Along the tropical belt of KwaZulu-Natal, nestled amongst the palm and giant Milkwood trees lies Teremok Lodge & Spa, a luxurious five-star boutique hotel whose name translates from the Russian word for ‘little hideaway’. Prestigiously positioned on Marine Drive, just 1km from the ever-popular Umhlanga Rocks village, the über deluxe Teremok Lodge provides a serene, home-away-from-home experience for the most discerning of business executives and leisure travelers alike. Teremok was residence to the Vladykin family for many years having initially been built by Constantine Vladykin in 1968 as a two-bedroom holiday home. Known fondly as ‘Kotchka’, Vladykin had escaped the Russian Revolution with the help of the Red Cross and was educated at Cambourne School of Mines (UK) where he qualified as a mining surveyor. This brought him to South Africa where he married the daughter of a Belgian diamond cutter, and in time joined the family business. In 1966 Kotchka decided to retire to the coast where he had purchased land on Marine Drive and with the help of his good friend and architect, Steffan Ahrends (designer of ‘Milkwood’, the Oppenheimer family’s Umhlanga home), Teremok was created. Kotchka could never have imagined that years later, his beloved “little hideaway” would become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest boutique guest houses, but in 2002 the property finally came onto the market and was quickly snapped up by Debbie Davidson, who officially opened Teremok Lodge in December 2003. Due to Teremok’s truly colourful history, the new owners decided that the structure and feel should remain true to the essence of what was originally designed, built and joyously lived in for so many years. Teremok was purchased as a three-bedroom house and, while little was done to the exterior, the inside was given a complete overhaul. Original doors, sash windows and wooden flooring were left in place or reused elsewhere and the photos displayed around the house pay tribute to the Vladykin family. Every inch of Teremok clearly illustrates the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into creating the ultimate in luxury accommodation. A feast for the senses, all of the eight suites are unique in design, layout and feel with small subtleties such as individual scent and mood-music to create an enchanting atmosphere unlike any other. Each suite has extra-length beds (king size or twin), handcrafted ceiling fans, air-conditioning and private balconies. The open plan bathrooms have large rain-dance showers, freestanding baths, double basins and separate toilets with bidets. Extras include home entertainment systems, Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging pads, as well as complimentary fibre WiFi internet connection available throughout, and a library of well over 500 DVDs. Teremok also offers its guests a wide range of services and facilities, to help make their stay ultra-comfortable. Keeping with the home-away-from-home feel, two well positioned complimentary tea and coffee stations, as well as an honesty bar, help guests to feel relaxed in the lodge. Necessary measures have also been taken for guests to feel safe during their stay at Teremok, and there is secure off-road parking and an armed response unit in case of emergency. For guests who wish to enjoy the outdoors, they make use of the pool which is located in the lush, landscaped gardens prolific with bird life. The property also boasts the highly acclaimed Teremok Spa and, with full-time therapists on-hand seven days a week, guests are encouraged to indulge in one of the superb treatments on offer to immerse themselves in ‘the definitive experience’ that Teremok offers. Teremok Lodge also has an exclusive meeting room for clients wishing to conduct business meetings or hold a small function. Teremok Lodge also offers various meal options for lunch and dinner, including a gourmet picnic basket, as well as an occasion menu to enhance celebrations during guests’ stays.
