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The All-New Garden Lodge
Recent times have presented us with an unexpected and unique opportunity to reimagine and entirely rebuild our beloved Garden Lodge. Take a glimpse at the exciting new developments and features that we have planned for the newly built lodge and the magic that awaits you amongst ancient milkwood forests and fascinating fynbos.
Reflecting on the Past
- Garden Lodge was built in 1996
- Gradual refurbishments over the years
- Unique opportunity to completely rebuild
- To further enhance the guest experience and integrate the lodge with its surroundings
Overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, Garden Lodge was the first of the Grootbos lodges built in 1996. The original lodge was initially frequented by local travellers but soon began attracting visitors from across the globe.
The style of the lodge slowly developed organically throughout the years as gradual refurbishments have taken place, however, we are excited about this opportunity to completely rebuild the lodge and extensively enhance our guest experience and sustainability efforts.
An opportunity to reflect, remember our past and build towards the future
Throughout the years, our actions have been shaped by the world around us. The current pandemic has magnified the importance of sustainability, caring for others and collective action.
Various lockdowns and travel restrictions provided us with an opportunity to rebuild the original lodge with an enhanced sustainability focus to integrate it more harmoniously with its surroundings and significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Inspired By The Outdoors
The architecture draws inspiration from the various environments surrounding the lodge. The ceiling beams mimic the ancient milkwood branches, the floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light, and accentuate the expansive views giving the impression of being fully immersed in the nature around you while enjoying the comforts of the luxury lodge.
Focused On Sustainability
Progressive tourism and sustainability have always been a core component of our DNA at Grootbos. This ethos has been carried through the rebuild of the lodge by reusing materials from the original building, implementing eco-friendly water and waste management practices, and continuing to make use of solar and other clean energy sources, amongst other sustainability initiatives.
Built With Families In Mind
Garden Lodge has always welcomed and catered for families with children of all ages. With multi-generational travel becoming even more popular recently, Garden Lodge remains a family-friendly lodge while cleverly incorporating quiet hideaways for those looking to experience the celebrated tranquillity of Grootbos.
The culmination of an unexpected opportunity and an inspired vision of moving towards the future while harmoniously integrating with its surroundings
What is New At Garden Lodge?
Unique Wellness Area
A space of serenity and tranquillity, the new wellness area will have 3 dedicated treatment rooms and a sauna, to complement the relaxing and rejuvenating treatments from our qualified wellness team.
Elegant Wine Cellar
The wine cellar will be a romantic and versatile space that can be laid out with individual tables for up to eight couples, or with a single long table for exclusive use by a larger group. A prominent feature in the new design will be a window to the maturation cellar containing one of the most rare and vast collections of wines in South Africa, collected over 15 years.
HEATED SWIMMING-POOL
The temperature-controlled pool ensures the fun continues all year round and will feature a smaller, heated plunge pool ideal for enjoying a refreshing drink, as one takes in the magnificent views while relaxing in the water.
New Playroom and Kids Programme
Garden Lodge now features indoor and outdoor entertainment areas to keep children of all ages entertained for hours, including forest-inspired interior decor and a large outdoor courtyard. New kids activities are being developed and will launch with the lodge.
Luxurious Lounge Area
The new lounge area with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows allows for natural light to stream in giving the feeling of being immersed in the nature around you, while enjoying leisurely afternoons or refreshing sun-downers before dinner.
All-New Dining Area with Panoramic Views
Divided by a simple yet artful fireplace, the dining area will be a cosy space for loved ones to enjoy mealtimes together. The spacious outdoor deck maximises the views over Walker Bay and provides the perfect setting to enjoy our world-class cuisine.
Our Suites Get A New Look And Feel
Taking on a refreshed look, our suites will continue to celebrate an elegant, modern style with spacious rooms and unbelievable views over the Reserve and the Walker Bay region. The revamped suites offer a private retreat for families and couples to connect with nature and each other while enjoying all the luxurious comforts during their stay.
Gallery
An exclusive glimpse at the all-new Garden Lodge - a natural and enlightened way of living
Grand Re-Opening in April 2022
Bookings to stay at the new lodge are already open, and we look forward to welcoming you to the all-new Garden Lodge in April 2022.
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Grootbos Foundation and global recognition
Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades possible, making us one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.
