Tsala Treetop Lodge, Garden Route

Perched high above the forest floor in the canopy of the Tsitsikamma Forest, elevated wooden walkways wind through the treetops to ten private timber suites – each one a seductive creation of stone, wood and glass. The décor is soft and contemporary with neutral colours and each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and an infinity plunge pool overlooking the dense forest. The living room boasts a cosy roaring log fire for chilly nights whilst the oversized bathroom, with its beautiful free-standing stone bathtub and both indoor-and-outdoor showers, adds to the sumptuous and intimate appeal.

Tsala Treetop Lodge is part of the Hunter Hotels group and is also a member of Relais and Châteaux. Its sister properties include Hunter’s Country House, just one kilometre away, and Gorah Elephant Camp – all family-run establishments renowned for their high levels of attention to detail and superb service.

Tsala’s pièce de résistance is undoubtedly its magnificent foyer where open suspended decks provide the ideal spot for sunset drinks and summer outdoor dining. The lodge is a blend of Eastern, African and European influences with furniture from India, handicrafts from Indonesia and collectibles from across the African continent.

Although many guests are quite content to luxuriate within their romantic confines, Tsala’s relaxing sitting room, library and irresistible alfresco decks are equally appealing. Pan-African fusion cuisine is served in the lodge’s ‘forest view’ restaurant and the option of dining next door at Hunter’s Country House is also available. Meals at Tsala are an epicurean delight with the cuisine reflecting the diversity of the many South African cultures fused with Eastern flavours.

At night, soak up the sounds of the forest as you savour the indulgent seclusion of your suite – and in the morning, wake up to the chattering birds.