Platbos Forest: Honey Bee Suite

Nestled on the slopes of the Baviaanspoort Hills, Platbos Forest is one of South Africa’s few surviving indigenous forests. Amidst the ancient trees are three tranquil accommodation options – the tented Honey Bee Suite (sleeps two), the cabin-style Bush Buck Suite (also sleeps two), and the cosy Old Olive Cabin (sleeps three), which is named after a nearby Wild Olive tree that’s more than 800 years old! There’s a private wood-fired hot tub in both the Honey Bee Suite and the Old Olive Cabin, while all units boast a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace (either indoor or outdoor) and gas for cooking.

Good to know
Bring your own drinking water (the units use mountain river water, which is untreated), as well as extra lighting and torches (a solar lantern and candles are provided). Being off grid, there are also no plug points or fridge – but you can make use of the communal freezer. A cooler box is provided, but you may want to bring an extra one.

THE LODGINGS

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 1 freestanding tented bedroom (double bed)
• 1 bathroom with an open-air shower (hot water fuelled by the old-fashioned Donkey Boiler)
• Composting toilet
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor + outdoor living

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Gas for cooking
• Outdoor fireplace
• Open-air shower
• Wood-fired hot tub (two bags of wood provided)
• Braai facilities

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Walk the Forest Trail
• Bird-watching
• Animal-spotting
• Forest-bathing
• Lounging in the hot tub
• Visit the Forest Tree Nursery (by prior arrangement only)

In the area

• Explore the nearby towns of Gansbaai and Hermanus
• Seasonal whale-watching in Walker Bay
• Various walks
• Horse-riding
• Shark cage diving
• Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary