Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa
At a 3000-foot altitude about halfway between Hazyview and White River, the high-end Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa spares its guests the worst of Mpumalanga's summer heat. The Lodge is surrounded by a garden fragrant with the scent of flowering trees, where guests can watch wild monkeys swing from branch to branch.
Each unit is screened from its neighbors, with a private garden, satellite TV, DVD player and/or VCR, iron and ironing board, bath gowns, and the latest magazines. All guests have access to the heated main swimming pool. Bath time is made more luxurious with Charlotte Rhys toiletries and heated towel racks. Suites have private heated pools with sun beds and umbrellas.
The courtyard Spa has three treatment rooms, an open-air Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and outdoor showers. The Lodge welcomes children 10 and older.
Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa
Off Spitzkop Road between Hazyview and White River
Mpumalanga, South Africa
011 (+27) 013 764-9500
www.cybele.co.za
Highgrove House
The Highgrove House, in the town of Kiepersol 11 miles south of Hazyview, is a country estate at the end of a winding tree-shaded drive. With a capacity for only 16 guests, the hotel prides itself on personal service.
The Highgrove House's eight garden suites each has a sitting room with wood burning fireplace, ceiling fan, and doors opening onto a private veranda with views of the surrounding forest or orchards. All guests have access to the hotel's outdoor pool. Bathrooms have both tubs and showers. The two orchard suites have swimming pools and saunas in their private gardens. Both breakfast in the gazebo and dinner in the dining room are included in the room price. Dinner at the Highgrove is somewhat formal; the dress code forbids jeans, shorts, and athletic shoes. The Highgrove welcomes children 14 and over.
Highgrove House
P.O. Box 46
Kiepersol 1241
011 (+013) 764-1844
www.highgrove.co.za
Bohm's Zeederburg Country House
Managed for over three decades by the same family, Bohm's Zeederburg Country House sits amid sweeping green lawns in the shade of mature wild fig trees. Located about 11 miles west of Hazyview near Sabie, the hotel is 2700 feet above sea level with panoramic views of the Sabie River Valley.
Each of the hotel's five chalets has two ensuite air-conditioned units with mini-bars, refrigerators, coffee and tea makers, and bath tubs and/or showers. Television is available in the hotel lounge. Guests can also lounge by the hotel pool with a book from the library or order a picnic lunch to take along on a hike down the two-mile trail to the river. The sauna and Jacuzzi await those needing some post-hike recovery.
The on-site restaurant features local trout, lamb, and mushrooms prepared with produce from the hotel vegetable garden. Room rates include either full English or continental breakfast. The hotel welcomes children 10 and older.
Bohm's Zeederburg Coutnry House
On R536 between Hazyview and Sabie
Sabie 1260
011 (013) 737-81017
www.bohms.co.za
