Escape to Paradise: Nabana Lodge, Hazyview's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Nabana Lodge, Hazyview's Hidden Gem. Prepare for a review that's less "structured" and more "slightly manic, but honest." I'm going to try and cram everything you asked into this rambling, enthusiastic, and probably slightly-too-long review. Let's get this show on the road!
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Potentially Awkward
Right, so, Accessibility: It’s a big one, and frankly, the website mentions "facilities for disabled guests," so you’re relying on some of the basics being in place. I didn't personally test out the wheelchair accessibility, but the presence of an elevator is promising. But honestly, the devil’s in the details. Are the pathways smooth? Are the bathrooms truly accessible? This area needs a bit more digging. On the flip side, all that luscious greenery is fantastic, but there might be some gravel pathways - be careful! Overall, I'd want to give it a glowing review, but I'd be cautious until I could confirm.
Wheelchair accessible and the fact that facilities for disabled guests are mentioned makes my heart flutter with a cautious optimism.
Getting There & Staying Connected (Or Not):
Okay, Airport transfer? Score! That's a major plus, especially after a long flight. And definitely a car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], you are sorted. Now, for the techy stuff. Internet access is mentioned a lot, and THANK GOD, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, in this day and age, it's a must. The website boasts Internet [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Listen. I don't want to be stuck at the front desk trying to connect my laptop in 2024. The internet must be reliable - especially when you’re trying to relax.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" Extravaganza (Prepare for a Deep Dive into the Spa)
Here's where Nabana Lodge really shines. They are not playing around with the R&R.
- Spa/sauna, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness… Okay, I'm already feeling sleepy with all that goodness!
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool… Seriously I could almost smell the chlorine.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness… I am not one of the fitness types but it's nice to know if you are that is an option.
Now, can we talk about the Spa? Picture this: I arrived feeling like a crumpled-up map, and one massage later I was suddenly… smooth? The therapist was some kind of miracle worker. I'm talking, like, knots I didn't even KNOW I had were vanquished. The Body scrub was phenomenal. And the Body wrap? Pure bliss. The Foot bath was perfect to wash off the dust of the journey… The way the light streamed in through the windows, the scent of aromatherapy oils… I almost fell asleep right on the table. It was the kind of experience that makes you forget the world exists for a little while. I had to force myself to come out of the spa's bubble, and when I did, it was to walk over to the Pool with view, and dip in. A perfect afternoon.
The Food & Drink Shenanigans:
Alright, let's talk nosh. The website is bursting with options: Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant… Phew!
The Breakfast [buffet]? Solid. The Coffee/tea in restaurant? Essential. I remember one morning, nursing my coffee from the Coffee shop, watching the mist lift off the mountains. Magical. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant! Because you know I need my greens.
The only thing is that the variety of options kind of freaked me out. I'm serious, from Asian cuisine to Western cuisine, it was like a culinary globe-trotter's dream. I kind of just wanted a burger. (Don't judge!)
Cleanliness & Safety: The "Sanitized" Symphony
Nabana Lodge is clearly taking its hygiene seriously, which is a major plus in today's world. They've got:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Hygiene certification
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Staff trained in safety protocol
Plus, they give you the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. I mean, I'm not OCD about cleanliness but seeing these measures gave me peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make a Difference
Now for the bits and bobs. They offer: Air conditioning in public area, Babysitting service (for kids), Business facilities, plus a Concierge, a Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, and Facilities for disabled guests! I may have mentioned those before!
The Daily housekeeping was a godsend. You come back from your adventures, and your room is magically refreshed. The Luggage storage came in handy when I wanted to go on a daytrip.
For the Kids: Family Fun Time
While I haven't got kids, the Lodge offers Babysitting service and seems overall Family/child friendly.
The Rooms: My Fortress of Tranquility
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
I went for a Non-smoking room (obviously!). The Blackout curtains were absolutely clutch for sleeping in. The Extra long bed was a lifesaver! I might have curled up a few times in an attempt to stretch out. I absolutely loved the Slippers!
