I whisked my mother away for a 2 night stay at Misty Mountain Reserve in Tsitsikamma – what a special and unique experience it was!
We were given a warm welcome by all of Misty Mountain Reserve’s super friendly staff who treated us like queens from when we arrived to when we departed. Welcome drink in hand, we whisked off in our private golf cart to our home for the first night: Misty Mountain’s iconic Ocean Dome. Needless to say, all our expectations were way exceeded and pictures really do this magical place & space no justice.
The ocean dome
Ocean Dome is a unique offering at Misty, secluded on the edge of the reserve offering incredible sea views with the forest surrounded you for total privacy and tranquility. The first of five domes built by #onceuponadome , this is their flagship. Round in shape with full views of the treetops and skyline above, with the ocean below and forest all around, this luxurious stay is a MUST for anyone seeking a place of solitude immersed in nature. It is beautifully furnished and very well equipped for a relaxing stay.
It’s a place you can literally spend a few days at and truly unwind with your loved one, be it your partner, best friend, sibling or in my lucky case…my mother.
Tsitsikamma Adventure Land
After some R&R on the ‘chill net’ soaking in the sea vistas and relaxing sound of birds chirping (we even had a little buck come visit), we headed off Tsitsikamma Adventure Land, which is on-site. They offer quad bike adventures through the famous Tsitsikamma forests and stop midway at a platform nestled amongst the fynbos, with unsurpassed views of the vast ocean and the famous mountain range filling the backdrop. Wow! The 2.5 hour round trip is definitely something to enjoy during your stay at Misty. Our guide, Billitjie, a local man, ensured we were safe and always having fun. More exciting memories to add to our books!
We returned home to our dome in time for sunset, with the hot tub already on the go (the staff ensured it was prep’d for us – talk about 5* service). After soaking in the hot tub under the stars, and after enjoying a delectable feast (we ordered a BBQ/braai basket which was delivered to our dome – there is a gas BBQ/Braai at the unit), we retired for an evening of stargazing on the chillnet again and then, of course, what the Domes are famous for: Sleeping under the canopy of the African sky. Pure Joy & Pure Bliss!
The next morning
The next morning we awoke to a spectacular display of thunder and lightning rolling over the vast ocean, which we enjoyed with a coffee in hand from the cozy comfort of our queen size bed.
Breakfast was served at the main lodge, with an option of indoor or outdoor dining. We opted for the latter, as to take in the beautiful views of the ocean and lush landscape. Mom and I both ordered the salmon eggs benedict which tasted as amazing as what it looked.
After a lazy start to the morning, and considering Misty Mountain’s prime location in the heart of the Garden Routes adventure hub ie Tsitsikamma, we couldn’t help ourselves but seek more of it and soon headed off to Storms River Village for Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour, the first of it’s kind in South Africa. This sought-after activity takes you soaring high in the sky, in some places up to 30 meters above the ground, all whilst being surrounded by the preserved indigenous forests that Tsitsikamma is world-renown for.
Ancient African Milkwoods (‘Uncle Sam’ is 600 years old!), impressive Pear Trees, incredible fauna and flora, the sound of the elusive Knysna Loerie birds calling one another between the dense forest…taking all the sights and sounds in, whilst zipping from one tree to another. It was my 2nd time enjoying this experience but my mother’s first time and what a joy it was for me to see her loving every second of it.
Our stay in an ocean view cabin
Exhausted but oh so happy, we returned to Misty for our last night’s stay, this time in one of their Ocean View Cabins. It’s a very different offering to that of the Domes but also oh so lovely, with all the added comforts to make for a most wonderful and relaxing stay (including the jacuzzi spa bath with bubbles and candles).
As the name suggests, these cabins all offer sea views and are located higher up, and closer to the main lodge. That evening we dined in their restaurant and once again, their food was mouthwatering. I had a beef lasagne and salad whilst mom opted for their chickpea curry, all meals are homemade using the freshest ingredients.
With full bellies and full hearts, we retired to our cabin and feel asleep to the sound of pure peace that surrounded us.
Misty Mountain Reserve will always hold a special place in our hearts, and in our memories, cherished.
