The Ultimate Escape To Lalapanzi Lodge

Description

It’s not often that city dwellers like us are able to experience true peace, so when you find yourself in a place where the drudgery and monotony of city life fades away in an instant; you are left with a lasting impression and a lingering sense of nostalgia. This was our experience at the Lalapanzi Lodge.

Our journey started in the heart of Cape Town’s urban populace on a delightfully warm spring day. Making our way along the coast to our destination, we could not help stopping to admire the fields of flowers in full bloom; a precursor for what was to be a unique and utterly enjoyable experience.

Somerset West, for those who do not yet know, is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town and is home to an array of nature reserves, vineyards and beautiful Cape Dutch architecture; surrounded on one side by the vast stretch of the majestic Helderberg Mountain Range and on the other by the pristine beaches of Strand. The perfect location for a weekend break.

Beyond this sleepy town, we ventured upon a cluster of farms and vineyards nestled on the Wedderwill Estate. Following a winding road through the foothills of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, we were overwhelmed by beauty. Sunlight danced across the lush vegetation and the landscape of mountains and valleys resembled something out of a travel magazine.

After 20 minutes of delightfully scenic twists and turns, we reached Lalapanzi Lodge, an old-world stone and wood lodge. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by Rose, the administrator of the lodge, who showered us with warmth and kindness. Our rooms were simply, yet lavishly adorned with pastel and earth tone accessories, crisp white towels and all the necessities for a pleasant stay. And as if the room was not ample enough in itself, the glass doors looked out onto a neat patch of green and gorgeous views of the sea, mountains and Strand. Our second visitor was Charlie, the delightful and charming resident beagle who managed to work his way into our hearts in less than 30 seconds.

Cameras and hiking shoes in hand, we set out to explore the 600-acre estate. For anyone who loves the outdoors, there is plenty to see. On our walk through the forest we encountered a rich diversity of Fynbos with spectacularly vivid Proteas, succulents and other flowering plants – as well as a few interesting critters who enhanced our adventure! Our trail led us to the boundary of a neighbouring farm where we lingered beneath shade trees before continuing on our excursion.

As the day lazily drew to a close and the warm sunshine slowly retreated, our amble back to the lodge was rewarded by the type of sunset that us urbanites would expect to find in an elaborately constructed movie backdrop. Highlighted with warm pink and orange, the sky seemed ablaze as the sun set over the horizon.

All expectations thus far surpassed, we headed off to dinner. Greeted by friendly kitchen and restaurant staff, we were quickly seated and soon two beautifully done lamb shanks upon a bed of mash with freshly roasted vegetables and deliciously juicy gravy were placed in front of us. Foodies beware, this is one for the books! Dinner is served on the first floor of the lodge in the cosy restaurant area which is open to all guests, allowing you ample opportunity to spark up a friendly conversation with the staff or the other guests. Making the most of the lovely warm evening, we proceeded to the pool area for mellow relaxation under a sky filled with the lights of a thousand stars.

After rising early the next morning to prepare for our departure, we were welcomed by Rose to a superb hot breakfast, the perfect start to our day. Guests are treated to a variety of breakfast options, all of which had our mouths watering long before we made our choice. Staring out at the scenery from the window, the trees elegantly framing the backdrop of mountains and sea in the distance, we found peace; the kind of peace that most of us only dream of.

Lalapanzi was a place unlike any other we have been to, far more than a building on an erf. Simply put, it’s an incredible experience.