Ichibi Lakeside Lodge

Garden Route & Winelands, South Africa [view map]

Style: Africa welcomes the Orient
Setting: Lush Langvlei lakeside

This boutique bed and breakfast retreat on South Africa’s green and gorgeous Garden Route offers all the colonial glamour of a luxury safari lodge, with added Oriental enchantment.

Need to know

Rooms: Three suites.
Rates: R950 – R1,900, including breakfast; excludes VAT at 14 per cent. 30 per cent reductions in low season.
Check-out: 11h.
Facilities: Airport transfers, gym, extensive DVD, music and book libraries, internet, parking, braai barbecue. In-room amenties: mini-fridge, air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities.
Poolside: The decked, heated pool has unforgettable views over Langvlei Lake.
Children: This hotel is more of a couples’ retreat.
Hotel closed: 1 July to 31 August.
Also: Suites are non-smoking.

In the know

Our favourite rooms: The three individually decorated suites all have gorgeous Oriental furnishings. The Red Room is contemporary, splashed with silks and framed kimonos, while its Gold counterpart has more of a classic feel. The honeymoon-ish Green Room has a double bathroom with twin Philippe Starck showers, palatial proportions and the most impressive view.
Packing tips: Take a birdwatcher’s guide so you’ll know an African fish eagle when you see one. There are some spectacular golf courses in the Western Cape area – a set of clubs would be handy.
Also: The wooden terrace leading down to the pool boasts a telescope for ogling otters frolicking on the lake or the colony of Vervet monkeys scampering in the manicured gardens.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: Although Ichibi Lodge labels itself a bed and breakfast, owner Linda Els can cook up a lunchtime or evening feast at the drop of a sun hat.
Dress code: Cooling casuals; kimonos optional.
Top table: Breakfast on the terrace and let the sweeping vista of mountains and lake wash over you.
Last orders: Dinner can be arranged between 19h and 21h; snacks are available at any time.
Hotel bar: The lodge’s honesty bar is fully stocked and offers the relaxed sophistication of a piano bar – with a much better view.

Smith card offer Free picnic and transport to a local marine reserve beach

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If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.