This fynbos-dotted reserve on the Hermanus Lagoon is a heavenly hideaway that’s suited to hedonists and adventure-seekers alike.

An ancient milkwood tree lies at the heart – physically and figuratively – of this discreet five-bedroomed lodge tucked away on a private fynbos reserve near Stanford. Spanning 1 000 hectares, the property is home to a flourishing bird sanctuary, a dreamy lagoon and river, and an enchanting milkwood forest inside which Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is hidden.

With a spa, boutique, lagoon-facing restaurant, and a string of exhilarating activities, this ecocentric destination is where city-weary travellers go for a secluded, restorative stay in nature, knowing they’ll leave feeling content and energised.

A lodge for all seasons

We first visited Mosaic Lagoon Lodge during winter in 2019 and, though we enjoyed gorgeous sunny weather that allowed us to partake in all the exhilarating outdoor activities, the setting reminded us of the Old West (“We kind of expected to see a masked Lone Ranger and Tonto galloping by on horseback. So surreal is the setting, it feels like a film set.”)

In summer, the lagoon tells a different story. A flurry of windsurfers, water-skiers and kite-surfers dot the water, creating a chilled, summer-holiday vibe, with flocks of perennially beautiful flamingos roosting on the glassy water all year round.

The lodge has seen a change in ownership since our initial sojourn: long-time associate Maryke De Villiers took over the reins from Tennessee-based couple Kathryn and Breese Johnson in October 2019.

The lodgings

David Rogers

A wooden walkway connects all five of the African-safari-style bungalows to the central dining area. As an eco-driven and environmentally conscious lodge, the “local is lekker” thread runs deep: from the Kalahari toiletries in the bathrooms to the ingredients chefs Adrian Boshoff and Gift Madzirvire use in their delicious dishes to the bespoke, locally designed items in the boutique and the Skinny Laminx accents in our suite. Our room was utterly comfortable and the decor more than adequate, with the panoramas elevating it to “out of this world” status.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors reveal breathtaking lagoon and mountain views, with all the requisite creature comforts (fireplace, electric blankets, a decanter of port and gin, and a turn-down with a hand-written note on the pillow) making us feel very well-cared for.

Breakfast and dinner are served daily in a beautiful dining area, where two couches beside the fireplace beckon for post-prandial sessions. The food is generous and delicious – chefs Adrian and Gift have a knack for umami! Guests can also opt to have lunch at the lodge.

Suite features

• king-sized bed (can be made into twins)
• private deck with mountain views
• en-suite bathroom with a free-standing bath
• private outdoor shower
• indoor sitting area
• communal heated plunge pool
• private hot tub at the Forest View Suite

Above and beyond: The wonderful service

David Rogers

The spellbinding setting aside, what made both our stays truly memorable was the service: warm, genuine and professional. From the moment we arrived, when Richard Chabarwa greeted us with heated lemongrass-scented hand towels and homemade iced tea, to Maria Murawa’s gently attentive service in the dining room, and chef Gift’s patience with our son during their pizza-making session, to the moment we said good-bye, we felt very special and well-cared-for throughout.

Onsite attractions

An abundance of activities awaits at this private paradise. Whether you feel like chilling at the lagoon-facing pool with a book, having a rejuvenating spa treatment, or would prefer to explore the natural surrounds, there’s something for everyone.

• quad-biking
• mountain-biking
• boutique with bespoke clothing and accessories
• spa
• beach excursions
• bird-watching
• boat cruises
• SUPing
• kayaking
• guided nature walks and birding

And, with all that’s on offer, the point of Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is to slow down, do less and savour more. I mean, where on earth can you fling open the doors of your rondavel, walk 20 steps, and be face to face with a flock of flamingo tip-toeing around the sunset-tinged lagoon? At Mosaic Lagoon Lodge, that’s where.

Distance from CT 2 hours
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Where to find it Mosaic Lagoon Lodge, Wortelgat Road, Stanford, Western Cape
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