Our feature property journals are designed to highlight and showcase our favourite properties from around the world, taking a closer look at some of the magnificent properties that we love to send our clients to.
In our latest feature, we showcase Grootbos Forest Lodge in South Africa, where every detail tells a story of nature, from homemade fynbos-infused gin to guided walks through the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Grootbos Forest Lodge offers an all-inclusive dining experience, where every dish is served up in a colourful piece of art. Dining is more than just a meal; it is an artful experience rooted in local, organic produce. Guests enjoy dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients, many sourced directly from their own organic farm. With seasonal produce, hand-reared pork, and eggs from their free-range chickens, every plate is full of the flavours of the region. As the lodge is located close to the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, there is a daily supply of fresh seafood, with alternatives like trout available when the bounty is scarce.
You can enjoy these cuisine at one of two distinctive restaurants, each with its unique ambience. Choose between the warm and cosy atmosphere in the dining room of Garden Lodge, or the outdoor deck overlooking Walker Bay. Complementing the cuisine are specialties like spring water rich in minerals and unique Grootbos honey.
As one guest shared, “It is very difficult to put down in words what you actually experience… it is as if all the elements just come together.”
If you’re a gin lover, Grootbos Forest Lodge offers a unique taste of the region with its fynbos-infused gin, made using local plants like Milkwood berries, wild malva, and buchu. Guests can join the chefs on foraging trips to explore the surrounding landscape, learning to spot edible fynbos like kruipvygie and samphire. These ingredients are then used in dishes that highlight the natural flavours of the area.
Events like the SAFL (South African Food Label) initiative show Grootbos’ commitment to sustainable living. Visitors are encouraged to learn the benefits of using local, organic produce through foraging workshops and talks with experts like Loubie Rusch. These experiences end with a communal meal where everyone can enjoy delicious dishes paired with fynbos-infused cocktails, showcasing the variety and beauty of the region’s natural ingredients.
“We believe that food is about more than feeding your body; it’s about a connection to the land and its stories.”
The Grootbos Florilegium is a stunning collection of botanical illustrations created by local and international artists, capturing the rare and endangered plants of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Each artwork not only showcases the flora but also features the insects, pollinators, and creatures that coexist with them, highlighting the intricate relationships within this biodiverse ecosystem. This collection reflects Grootbos’ dedication to conservation, turning art into a way to connect people emotionally to the natural heritage of the region.
Throughout the Grootbos Forest Lodge, the influence of the Florilegium can be seen, from the artworks that adorn the walls to the textiles designed in collaboration with Evolution Product, featuring insect motifs inspired by local species. Guests can learn more through talks with resident botanical experts and take part in activities like botanical drives and nature walks, gaining a deeper understanding of the area’s biodiversity. Combining conservation with artistic expression is a way to encourage visitors to appreciate and protect the Cape Floral Kingdom.
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