Premier Magazine (South AFrica)
At Home in the Wilderness
Experience the mystique and glory of the wilderness in Wilderness
With plenty of activities to suit those in search of social distancing, adventure and relaxation, here is what you can expect from a trip to Wilderness, including accommodation that brings you to the heart of it all, combined with a generous dash of love and homeliness that will make your visit that much more special. Here is what you need to know about the area, the design, the experience, and more...
Feel like a trip that takes you to the middle of nature? The kind of nature that puts on such a mystifying showcase that it feels breathtaking, yet unfamiliar and in need of exploration - something otherworldly? Well, a trip to Wilderness will provide you with just that and then some, especially when you are experiencing it all from Treedom’s Treehouse Villa, the luxury villa that sits among the treetops.
Not only is this where you will be starting and ending off your days, it will be where your adventure begins. Mornings begin with sunlight peeking through the windows and the realisation that you are in total luxury in a home-away-from-home. With scents of filter coffee on the gas stove in the fresh morning air, you sit and look out onto the luscious greenery from your patio.
With that, it is time for breakfast and the hosts have left you a welcome basket. What better than eggs fresh from the chicken coop, honey from the neighbours bees, or fresh milk from the farm, it certainly doesn’t get fresher than this. If you are someone who enjoys a sweet treat, opt for some of the homemade brownies or muffins, which have also been dropped off for you to enjoy.
The hosts, Debs and Marc, spent over a year building their dream. They live nearby and are there to assist you in making your trip a memorable one. Apart from the lovely personal and natural touches at the villa, they are happy to help plan your days with you and are very knowledgeable about the area, teeming with fantastic suggestions. On our first night, they booked us a table at a nearby restaurant, Joplin’s Steak bar. With a round of rump steaks topped with eggs and chips for the table, we were absolutely blown away by the incredible quality of food that Wilderness has to offer.
Being in Wilderness, one can appreciate and enjoy the surroundings in any weather. The overhead clouds swayed us to spend the day walking along the beach, sitting with our toes in the sand. Watching the waters ebb and flow and listening to the sounds of the waves crashing is undoubtedly one of the best parts about a seaside holiday. When hunger struck, Salina’s Beach Restaurant was a mere stroll away from the town’s beachfront. Here, guests can feast on seafood that is as affordable as it is delectable with views of the lagoon and beach.
“The hosts, Debs and Marc, spent over a year building their dream. They live nearby and are there to assist you in making your trip a memorable one. Apart from the lovely personal and natural touches at the villa, they are happy to help plan your days with you and are very knowledgeable on the area, teeming with fantastic suggestions.”
Next we decided to visit the picturesque Kaaimans River with its famous Railway bridge. We followed the instructions Debs gave us and took a restorative walk alongside a river to a scenic spot for some photos of this magnificent bridge. We then headed out to the lakes in the area, which are a fantastic addition to a holiday at the coast. Guests who want to truly experience the lakes can make arrangements with the hosts for a trip on their speed boat or rubber duck. Feeling as calm as the waters, we then headed back to the villa. We planned on exploring the nearby towns like Knysna and beaches like Noetzie on our next day.
Back at the villa, there was time to squeeze in a quick nap before enjoying the entertainment area downstairs. The lighting is controlled by a phone app which Marc assisted us in downloading. With that, one tap had all of the lights on below before we even reached the last stair. We sat around the table chatting and braaing in a truly South African fashion. This is a great space to enjoy the forest surrounding the villa, and to spend time with your loved ones.
There is a long table, perfect for family and friends to enjoy meals or play boardgames. There is also a lounge area if you would like to get more comfortable. Entertainment is aided by two wifi speakers to set the atmosphere as you wish. There is a gas braai for meaty enthusiasts and, of course, the all-natural garden is an inviting playground. Jump on the trampoline or admire the flowers blooming from the repurposed old boat. At night search for the stars or let the fairy lights dazzle you as you swing on the forest daybed.
As the night drew to a close, our hearts and tummies felt full and we were eager to hop under the luxuriously soft sheets and sleep soundly, knowing that we would be fortunate to open our eyes to a brand new day in this spectacular Treehouse Villa. Come to Treedom for countless opportunities to create more perfect days and lasting memories with family and friends.
For more information, visit www.treedomvillas.co.za.