ancient milkwood forests.
Guests will be impressed by the tranquil privacy each of the resort’s standalone suites enjoys.
Highly trained therapists are on-hand in the spa to offer a range of facials, manicures and massages, which can even be performed next to the peaceful surroundings of the milkwood forests.
Blessed with one of the most diverse and thriving marine ecosystems in the world, visitors are liable to encounter an array of oceanic life including whales, seals, sharks, penguins and dolphins.

What to know

.All those who stay at the Grootbos Private Natural Reserve are directly contributing to the conservation programme, the Grootbos Foundation, which helps maintain the local area as well as developing nature-based livelihoods among nearby communities.
Each of the resort’s individual suites have been designed with sleek, sophisticated design and contemporary furnishings – from the luxurious canopy beds to the charming fireplace to the secluded wooden decked outdoor terrace.
The Grootbos resort is home to two gastronomical restaurants, each offering a spectacular dining setting and first-rate attention to detail when it comes to the food on offer.

Description

The Afrikaans word ‘Grootbos’ translates directly into English as ‘Big Forest’, which, while rudimental, perfectly signifies the simplistic majesty of the milkwood tree forests and flora that populates this remarkable southern region of Africa, and is where this ever-charming resort takes its name.

Sitting in amongst this natural splendor, the Grootbos Private Natural Reserve looks up towards mountain ranges, while simultaneously down towards the coast – where an abundance of rare and captivating sea life frolics. And all this within a two-hour journey to the South African capital, Cape Town, should you wish to return to civililisation.

Blending seamlessly within this scenic haven, each of the Grootbos Private Natural Reserve’s freestanding suites, lodges and villas has been designed with sleek minimalism and a natural décor. Built with luxurious canopy beds, stylish en suite bathrooms and a spacious living area, each accommodation type also has huge panoramic windows – so guests can fully appreciate the sunrise and sunsets over the African landscape.

Keen not to let the location alone do all the talking, the Grootbos resort also has a number of experiences for all of its guests. If, despite the area, you’re not quite feeling zen enough, then the on-site Bloom Beauty Salon and Forest Spa will provide what you need to tip you over the relaxation edge. Offering a range of treatments ranging from foot refloxology to exfoliating facials to Shiatsu healing therapy, there are no excuses for leaving the resort 100 per cent rejuvenated.

Not to be outdone, the kitchen staff at the Grootbos resort also put on an impressive show. Guests can tuck into a range of creative culinary at two different dining destinations, with menus bursting with exotic international flavours, freshly caught fish and traditional South African cookery. The two restaurants – The Garden Restaurant and The Red Indigo Restaurant – leave the choice of an al fresco dining experience or an in-house table overlooking the Walker Bay. The kitchen prides itself on sourcing fresh, organic ingredients wherever possible. The resort is also home to a wine cellar, champagne bar and offers an in-room dining service.

When to Travel

The Southern Cape has a Mediterranean climate, hence it is typical to expect dry, warm summers and cold and wet winters. The average summer temperature (December-February) is 26.5°C and the average winter temperature (June- August) is 17°C. That said the region experiences in excess of 250 days of sunshine per year.

September through to March is considered spring and summer which is the ideal time for travel, especially for beach goers. May to September is also a great time when the visibility is best and whale watching commences in June.

Location

Grootbos is located very close to Gansbaai, just two hours drive from Cape Town and 30 minutes from Hermanus. The drive from Cape Town will take you along the R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Hermanus. This is regarded as one of the top scenic routes in Southern Africa, hugging the coastline with amazing views of False Bay. Between June and November, whales are often sighted on this drive.

Great For

Spa-WellnessFamilyHorse-ridingWildlife-SafarisScuba-divingCouples

Facilities

Swimming-PoolWifi-InternetPrivate-swimming-poolConference-facilities

See all accomodation

The suites at Grootbos are located in two areas, the Garden Lodge and the Forest Lodge.

Garden Lodge

True to its name, the warm and welcoming Garden Lodge is set amongst beautifully landscaped fynbos gardens and indigenous trees. Fashioned from stone, thatch and timber, the Garden Lodge reflects African warmth with an intercontinental twist, blending perfectly into the surrounding landscape.

Nestled carefully into the Milkwood forest, each of the 11 freestanding suites are stylishly furnished with luxurious canopy beds, spacious en suite bathrooms, separate lounges with cosy fireplaces and private wooden decks with spectacular panoramic views. All of the suites of the Garden Lodge feature satellite TV and a DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and an air conditioner.

One Bedroom Classic Suite: Features a spacious bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower and WC, separate lounge with cosy fireplace, private deck with panoramic views of Walker Bay and an additional shower room with WC. The One Bedroom Classic Suites sleep two and the indoor area is approx. 55-60m2.

One Bedroom Luxury Suite: A more spacious suite with the same facilities as the Classic Suite however the en suite bathroom has a bath and shower and WC. The One Bedroom Luxury Suites sleep two and the indoor area is approx. 75-85m2.

Two Bedroom Luxury Suite: Ideal for families or friends travelling together, the two bedroom suites have a real home from home feel. The spacious suites feature two private en suite bedrooms (one with bath and one with shower), a separate lounge and dining area and a private deck overlooking Walker Bay. Two Bedroom Luxury Suites sleep four and the indoor area is approx. 80-90m2.

Forest Lodge

The Forest Lodge is a masterpiece of sophisticated contemporary design reflecting the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The 16 freestanding luxury suites are carefully embedded in the ancient Milkwood forest, accessed via an enchanted cobbled pathway beneath the forest canopy. Each suite is stylishly furnished to provide an exquisite blend of aesthetic beauty and supreme comfort. Cosy fireplaces, luxurious canopy beds and spacious bathrooms make this the ultimate romantic getaway.

The Forest Lodge Suites all feature a lounge with cosy fireplace, satellite TV, minibar, DVD player and tea and coffee making facilities, safe air-conditioner and under floor heating.

Luxury Suite: Features a spacious bedroom with en suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC, a separate lounge and a private deck with outside showers overlooking Walker Bay. The Luxury Suites sleep two and the indoor space is approx. 75-85m2.

Luxury Pool Suites: As the luxury suites but with the added benefit of a plunge pool on the outside deck.

Villa: The most exclusive offering in the Grootbos portfolio and quite possibly one of the most exclusive offerings in the whole of South Africa, the villa comprises six elegant suites accommodating up to 12 adults. Services include a butler, laundry and valet service as well as a private chef for the duration of your stay.

Family

Grootbos offers families a wealth of activities to enjoy together including land based whale watching tours (June to December), horse riding for beginners and experienced riders, guided nature walks and beach picnics.

Facilities at The Garden Lodge include a children’s entertainment room, outdoor play area, animals such as rabbits and ducks as well as beautifully kept horse stables for children to visit.

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