South Africa - Places To Stay

Nature's Valley - Lily Pond Country Lodge (4*) is surrounded by 12 hectares of magnificent indigenous forest and unique lily ponds. The fully equipped, individually decorated and modern en-suite bedrooms overlook the beautiful gardens and ponds. Guests can relax in a large Zen-style salt water rim-flow pool surrounded by wooden decking, or enjoy a health spa treatments provided on site. Meals are served in the dining room with large glass doors that open up onto the patio and swimming pool area. The cuisine features a fusion of Oriental, European and African tastes and flavours.

Natures Valley on the edge of Tsitsikamma National Park.

Lily Pond is only a short drive from Plettenberg Bay and George, and easily accesible by car. Self drive directions are available on request.

4 Standard rooms, 2 Luxury Suites, 3 Garden Suite and 1 Honemoon Suite
See Other Comments section for detailed room descriptions

STANDARD ROOM:
£53 per person sharing in Low Season (May-Sep)
£63 per person sharing in High Season (Oct-Apr)

LUXURY SUITE:
£65 per person sharing in Low Season (May-Sep)
£83 per person sharing in High Season (Oct-Apr)

GARDEN SUITE:
£76 per person sharing in Low Season (May-Sep)
£97 per person sharing in High Season (Oct-Apr)

HONEYMOON SUITE:
£85 per person sharing in Low Season (May-Sep)
£106 per person sharing in High Season (Oct-Apr)

Breakfast
A daily changing 4-course set menu at ZAR195 per person is served on request.

Children over 12 yrs old are welcome

Experience abundant birdlife and amazing butterflies from the nature island in one of the lily ponds, try the walking trails in the forest or for complete relaxation try their heated five-seated Jacuzzi on a lily pond island. Lily Pond also offer spa treatments, including massages, aromotherapy and reflexology.

Nearby activities include beach activities, whale and dolphin watching, hiking, horse riding, black water tubing, scenic flights, mountain biking, boating, fishing.

Lily Pond provide employment to members from the local community. Three employees have their Fairtrade certificates. They are replacing allien vegetation with indigenous plants, and make use of mountain water, whilst recycling grey water for irrigation. Guests are encouraged to use water sparingly. Lily Pond also supports the Plett child nursery Siyazama, support a soccer team via Green Futures Project and sponsor a local school through Kids for Kurland.

Cash in ZAR is accepted. All major credit cards are also accepted.

Please note that Lily Pond is closed in June with the exception of 2010.

Room descriptions:

Standard Room: The four spacious (32 square metres) standard rooms are individually decorated with French doors opening onto a private terrace with a view over the beautiful lily ponds and forest. The rooms are all equipped with Queen or Twin beds, quality percale linen, shower above bath, ceiling fan, 2 panel-heaters, hair-dryer, mini-bar, coffee and tea facility, Hi-Fi player, Satellite TV with central video system and direct telephone. Laminated flooring. WIFI hotspot.

Luxury suites: In addition to the standard rooms the 2 suites (46 square metres) have a separate lounge with large sliding door opening onto private terrace. Open plan bathroom with double freestanding bath, separate shower, separate toilet and velour robes. Extra length King-size beds. Cd/MP3 player with remote control, iron and iron-board, under-floor heating. WIFI hotspot.

Garden Suites: Spacious and private luxury Garden Suites (54 square metres) in 'Afro-Zen' style with forest and pond views. Large sliding door opens onto private terrace. Extra length King-Size beds with quality percale linen, standard and continental pillows. Panel heaters and ceiling fan. Lounge area with TV + central video system and CD/MP3 player, direct telephone, coffee/tea making facility, fridge and honesty bar. Bathroom with sliding door opening onto private courtyard, freestanding bath, double glass basins, walk-in shower (indoor & outdoor), velour robes and separate toilet. Large cupboards, luggage racks, European plug. WIFI hotspot.

Honeymoon suite: In addition to the Garden suites the Honeymoon Suite has a Spa bath, extra sliding doors in lounge opening onto a second wooden deck with sun loungers and big private garden next to the forest.