Location
Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa

Less than two hours' drive from Cape Town, near where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Ocean meet near the southernmost tip of Africa, this vast private reserve offers guests a secluded experience of primal nature. In 1991, the Lutzeyer family first set eyes on a small farm on the fynbos slopes overlooking Walker Bay. Entranced by the wild beauty of the setting, they decided to develop a bed and breakfast on the site for local visitors. In the years since, they have turned it into a world-class example of ecologically conscientious luxury tourism, preserving more than 8,600 acres of botanical and wildlife treasures while providing economic opportunity that has transformed the lives of local community members.

Guests who come to Grootbos are surrounded by an ecological wonderland: within the reserve's unique fynbos kingdom and ancient milkwood forest, 900 plant species, 118 bird species (26 of which are endemic), 29 mammal species and 21 different amphibians thrive, some of which are threatened with extinction. A stay at Grootbos offers an immersion wholly in harmony with nature. The air is fresh, the mountain spring water pure, and much of the fresh, seasonal food guests savor is produced organically on the reserve, including fynbos honey. Your stay includes a daily full buffet breakfast, three-course lunch and five-course dinner. Naturally, wine is a highlight at Grootbos, which is located in South Africa's top Pinot Noir-producing area. Its vast cellar features award-winning local vintages impeccably paired with your meal by the resident sommeliers.

Private suites in the Garden Lodge and Forest Lodge offer panoramic mountain and ocean views in tranquil lodgings designed to complement the pristine natural setting. While each lodge has its own distinct character, all suites have expansive private decks; lounge with fireplace; sumptuous beds; spacious en suite bathroom with deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, robes and slippers, hair dryer, and signature toiletries; air conditioning and underfloor heating so you're comfortable no matter what the temperature; satellite TV and DVD player; safe; mini bar; and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Garden Lodge is tucked within a milkwood forest and surrounded by lush landscaping with dramatic views of sea. Its 11 free-standing, light-drenched suites combine traditional African warmth with contemporary design. With its thatched roof, heavy wooden beams and homey atmosphere, the Garden Lodge reception area, library and restaurant offer a relaxing setting for those who enjoy a traditional aesthetic. A swimming pool overlooks the ocean while a boma gathering place is set beneath an huge old milkwood tree. Forest Lodge combines clean lines and copious glass in a sophisticated modern design that melds seamlessly with the landscape. Sixteen individual suites offering the utmost in privacy are accessed via a meandering path through the milkwood forest. The lodge itself is the social hub with a lounge, restaurant, bar, wine cellar, and arts and crafts shop. Both lodges have swimming pools with ocean views. 

A portion of each stay supports the Grootbos Foundation, established in 2003 to support conservation of the critically endangered Cape Floral Kingdom (fynbos) landscape, while also focusing on training and skills development for the surrounding communities, including indigenous horticulture, sustainable hospitality, youth sports development, and guiding.