Darkness falls, and Ekhaya Bush Villa changes into its nighttime attire.
Lights come on, and a peacefulness settles throughout the public spaces.
Not even the soft chatter emanating from the kitchen as the staff prepared for the evening meal could distract from the overall feeling of tranquillity.
Not quite the Yellow Brick Road.
By following the gravel path, instead of discovering Oz, I found the most wonderful garden filled with a mixture of indigenous plants that added to the overall experience of staying here.
Take a moment and follow the path… Occasionally, the road(path) less travelled produces hidden results.
Not so much Alice through the looking glass, but Reginah as seen through the fireplace.
Tea lights instead of a fire added an element of excitement to the decor.
As an aside, I have to acknowledge that these were the most realistic battery-operated lights I have seen!
The staff at the Villa seem to smile constantly, and no wonder. Working in a wonderful environment like this would put a smile on anyone’s face.
The spectacular rear verandah.
This is more impressive than the front entrance, but I do wonder how many of the visiting guests take a moment to absorb this POV?
More impressive by night as it was when I arrived in the morning… minus the welcome drink on this occasion.
I wish that hospitality establishments would take more cognisance of the impact that correct lighting can play on how arriving guests perceive a space. Well done to all concerned with the interior design.
There is always time to light a fire and to relax before heading indoors for dinner.
I have been asked why I enjoy soup in summer. My response is “Why not?”. I will eat soup, hot, thick soup, any time of the year.
And this meal was no exception. When I heard the word “soup” from the kitchen, I was in my element.
Butternut soup with fresh bread. Could I ask for anything more? Yes! A main course and a dessert, please…
Bobotie as it SHOULD be prepared and served. With saffron-infused rice and vegetables.
How to explain this typical South African dish to foreign visitors?
Begin by saying that it is similar to meat loaf, only MUCH more delicious! Slightly sweet curry flavours ground beef with fruits like sultanas; the sweetness of sultanas contrasts with the dish’s spiciness. This dish is finished with a milk and egg custard topping.
Aside from boerwors (sausage), Bobotie is recognised as the unofficial national dish of South Africa.
And to end off the perfect meal?
What better than a Malva pudding…
What do you mean that you have no idea what this is?
Let me educate you…
Along with Bobotie, Malva pudding could be regarded as the unofficial national dessert of South Africa.
A comfort food for any season and the epitome of hospitality in any hospitality establishment worth its salt.
It is commonly served with a generous helping of warm (or cold) custard, ice cream or whipped cream.
Dinner over it was time to head off to my bed, which had been beckoning for quite a while.
However, I had delayed slipping between the luxurious linen to chat to the owner and his partner for a while about all things bush and hospitality.
MORNING ALL.
Juice and breakfast to start the day.
Although I was offered a hot breakfast, I chose THIS option as it was more than sufficient to provide the sustenance I required for the long ride back to Johannesburg.
Would I
a] Recommend this Bush Villa? Most certainly. It provides everything a visiting traveller requires, and given its situation, it is the ideal base for visitors who wish to explore the surrounding amenities.
b] Plan a return visit? Given that I only stayed in one of the rooms, there are others to explore, so, YES, I will be back.
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Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
The awards are in the categories:
Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
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