A night at Bosjes, Breede Valley

A little over an hours drives outside of Cape Town tucked away at the foot of mountains in the breede valley you will find Bosjes Estate. A magnificent property with landscaped gardens and their own architectural feat, the chapel. 

I was lucky enough to visit this gorgeous property and enjoy a night at the homely guest house. With its old Dutch charm the building is welcoming and contrasts the modern design of the restaurant and chapel. 

The interior is chic with pops of colour and rooms elegant with a gorgeous fireplace to keep you warm should you visit in the winter months! The rooms have a large king-sized bed and are fitted with black and white sophisticated bathrooms. The artwork in the rooms are beautiful and you cant but notice the attention to detail throughout. 

The wonderful thing with the guest house is that you can arrange to have a braai (BBQ) set up outside at the pool and enjoy a wonderful evening under the stars with a view of the mountain range. The ultimate relaxation. It is also a wonderful way to enjoy a truly South African experience in ultimate comfort. Breakfast is served bright and early in continental style. 

As a mid-morning treat, go and experience the teetuin (tea garden) which is simply fantastic. The gardens have been so well thought out and the detail is amazing. Each plant has a meaning and each area a plan for long-term growth. You can explore the gardens while sipping on tea or indulge in an over the top milkshake. The Chapel is what Bosjes is most famous for. With its recognizable architecture and its magnificent position on the estate, I am not surprised. It is rather breathtaking.   

The Kombuis is the onsight restaurant and with Kim Cox as the head chef, she has put together a hearty and tasty menu. The food is fresh and based on seasonal produce with a fun bistro flair to it. 

If you find yourself in need of a wedding venue or just a night away then taking a drive to Bosjes will be very worth your while! 

-Melissa 

*This blog post is sponosred by Bojes. All opinions are my own. 

20 Photographs that will inspire you to visit the South African bush!

South Africa is a magical place of wonder that I am lucky enough to call home. The safari options are endless and the magnificent wildlife is in abundance. The bush beauty will capture your heart. If you visit, you are sure to leave with your soul shining a little brighter for it. Few things compare to the rush of viewing game on the back of an open vehicle that allows you to get right in on the action of the wild or the relaxing silence at night listening to the sounds of nature.   

Whether you visit game reserves such as the phenomenal Thanda in Northern Natal or conservation forerunners Shamwari in the Eastern Cape you will not be disappointed as it truly is a once in a lifetime bucket list experience! Have you viewed the Big Five before? 
If you find yourself in the historic Kruger National park then I highly recommend the breathtaking OutPost Lodge or if you don't have a lot of time to travel then fly into Johannesburg and take a short three-hour drive to the magnificent Ekuthuleni where luxury awaits you. 

No matter which destination you choose you will be left forever changed. The only question is, why haven't you booked your flight? Africa awaits! 

-Melissa 

Staying at The Outpost, Kruger National Park

Meet The Outpost Lodge. This magnificent property has 12 luxury spaces cantilevered on a hill giving you a bird's eye view of the Luvuvhu River. The private, freestanding spaces are interconnected to each other and the central lodge area by 500 meters of Zimbabwean teak walkway. The contemporary architecture makes use of concrete and steel and with state-of-the-art retractable, remote-controlled screens offering 180º of uninterrupted views, you will never want to leave! 

The Outpost is situated in the Northern Kruger National Park. It is a six-hour drive from Johannesburg and a beautiful one at that. It is best to drive in the daytime as you pass local communities and pass several roadblocks that consist of goats and wild donkeys. You also don't want to miss the magnificent baobabs that are scattered across the land. 

Tucked away and blending into the environment is the gorgeous Outpost Lodge. As you enter the lodge you see that it is situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the Northern Kruger. The lodge accommodates 24 guests so it is intimate and exclusive. The beauty of it is that not only are you engulfed by the bush, but you are elevated with this crows nest position to experience the bush from this incredibly unique vantage point.

