My wife and I stayed at Grootbos Forest lodge for 3 nights as one stop in our 5 weeks through the African continent. We were welcomed at our vehicle on arrival and escorted to reception while the luggage was whisked away. The friendly staff immediately began the program over view, we didn't receive any presentation of the venue or formal hotel/lodge briefing. I would say the activities are light on for an African Lodge. -4 by 4 reserve safari drive to look at flora/horticulture interests some and a lovely sunset drink was nice. -living the future didn't occur, but is probably more self serving than of interest for tourists. -horseback riding was unavailable to me being 191 cm and 100 kg I was too heavy for their horses. -ancient caves and beach walk. I am sure the "cave" has historical importance but not sure it is really tourist noteworthy. -forest walk was good as it was the major real activity we were able to do. Led by a knowledgeable guide we went on a 2.5 hour hike in the surrounding fynbos. -the remaining activities are all at an extra cost, and very much weather dependent. As the purpose of our trip here was to hopefully see the BIG 5 marine animals, I was extremely disappointed to learn that the boat was prebooked for the first full day we were there and the next day it would not be sailing. To their credit, and regrettably after I became "upset", they managed to secure a spot for us! In not receiving a proper briefing we were surprised to be charged for local beer and wine during our meals, only raised to our attention on day 2 as we were not asked to sign anything. Our package was a "Luxury suite full board" package and can I say, not inexpensive, and here is the absolute craziness. The in room mini bar is complimentary, (although not replenished on day 3 of our stay so they got us there) but you must pay for a beer at dinner! When queried, the receptionist told me I could bring a bottle of wine or a beer from my room to dinner at no charge!!! And this is 5 star! Please.... A little commonsense and give and take would appear best practice. We were only able to partake in 1 of 3 paid breakfasts as the whale watching boat left at 7 am first morning, and we departed at 5.30 am the last morning for our flight out of Cape Town, so Grootbos saved two breakfast but charge for a drink at dinner. In my mind, Luxury and full board package means all inclusive. But at the least, explained when you arrive so NO SURPRISES. One last point. Grootbos expouse environmental sustainability and minimising the carbon foot print, water management etc. They filter and bottle their own water to eliminate plastic bottles-meritorious. However our towels were changed, not just daily but after each and every use-hand drying towel included. And at all times they were hanging up. One step forward then one step backwards. Grootbos Forest Lodge has a great number of things in its favor: amazing fynbos, friendly staff and proximity to Gansbaai's whale watching and shark diving opportunities. On a positive, we found the food to be very good in the restaurant. It is still a great destination but I think very overpriced for what it offers - if you take away the whales and sharks you only have the views and the fynbos and an expensive but average lodge. It is a pity that it does not meet expectations. Read less

The second part of our tour took us to Grootbos. We were supposed to stay at Birkenhead house but renovations meant that the Royal porfolio group suggested Grootbos as an alternative. And we are truly thankful they did. We may never have had the chance to experience the majestic beauty of the landscape and nature that is here. We also filled out our survey form before leaving and forgot to hand it in, so Grootbos please use this instead and thank all the people from the top down Rooms and location - we stayed at the forest lodge and were met by Jono our guide when we arrived. He dispensed with any paperwork and got us a table for lunch which was excellent overlooking walker bay. Our room was basically a small cottage with a separate living room with balcony, two bathrooms, beautiful bedroom and a bathroom with a bath with some of the greatest views and sunsets imaginable. Guides and tours - jono was fantastic. His knowledge and obviously love of his job and his surroundings for someone relatively young was a credit to the hotel. He took us personally down to the caves and the beach, showed us prehistoric caves, saw a school of dolphins, and on our second day ever so memorable took us for a hike to the top of the mountain all the time stopping and educating us on the flowers and plants. It was mind blowing. The walk through the milkwood forest was also excellent Food and dining - food is included and it’s seriously good. Not what you would expect at all and a very high standard. The dining staff, management, chefs and sommeliers were the nicest people. All in all we truly loved Grootbos. It showed us a completely different side of South Africa that we were not expecting at all but will certainly bring out now adult kids back. Thanks all of you for making it so special. Read less