Hog Hollow Country Lodge

Friendly, comfortable and stylish lodge with delicious food, between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean

‘Life is good’, says owner Andy Fermor - and it is clear from his relaxed smile that he really means it. Looking around at the soft green lawns, the turquoise pool, the flower-covered cottages, the wooded valleys and the blue peaks of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, it is hard to disagree.

When Andy and his wife Debbie bought it in 1993, Hog Hollow was just a patch of pastureland and some sheds. Later that year, Mandela was released, sanctions were lifted and the couple gave up surfing and started building. To the amazement of locals, they even converted the circular water reservoir into a honeymoon suite named The Round House. The result of their perseverance is an elegant lodge with 16 suites, an acclaimed restaurant and immaculate gardens. It is now a prime stopover on the Garden Route, with many attractions on its doorstep: Storms River, Nature’s Valley, Keurbooms Beach, whale-watching… and excellent cuisine when you get back. Andy’s right: life sure is good.

Highs

• The wonderful views from the wooden sundeck, over forested hills and valleys
• The delicious food - one of the best meals we had along the garden route
• The rich animal, flower and birdlife
• You're close to long, pristine sandy beaches with Indian Ocean rollers
• The friendly, integrated staff - it was the first hotel where we met a Xhosa in a managerial role

Lows

• This is the countryside, and there may be the occasional creepy-crawly in or around your room
• We'd recommend that you hire a car; it's about 20km to the nearest shops
• Though we enjoyed the informal dining with fellow guests, communal dinners might not suit all; however, separate tables can be arranged