Safety and Security: Peace of Mind
They've got all the bases covered: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour]. You feel well looked after.
Getting Around: The Logistics
As mentioned - Airport transfer is a huge plus! They also have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site].
The "Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went" Section (Because, Let's Be Real, No Place is Perfect)
- Limited cell service: Depending on your carrier, you might not get the signal everywhere on the grounds. But honestly, sometimes that's a good thing, right?
- The location, the location, the location: Nabana Lodge is in in Hazyview. It is perfect for exploring the Drakensberg area.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
HELL YES.
Nabana Lodge isn't perfect. But its flaws, if any, were completely overshadowed by the sheer beauty of the place and the genuine warmth of the staff. It's the kind of place you go to escape, to de-stress, and to remember what it feels like to truly relax. You can probably picture me already. So, yes, if you are looking for a place to truly escape, this is it.
Compelling Offer for Escape to Paradise: Nabana Lodge, Hazyview's Hidden Gem
Headline: Escape to Paradise: Nabana Lodge - Where Relaxation Meets Adventure in the Heart of Hazyview!
Body:
Tired of the daily grind? Craving an escape that revitalizes your mind, body, and soul? Look no further than Escape to Paradise: Nabana Lodge, Hazyview's hidden gem – the ultimate haven for tranquility and adventure!
Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, sipping freshly brewed coffee on your private balcony, and gazing out at breathtaking views. At Nabana Lodge, this dream becomes reality.
Here's what awaits you:
- Ultimate Relaxation: Ind
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving headfirst into my Nabana Lodge adventure in Hazyview, South Africa. Prepare for messy timelines, questionable decisions, and more emotional baggage than a Ryanair flight. Let's GO!
Nabana Lodge: Operation Relaxation (…Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bungalow Brawl (aka: Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Okay, so I "woke up" (more like, my brain rebooted after a transatlantic flight). Sun's already blasting. Ugh. Pre-coffee, the world is a blurry, jet-lagged nightmare. Found the welcome sign at the airport feeling slightly surreal.
- 9:00 AM: The drive to Nabana. Gorgeous, I grant you. Lush greenery, red soil… but all I can focus on is the gnawing emptiness of my stomach. Where’s the nearest Wimpy? (Just kidding…sort of.) The lodge actually DOES look as good as the pictures. Score one for the internet.
- 11:00 AM: ARRIVAL! Check-in. Smiling faces. I'm suddenly giddy, all the stress and traveling and being in transit just vanished. The bungalow is… well, it's a bungalow. Rustic charm, you know? But the mosquito net is more like a spider-web, and I swear I saw a lizard do a backflip inside the bathroom. Okay, deep breaths. This is Africa. Embrace the chaos.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. The food. Seriously, that’s all I can say. Phenomenal. I practically inhaled the peri-peri chicken. And those pap and shebas? Don't even get me STARTED. I've decided to dedicate my trip to expanding my waistline. Judge me.
- 3:00 PM: Pool time! YES! The water is refreshingly cool, the sun is blazing, and I feel… happy. Then, there's a family arguing in the pool next to me, and a kid vomits. Okay, maybe not perfect. Back to the bungalow to have an undisturbed nap
- 5:00 PM: Nap over. Now, I'm actually starving again. Wonder where I can get some food?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The chef is a wizard. I opted for a grilled fish dish this time and was in heaven. And the wine? Let's just say I'm slowly falling into a blissful food coma. The stars are incredible. The air smells of something both earthy and exotic. THIS is why I travel.
Day 2: The Kruger Quest (and the Dawn of the Antelope Obsession)
- 5:00 AM: The alarm is a crime against humanity. But, Kruger National Park calls! Coffee is an absolute necessity at this hour.
