Nature’s Valley is a small coastal village built where the Groot River flows into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Located on the scenic Garden Route, this secluded valley is just 35km from the busy town of Plettenberg Bay. Here, you can have the best of both worlds: Escape into nature while enjoying four star comforts at the Lily Pond Country Lodge.

Tasteful rooms and units are built around the Lily Pond, after which the lodge is named. The rooms are cleverly designed with the beds facing French doors that open onto a small veranda facing the lake. A wall behind the bed contains the storage space, shelves, mirror, hairdryer and entrance to the bathroom. The décor is classic with an African flavour, good quality linen adorns the firm bed and thick heavy curtains muffle any sounds that might disturb your rest. Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a well-stocked mini bar that includes good local wines are standard creature comforts in all the rooms.

The restaurant was a highlight for me. The dining room is part of the main lodge and overlooks the pool and gardens. It is a beautifully appointed room complete with floor to ceiling glass doors on two sides for the summer months, and thick drapes and a roaring fire for a cosy feel during winter. The five-course set menu offers two choices for mains, and an option for vegetarians. Meals take a minimum of two hours. Each course is served and explained with pride. Where possible, all the ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal. The presentation is appealing without being fussy or pretentious, and the portion sizes are just right. Low lighting and tables that are not on top of one another creates an ambiance that is conducive to savouring each course, while enjoying good conversation. Breakfast is served outside on a covered veranda that overlooks the glorious gardens.

The staff here are exceptionally well trained and have great pride in the lodge. Friendly and helpful does not begin to describe every single staff member we had contact with. Lovely touches like coming out to find your car has been washed after a trip along a dirt road. Service excellence seems to be the norm at Lily Pond.