23/07/2023
Home, Food & Travel
Accommodation review
Title: Connect with nature
Sub-title: Free yourself at Forest Creek Lodge & Spa
Location: Badfontein Lydenburg district, Mpumalanga
Someone once said that ‘the earth has music for those, who listen’, well when you take in the sights of the massive mountains, the misty forest, and the sounds of flowing water and wild animals at the Forest Creek Lodge & Spa, you would agree that it is truly music for the ears – especially for those wanting to get away from the city noise.
Forest Creek Lodge & Spa is a 4-star Lodge found nestled in a gorge in the Steenkampsburg Mountains, and set in a private nature reserve on the Mpumalanga escarpment.
I was advised by Anita, the owner, that due to the terrane of the road, access would not be possible in my small car, some smaller cars can drive up the road as long as it is a short wheel base, and has some ground clearance, however, if your vehicle is not suitable for the last 4 km of dirt road there is a collection service. In case of this, guests can park their cars at the gate before entering the lodge, here it will be safely guarded. There is a small fee for collection.
A friendly driver from the lodge will then fetch guests in a 4X4 and take them to the front desk.
Forest Creek truly gives you the feeling of being part of nature, with their stone walls and beautiful mountainous surroundings. Walking through the front door, I was immediately greeted by the friendly smiles of the staff and was offered a complimentary glass of sherry. This, topped with the roaring fireplace, made me feel totally relaxed and at home.
There are five private suites to choose from, each secluded by a bush, with their own private verandas, outdoor shower, crisp white percale cotton duvets, and a ball and claw bathtub set in the bay window that has a fantastic view of the lush greenery outside.
The rooms have TV with DStv, a fully-stocked fridge, hairdryer, a heater and electric blanket as well as a fan for those hot summer days. A fireplace is also available in the lodge for those cold winter nights where you just want to curl up with a good book or glass of wine. Wi-Fi access is restricted to the lodge reception area.
Forest Creek also has four self-catering cottages that are both private and rustic; you’ll feel like you are totally away from it all.
The private suites include dinner and breakfast. Dinner is definitely not to be missed, as Forest Creek serves a delicious three-course meal. I enjoyed one of the most appetizing steaks I have ever eaten, and their Crème Brulee was divine.
You can enjoy breakfast on the veranda overlooking the gorge and forest while you listen to the sounds of the birdlife.
To make your stay more memorable, you can enjoy a treatment at their Spa or enjoy several activities from hiking trails, clay pigeon shooting, Gazebo romantic dinner, bird watching, To add onto the memorable experience, you should try out the Bush Bath. While in the middle of the forest, it is completely private, and can be enjoyed with lots of bubble bath and of course a bottle of bubbly champagne.
Privacy, relaxation and good service are Anita’s keywords. No wonder, once you visit, you become like family, guests of Forest Creek tend to return due to the amazing service, and I am proud to say that I also plan on returning soon!
To make a booking in this misty mountain location, call 073 2564478 or email [email protected], or visit www.forestcreek.co.za