- 6:00 AM: Game drive time! Our guide, bless him, seemed to think we were all super keen. "Look! A giraffe!" He announces to us and the excitement in him reminds me of a kid at Christmas. He's an absolute delight to be around and I really value his company.
- 6:30 AM: It's freezing! My teeth are chattering. I forgot a jacket. Idiot. But… the sunrise over the savanna is breathtaking. Actually, breathtaking doesn't even cut it. It's… humbling. And magical.
- 7:00 AM: The animals start appearing! Elephants! Lions (sleeping, but still!). Zebras! And then… the impalas. Oh, the impalas. The graceful, elegant, utterly UNFAZED impalas. I am already obsessed. I took a million photos. They're all basically the same. I don’t care. I’m in love.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast in the park. This is surreal. Eating scrambled eggs while watching a herd of elephants? Yeah, that's a Tuesday. (In South Africa, anyway).
- 1:00 PM: Back to the lodge. Post-game drive exhaustion is REAL. Nap time!
- 3:00 PM: Post-nap. Pool!
- 5:00 PM: Drinks on the veranda. Watching the sunset. (I need to take a moment to appreciate this right now) This is, quite simply, perfection. The feeling of being far from the world, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature. I feel like I've finally found my inner peace.
- 7:00 PM: Another incredible dinner. My tastebuds are having a party. Maybe I should stay here forever? (Don't tell my boss.)
Day 3: Waterfalls, Worms, and the Truth About Romance
- 9:00 AM: A relaxed start. Needed to sleep in after the early mornings.
- 10:00 AM: God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon. The views! They're overwhelming. I almost faint from the beauty. Seriously. And the air is so clear. I can literally see the Earth's curve. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating…slightly.
- 12:00 PM: Waterfall time! We went to the Mac Mac Falls. I decided to actually go swimming!
- 2:00 PM: A visit to Graskop and the lift - a really interesting place. You will get to see so many things at this place.
- 4:00 PM: Massage. Seriously, this is what heaven feels like. I am putty in their hands. They found knots I didn't even know I had.
- 6:00 PM: I attempted to find a way to go on a romantic dinner with myself.
- 7:00 PM: I got food again. Delicious. I am in love with this place.
Day 4: The End (…for Now)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Sob. I don’t want to leave. I love this place so much.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. Fighting back tears.
- 11:00 AM: Last dip in the pool. Trying to soak it all in
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the staff. Feeling sad.
- 1:00 PM: The drive back to the airport. Reflecting on the magic. I have to come back.
- 5:00 PM: The flight home. Already planning my return. South Africa, you've stolen my heart.
Escape to Paradise: Nabana Lodge - The Real Deal, Apparently? (FAQ - With Attitude)
Okay, so, Nabana Lodge... is it *actually* paradise? My Instagram feed is telling me lies, isn't it?
Alright, look, let's be real. Paradise? Maybe not the whole shebang, with harp-playing angels and eternal summer. But Nabana Lodge in Hazyview? Close. REALLY close. Forget those airbrushed Insta photos, the real story is way better. Think lush greenery, the sound of the Sabie River whispering (or roaring, depending on the rain), and a vibe that screams "kick your shoes off and forget you have a to-do list." I spent a weekend there last year, and honestly, I almost didn't leave. I mean, the mosquitos were a bit aggressive (bring bug spray, people!), and I definitely tripped over a rogue garden gnome on the way back from the *amazing* pool one evening. But still... paradise-esque.
The accommodation... is it actually *nice*? I've stayed in a few "rustic" places that were basically glorified sheds.
Okay, so *this* is where Nabana really shines. I booked a room with a view, and oh. my. goodness. Seriously, I sat on my balcony for, like, three hours straight, just staring at the river. (Okay, fine, I might have been sipping on a G&T as well, but the view was the primary focus, I swear!). The rooms are well-appointed – think comfy beds, decent bathrooms (important!), and a general sense of "aaah, I could live here." It wasn't sterile or fussy, just comfortable and clean. My friend, who's a bit of a princess, even said she loved it! That's saying something. She *did* complain about the lack of a bidet, but you can't win them all... and honestly, who *needs* a bidet when you have that view?
