Private patios from which to enjoy a quiet drink in the serene surrounds and generous space. Unwind and rejuvenate.
Located on the shores of the Wilderness lagoon with gardens that flow into its tidal waters, the lodge is a birdwatcher's paradise.
The eight en-suite cottages and rooms (each with their own entrance and outdoor seating area) are designed to provide you with those real 21st century luxuries - space and privacy.
Start the day with a great breakfast, served on the terrace overlooking the lagoon. Help yourself to a buffet table of cereals, yoghurt, cheese, breads, juice and milk. The on-duty manager will then offer you a choice of hot breakfast options, served with a bottomless pot of excellent filter coffee, or Rooibos tea.
Spend the day exploring the forests and waterfalls of Wilderness National Park, or sightseeing the quaint towns of Knysna or Oudtshoorn, but make sure you set aside enough time to unwind in your hideaway before wandering down to the jetty to catch the ferry to a nearby riverside restaurant.
What could be more romantic?
Treetops:
A timber treehouse built on stilts, with sliding doors opening onto a private terrace with wonderful elevated views of the lagoon and verdant hillsides of Wilderness from your queen-size bed.
The entrance is via a staircase that winds through the bush.
Luxuriate in the green reflections of the indigenous bush that surrounds you - so close you can literally reach out and touch it from your bath. There's nothing like showering in the great outdoors - come rain or shine: totally private; totally refreshing.
Step out onto your terrace and you see why this suite is called Treetops (also furnished with timber chairs and comfortable loungers from which to enjoy the views).
Suite:
A spacious double-volume thatched suite. The Suite is part of the main house but has its own private entrance and great views of the garden.
The large Zen-style bathroom (with bath and separate shower) is filled with natural light and private garden views.
The patio area has river and garden views. Adjacent is the communal lounge and dining area, and the river view terrace where breakfast is served.
The mezzanine bedroom under attractive thatch is ideal for those travelling with a young child or children (though steep staircase is not suitable for toddlers).
The Cottage:
A richly decorated room that can potentially sleep four, with a king-size bed looking out onto your private seating alcove, shaded by a 400-year-old milkwood tree.
The bathroom is large (bath and separate shower) and splendidly appointed, with large cupboard space. Your private seating alcove, shaded by a 400-year-old milkwood tree gives you time to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink.
The upstairs second bedroom, right under the thatch, is also richly decorated with kelims; note that the upstairs double bed is low (to fit under the eaves) so not suitable for the elderly traveller.
Stone Cottage:
A century-old stone and thatch dwelling, furnished with antiques and Egyptian-themed artworks, the stone cottage exudes comfort and warmth.
The twin beds (can be made up as king-size) overlook a large semi-private seating area. Your parking bay is located a few steps away. The bathroom is also under thatch and features double basins, large shower and door leading out to small courtyard.
The Stone Cottage also offers guests a large semi-private seating area shaded by a 400-year-old milkwood tree and screened off by plectranthus - spectacular when in full bloom.
Boathouse:
The smallest room, but for many guests, the most romantic choice, the Boathouse is located right on the river - wake up in your double bed and watch the changing light on the water and aquatic birdlife preen.
The bathroom is compact (corner bath; hand shower) but comfortable. The entrance is via a short stone staircase leading to the riverfront. Double doors open onto a charming outside seating area with greater lagoon views.
Moonshadow 1:
The room offers a large bathroom (bath and separate shower) with indigenous yellow-wood detailing. The king size bed (can be made up as twin beds) overlooks a semi-private seating area.
Double doors open out onto a patio with river views and the parking bay is located a few steps away.
Moonshadow 2:
This huge suite has two sets of double doors leading onto a large patio with river views. Separate walk-in cupboard; ideal for those travelling with a lot of luggage or staying for more than a few nights.
Comprising a King Sized bed and 2 sleeper couches in your private lounge / seating area makes it ideal for guests with 2 children.
Your parking bay is located just a few steps away.
A private en-suite bathroom offers a large bath big enough for two, and separate shower for total freedom of movement.
Moondance:
This is one of the owner's favourite rooms, comprising a spacious bedroom with separate seating area - all under a gorgeous thatch canopy - and leading into a dressing area with plenty of natural light.
The king-size bed can be made into twins, and the sofa can become a third bed for those travelling with a young child. The bathroom features both high-pressure shower and a corner tub. The outside seating area has river views and is shaded by magnificent milkwoods.
Weddings:
The Lodge has a reputation for engendering romance - five proposals have been made (and accepted) here, and numerous nuptials celebrated in style. The entire venue (space to seat 100) can be hired for little more than it would cost to rent the rooms, and accommodation for 16 guests (maximum 22) is included. Wedding planning assistance offered, including an experienced event manager to deal with everything from table decorations to the boat the bride may choose to arrive in.
Location:
Located within the sprawling and beautiful Wilderness National Park, the small residential village is the ideal location from which to explore the gems of the Garden Route and Klein Karroo. Not only is this little village by far the most tranquil of the Garden Route options, but you are within easy striking distance of all the areas: a plethora of sights you'll find at bustling Knysna lie within a 25-minute radius, Plettenberg Bay, playground of the rich and famous, a further 20 minutes, while Oudtshoorn and the jaw-dropping Swartberg Pass lies 60 minutes away.
Every drive takes you past gorgeous lake and ocean vistas, with numerous winding passes through forested mountainsides.
The Guest Lodge is well located within Wilderness - at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, it is the only lodge right on the lagoon, yet the beach is a four minute stroll away, while the charming Milkwood Village, with its craft shops, informal eateries and health spa is a 10 minute walk (or 3 minute drive) away.
The boardwalk and Wilderness Park trails are also within easy walking (or paddling) distance. And one of South Africa's Top 100 restaurants is a five-minute drive from your doorstep.
George airport is a mere 17 minutes drive away. Airport transfers to the Lodge can be arranged.