Durban - Honeywood in Sea Park, 5km north of Port Shepstone, is an upmarket holiday destination venue that is sure to appeal to the most discerning of travellers.
Owned and run by the Smith family, Honeywood is classed as self-catering and B&B, but it’s much more than that.
There are seven units available in four double storey buildings. Each unit is the size of a duplex, is very airy and has large windows, sliding doors and covered verandas on both floors. The downstairs bedroom has king size beds, with twin beds in the loft bedroom, both with en-suite bathrooms.
The open plan downstairs area comprises a lounge with extremely comfy couches, dining table and chairs, and a well-equipped kitchen. Fresh milk in the fridge and fine filter coffee scored extra points. There was also a gas braai and breakfast table on the downstairs veranda.
The steeply sloping property is not that suitable for wheelchairs or the disabled, although there is a golf cart available. However, the slope affords all the units great views over the forest garden – in fact, our room was level with the canopy of trees on the upper veranda.
We had been motoring along the coast for a while, so were happy to simply relax in the dappled greenish light with some complimentary sherry before a wash (there was a quaint freestanding slipper bath downstairs) and heading up to The Cellar Restaurant for supper.
Rose petals were strewn outside the restaurant, which borders the swimming pool, adding to the inviting ambience.
Once inside the restaurant, you are spoilt for choice with tables available inside and outside. For an intimate meal or a special occasion, the little cellar is a romantic setting.
The restaurant décor is eclectic and features an interesting variety of art and artefacts.
Co-owner Kate is responsible for the décor, the petals and the hospitality. Her husband Dylan is kept busy and is out of sight most of the time, but his presence announces itself in the food.
We were fortunate to test drive the food and wine pairings now on offer – four delicious contemporary fusion courses with a lovely selection of wines. We were impressed with Dylan’s selections, especially considering we sprung a vegetarian pairing on him without notice. The Cellar’s relatively inexpensive wine list also impressed with its choices.
Must-haves? Well the menu changes every three months, but lime jelly with white chocolate panna cotta, served with crushed cashew praline, crisp sugar noodles and lemon grass syrup remains by popular demand.
Honeywood is increasingly in demand for conferences and team building, as well as for weddings and events.
Winding our way down the paths below the accommodation, we arrived at a lapa overlooking a large fishpond. This is a great place for work breakaways I suppose, but far better for watching the birds and butterflies, or celebrating.
There was an array of furniture under the paper lanterns, a coal stove for long chilly nights, table tennis, and a kitchen area. A short stroll through the trees took us to a spacious glade, often used for nuptials. The setting is romantic no matter the reason for your visit.
Peaceful nights on percale linen, with breakfast delivered (if you’re not self-catering) were restful and restorative.
For the active or restless, there are beaches close by, nine golf courses in a 50km radius, shopping centres, nature reserves and much more. - Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune
l Call 039 695 1036/ 082 453 2816 for The Cellar bookings (open Tuesday to Saturday), 072 910 4911, or visit www.honeywoodsa.co.za