A Lodge for all Seasons

A feisty young female chef, with a gift for hospitality, has taken over an off-the-beaten-track hospitality establishment and turned it into an award-winning lodge.

Not far beyond the entrance to the serene and popular seaside village of St Francis Bay, a signpost indicates the way to Dune Ridge Country House. A short journey on a gravel road, travelling away from the sea, leads to the picturesque and welcoming guest lodge that recently was the recipient of a national award.

Welcome to Dune Ridge

You may be forgiven for thinking you’re in the middle of Africa, surrounded by bush and watching Nyala buck grazing quietly on the lawn, or the lynx-like caracal leisurely strolling past at sunset, but you’re barely a stone’s throw from the sea. And therein lies the lodge’s exquisite appeal and charm. It provides two travel experiences for the price of one: the African bush, with its vivid wildlife, and the seaside tourist luxuries offered by the village of St Francis Bay – a mere 10-minute drive away.

I was greeted by the knowledgeable, enthusiastic and vivacious owner, Sarah Swanepoel, and led into the resplendent lounge and dining area. The magnificent Oregon pine flooring was adorned by antique furniture and Persian carpets and, outside, the fynbos (distinctive African small trees and shrubs) was abundant and the myriad birdlife vibrant and melodious.

Fine dining at Dune Ridge

Once a farmhouse, the graceful building hasn't lost any of its elegant beauty, and large verandas overlook the immaculately kept indigenous garden. I was also told that all the building materials used were recycled items or brought in from surrounding areas. The sturdy stone fireplace in the lounge was built from rocks transported from the nearby Gamtoos River Valley.

It certainly is a relaxing atmosphere, which is palpable from the moment you enter.

The animated, and young (she’s only 31), Sarah Swanepoel makes every effort to please and is the reason for the lodge’s turnaround success. She started out as a chef and has worked throughout South Africa. She was in the employ of the previous owners when they decided to close the business and was asked by the landowners if she would like to take over the lease. She jumped at the opportunity to have her own business and hasn't looked back.

‘I get a lot of corporate business and we do breakfasts, adult and kiddies’ parties and dinner parties. We cater for special themed dinner parties or simply basic dining out for groups of four or more. We’ll suggest menus but will also provide a custom dining experience tailored to suit the diners.

'We've also become a wedding venue and hope to substantially improve that area of our business.

‘We pride ourselves on being an exclusive destination providing all the benefits and comforts of a hospitality establishment, as well as guided coastal walks, frog safaris and resident spa and bush spa services. We’re uniquely placed with unique appeal.’

Plush lounge and fireplace at Dune Ridge

To promote her business and measure herself against the best, Swanepoel entered the national Lilizela tourism award for service excellence and came out on top, claiming first prize.

The awards represent and reward the highest levels of excellence in tourism. The name derives from the Zulu word Lilizela, which means celebrating and praising by ululating when someone has done well.

‘It took a lot of hard work, but I've got a great staff and we pulled together as a team because we wanted to make it happen. We’re so chuffed, not only because it’s a feather in our cap but because it will also serve the area by drawing attention to St Francis Bay and the magnificent tourism experiences we have here.’

That it will, and with the drive and enthusiasm of Sarah Swanepoel in the area, it can only get better.

Serene evening at Dune Ridge