Five-star luxury meets the allure of a lush, hidden valley.
Driving along a dusty farm road just off the N2, near the exclusive seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay, we hardly expected to find a private paradise hidden away in a world of its own.
Within five minutes, we had arrived at our destination – a magical oasis floating above the treetops of an ancient indigenous forest – to be greeted by some inquisitive bushbuck peeking out from behind the greenery, and a flock of tropical birds darting about the crystal-clear skies above us. An apposite welcome indeed.
Tsala Treetop Lodge Plettenberg Bay
We paused for a few moments after parking the car to breathe in the country air and take in the expansive panoramas, before following the soothing sounds of trickling water to our home-from-home, Tsala Treetop Lodge, surely one of the Cape’s most beautiful escapes.
A seductive mix of Bali-esque topography and luxe-safari furnishings, the retreat exudes an indescribable aura of mysticism and ancient wonder, with luxurious mod cons reminding us that we were not in fact on an Ancient Javanese island.
The lodgings
Tsala Treetop Lodge Suites
Elevated wooden walkways connect 10 suites and six villas, which are equipped with ultimate creature comforts and offer a liberating sense of solitude. Wherever you are in the lodge – sitting in the lounge by the fireplace, relaxing in your private rim-flow pool or enjoying meals in the glass-walled dining room – you’re constantly reminded that you are, in fact, several metres above ground level.
Suite features
Tsala Treetop Lodge Suite
10 suites
one bedroom with a king-size bed (sleeping 2 adults)
en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, rain shower and outdoor heated shower
spacious indoor seating area
wood-burning clay fireplace
tea- and coffee-making facilities
private front-facing outdoor deck with a seating area
second suite-facing outdoor deck with deck chairs and a private plunge pool
complimentary canapés and bottle of wine on arrival
complimentary minibar items
air conditioning and heating
complimentary wifi
Villa features
Tsala Treetop
6 villas
two bedrooms with a king-size bed (sleeping 4 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
en-suite bathrooms with a rain shower and outdoor heated shower
spacious indoor lounge with a dining area
wood-burning clay fireplace
tea- and coffee-making facilities
private front-facing outdoor deck with a seating area
second suite-facing outdoor deck with deck chairs and a private plunge pool
complimentary canapés and bottle of wine on arrival
complimentary minibar items
air conditioning and heating
complimentary wifi
While you’re there
Tsala Treetop Lodge Patio
The minute you set foot into your suite, you’ll realise you have no intention of ever leaving! Luckily, a sparkling blue rim-flow plunge pool, two resident restaurants, and a view-drenched deck – all on your doorstep – mean you needn’t have to.
Tsala Treetop Lodge Dining Area
The glass-walled Tsala Restaurant serves gourmet breakfasts, light à la carte lunches and to-die-for three-course dinners, rounded off with a curated selection of local wines from the cellar. Those wishing to stay in their dressing gowns and dine in the comfort of their own suite (we don’t blame you!) can opt for room service.
Should you wish to dine at Zinzi Restaurant (for a fine-dining experience), it’s just a short stroll from the lodge. Your hospitable hosts are always on hand to assist with requests.
Tsala Treetop Lodge Zinzi Restaurant
And, just in case the heavenly ambience, superb cuisine and surfeit of creature comforts don’t have you relaxed enough, there’s the option of in-room spa treatments available on request.
Adventure lovers will be in their element with the hiking and mountain-biking trails surrounding the property. Or take a short drive into the centre of Plettenberg Bay for boat rides on the Keurbooms River, swimming with African Fur Seals and open-water kayaking. There is also the nearby Birds of Eden sanctuary and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, housing 18 species of playful primates.
Tsala Treetop Lodge Breakfast Deck
Part of the esteemed Hunter Hotels group, whose properties are characterised by attention to detail, impeccable service and hard-to-beat locations, Tsala Treetop Lodge most certainly deserves a spot on even the most seasoned of travellers’ lists. Here, you can rest assured that your every desire will be met. And then some.
Undeniably romantic, Gorah Elephant Camp’s historic farmhouse dates back to 1856. Miraculously it survived the Anglo-Boer war and today this gracious homestead, now surrounded by eleven luxury tented suites, is part of the only private concession within the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park. Built near a natural spring known as ‘de Goras’ the house has witnessed centuries of game passing through, not unlike the scene at the waterhole in front of the deep wraparound verandah today. Game viewing is legendary here and before you’ve even finished your cup of tea you’re likely to have seen a herd of elephant visit for a deep drink, while a skittish warthog keeps its mother on the move. In fact, many a candlelit dinner has ended with a rush outside to witness a spectacular night sighting at the waterhole followed by the excitement of a lone buffalo roaming through the unfenced camp. In the afternoons, the comforting smell of freshly baked apple tart and high-tea treats eclipses the nostalgic scent of paraffin lanterns, candlewax and furniture polish. Silver platters and trays are filled with chef’s delights before the game drive and the clatter of teacups and chatter rises as stories are shared and acquaintances made.