By Adrian Rorvik
Durban - I loved it first time round, almost five years ago. Much has happened since at The Gorge, about 35km inland from Port Shepstone on the edge of the national heritage site that is Oribi Gorge.
I love it more now and I’m not alone, with praise singers including Top Billing, a 2014 award for the World Luxury Hotel: global best lodge, while the new fine dining restaurant has been nominated for this year’s World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
What was new to me was the restaurant, bar and lounge complex – with three secluded rooms below. These rooms are less expensive than the stunning villas, but have arguably better views – almost 180 degrees, though you share a wall with your neighbour.
The five ovoid villas, suspended some way off over the edge of sandstone cliffs, are an architect/designer’s dream. The 81m2 pods are sheer luxury, with unobstructed views of the cliffs falling to the Mzimkulwana River, winding through the nature reserve way down below. Floor to ceiling glass everywhere means you can enjoy the view from your bed, the massive freestanding bath, the shower – and, of course, the outdoor shower and balcony.
Just up from the villas is a lunch area overlooking the pool next to the Clivia Spa – for day guests and residents to enjoy bistro style meals, though most residents are either out and about or still stuffed from fabulous breakfasts at the restaurant.
At the spa, diminutive Ncami Zulu punched – or rather massaged- way above her weight. My back was really sore at first – my snoring a short while later hopefully muffled. Apparently, the views are great from the treatment rooms’ windows but I can’t attest to that.
Dinner in the restaurant, I can attest, was superb – delicious mushroom fricassee starter, seared ostrich fillet and steam lime pudding, with amuse-bouche, perfect sorbets and some lovely wine.
Since the menu changes daily, my selection most probably won’t match yours. But I’ll bet it’ll be excellent.
The Gorge ticks all the boxes for an indulgent time out in superb comfort. If you are keen on some exercise it’s a 50-minute walk down to the Mzimkulwana River – no crocs in the river but keep an eye out for pythons. Although you are in the lap of luxury you are still in the wilds.
Fishing is good at the dam, with plentiful bass and tilapia. A walk to the suspension bridge and lookout point affords some Titanic moments at the end of the platform. There’s also a 4x4 track, an MTB trail that winds along the edge of the gorge, educational game drives and thrills nearby that include a stupendous gorge jump and the biggest, fastest zipline I’ve yet encountered, accelerating to around 100km/h as you speed across the gorge.
If there’s one must-do, it’s a visit to the nearby vulture colony. You could spend hours watching the Cape vultures below, above and all around, while perching on the edge of high cliffs and taking in the magnificent views over the Umzimkulu River and into the hazy distance. There are around 255 other bird species, over 500 plant types and plenty of wildlife including the rare Oribi buck. Hiking trails under the canopy of indigenous trees take you to Bushman paintings and bat caves.
Done with all the doings, it’s a pleasure to return and chill out at the pool or on your private balcony.
Chilling is almost paramount at The Gorge. I’m sure staff are used to guests arriving an hour later than intended for brekkie as the villas and the stunning, peaceful surroundings so lend themselves to a lie-in.
What trumps everything, for me, is the excellent service levels from smiling staff who greet you by name. It threw me at first. Had I met the person and forgotten?
I’ve had my car washed before I’ve left other five star places, but I’ve never had door mats placed alongside the doors. Such little things, taken care of with aplomb will, like the fab food, ensure you leave with a smile.
l Call 039 687 4000 and visit www.thegorge.co.za
Sunday Tribune