The rooms are simply magnificent. I could have moved in full time! The walls are screens that roll up and blur the boundary between yourself and the bush. If you sleep with them down then you still experience all the sounds of nature whilst sleeping under your romantic mosquito net.  With uninterrupted views, you can enjoy a luxurious bubble bath overlooking the Kruger National park or enjoy an outside shower at sunset! The design of the room is clever and spacious and the large king size beds will ensure the perfect night's sleep! 

The food was inspired to say the least. With dinner on the deck under the stars surrounded by lanterns you will be in heaven. The food was delicious and included dishes such as Salmon with lemon jam paired with the perfect crisp white wine and decadent chocolate desserts. 
Before your game drive in the morning, you are invited to enjoy a light breakfast of fruit and baked treats before you head out. Once back at the lodge post-game drive you are treated to platters of gorgeous mouthfuls and I made sure to try both the vegetarian and meat selection! Neither disappointed! 

If going on amazing game drives twice a day to spot the wild animals isn't your thing you can enjoy the day at the glorious pool relaxing or go for a wild walking safari along the Luvuvhu river. I loved being barefoot and feeling the African earth between my toes and the cool water flowing water over my skin. Something I would recommend! The bird life is phenomenal in the area and there are over 350 species. A bird watchers paradise! If you close your eyes and just listen, the whoel bush is singing! 

The staff is friendly and enthusiastic to share stories of their land. Most of the staff are Shangan and like generations, before them, they have grown up in the area. It is wonderful to see an establishment that works together with the people in the area creating work and educating them to become Chefs and Rangers! 

This part of the world is truly spectacular and is something to behold in this lifetime. I can't wait to return and hear the birds sing at sunrise and to walk barefoot on the rich African soil! 

***COMPETITION TIME*** 

Would you like to win 2 nights for 2 people at this magnificent establishment? Then all you need to do is find me on Instagram to enter! You can click here. The instructions will be on the post on The Out Post Lodge. Prize valued at R29 600.00 excluding transfers to the lodge. T's & C's apply. 
*Values are as per above (for 2017 they increase for 2018)
Competition closes Monday 20th November at 9am. 

-Melissa

*This blog post is sponsored by Rare Earth Properties. All opinions are my own. 

A night at The Plettenberg with the McGrath collection

Plettenberg bay is a well known coastal town on the popular garden route of South Africa. This little coastal village has a hub of activities and if whale watching is one of them, then it is the right destination for you. The only thing you need to decide is where to stay.

The Plettenberg is one of the three hotels in the Liz Mcgrath Collection. Know for their luxury and five-star experience, The Plettenberg doesn't disappoint. 

The Hotel is situated on a hilltop overlooking the ocean with uninterrupted views and is roughly a six-hour drive from Cape Town.  With it being the popular garden route there is plenty of opportunities to experience all it has to offer along the way! You also have the option to fly into the local airport should time be limited. 

The hotel is classically decorated with an ocean theme running throughout. Its no wonder with the views that it boasts. With a gourmet restaurant and boutique shop, between shopping and eating what more could you need.

Each room feels like the penthouse of some of the top hotels in the world. With walk-in closets, large bathrooms, a lounge, and the bedroom separate you will have space and comfort for your trip. 

The bedrooms have coffee stations, minibars and of course king size beds. Be sure to request a room with a view when you book! Overlooking the ocean will let a wave of tranquility wash over you! 

Dining at The Plettenberg is an experience not to be missed. The food is served at their contemporary restaurant Seafood and group executive chef Peter Templehoff and his team have delivered in all areas. The menu has the classics such as the famous cheese souffle that is a must along with several seafood dishes that draw on inspiration from the ocean and the bounty it has to offer. The view is magnificent overlooking the ocean and with glass panels, you are sure not to miss it! 

If you find yourself in Plettenberg - it is a hub of activities. You can experience whale watching or Sup boarding. You could wander to local wine farms and have long lunches or you could visit one of the several animal sanctuaries in the area. If you just feel like relaxing then finding your way to the pool whilst overlooking the ocean isn't a bad option either. 

