The largest of the five lodge suites, set on a stone platform above the creek. Copper-finish bath, candlelit, set into a recess in the wall. The fireplace you'll actually use in winter.
Carmine was the first room we built, back in 2004. The lodge grew around it — the dining room added to the north, four more suites to the west, the cottages slowly populating the forest behind. But Carmine has always been the anchor: the largest suite, the one with the best view, the bath the photographers always come back to.
The stone walls are a metre thick — they hold the day's warmth into the night, and keep the room cool in summer. The fireplace is real, not gas. We stack the wood the morning you arrive. There's a freestanding copper-finish bath set into an alcove in the stone wall, candle sconces on either side, a small window above with a view of the cliffs.
The bed is king-sized, with a mountain of pillows. The deck wraps around the south side and steps down toward the creek — close enough to hear it from the bath. There's a small writing desk by the window in case inspiration strikes. It usually does.
Carmine sleeps two. If you're three, we'll quietly suggest Sunbird instead.
The northwest corner of the main lodge, raised on a stone platform above the creek. Closest to the dining room (a 30-second walk in slippers), furthest from the cottages. Best afternoon light of all the suites.
"The bath alone was worth the drive. Candles, stone walls, the sound of the creek through the window. Anniversary night we'll never forget."
"Came in winter on purpose, for the fireplace. Lando had it lit when we arrived. Sat in front of it for three nights with a book and a glass of red. Heaven."
"Biggest suite I've stayed in at this price point in South Africa. The deck looking over the creek tipped it for us. We're already booking again."
The flagship suite, dinner and breakfast included. Most weekends book out 4–6 weeks ahead.