Phantom Forest is a privately owned eco-lodge in a reserve on the Knysna River. Built using only sustainable materials, this beautiful forest retreat has been hand crafted to blend with its surroundings with thatched and shingled roofs tops and boardwalks with fresh water pools.
The nature reserve is 137 ha in size and was opened in 1998. If offers a variety of indigenous forest species trees and plants, Cape Coastal Fynbos and Estuarine Wetland which supports about 120 bird species, bushbuck, blue duiker, grysbok, bushpig and other smaller mammals.
Guests can explore this reserve at their lesire. For water-based action, there are 3 double canoes on the river, towels and life jackets are provided and picnics can be requested. Most guests go out for 1- 3 hours. Other activities available locally are sailing, golf, mountain biking, visits to ostrich farms, to Cango Caves and Cango Wildlife Sanctuary. Back at the lodge guests can relax and enjoy the cooling waters of the nature pool.
The 14 'tree suites' are a blend of hand crafted fittings and african arts with forest bathrooms and trees popping through the buildings. Each suite has a sitting room, bedroom, deck and en-suites with a stunning forest bathroom. There are some Moroccan style suites too.
The Chutzpah offers Moroccan style dining with huge floor cushions and fabrics offering a huge area to lounge, enjoy cocktails, dates and turkish delights! Fantastic food is served here, indoors or by the pool. The Boma is the main restaurant and serves international cuisine with local colour.
The Body Boma
One of the main attractions of this lodge is the 'Body Boma' which is a stress release centre on the forest edge with great views over the Knysna lagoon and river estuary. This is a lovely place to indulge in relaxing, healing treatments and soothe aches and pains. There is a comprehensive range of treatments including reflexology, aromatherapy and reiki. Many types of massage are offered including hot stone and Swedish. There well designed treatment packages such as the Mineral Mantle, a body scrub followed by bodye wrap, head massage, facial and shower. This is designed to cleanse, soothe and detoxify the body and leave the client feeling rejuvenated. The Africa Sea Escape combines an exfoliating scrub, relaxing shower and body wrap to energise and renew. The boma uses natural products, many sourced frm the fynbos, sea and desert. Treatments need to be boked in advance and are payable locally. The wellness centre is operated by a qualified medical practitioner who is also a qualified homeopath. There is a bubble barrel and sauna and there are two swimming pools (both cold water), the bottom pool getting morning sun and top pool sun throughout the day.
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