The staff is always available to help should you require anything and have a fantastic knowledge of the area and all it has to offer! I know that next time I visit Plettenberg I would like to linger longer and experience it all. All I can say is that one night is simply not enough to experience not only this amazing hotel but Plettenberg bay! 

-Melissa 

Experiencing Ekuthuleni, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve

Far too often do we get tired of the hustle of our lives. 

Even so, sometimes travel can seem a little overwhelming. The thought of packing, unpacking, repacking, transfers, check-ins, flights etc all to arrive at a destination can be a deal breaker for that holiday you have been dying to go on. Well, what if I told you that a mere 3 hours drive from Johannesburg is a little piece of paradise that is uncomplicated in its beauty and is a thriving oasis for wildlife. 

Ekuthuleni is situated in Welgevonden private game reserve. A magnificent piece of land teeming with life. I flew into OR Tambo International airport (JHB) and took an easy drive to my destination. If you live in Johannesburg then you really don't have much of an excuse not to explore this part of the world! 

I really wish I knew about it when I did! You get to stay in the lap of luxury and experience the African Bush and its Big Five on safari without having to break a sweat behind the wheel.

That’s a drive I can really get behind. 

The Lodge is centrally situated within the reserve and previously was the manor house. It has a cozy and warm ambiance to it with beautiful screeded floors and leather furniture overlooking a grass plain that hosts local impala and warthog. With a watering hole, you might even spot an elephant coming for a drink in the heat of the day, as we did. The pool is inviting and I must admit I spent a fair amount of time getting my vitamin D fix! 

The rooms are luxurious and cozy with large king size beds. The glass doors open up onto a patio overlooking the grass plain where you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your room. The bathrooms were a treat to experience as you can open the doors up and experience nature in all its glory whilst soaking away your city blues in a giant bathtub!

I cannot say this enough; the food was fantastic. One of the perks of being closer to the thriving metropolis of Jozi, this lodge has the benefit of fresh produce and they sure make the most of it. Often remote game farms lack freshness in their approach to food. Not at Ekuthuleni. With local chef Laptop cooking up a storm, I was in food heaven. His food is home cooking with local flair. Ekuthuleni is a family lodge and there is something to eat for everyone. From fresh salad to aubergine bakes and gnocchi we were treated to a feast. The best part? Each evening we dined in a new location. Either under the stars, in the boma or in the manor house around a crackling fire. Each setting and meal perfect in their own right. 

You will be treated to two game drives a day. With a knowledgeable ranger that will teach you all, there is to know about the environment. The game drives last about three hours and includes a halfway stop in nature to enjoy a cup of coffee or sundowners in the evenings. Nothing goes down quite like a cold gin and tonic! Not a bad way to watch the sun go down over the African Bush. 

With attentive staff and friendly service, I felt completely immersed in Luxury and spoilt with the magnificent game sightings! 

We watched a mother Lion chase two cheeky Cheetah siblings encroaching on her turf and were treated to the privilege of watching her walk her cubs around. 

As if that wasn’t enough I also watched a young elephant bull take a rowdy mud bath complete with the sounds of gleeful trumpeting and experienced the sentient presence of a herd of Rhino's grazing just meters from me. I would be hard-pressed to describe a more humbling experience.

It truly was a game packed experience and as a bush lodge, Ekuthuleni delivers. On. Every. Level.

***COMPETITION TIME*** 

Would you like to win 2 nights for 2 people at this magnificent establishment? Then all you need to do is, like The Truffle Journal on Instagram and Facebook and Ekuthuleni on Instagram and Facebook, then comment below on this blog post on who you would take with you and why.  Prize valued at R21 200.00 excluding all transfers. T's & C's apply. 
*Values are as per above (for 2017 they increase for 2018)
Competition closes Friday 10th November at 5pm. 

-Melissa