Khiwane Boutique Hotel

The staff made us feel especially welcome. They were warm, helpful with directions and local suggestions, quick to respond, and attentive throughout our stay. The rooms were spotless and comfortable, with fresh linens, a cozy bed, and thoughtful details from the bathroom to the small amenities. The pool was spacious, peaceful, and well kept, whether we were swimming or just relaxing in the sun. Breakfast was fresh and well prepared, with a good range of choices, and the dining space felt clean and relaxing. The hotel’s location was great too. We enjoyed taking a walk outside and stretching our legs, which made it a lovely place for a relaxing getaway.

Dinner next door was a real highlight. The steak was one of the best I’ve had in a long time, cooked just right, with a good choice of sides and sauces. The lodge is also in a great location, with easy access to everything we wanted. Our room was modern, beautifully decorated, and really comfortable. The details felt carefully thought through, and the friendly staff went out of their way to help us. We had a wonderful stay and would happily come back. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

Breakfast at Harvest House was a clever, unusual setup, and I really enjoyed it. The team made our stay in Hoedspruit lovely. The hotel is a chic place with a modern African contemporary feel. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel, with generously sized rooms and all the amenities you need. I especially recommend the two-bedroom penthouse for families.

The food at the restaurant was one of the best parts of our stay. The chef clearly cares about the dishes, and I’d recommend eating there. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the planned development of Khiwane turns out. There’s plenty of potential here, and I hope it grows into a remarkable place to visit. The property is beautiful, and the rooms have been thoughtfully and elegantly put together. The owner stood out too. He was warm, hands-on, and clearly passionate about hospitality and people. In contrast, my partner and I found the reception staff cold and unwelcoming, which affected our stay. After a long day out, we returned to relax by the pool. At check-in we’d been told it closed at 8:00 PM, but at 7:30 PM a staff member abruptly said it was closed. We were already about to leave for dinner, so the comment felt unnecessary and discourteous. A simple greeting first would have changed the interaction. It showed a need for better customer service training, especially around warmth and basic courtesy. When you’re paying close to R10,000 for a holiday, feeling unwelcome is the last thing you expect. I arrived hopeful, having stayed at Unembeza before and wanting to try another property under the same umbrella. A few things could be improved: bathrooms need toilet brushes, and rooms need better cleaning during the stay. Toilet paper should be refilled without guests having to ask. The parking area needs security or enclosed visitor parking. First-time visitors would benefit from suggestions for things to do locally, and staff should check in regularly during the stay. Guests should be told when the WIFI is down. I’d also like a full-size mirror in the rooms, a coffee machine instead of filter coffee, more irons or a standard steamer for guests to use in their rooms, and a private entrance for guests. For a first visit to Hoedspruit, I’d suggest looking into local activities such as hiking and a boat cruise on the Blyde River.