Loved my stay here - I stayed on my own as a birthday treat to myself. There was a complimentary half bottle of champagne and some chocolates in my room when I arrived, and a birthday card too. Amazing surroundings, amazing accomodation, the bathtub under the stars was something special. The food was gorgeous and everyone was so friendly. It is a shame you can hear the traffic from the nearby road, but it did not detract from my stay.

Tranquility - if you like overlooking a main coastal route and the sound of traffic.
Service - rude and aggressive
Food - average
Rooms - over priced for a hut on sticks in the wood
Overall, a venue that attracts one-time overseas tourists who may think it is amazing but being a South African by birth, an embarrassment to a great country. Perhaps it has improved, but I wouldn't risk it.

We spent 2 nights at the Eco Forest as part of a two week trip to South Africa and we were sorry we hadn't booked for longer! Everything form start to finish was wonderful the staff, our suite and the food. The dinner is a must as it is in a fantastic setting and coffee is served outside beside a roaring camp fire which is a lovely touch.

My husband and I both had a massage which was excellent and a lot of places in London could learn a thing or two from this place. We are definitely returning to South Africa soon and plan to stay here again only this time for longer :)

To the reviewer who complained about the ants: I am not sure if we stayed in the same place as we found the property to be extremely clean and when we found one spider in our room it was promptly removed, I don't think it is unreasonable when staying in a forest to come across one or two spiders or bugs!

We cannot wait to visit again and have already recommended the Phantom Eco Forest to some friends who are travelling to SA in March.

J&J
London

My wife and I spent three nights at the lodge in October 2007. We stayed in one of the Moroccan Suites. The suite was very nice, but was a bit dark...not unexpected because you are in the forest. It was very quiet and relaxing. The shower and bath are fabulous.

However, we did not find the forest terribly exotic or interesting. There is a path you can take to the lower exit of the place, but its a bit boring. Beyond relaxing at your suite or in the lodge common area, there is nothing to do unless you travel from the lodge. The swimming pool area was nice, but the pool is far more decorative than useful.

The food was very good, both breakfast and dinner and the staff and service were great. When we were there, the Chutzpah (Moroccan themed) restaurant was closed for renovations and is now open again. That would add to the food experience. We also had two very good massages at the spa.

As for outside activities: I highly recommend sailing with Springtide Charters...a wonderful half day on a beautiful 50 foot boat. If you like to run, there is a very nice 2 1/2 mile loop around Leisure Island, 90% of it along the water. Finally, do not miss a trip up to the Heads, whether you go to the more accesible east Head or the less accessible west Head.