Khiwane Boutique Hotel (by Unembeza) — Hotel in Maruleng Local Municipality

My stay at Khiwane was a blend of highs and lows. Upon arrival, I had high hopes, especially as I had previously stayed at Unembeza and was excited to try another property under the same umbrella. The space itself is undeniably beautiful – the aesthetic and the rooms are thoughtfully and elegantly curated.

What truly stood out for me was the owner of the property. His warm, hands-on approach and genuine passion for people and hospitality were evident and made the stay more enjoyable. However, my partner and I were disappointed with the customer service from the reception staff. Their demeanor felt cold and unwelcoming, which cast a shadow on our experience.

One incident, in particular, stood out. After a long day of exploring, we returned to relax by the pool. Despite being told at check-in that the pool closes at 8:00 PM, one of the staff members abruptly informed us, at 7:30 PM, that the pool was closed. We were already preparing to leave the area to head for dinner, so the interaction felt unnecessary and lacked basic courtesy. A simple greeting before addressing the matter would have made all the difference. This moment highlighted the need for improved customer service training for the staff, particularly in showing warmth and humanity in their interactions. When paying close to R10,000 for a holiday, feeling unwelcome is the last thing one expects.

On a positive note, the food at the on-site restaurant was exceptional. The chef’s passion for creating delicious dishes was evident, and I highly recommend dining there to anyone visiting the property. It was one of the highlights of our stay. Additionally, I’m excited about the plans to further develop the space and look forward to seeing how it evolves.

Just a few more recommendations to note: Toilet Brush in bathrooms Better cleaning of rooms during stay Toilet paper refill without having to ask Security in parking area or enclosed parking for visitors Recommendations for first time visitors on things to do in the area Regular check in by the staff during stay Communication to guests if WIFI is down A full size mirror in the rooms for getting ready Coffee machine in the rooms instead of filter coffee More irons or standard steamer for guests in their rooms to use Private entrance for guests.

For first-time visitors to Hoedspruit, I also recommend exploring local activities, such as hiking and a boat cruise on the Blyde River. Despite some areas for improvement, Khiwane has potential, and I hope to see it grow into a truly remarkable destination to...

Breakfast: The breakfast was delicious. There was a good variety of options, which showed versatility, and everything was fresh and well-prepared. The dining area was clean and relaxing.

Location: The location was great. a walk outside the hotel, which was good cause we got to stretch our legs. Perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Staff: What really set this hotel apart was the staff. The team members we interacted with were warm, friendly, and genuinely committed to making our stay enjoyable. They went above and beyond to assist us at every step, whether it was providing directions, recommending local spots, or responding promptly to any requests we had. Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail truly made us feel valued and cared for. It’s rare to experience such exceptional service, and we’re so grateful for the hospitality we received throughout our stay.

Property: The rooms were spotlessly clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully set up to make our stay as comfortable as possible. The bed was cozy, the linens were fresh, and everything from the bathroom to the little amenities showed great attention to detail. It truly felt like a home away from home. The pool area was absolutely fantastic, spacious, peaceful, and beautifully maintained. Whether we were taking a quick dip or just soaking up the sun, the pool area added a special touch...

I had an amazing stay at this lodge! The rooms are absolutely stunning—super modern, beautifully decorated, and so comfortable. Every little detail was thoughtfully considered, making the space feel like a true home away from home. The staff were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed.||||The restaurant next door served the best steak I’ve had in a long time—it was cooked to perfection and complemented by a great selection of sides and sauces. The location of the lodge is perfect, offering both comfort and easy access to everything you could want.||||We had such a wonderful experience and will definitely be back soon. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a relaxing,...