In the secluded little town of Nature’s Valley, just bordering the Tsitsikamma National Park along the coastal route is this small little lodge, Tranquility Lodge. It was the first time I had ventured down this part of the world, except for going to Storms River during our honeymoon, which we were very impressed with (complete with beautiful sea views, lush vegetation and steep cliffs – the epitome of the Tsitsikamma forest area!). Nature’s Valley is very similar and you will have to expect to hear the constant drone of the ocean breaking, frogs croaking and birds if you choose to stay here!
This is a pleasant log-cabin style lodge complete with only 7 rooms: 3 superior rooms (of which one is honeymoon suite) and 4 standard rooms. Besides the Superior rooms, which are quite spacious (especially the honeymoon suite), the other standard rooms are quite small and with the property not being overly in size, you tend to feel a bit on top of each other. However the idea is to take to the beach for the day, take a hike or linger around the pool area and NOT in your bedroom!
A few highlights about this place that we were impressed with: Chef lives near the property and cooks you good 3-course dinners at night which are affordable – this is a bonus considering the options are not plentiful (unless you feel like a cheap burger at the shop next door); the rooms all lead out onto the garden with pool area so it’s quite communal – great if you are a bunch of friends spending time together; Hot Spa is on offer complimentary to all guests but it’s on a first come first serve basis; Two-minute walk from the beach – you cannot see the beach because of the dense vegetation, but you can HEAR it for sure! All in all a great, affordable place!