Silverstone Falls, Swaziland

It isn’t easy finding that special spot where you can completely unwind and feel at one with nature, but I think Avon and I have seriously found it. It is such an amazing spot to visit that I must admit I am almost reluctant to share it with you.  I want it to be our little Family secret that no one in the world will discover, but then it dawned on me that if it is kept such a secret then no one will ever visit and then it may never exist. So I am forced to share it with you so that we can all benefit from this tranquil spot, but please keep it to yourself J.

Swaziland has quite a few little hidden cosy places to stay but they have nothing on Silverstone Falls …it is in a whole different ball game. It is more like executive luxury accommodation which happens to be located in the heart of nature. This I believe is a very difficult recipe to match – professionalism, exec service and a homely nature all in one. But somehow Silverstone Falls has got the perfect recipe. You travel for a few kilometres off the beaten track, which ignites a sense of adventure and almost fear that you could be on the wrong road.  And just when you think you might need to turn around you drive into paradise. The accommodation looks like lodge type housing made of rock and wood and it is right in the field of view of an amazing waterfall. I have never seen accommodation quite so close to a waterfall and yet far enough for you to feel safe. The whole picture looks like it was taken out of a movie - a movie I would call Legend of the Falls (but that is already taken J).

The breath taking view of the falls

Entrance to Silverstone Falls

 When you arrive you wonder if anyone is home because there aren’t many cars or people rushing about or driving past you. This is a blessing for people like us who had arrived from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. There are no sounds of cars and people but more of birds and water falling onto the rocks. You almost don’t believe that such a place actually exists – “am I dreaming right now? Or is this for real?”

Silverstone boasts about having only 4 executive rooms which are all linked to the main living room and dining room. You might be thinking that four rooms is nothing but that is definitely something you want when you are trying to get some peace and quiet. All the rooms are strategically placed to get the best view of the waterfall. So it doesn’t matter which room you get you know that when you walk in you are guaranteed a cosy balcony that views the waterfall. The rooms are fully equipped with everything you would expect in a hotel room but it has its own personal touch from the soft bedding to the chilled lounge. The bathrooms have an elegant stone feel to them and my best part is the beautiful old fashion bath tubs which you can lay in all day and never get uncomfortable.

Dinning room 

Lobby area

What I liked about staying at Silverstone is that although I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere and there was no one around….all the necessary details were still taken care of without feeling like someone was in your personal space. Which I know is a huge factor for some people. That is the very reason why my dad would rather stay in a hotel than in a B&B and why my boss will not return to a bed and breakfast as soon as the owner feels they can share their weight loss program with him. But here at Silverstone Falls, the wonderful couple that own it are well in tune with the needs of their guests. They give you space when you need space and they engage in amazing conversations if you up for some entertainment. Again, the perfect recipe.

After having a relaxing bath and enjoying a deliciously home cooked dinner, tucking into bed was but a cherry on the cake. The sounds around us were rhythmic, from the waterfall to the sounds of the crickets. It felt so good to be staying here and to be at peace again. It felt like home, but way more luxurious.

But if you really want to know all about this you need to go visit Silverstone Falls in Mbabane, Swaziland for yourself and please do let me know what you think. I have no doubt you will feel like I did….a secret so good you would have to share it!

Check out what other peeps are saying about Silverstone Falls on TripAdvisor.

Amazingwe: South Africa

If you are looking for a quick get-away from Johannesburg or Pretoria...I suggest you visit Amazingwe. It is about a 40km drive from either direction (towards hartebeesport Dam). They have a swimming pool, amazing sunset view, lovely meals, basically it is just a cool spot to just chill, read or catch up. Avon and I went there for breakfast one morning and we just had a swell of a time. A couple of weeks later we took a bunch of friends there just for some drinks and ended up staying there till 10pm watching the Sunday night movie. If you are interested in visiting this place I suggest you go on a sunday afternoon because during the weekend time there are plenty of weddings. Or go in the morning for a breakfast. If you go let me know what you think!



This is our Amazingwe look



The accomodation is basic but still relaxing

This is where the honeymooners take their baths :) Nice one.

The Blue Moon Beach Holiday Resort: Mozambique



The Blue Moon Beach Holiday Resort is located close to Inhambane Mozambique. You need a four wheel drive for only 500m. The other option is you can leave your car somewhere safe and have them pick you up in a four x four. The place is very peaceful and relaxing. We only stayed one night but the whole experience was fantastic. Wonderful food - Fish and prawns Yumm Yumm. And the beach is just as great. The only thing is the resort is located behind dunes.

Enjoying the feel of the sand beneath my feet



The lodge



Mom and dad enjoying the walk






View of the sunrise behind the dunes

 

Sun Square Hotel: Montecasino

We finally decided to use Avon’s gift voucher to the Sun Square hotel at Montecasino. Avon had won this voucher because his team came third in the Montecasino staff Diski dance competition. I think they still should have come first :(.

Although this hotel room was small, I found that they really maximised on the space and added a lot of jazz to it. There was a lot of glass and mirrors which gave the illusion of added space and also added class to the room.

It is the ideal kind of room if you just need a place to stay while spending time at Montecasino watching a show or having dinner out. Since Avon and I had had our fare share of entertainment at Monte. We decided to order food in and just chat. Mug and Bean delivered two yummy burgers and we pic-nicked on the bed.

I would totally do this again. ... Just need more freebees :).

What I would recommend is that - when montecasino has their special Dinner for two (R250) have a look at the hotel deals too... they do pretty cool packages which are affordable.

Zwahili Private Game Lodge: South Africa

In an attempt be spontaneous I tried to find a romantic spot for one of our long weekend get aways. Mind you I was planning this on the Friday of the long weekend. On the internet I came across a hot deal at Zwahili Private Game Lodge. Now this is when I really noticed the difference between 5 stars and 4 stars. WOW. This place blew my mind. It is so private that only 20 guests can stay here. It is so cosy and romantic it just makes me want to go on honeymoon all over again.

It was funny because we were not really celebrating anything, we really just wanted to get out of the city and spend some quality time together. It is a super expensive place but if you are like me and really like deals you should go for the weekday special. R1800 includes a 5 course meal, nights stay, breakfast and 2 game drives. This is for one couple which isn't bad!

Avon and I had our dinner served to us on a patio and pretended that we were some super classy couple form overseas :). We sat up and talked under the stars and just took in the fresh air. I would say this is one of the best places and one of the best experiences I have had in a long time.
Let the pictures below do the talking.

Forester Arms: Swaziland

If you are looking for a peaceful, romantic place in Swaziland, try visit the Forester Arms . Avon took me here for our 1 year anniversary and what a time we had. The food was absolutely amazing and the staff were very pleasant.

I would recommend this spot as a winter get away. It is situated in a forested area and the rooms are equipt with a fire place and heater....plus you get the benefit of snuggling up to your loved one :).

One of the added perks is that you can go on a romantic walk or drive to a secret waterfall in the forest. The hotel packs your picnic stuff for you. As romantic and isolated as it was ...I did get a bit scared as a replayed a missing couples scenario in my day dream. ... That ended our picnic pretty quick. But never the less it was fun :).

Thank you my hubby :).