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Folks, I am going to be honest with you - if I go down to the South Coast, Honeywood would not be my first choice of places to stay. Shock and horror! It’s simply because I want a sea view and to let the sounds of waves lull me to sleep at night.
The reason we go to Honeywood is … the FOOD!
This is a family run business with mother Sharon at the head. She’s such a sweet lady. Reminds me a lot of my dear late mother. There is a cosy on-site spa and son Dylan is the wizard in the kitchen. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with a view over the forest. There is a self-catering kitchen in the room, but I doubt anyone makes use of it. Breakfast is brought to you in the room in the morning.
Now my fellow gastronauts, let’s get on to the good stuff and the reason we make the pilgrimage to Honeywood: The Cellar is the restaurant where the culinary delights are churned out. It is a small restaurant overlooking a pool. Service is crisp, friendly and attentive. Nice. That has almost become a lost art.
This is fine dining cuisine. Can you believe it? Fine dining on the South Coast? True story. What a little gem. Chef Dylan has clearly been around. He knows his stuff. Each plate looks like something that has gone missing from Masterchef. The staff has obviously been well trained. On our recent visit Dylan was in Dubai and the quality and taste of every dish was still exceptional.
Scanning through the menu you will find terms like “onion soubise”, “jaggery”, “Saltimbocca” or “Oaxacan”. Do not be intimidated my friends. We are here for the food, not the verbiage. Read over the pan reductions and if all else fails remember - Google is your friend.
We always roll with the 5-course tasting menu. Go big or go home. Each dish is a small sample of balanced deliciousness and eye candy. Please don’t get me wrong, nothing gives me more pleasure that hacking through a rare piece of rump, but the tasting option is a lot more interesting. We snacked happily through a tomato and pesto starter, fish, duck, tortellini and desert. The most memorable plate? Possibly the pulled pork dim sum we had for lunch the day before. I kid you not - but we do have this little thing for dim sum.
Now let me address the elephant in the room: the cost of fine dining. Yes, these are not Chinese take-away prices. I view fine dining as an art form. I understand the fresh produce, effort and techniques that go on behind the kitchen door. It’s a lot of work. Trust me on this one. Artists also need to eat. Artists put in long hours. Artists also need to go on holiday to Dubai. If fine dining is expensive for you, I feel your pain. I own that pain. We are retired and soon will not be able to afford the experience. So we make this a yearly special occasion visit.
Since it was a special occasion we went for a spa tyreatment. My spousal unit said she felt relaxed after her back massage. I did the full body massage. Call me a Philistine but a few shots of Cuervo Gold have a more relaxing effect on me. Each to their own.
And now, if you ever plan to visit Honeywood, here are some PRO tips:
If you are a small forager like myself you will not get through the 5 course tasting menu. The kitchen will oblige you and serve the first 2 courses for lunch and the rest for supper. Go with a package that bundles in a Spa treatment. It’s a good experience while being surrounded by the sounds of the forrest. Think carefully before booking the Lapa Suite. It is at the bottom of the garden and you will need to be fit to climb that winding path a few times a day.
So long Honeywood. See...
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I needed a birthday gift for my mom but had not given myself much time to plan…1.5 days to be exact🙈 I currently live overseas so sent an email late at night & there was a response the very next morning. There was availability on my mom’s birthday, I was so happy! The experience from start to finish was excellent! Kate & Sharon were super helpful & kept contact via e-mail. I managed to make a transfer the afternoon before the treatment & sent them the proof of payment.
My folks thoroughly enjoyed both their treatments - a ‘Forest Unwind back, neck & shoulders massage’ and a ‘Esse Plus Anti Aging Facial’. They said the therapists were fantastic, professional & very friendly. My mom said she could see visible results from the facial & raved about how soft her skin was afterwards.
The staff pay attention to detail & Kate even organised for my folks to get a lift on the golf cart back to the parking which is helpful for anyone with back problems or general aches & pains.
Overall the communication, experience, location & staff were all 5 stars 🌟 I’d definitely recommend Honeywood Forest Spa to anyone thinking of treating themselves or a loved one to a special...
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We were surprised to find a fine dining restaurant down the South Coast and when we did some research we found that they had a special on. A 5 taster course, B&B and massage for a decent price. This was for our 30th Anniversary. I booked immediately and from the onset the reply to my message and service while there was top class. We stayed a 2nd night and had a range of starters for dinner which were also well put together and full of taste. The Cellar is relaxing and quaint. The rooms are comfortable and clean and have everything you may need for a short stay. The forest and garden is BEAUTIFUL and peaceful and we heard an owl too. The massages were lovely, looking out into the tree canopy. Highly recommend for a luxurious, quiet and...
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