The Fernery Lodge and Chalets

You've heard us harping on about beautiful views before, but now I need an even stronger superlative! Cradling my welcome G&T, I watched an enormous waterfall relentlessly plummet 30 metres down a river gorge before making its way to the sea. Beyond the forest I could see all the way to the ocean. On certain clear days, whales and dolphins complete an impossibly picturesque scene here. Unsurprisingly, The Fernery focuses on their natural visual treasures, from lodge bedrooms to dining areas, jacuzzis and pools. Decks and towers offer yet more angles for kloof-gazing with sundowners. I stayed in the main lodge, the perfect place to relax after another leg-achingly long drive. Here you find yourself on the end of some serious pampering, with large inviting rooms leading to even larger bathrooms. Up the hill from the lodge, wooden chalets boast traditional wood-burning heaters and outdoor braais to give them a back-to-nature feel. But fear not, there is entertainment at hand for chalet guests, including a pub, pool, cocktail bar, coffee shop and canopied jacuzzi overhanging the waterfall valley and every unit now has a flat screen TV with DSTV. And beyond these is Frans' gift to tandem couple travellers: the luxury apartment chalet. Thought through to the last detail, two sleek suites branch off a central kitchen and dining area like arms off the nave of a church, while gliding walls allow each couple to retreat into plush privacy in one swift swoosh. At last travelling couples can have their cake and eat it. Wifi and signal available near reception.

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