Review by Jaci de Villiers
'Lodge On The Lake'
"Leave your stress at the front door and allow yourself to sink into a truly sumptuous and restorative experience."
In the heart of the garden route you’ll find a total gem of a place that will ensure complete relaxation and rejuvenation. 'Lodge On The Lake' is a 5 star Guest House built for pampering. I arrived carrying the stress of a week of deadlines, a merry-go-round of family birthdays and residual whiplash from a minor car crash –all in all someone 'waiting to exhale'.
What a gift to walk into the stunning reception area that leads out onto a deck with a rim flow pool which seems to almost flow into 'Island Lake' -one of the five great lakes of Wilderness. The Hoekwil Mountain range across the waters completes the breath taking picture. Quite a powerful first impression -no wonder this area is known as the 'Eden' of the southern coast. Heaven on Earth! From my bedroom window I had uninterrupted views of the idyllic expanse of the Touws River and indigenous forest. This is the area of the Giant Kingfisher and the silence encompassing the lodge allowed me to really hear the different birdsong and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature.
The five guest suites are spacious and elegant, each one with an enormous bathroom as well as its own balcony to savour the sensational views. Every suite has a different look and feel and comes with all the bells and whistles from Mini bar to king size beds and wireless internet. My favourite room was the 'Honeymoon suite' with the freestanding bath tub and romantic four-poster bed. (Room number 3 when you call and make your booking).
After orientating myself to the space I made my way to the Wellness Spa. I was lucky enough to be looked after by Adelene –a real angel of a therapist. She has a firm touch, gentle demeanour and infectious enthusiasm for her profession and the 'Lodge'. I experienced a life saving full body massage. The Wellness Spa uses the ‘Thalgo range’ comprising mineral wealth from seaweeds, algae and sea salts for their body and face treatments. These products are so perfect for this spa where the sea shore is literally three minutes away –you feel like you’re going to be healed by the wellness of the sea. They have also recently introduced the 'Thera-Vine range'.
The Spa boasts three treatment rooms. One is a dedicated manicure and pedicure experience and there is also a fabulous couple room with its own Jacuzzi. Their signature treatment is the Couple Package which includes a Full Body Hot Stone Massage, Full Body Exfoliation, Mini Facial and Couples Spa bath. Combine this with an overnight stay in the Honey moon suite and you’ll be relationship renewed! The Wellness Spa also includes a steam room for the clients use.
As a very 'curvaceous' woman I particularly enjoyed their large treatment beds and padded head holds –I drifted away in complete bliss as the weeks stress melted away.
This Spa is quaint and personalized. It feels like you have found a little oasis that no-one else knows about. This is the ideal place to take your mom for Mothers Day, your best friend for her birthday and your husband for a specialized 'Men’s Treatment'. You know you’re going to get great service, a perfect setting and special attention. It’s the 'Cheers' of Spas –'you wanna go where everyone knows your name!'
I found their prices really reasonable with a foot massage starting at a R160 and the most advanced treatment –the Deluxe Anti-Aging Facial for R540. Their treatment range covers everything from Facials, Body treatments and Massages to Spa Baths waxing, tinting and plucking. This is an upmarket environment at affordable prices. There is also a selection of Day packages starting at R800. They do offer vouchers and gift packages and the Spa is open daily from 08h00 -17h00.
Once I resurfaced from my extreme pampering I chatted to owner, Frank Bauer, an ex-Berliner who fell in love with the area and has made South Africa his home. He opened 'Lodge on the Lake' in September 2007 and is hands -on in his business ensuring a very high standard of service excellence.
'Lodge on the Lake' offers a hearty breakfast with everything from fine cheeses to 'made to order' hot English Breakfasts. Ntombi rules the kitchen and has a wonderful ease with the guests. Lunch is included in some of the special packages they offer. For dinner options Wilderness has great restaurants–Frank pointed me in the direction of 'Pomodoro' which was a lively Italian restaurant that was a fantastic recommendation and there is also 'Serendipity' for elegant dining literally around the corner from the lodge.
I recommend locals from George, Sedgefield and Knysna should claim this jewel as their own special secret and find any reason to spoil their family and friends with regular visits. Visitors from across the country and abroad should make it their ultimate holiday destination.
'Lodge on the lake' is a sophisticated destination with a stylish ambience. I highly recommend a visit because of its proximity to nature, the unequalled view of Island Lake and it is situated in one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa.
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