A Breath of Fresh Air in the Phantom Forest

Set on a hill in the Knysna forest overlooking the lagoon, lies a place unlike any you have ever encountered. It is an opulent nature resort built in such a way that not a single tree had to be removed in order to make place for the Moroccan-style chalets. It is the best example of what can be achieved through the philosophy of ‘treading lightly on the earth.’

The magic of Phantom Forest lies in the fact that each chalet is nestled so well amidst the trees that it feels like one is in a luxurious tree house. The chalets are made almost entirely of wood and glass, and are clad with young Blackwood trees so that only the vertical lines are visible and blend in with the rest of the forest.

The resort is made up of fourteen lush suites, built to ensure complete privacy. There are two pools and dining areas and a colourful bar that includes a sunroom with amazing views of Knysna. The Body Boma provides beauty treatments and massages out on a deck, where a multitude of birds provide the soundtrack.

Phantom Forest offers three kinds of suites: the tree suite, upper tree camp with outside jacuzzi and Moroccan suite. The last is ideal for honeymoon couples and has twin basins and a double shower. Each of the suites’ bathrooms has double-ended baths and mosaic basins. All décor is of a Moroccan flavour and incorporates lush silks and natural fabrics that are hand woven and imported from East Africa.

Set high in the trees with views of the whole of Knysna, all rooms are spacious, yet warm and cosy. Bright green, orange and red colours abound and unique light settings create pieces of interest. The furnishings are entirely handpicked and custom-made, creating a personal touch not usually found in resorts.

In each room, a candlelit bath is strategically placed to give guests the feeling that they are bathing outside amongst the trees. The shower has the same effect as the walls are made of glass. The wooden roofs ensure that when it rains, as it often does in Knysna, each drop is heard and creates its own kind of music to hush worn out travellers to sleep. Should guests feel that they do not want to venture out of their cosy suites, meals may be taken on their patio or in their lounge area.

Gastronomy is another highlight at Phantom Forest and guests will find it nothing short of haute cuisine. Menus are altered on a daily basis, and guests are provided with three or four choices from a seven-course menu.

Meals are served in secluded dining areas, both inside the restaurant and out on the forest decks nuzzled between the trees. Special touches - like the colourful mosaic kudu head to replace the conventional life-like one - make the restaurant all the more special. Monkeys are tame and are known to invite themselves to the table for breakfast - so guests should keep their cameras handy.

The resort’s buildings are arranged far enough apart to ensure a decent forest walk between each suite and the dining area – and visitors are advised to pack in walking shoes, as the desire to explore this untouched forest will tempt even the weariest of travellers. There is also a separate forest trail that can be combined with a canoe ride down the lagoon, ending with a delightful picnic. While there, travellers should be sure to look out for the rare Arena Trogon bird or Fish Eagles who nest in the area.

The two pool areas at Phantom Forest are elevated enough to allow guests to enjoy the views over the lagoon and surrounding hills, and include private sunbathing sections. Chutzpah, the second pool and dining area, is set up like a Moroccan desert oasis complete with an inside dining area with floor to ceiling windows which open out onto the pool.

Colourful scatter cushions and Persian rugs are laid out around bright tables decked with Hubbly Bubblies. Candles are lit as far as the eye can see, allowing the light to bounce off the brass and mosaic settings. Bright pouffes are set like brilliant jewels around the table where Moroccan-style dishes are served with Carole Boyes cutlery.

Tranquillity and an escape from reality are guaranteed, as there are no television sets or radios in the rooms. In fact, guests are requested to place their cell phones on silent in communal areas so as not to disrupt the serene mood.

As owner Kit Stewart-McVitty puts it, “people need a cocoon of human comfort where all is at peace. At Phantom Forest we have created that, and feel that when you arrive you close the door on a noisy world. Here you are at one with nature, but still living luxuriously.”

So if you’ve been looking for a secluded spot to finish that novel you have been working on for years, or are in need of a unique romantic setting for your honeymoon, you won’t find a better setting than Phantom Forest.