A luxury eco-reserve close to the Southern tip of Africa tucked between mountains, forest and sea
It was in 1991 that the Lutzeyer family first set eyes on a small farm on the fynbos slopes overlooking Walker Bay – and they couldn’t believe the beauty they saw. In 1994 Michael sold his business interests in Cape Town and decided to develop a bed and breakfast on the site for local visitors, not knowing that soon he would be attracting visitors from across the globe. Since then, through a combination of hard work, enthusiasm, vision and strong family cooperation, the Lutzeyers have turned the reserve into a world leader in progressive luxury tourism, transforming the lives of community members and preserving 3500 hectares of botanical and wildlife treasures.
At Grootbos, the team go beyond simply conserving this pristine wilderness they call home. They’re constantly researching, innovating and pioneering new ways of doing things, and winning many eco-tourism awards along the way. The reserve offers the chance to immerse yourself in the unique fynbos kingdom and ancient forest of Grootbos, featuring 907 plant species, 118 bird species, 29 mammals and 21 amphibians – some of which are under threat of extinction.
The freshest air, the cleanest water and the clearest views: a stay at Grootbos is a glimpse into a truly organic life. Much of the food served is grown right here on the reserve and you can taste this in every mouthful.
Accommodation
Meander through an ancient Milkwood forest, soak up the beauty of the fynbos or admire dramatic mountain and sea views as you wind your way towards your private suite. All of the accommodation at Grootbos have been designed to complement the pristine natural setting, while never compromising on style or luxury.
Garden Lodge
Surrounded by lush gardens and an ancient milkwood forest, Garden Lodge welcomes you with unparalleled, panoramic views over the pristine fynbos and glimmering Walker Bay coastline. Soak up the silence and simply connect with nature in one of our 11 opulent suites. This wheelchair friendly lodge includes panoramic views across the reserve and coastline, an elegant wine cellar ideal for intimate dining experience, 11 luxury, one and two-bedroom, free-standing suites, a spacious yet cosy restaurant with unparalleled views, a tranquil wellness area with sauna, heated swimming pool overlooking the lush gardens, forest-themed playroom and an exciting kids programmes.
Forest Lodge
The contemporary design and décor of Forest Lodge could place it in any of the top cities in the world. But nowhere else would you be able to enjoy one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, the changing colours in the southern sky and the occasional little buck that comes feeding nearby. The ultimate romantic getaway, offering peace and privacy, the magical walkways lead through an enchanted Milkwood forest set high on a hill, with 180-degree views of the fynbos and ocean. The lodge features 16 luxurious free-standing suites with cosy fireplaces, a restaurant, lounge, barista bar and boma, beauty salon and library and infinity swimming pool with spectacular ocean views.
Private Villas
The two private villas, the Fynbos Villa and the Sunbird Villa are the last word in secluded luxury, offering unforgettable experiences to discerning guests. With intuitive service provided by your own private chef, butler and nature guides, your every need will be met in a home-away-from-home environment of unsurpassed quality. Villas are secluded and private, surrounded by pristine natural beauty, and feature a private swimming pool, office, cinema room, wine cellar and fully equipped gym, as well as exclusive service that will see to your every need, panoramic views at every turn add to the feeling of tranquillity and a landing strip that is available to all guests arriving in helicopters and small planes.
Dining
Every mouthful. Every drop. Every glance at every view. Dining at Grootbos is an experience in its own right, with its unique combination of fresh organic produce, a world-class natural setting and a hugely experienced culinary team.
Culinary Experiences
Taste the spray of the sea in every forkful of your delectable fish fillet. Bite into a homemade tortellini as the flavour bursts into your mouth. Delight as you nibble on a whisky infused chocolate torte with salted caramel. Every meal at Grootbos is an exceptional dining experience packed with texture, flavour and colour. Culinary experiences are not restricted to the fine dining restaurants however. Enjoy an al fresco picnic with your toes in the beach sand, sip on cocktails as you see the sun set or enjoy a uniquely South African meal in the boma as you watch the fire embers burning low.
Restaurants
Food is about more than feeding your body. It’s about connecting with others. Taking time to savour each mouthful. And tasting the freshness and wildness of this unique place. Enjoy these culinary experiences at one of the two distinctive lodge restaurants, each with their own character and atmosphere. The Garden Lodge dining area, which is spacious and yet perfectly cosy, is the ideal space to enjoy meals together with your loved ones. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring you ever closer to the outdoors in the elegant dining room. The outdoor deck has expansive views over Walker Bay and provides the perfect setting to enjoy our world-class cuisine.
Wine Experiences
Grootbos know a lot about wine. But they’re not pretentious about it. They believe that everyone will enjoy discovering and experiencing the award winning wines of this region, whether they’re sampling a food and wine pairing, hearing from one of our sommeliers on what makes this vintage particularly special or going on a guided tour to the wine farm itself. Their primary sourcing area is the Overberg, which extends from the Elgin Valley across Bot River, Hermanus, Stanford and Elim, ending at Malgas near Swellendam. They also stock wines from further afield and a few sparkling wines and champagnes from France, but otherwise the collection is proudly local.
Experiences
Botanical Safari
Take a 4×4 botanical safari on an open-top Land Rover and soak up the serenity in shaded glades, feel the wind in your hair as you drive past fields of flowers and get perspective looking down from mountain peaks. Keep still, listen intently and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn. Explore the richest temperate flora in the world on the Grootbos reserve and discover its unique flora and fauna. Then visit the botanical art gallery where the intricate narratives of the fynbos environment are depicted in the detailed botanical artworks of the Grootbos Florilegium. Touch, smell, and see the enchanting narrative of fynbos and forest come to life while discovering over 900 plant species recorded on the pristine 3500 hectares of wilderness. Learn how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, why the honey the bees produce is completely unique, and how important fires in the fynbos are for bringing forth new life.
Horse Riding
Explore the landscape of Grootbos on horseback, with a mount handpicked to suit your level and temperament. There’s something special about seeing a place on horseback. Take a slow trot as you appreciate the views and enjoy the fresh air filling your lungs and exhilaration pumping through your veins. Horse riding at Grootbos is suitable for anyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a more experienced rider. Go for a relaxed ride through the fynbos and enjoy its natural beauty.
Beauty Treatments
Beauty Treatments are set amidst the serenity of a Milkwood forest or near lush landscaped gardens, providing sanctuaries where tension is dispelled and stress melts away. Healing hands and natural, locally-sourced products all add to the tranquil experience, ensuring you leave calmer, stronger and more centred. After a day of activities, enjoy treatments in luxurious treatment rooms, the privacy of your own suite, or even in the forest with the trees and birds as company. There are two fully-equipped Bloom beauty centres: one of which is situated conveniently close to Garden Lodge. The other is set deep in the Milkwood Forest, a short walk from Forest Lodge where you’ll be surrounded by the sound of trees moving in the wind and may even spot a shy bushbuck coming to visit.
Map and travel information
Email us
Visit
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH