Phakalane Retreat

The huts are cosy and quaint, and breakfast was freshly made with a great spread. I especially liked the quiet deck by the pond, a lovely place to sit in the sun with a book or do early morning yoga. Phakalane is surrounded by nature, and the whole atmosphere makes it easy to slow down and be present. It's a beautiful, peaceful escape from the city if you want to unwind, reconnect or simply breathe a little deeper.

The kitchen was clean, but we had a bad stay with the cottage. It's listed as self catering, yet it didn't have basic kitchen supplies, and we had to go to the main kitchen to cook. They also wouldn't let us make a braai, even though we saw that all the braai areas had been used before us. Breakfast didn't look like the photos, it was just boiled eggs, bread and jam. I wish they'd put more effort into it. The cottage WiFi didn't work, and the cottage wasn't shown on the website, so we were surprised when we arrived. My partner and I had a bad experience.

The Water Hut was magnificent for our two nights. I came away rested and rejuvenated after spending the time alone among the beautiful, forest-like surroundings. The hut felt luxurious, with a small fireplace and lots of personal touches. I loved the open-air bathroom and its huge bath. Just be aware this is a retreat, not a hotel, so read about it on their website first. I'll definitely return.

The staff at Phakalane were incredible, friendly and so accommodating. It's a beautifully decorated space that brings together nature and modern luxury, with plenty to explore through the senses. It feels like a unique place that looks after your physical and spiritual needs. My experience was unforgettable, and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a journey into self-exploration and divinity. A-hore!