place of peace
Whatever you’re looking for – a romantic interlude, a chance to relax, a break
with friends or a spot for a celebration – you’ll find it at Prana LodgeTEXT KATHERINE BOTES PHOTOGRAPHS KATHERINE BOTES, SUPPLIEDhere’s something special about the
Eastern Cape. Perhaps it’s because
when you switch on the radio you’re
likely to hear a tune by Spandau Ballet (or
another forgotten band from the 1980s)
or because you’re immersed in one of the
most picturesque landscapes in South
Africa but most probably it’s because you
encounter genuine peace and deep silence
there. That’s what first strikes me when
I arrive at Prana Lodge. It’s beautifully
quiet. A mere 40 minutes’ drive from East
London Airport, it’s located on a secluded
stretch of unspoilt Chintsa coastline.
Combine this beach location with five
star accommodation, gourmet cuisine andT
pampering spa treatments and you have
low-key Wild Coast luxury in abundance.
Megan van den Berg, the marketing
manager and daughter of owner Gail
Davidson, speaks passionately about the
sanctuary they’ve created. Chintsa is
where the Davidson family, captivated by
its unique spirit and natural beauty, had
holidayed for years when taking a break
from Johannesburg. Then, seven years ago,
the family relocated here permanently.
The Davidsons looked to the local
community for their labour and began
empowering people by employing them
as builders on the property. Today you’ll
find the same staff working as waiters inthe restaurant – testament to the owners’
focus on the growth of their people and
Gail’s background in life coaching. They
have clearly achieved the difficult, delicate
balance of unobtrusive yet friendly service.
A flourishing kitchen garden services the
restaurant, where head chef Jaycee Ferreira
serves an array of creative and palate
delighting dishes marked by bold, fresh
flavours. Although there is an emphasis
on healthy eating this is definitely not diet
food: desserts such as couverture chocolate
brûlée, truffles and home-made ice cream
simply encourage indulgence.
The heady scent of lemon grass permeates
the treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi and94 HL OCTOBER 2015 HOUSEANDLEISURE.CO.ZALEISURE HOT SPOT
get the
lowdown on
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steam room of the Prana Lodge Wellness
Spa, which is the perfect place to unwind.
I start the day with a meditation session
and a massage, and end it at the pool-side
lounge with a G&T in hand. Heaven.
This specially designed intimate-getaway
experience (there’s a no-children policy)
offers just seven suites tucked away in the
indigenous gardens, each with a private
plunge pool and linked by a boardwalk
to the main buildings. With great views,
kilometres of beautiful coastline to explore,
plenty of activities for the energetic and the
pleasure of VIP treatment, Prana Lodge is
a destination worth seeking out. Prana
Lodge, pranalodge.co.zaCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The beach
view from the Prana Lodge observation deck;
the gracious lounge; the food is memorable
and beautifully presented; a quiet outdoor
corner; the boardwalk traverses the
indigenous garden; the decor is eclectic, with
family pieces sharing the spaces; one of the
seven luxury suites; the pool-side patio;
a Chintsa-coast gem.1015_HL_000_HotSpot_Prana_RFO.indd 95 2015/09/03 2:16 PM