Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Entering the ancient Milkwood forest of the Western Cape's Fynbos (one of the world's six floral kingdoms) is like stepping back in time. Staying at the five-star lodges of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve means doing it in style. The Forest Lodge has spacious suites, practically mini-houses, and immense glass doors that let you drift out onto your deck while the scent of the ocean and the fynbos drift in.

In the restaurants, chefs turn local ingredients into global dishes. Even lovers of their meaty game dishes have their heads turned by the vegetarian courses direct from the reserve's garden, or seduced by the saucy seafood. All are sinfully delicious and beautiful enough to draw your eyes from the hypnotic views of Walker Bay.

From beach to bush, a vacation at Gansbaai's Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers an opportunity to explore nature. Whether whale watching or hiking through the Fynbos, the guides bring the forest to life with their short quips and tall stories.