Antbear Lodge

A hand-hewn property in South Africa's fairy tale Midlands region.

This quirky and principled owner-run lodge has a distinct Tolkien-esque feel, with thatched roofs and hay-bale walls. It has a real family-farm atmosphere too, in which chickens and horses wander the property and the owners are likely to join you...

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Antbear Lodge

This quirky and principled owner-run lodge has a distinct Tolkien-esque feel, with thatched roofs and hay-bale walls. It has a real family-farm atmosphere too, in which chickens and horses wander the property and the owners are likely to join you for a meal. Best of all, it sits at the foot of the stunning Drakensberg mountains, taking in wide escarpment views. (You can even stay in a luxurious glass-fronted cave.) Built sustainably, using local and recycled materials (including glass bottles for bricks), Antbear Lodge fulfils its owners' commitment to living gently on the planet.

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From $140 person/night

Lodge

15 Rooms

Midlands, South Africa

What you'll love

With an organic veggie garden, fresh farm eggs, homemade cheeses and daily home-baked bread, you might have to loosen your waistband when you leave...

Insiders tip

While it sounds basic, the Cave Suite is anything but. Book it for the candlelit Jacuzzi bath, complete with the best South African bubbly.

Something to think about

Antbear measures luxury in things like fresh air, time, peace and quiet and the ability to connect with people in the flesh. You won't find polished silver or crystal glasses, high-speed internet or well-dressed butlers.

The property

The lodge includes a restaurant, small bar and lounge, all furnished with items handmade on site. (Picture organically curved pieces, huge mosaics, stained-glass windows – there's artistry in every detail.) Meals are delicious, sourced from the resort's own organic vegetable garden and farm, and no dietary requirement is too much trouble. Don't miss tasting Antbear's own cheese. There's also a spot to settle back in a hammock to listen to the night sounds and African stories of the stars.

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The rooms

The owner's master craftsmanship is evident in all the rooms. The Garden View Suites have queen-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms with shower and spa tub, and a garden-facing patio. Larger Mountain View Suites have spacious lounges, bedrooms with king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms with Jacuzzis, and wide escarpment views. The Luxury Cave is just that, a cave with a glassed-in opening. Cosy and comfortable, there's a Jacuzzi in the bedroom, a lounge with open fireplace, and hammock chairs on the veranda.

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Activities

The Drakensberg range's plateaus and kloofs, waterfalls, forests, pristine rivers and lakes are dramatic, and would take you years to explore fully. That said, you can hike or horseback ride from the farm to Giant's Castle for some truly dramatic views. Hot-air balloon rides take off from the fields in front of Antbear. Take part in daily farm activities, from milking cows to grooming the horses (great for kids). The owner's pride-and-joy woodshop is always open to visitors.

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About Midlands

Midlands

Peace and tranquillity personified, this is a place to sit back and let nature soothe your soul.

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