Winding down the dark forest towards The Fernery was a little tense, almost like the start of a horror movie in many ways. The ending of this story though, is much happier than that, with the amazing restaurant of the lodge waiting at the end, with it’s warm fireplace and incredible wine selection.
Entering into this pine lodge, you can instantly feel the relaxed atmosphere of the place. The sound of the river adjacent to the property as it gushed towards the sea is echoed throughout the public spaces, while the smell of the forest floor and the abundance of ferns made me believe that if I sat still for long enough, fairies would appear.
The restaurant at The Fernery is situated in what used to the lounge area of a this once-private residence. Large glass windows look out onto the forest on the left and the ocean on the right, while the crags of the rocks in the centre seem to give way to nothing. Even though we were there in the dark, it was apparent the view was something special. Guests are often treated to the site of whales rolling about in the surf below, and a bell in the lounge is rung whenever they show up. Although apparently they seem to hear it and disappear as quickly as they arrive when it is rung.
The restaurant leads down into one of the most incredible cellars. Stocked with a great selection of wines from all across South Africa’s Winelands and I was excited to see a few of my favourites standing proud in this collection. Off the wine cellar is a cosy lounge, with more big armchairs faced towards the view over the sea. I’ll have to go back just to spend an hour or two curled up in one of those.
We settled down to dinner in our comfy chairs near the fireplace and waited avidly for the menu. I was not disappointed. The selection is wide and interesting, with options for all tastes and appetites. I enjoyed the mushroom escargot starter and a hulking piece of rump steak for dinner. Finished off with a massive portion of apple crumble laced with cinnamon, I had almost decided to never leave this place again.
I love that there is a story here. A family that had a special place but chose to share it with the world instead of keeping it private. The lodge is booked out months in advance and is busy throughout the year. It’s a place to escape for some relaxation in the comfort of a forest. The natural surroundings felt rejuvenating, even though I was there for a few hours, and this is somewhere I really would love to revisit with more time.
My visit to The Fernery forms part of the 7 Wonders of our World Campaign. As with all my posts, I retain full editorial control.
