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indwe magazine – April 2005
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River Bend Lodge
The Elegance of a Bygone Era |
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Text: Deidre Theron-Loots
Images: © River Bend Lodge |
| Revitalize your soul and spirit, leave the city life behind and escape to the tranquil natural beauty found at River Bend. Anchored on endless horizons and flanked by the Zuurberg Mountains, River Bend Lodge is situated within the 17000 hectare private concession of the Addo Elephant National Park. Watch herds of elephants grazing a short distance away, listen to the songs of some 250 bird species, take a personalised drive into the mountains and discover varying vegetation from thick forested valleys, open savannah plains and hillsides rich in Fynbos. A mere 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, River Bend makes for a natural extension to the Garden Route |
Situated on South Africa’s malaria free Sunshine Coast, in the tranquil Sundays River Valley, only 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, River Bend Country Lodge offers a chance to unwind, to enjoy fine cuisine, to relax in a peaceful atmosphere and to explore the surrounding areas. With a small number of rooms, the emphasis at River Bend Lodge is on understated luxury. Rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, are individually decorated and are a combination of old-fashioned luxury and modern convenience. All rooms have private verandahs and views over the valley. Children are welcome and the Lodge offers a special children’s area equipped with entertainment activities. Babysitters are also available on request.“Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, American Architect The Lodge also caters for the executive and corporate client seeking an exclusive venue for a getaway experience. The cuisine is an inspired blend of the best from around the world with fine wines carefully selected to compliment your meals. Breakfasts may be enjoyed either in the dining area or in your bedroom. Start lunch or dinner with an aperitif on the bush viewing deck or in the lounge. Lunch is an informal occasion around the pool or on the verandah, while dinner, in the best colonial tradition, is tastefully served in the beautifully appointed dining room. “The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a star.” – A. Brillat-Savarin, French gastronome Picnic baskets may be ordered for the day to take with you on your visits to the surrounding attractions. While there are many nearby attractions, there is plenty to do at River Bend Lodge itself... Sip a drink while lazing at the pool or relax around the log fire in the library whilst browsing through our collection of books, magazines and newspapers. Enjoy a walk along one of the nature trails and add to the experience with your sightings of beautiful birds. River Bend itself is a game farm – watch giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species from enormous verandahs as the sun sets over the Cocks Comb mountains in the distance. Enjoy exceptional bird watching, either on a walk or from your own private verandah overlooking the veld. Elegance is good taste plus a dash of daring.” – Carmel Snow, US Writer Enjoy the broad canvas on which nature has painted in this area; the tranquil valley bushveld; the world famous golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast; the great grey giants of the Addo Elephant National Park; the majestic mountains of the Zuurberg range and the sweetly scented orange orchards of the Sundays River Valley. River Bend Country Lodge is an ideal place from which to explore the surrounding settler country, including the enchanting old cathedral city of Grahamstown and the quaint village of Bathurst. For reservations phone River Bend on (+27) 042 233 0161 or fax: (+27) 042 233 0162 or e-mail: reservations@riverbend.za.com. |
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