My best friend, who lives in the big city (aka Cape Town) decided to visit me in the Garden Route for a much needed retreat and R&R. What better place to spend quality time together than in the heart of Mother Nature, Tsitsikamma. I’ve been wanting to experience The Fernery Lodge and Chalets for some time now and with her visit, it was the perfect opportunity to do just that!
An easy 2 hour drive from my hometown of Wilderness, Tsitsikamma feels like it’s on our doorstep whilst at the same time, a million miles away. Adding to that feeling is the fact that The Fernery is found far off the beaten track, situated on a privately owned estate on the cliff’s edge, with waterfalls and running streams surrounding it as well as sea vistas ahead and endless mountains as the backdrop. This property is surely a piece of ‘haven’ on earth!
What was supposed to be just a one night stay turned into two nights as, from the moment when we arrived, we didn’t want to leave. The staff were all super friendly and helpful, from the receptionist who very efficiently facilitated our last-minute reservation and check-in to the porter/guide who led us to our forest Chalet and showed us around the property – you could sense the passion he has for his job as well as that of The Fernery Lodge and Chalets. It was wonderful, and we felt most welcome, like part of the Fernery Family from the get-go.
The variety of facilities and amenities on site were amazing. Our personal favorites were the 2 Kol Kol Hot Tubs each discretely nestled on respective riverbanks with majestic waterfall views and so close to the edge of the water, it felt like you could lean over and touch it’s coolness. Also, the outdoor jacuzzi which is perched high above the cliff’s edge with breathtaking forest and distant sea views. Not forgetting the restaurant situated at the Main Lodge where all meals are served, again with the best views ever (staff here too were super awesome and the food… delectable!).
There is so much on offer at The Fernery Lodge and Chalets including a spa/treatment room, an indoor jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor swimming pool, bar/relaxation deck, various outlooks decks (ideal place from which to enjoy an afternoon picnic, which can be ordered from the restaurant), outdoor chess, bicycles for guest use to explore one of the many MTB trails, also various walking trails plus an on-site nursery from which you can purchase incredible plants –take a memorabilia home with you. There’s also a dam with rowing boats, lovely for a romantic cruise at sunset.
Accommodation: We spent our first night in a Forest Chalet which turned out to be our favorite, as it’s more private, spacious and has an indoor fireplace. The deck has a BBQ/Braai – you can order a braai pack from the Main Lodge, which is rather convenient. The bathroom is beautiful with a double shower and free-standing bathtub boasting beautiful views over the lush ferns and forest. The second night was an upgrade to a Lodge Room – although the sea views were lovely and the spa bath a winner, we did enjoy the seclusion of the Chalet more. That being said, the variety of accommodations is great as there is something for everyone. There are also family chalets, two which have their own private swimming pools and are fully self-contained.
One our second day, we decided to venture out to Storms River National Park – my friend has never been to the famous hanging bridge before and in all honesty, I can’t remember the last time I was there. It was a worthwhile day excursion, ending off with a swim in the sea which is always a blessing.
Overall, we truly were relaxed and blissed out when we departed The Fernery Lodge and Chalets. One word to sum it up: MAGIC!
Note: With so much to see and do in Tsitsikamma (known as the Adventure Capital of the Garden Route) we would definitely recommend a minimum of 3 – 4 night stay at The Fernery Lodge and Chalets, which would allow ample opportunity to enjoy a balance between both relaxing R&R at the property as well as adventure activities in the area.