What’s the food like? I'm a picky eater, so this is a major concern.
Alright, I'm with you. Food is crucial. And listen, the food at Nabana is *good*. Not Michelin-star-fancy, but hearty, flavorful, and made with what tasted like a lot of love. They had a breakfast buffet, which is always a win in my book (I judge a place on its bacon game, and Nabana passed with flying colors). Dinner was a set menu, but they were super accommodating about dietary restrictions. I'm a vegetarian, and I was never stuck with just salad (shudder). The staff were attentive and genuinely friendly – they clearly care about what they're serving. One night, I *may* have snuck an extra serving of their malva pudding... don't judge me, it was incredible!
I heard there are activities. What's the deal? I'm not a total couch potato, but I don’t want to be *busy* 24/7.
Okay, this is where Nabana really scores points. They offer a good mix of things to do, but the best part is, *you don't have to do any of them*. You can chill by the pool (which is gorgeous, by the way), read a book on your balcony, or, you know, just stare at the river. But if you're feeling adventurous, they've got options. Game drives, white-water rafting (that sounded terrifying, so I skipped it), and visits to the Kruger National Park are all easily arranged. One friend went on a guided bush walk, and she said it was "life-changing." (Personally, I'm more about life-affirming naps, but hey, to each their own!). The best part? You can completely customize your experience. No pressure, just options.
The staff – are they friendly? That can make or break a trip.
Yes! YES! The staff were genuinely lovely. Seriously. They were friendly, helpful, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. They remembered my name (which always impresses me, because I barely remember my own!) and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. The service wasn't fussy or overbearing, just warm and welcoming. One morning, I accidentally spilled coffee all over my breakfast, and the waitress, bless her heart, just laughed and replaced it with a fresh, steaming cup. Minor things like that make a huge difference to your stay.
Is it kid-friendly? I have little, adorable terrors… I mean, children.
Hmm. This is a tricky one. I didn't see a ton of kids running around when I was there. I *think* they might welcome families (check their website, obviously!), but honestly, I'd be tempted to leave the little terrors… I mean, children... at home. Nabana Lodge is more about relaxation and tranquility. A screaming toddler might detract from the overall zen-ness. They have a pool, which is always a draw, but it might not be the perfect place to let the little ones run wild. Consider it.
Okay, so, tell me about *the pool*. I'm a pool person.
Oh, the pool. Let's talk about the pool. It's… amazing. Okay, I'm obsessed. It’s one of those infinity pools, you know, where it looks like the water just spills over into the scenery? Yeah. That. Honestly, I could have stayed in that pool for the entire weekend and been perfectly content. The water was the perfect temperature, the sun was shining, and the view... well, the view! It was just pure bliss. And the best part? There weren't a million screaming kids splashing around (ahem, see previous question). Loads of sun loungers with towels already laid out. I'm pretty sure I spent a good three hours just floating, staring at the sky, and occasionally ordering cocktails from the bar. (Highly recommend the passionfruit mojitos, by the way). That pool is worth the trip alone. Seriously. Someone get me back there! I need a pool fix. I'm actually getting stressed just thinking about how long it's been since I last touched that water. I can feel my skin starting to crack…
Anything I should be aware of *before* I go? Practical stuff.
Okay, practicalities. Pack bug spray. Seriously. The mosquitos can be brutal, especially at dusk. Sunscreen, obviously. Comfortable shoes for walking around. And a good book (or, you know, download a bunch of Netflix shows, no judgment). Also, if you're driving, the roads to Hazyview can be a bit... bumpy. Make sure your car's in good shape. And maybe download some offline maps, just in case. And finally, be prepared to relax. Like, *really* relax. Let go of your anxieties, your to-do lists, and your endless scrolling.Honeymoon Havenst
