Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House

The gardens are beautiful. Sondela is a tranquil setting. A place to relax and unwind.

We were basically locked out of the facility when we returned from dinner at the resort. The handles of the front door are broken on the outside. Nobody answered our knock. We had to walk back to the resort to find the staff member. She said the door is unlocked, yet she sent her colleague through a back door to open for us from the inside. They also do not cater for food allergies. This information was requested by them before our stay.The kettle in our room was malfunctioning. There was a frog in the room. Overall dirty room. The bath sitting surface is damaged and has cracked, sharp edges.

The property was well maintained, clean and ideal for couples wanting to no noise and relaxation.

Lack of vegetarian options

Superb

The jacuzzi was a little dirty on arrival. Water wasn't clean. But after the staff attended to it, it was fine. Just didn't get hot, was luke warm.

The space, the ever warm jacuzzi and the restaurant food very nice

The peaceful environment

Beautiful setting and excellent staff.

The outside jacuzzi was extremely loud during the night - think it needs maintenance

The staff were very friendly.

Attention to detail. No milk in rooms for coffee. No water in the rooms for drinking. Outside shower was dirty.

Activities and restaurants are within the reserve. No need to travel to other places. Warm swimming pool because it was drizzling whole weekend.

Geyser was not working on the last day.Water came through the door into our room from the passage, however it was attended to

Breakfast was delicious. So was our dinner. Food was excellent and staff is super friendly. The lounge has a peaceful atmosphere where you can sit, read and relax. Also a little veranda available with soft couches. The garden is beautiful, big trees and plenty birds.

I had a total knee replacement 3 weeks before my visit at which stage one is still mind full not to fall or slip. What I have missed in the bathroom / shower was a handrail to hold on to. It might seem insignificant but when you have to shower and don't have balance yet on both legs after a big operation you do need some form of stability.

We enjoyed the pool at the spa and the exceptionall game drive with Klaas The host Thabang was exceptional. The food were fantastic our room was clean and shiny after breakfast Thanx to Luthando and staff

Absolutely nothing

I liked that there was a variety of activities available for the guests. I also enjoyed that there were attractions nearby the resort therefore travelling was efficient. The resort was quiet and clean and the food offered was also very good. The staff were welcoming and helpful as well. Overall, it was a good experience.

The Country House is beautiful and serene, and it is far from the other side which was a bit crowded and noisy. You don’t hear too much of what happens on the other side, just silence and the gentleness of the space! It’s so beautiful you can take walks and meditate nicely.The staff are amazing! Tyrone and Altina were the best! So attentive and happy to help. They had so much grace for us. They were always ready with solutions to any issue we had! We really had an amazing stay and will be back again!The food at the Country House was amazing as well! The menu changes daily, chef did great! At the other restaurant/bar they had basic stuff but they also had the Zwakala craft beer so I’ll give them a kudos too- and their student waitresses and waitors were good especially Daisy!

I think this is more about the other side coz Country House was perfect and I can’t fault it!The new years celebration needs to be more diverse next time. This time it was centered around Afrikaans culture and traditions. I know it’s bela bela but still some diversity would go a long way for other visitors.

Upset about the spa and feel I need a refund

SPA ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE WERE NOT CHARGED THE PRICES AS PER BROCHURES AND DID NOT GET SERVICE I BOOKED FOR

The staff was amazing and the place is a relaxing area with animals and green grass

The breakfast they could do better

The service, the breakfast, and the whole experience we also went to their spa and got top tier massages,the pools are well kept and garden view are amazing, animals are everywhere that I love alot

The only reason they didn't get a full 10 is the drange system is not up to.standard

Great place great room great staff peaceful and beautiful

Had a small problem with air on, however the fan in the room helped

Friendly staff. Food was delicious and portions very big.

The gravel road going into the place.lots of dust and sand.

Pleasant

I think ? paying for just bou everything that u eat is a bit concerning especially after paying such an amount for accommodation atleast lunch or dinner should be included for free, the fact that u are not allowed to bring anything to eat from outside is a bit of a trap because u forced to buy inside Sondela, I mean if u don't eat at the restaurant then u eat at the guest house

This is the second time we stayed at Sondela Guesthouse this year. It was very peaceful this time. Last time, we had neighbours who kept us awake most of the night on the first night but this was attended to swiftly. We missed Tyron but Thabang and Altima were attentive. Alcoholic drinks are expensive including those in the fridge.

Last time dinner was included in our rate. The dinners were somewhat disappointing this time, fish both nights as the non-vegetarian main. Vegetarian options other than dishes with curry in them should be offered. The portions were also very small for the price we paid. Our beverages were included in breakfast this time which was one of the complaints we had last time. I didn't have the starter one night but paid nearly as same for a 2-course dinner as a 3-course dinner.

Fantastic and helpful staff. Good breakfast and nice on site restaurant.

The WiFi policy is atrocious. You are limited to only two WiFi logins. If you have a third device then tough. The WiFi only works in the vicinity of your room. If you leave the room, WiFi cuts.

Oh my goodness what a joy all round. Thabang, the manager was fantastic; food and service excellent. Quiet, peaceful, tranquil...I can go on.