News
Two Awards in One Week for Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve wins the Safari Awards for best Marine Safari Experience as well as the WTM Responsible Tourism Award in the accommodation category.
Since their inception in 2008 the Safari Awards have gone from strength to strength, and are now regarded as an industry gold standard. The 2018 Safari Awards included 15 award categories and Grootbos is proud to have received the Award for Best Marine Safari Experience 2018.
Originally launched in 2004, the WTM Responsible Tourism awards aims to recognise those that are making a difference, the changemakers, those that are leading the way to make tourism more sustainable The Awards are about acknowledging and promoting good practice and specifically pay attention to those that make real impact and address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the SDG’s. The award aims to recognise examples in the tourism industry that inspire, challenge and raise the industry bar.
The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxury lodge on 2 750 hectares of pristine Cape fynbos on the Agulhas plains of the Western Cape of South Africa. The ethos and commitment of Grootbos to responsible tourism and sustainability practices, permeates all levels of the organisation. Together with its non-profit partner, the Grootbos Foundation, Grootbos works to drive conservation, local enterprise development and the wellbeing of the local communities. Together, Grootbos and the Grootbos Foundation positively benefitted more than 10 000 lives last year.
Sean Ingles, General Manager of the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, “The principles of sustainability, transparency, respect and above all PROGRESSIVE TOURISM is a fundamental part of the Grootbos DNA. We work tirelessly to follow these guidelines in every aspect of our business whether it be in our conservation efforts, our community outreach programmes or in the lodges themselves. We are very proud to receive this award and we hope that it inspires other organisations to participate in similar programmes in their area”
9 November 2017
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – Re-Opening of Forest Lodge after fire
Following a fire that damaged the main lodge area of Forest Lodge at the end of August, forcing the closure of the lodge while re-construction takes place, we are happy to say that work is well underway to meet the opening deadline of the 20th December. Using the opportunity to ensure that Forest Lodge gets a fresh new look, various areas in the main lodge have been re-designed. Wormy Chestnut floors have been used throughout the lodge giving it a much lighter feel. James Mudge tables adorn the restaurant and we eagerly await the arrival of the award-winning Artisan chairs from Europe to complement them. A newly- fashioned bistro area leading onto the pool deck and a renewed pool with a glass front overlooking the magnificent vista of Walker Bay all work to update the lodge feel.
Not missing the opportunity, extensive work is being done in the lodge suites too. The bathrooms receives a full make-over with new luxurious bathtubs and crisp new vanities. The flooring throughout the lounge and bedrooms have been updated and new large-paned aluminium sliding doors have been installed in all rooms. New 50 inch Smart TV’s complement the re-designed fireplace area in each lounge and a refreshed minibar area awaits to entice each guests on entering the room.
We look forward to sharing some pictures of the new lodge once it’s complete. Watch this space…
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve voted as one of the “Best Eco-Lodges in Africa” on CNN
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, is voted as one of 15 of the finest eco-lodges across Africa.
Africa’s Finest Eco-Destinations Colin Bell, co-founder of Wilderness Safaris and Great Plains Conservation, and David Bristow, environmental writer and coordinator of Green Safari Africa project, together co-authored “Africa’s Finest” – a book that describes 50 of the best eco-lodges across sub-Saharan Africa, Seychelles and Madagascar.
Their aim was to discover and expose truly sustainable establishments amongst those that only claim to be eco-friendly and to set a criterion in the industry for responsible and sustainable tourism that others will strive toward. The lodges listed run the most remarkable sustainable tourism operations, whilst simultaneously supporting their environment and surrounding communities.
Joined by nine environmentalists, each lodge was evaluated on over a hundred different points in four broad categories: successful conservation work, the effectiveness of their community outreach programmes, their use of renewable energies and their waste treatment and disposal.
CNN published the authors’ top 15 properties on 8 April 2015, and Grootbos is one of two of South African’s finest among 13 other eco-lodges across Africa. These lodges scored over 8 out of 10 in each category and meet the criteria for a genuinely eco-destination.
Nestled in an ancient Milkwood forest surrounded by fynbos and mountains, the accommodation at Grootbos comprises the Garden Lodge, Forest Lodge and Villa.
What is included in the rates?
Enjoy a unique, romantic and unforgettable wedding at Grootbos!