Situated along a quiet road in Sea Point is the lovely Blackheath Lodge. It’s not the kind of place that you just happen upon but once you know it’s there, it’s hard to forget.

The lodge looks quietly unassuming from the outside, like a Victorian-style Sea Point home, but once you step inside you’re worlds away from the bustling Atlantic Seaboard.

The Look

Inside, Blackheath Lodge’s reception area is filled with light from a huge crystal chandelier and is full of vibrant colour from pieces of beadwork and ceramics from local African artists. The eclectic styling carries on throughout, with small touches that add a bit of quirk to the property. Fun hanging teapot lights, richly textured fabrics and just the right amount of mismatch to look endearing and thoughtful.

Checking In

Upon arrival, we were ushered out of the reception area and took a seat in a comfortable little alcove overlooking the pool area and were offered refreshments. If you’ve travelled far, it’s a great way to be checked in and beats standing around a lobby waiting to be attended to. We decided to start our stay with a lovely chilled glass of local white wine. Our check-in was swift and welcoming, with manageress, Karin, giving us all the ins and outs.

The Room

If you’ve ever read the Folk of the Faraway Tree, you’ll know that the characters climb to the top of the tree to discover a fun land and our room was a bit like that. Located at the top of a spiralling staircase was our stunning vaulted loft suite, with the most beautiful view over Sea Point and the ocean. The astroturf covered balcony was flooded with afternoon sunlight and the green velvet couch was beckoning for me to join it with a book.

It’s all in the details

The owners of Blackheath Lodge (and its sister property in Hermanus, One Marine Drive) want guests to truly relax in their surroundings. They make every effort to make sure that you can do just that by doing all the thinking for you. There are blankets for outdoors when the weather cools, an iPad in your room to use and a library of books and games to keep you entertained. You can also select a DVD from the library and indulge in some late night movie watching.

Each room has a mini bar stocked with complimentary drinks, coffee and tea. Downstairs there is a cake bar and a candy counter, where you can help yourself to a sweet treat whenever you feel like it (gasp!). If you looked up ‘kids in a candy store’ in the dictionary, you’d see a picture of my hubby and I there, so weak is our self-control. I’ll admit, we hit up the candy counter a few times.

If you need a change of scenery from your room (it’s unlikely but just in case) there is a reading lounge where you can make yourself a cup of tea and put your feet up.

If the weather is playing ball, the hotel encloses a lovely pool area courtyard, complete with sun loungers and towels. Here you can sip on a mimosa, catch some rays and marvel at the secludedness from behind your shades.

A little bit of magic

Everywhere you wander around the property you’ll be greeted by a friendly member of staff, or perhaps even Coco the dog or one of the two cats (usually found lounging in a sunny corner). You’ll notice fun thoughtful elements everywhere – from a wall decorated with the letter B, a white elephant standing guard over the pool area, or coloured birdhouses across a wall. It’s the same sense of whimsy evident at One Marine Drive and it’s Alice in Wonderland-ish, even a little Zingara-esque. A bit of magic, a little of the unexpected and just plain fun.

Dining

The team at Blackheath can recommend any one of the numerous great restaurants that are nearby and will make a reservation for you as well. Being locals and really not wanting to venture from our cosy bed, we ordered a bottle of great red wine from the bar and had pizza delivered in. We enjoyed this while lazing around in our robes and trying to best one another at a heated game of Scrabble. What bliss.

The breakfast spread the next morning consisted of delicious, out-the-oven croissants, a selection of cheeses and cold meats, fresh fruit, pancakes, frittatas and more. And that’s before you order your cooked option! We enjoyed great coffee and food on the sun-filled patio and mused about wanting to never leave.

What makes Blackheath Lodge Special?

It seems that the owners of Blackheath Lodge and One Marine Drive are well-travelled themselves and have brought elements from all the places that they have visited and loved together in both properties. I imagine them to be great readers too, as both places specifically have comfy, sunny spots that just beckon for you to curl up with a novel. Something I can really get on board with.

At Blackheath Lodge, you will be well looked after from the minute you are ushered through the door.

If you are visiting from out of town you are going to find it hard to leave to go sightseeing, as the whole place just feels like a comfy cocoon. If you’re a local and are looking for a unique and personalised weekend away or a place to celebrate a special occasion, the undoubtedly, Blackheath Lodge should be your go-to choice.

When it does finally come time for you to check out (sad we know) you may notice that the flag outside the entrance has been changed to your country’s flag – a small touch to bid you adieu, and just one of many that make this such a unique and special place.

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