Stretch out your limbs and take it all in, your whole self succumbs to the stillness, to become a part of this ancient and peaceful place. With inimitable views of the Knysna landscape, Alkira Lodge is a luxury seaside escape along the Garden Route, for the beach clan to explore the mountains and nature that abounds.
Nestled near the top of the Western Head between the mountain side of the fabulous seaside destination of Knysna, and the ocean side of Brenton on Sea, Alkira Lodge emerges from the earth like an eco-conscious warrior protecting the fynbos reserve it inhabits.
Comprising of the main lodge with six ensuite bedrooms – which includes a self-contained apartment on the lower ground floor, and the option to include the gorgeous Shufflers Villa – this hideaway is fit to serve the greatest of gatherings for those multigenerational friend and family reunions.
Beautiful ensuite bedrooms, with their luxury linens, generous bedding and sumptuous bath essentials, all open out to their own private patios. The resident bush buck are likely to saunter by, quietly and discreetly so as not to disturb your reclining or bathing. As you take in the gorgeous aroma and uninterrupted views of the Garden Route nature that abounds.
A TV-room and library, a slow lounge, dining and reclining spaces. A bar, indoor and outdoor cooking stations, long decks with long tables, extensions of living spaces that propel you out through the large, folding glass doors, over the swimming pool, the jacuzzi, the lush lawn, and into the thicket of the fynbos veld. The space is cohesive, yet endlessly forgiving and generous at every turn.
Beautiful bespoke pieces of furniture that have either been custom-made or sourced locally, sit side-by-side Italian treasures discovered in European market places and antique stores. Refined furnishings and high tech appliances marry the edgy, rugged romance of collectables with a contemporary appreciation for comfort. This hideaway does not hold back on its aim to please in style and practicality. All in keeping with the magnificent nature outside.
Best views of the bays
It’s a blissful indulgence at any hour of the day. When the fires are lit in the evening and the colours transform over the Outeniqua mountains in the distance, the town below comes to life with speckles of sparkling lights, mimicking the magic of the night’s sky. As the sun rises and the air is still with the mist lingering over the bay, and the songs from the birds darting through the morning breeze, bring the hills back to life.
And when it comes to the feasting – with Alkira’s Head Chef haling as a Lecturer at Prue Leith’s Culinary Institute – you are at liberty to live in a beach kikoi all holiday long.
For there will be little need for anything more than dipping in and out of the water, wandering about the beautiful fynbos veld, playing the odd game of cards with the competitive cousins, sipping and feasting. These hills are alive with music, merriment and more memories to be made with your favourite people.
Written by Dawn Kennedy