At the doorway to the four-star Sheppard Boutique Hotel in Mbombela, an imposing rock fig tree, with its roots wrapped firmly round a large rock, instantly catch- es the attention and strikes the precise chord: of nature at its healthful, unspoilt greatest.
This is however a style of what lurks behind the perimeter wall of this sought-after boutique manor. A lush backyard with a vibrant vary of aromatic roses and different crops; quite a lot of large indigenous timber; extra big boulders across the glowing swimming pool; and a deck that gives an unparalleled view over the city; the Crocodile River Valley and adjoining mountains; all mix to offer a novel atmosphere and superb setting for a tranquil sojourn.
The lodge is the right base to discover the realm, which incorporates the close by Kruger National Park, the historic Barberton mining city, or the quaint settlement of Kaapsehoop, about 25km from Mbombela and well-known for its wild horses.
Add to this the superb lodging (totally geared up rooms with understated magnificence); the pleasant service (from the welcoming guard on the gate to the receptionist and manor employees ); a delicious breakfast (from a compact menu) and the five-star dinner providing at its Grill Room at evening; and you’re assured of an distinctive keep, from starting to finish.
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Originally the personal dwelling of the German Mennen household, the home was subsequently transformed right into a visitor home with extra rooms. Following the Soccer World Cup in 2010, when it hosted an array of native and overseas guests, the place progressively misplaced its sparkle and attract…till the present homeowners took it over and fully overhauled Shep- pard to its present sterling four-star standing.
“Given the fact that there are more than a hundred guest houses in the vicinity of Mbombela, we realised from the outset that attention to detail was paramount; that we had to be completely hands-on in the daily running of the operation to ensure that visitors’ every need is catered for and service excellence is sustained,” says General Manager Anton Alberts. Alberts, who additionally revels in his position as “master chef ” in The Grill Room restaurant, believes service excellence and high quality meals, in addition to The Grill Room’s distinctive setting, has from the outset, contributed to its recognition.
“Our guests appreciate the fact that it is not just another franchise with the same old generic dishes. They experience a special occasion that will remain a fond memory.” Our current Saturday night (birthday) dinner at The Grill Room proved him spot on.
Besides the trendy setting comprising spectacular black wooden tables and chairs and apt culinary quotes excessive on the partitions across the room, our luxurious dishes (named very innovatively!) set the tone for a memorable night.
Sheppard’s 21 rooms – starting from a sublime and personal backyard cottage with its personal personal backyard; a household room consisting of two separate rooms; two unique rooms, 9 luxurious rooms and eight basic rooms, every with a small lounge space – ought to please even probably the most fastidious customer.
All the rooms come full with all the mandatory facilities: en-suite with a separate bathtub and bathe (apart from the basic rooms which solely have showers); bathrobes; toiletries, king-size mattress; air con, bar fridge with complimentary water; flat-screen satellite tv for pc TV, free Wi-Fi; mini-safe and complimentary tea; and occasional services – you identify it.
Besides boasting a number of spots of gorgeous aromatic roses, for me, the number of sturdy timber and abundance of birdlife in the backyard have been a private spotlight. As Sheppard is located subsequent to a pure forested municipal space that may by no means be commercially or privately developed, the timber lure myriad birds. On my walkabout in the backyard, I noticed, amongst others, chestnut, extra rock fig, big fig leaf, marula, silk cotton, white bauhinia and sausage timber.
“Particularly on Sundays, when the venue is notably quieter after the week’s hustle and bustle, visitors can enjoy watching a wide variety of birds bathing in the birdbaths scattered around the premises: Cape robin, hoopoe, Red-chested Cuckoo, kingfisher, a variety of louries, woodpeckers, to name but a few,” Alberts factors out.
Adding to the backyard’s at- traction are the particular ceramic “touches” in nooks and crannies, for instance, two stately whippets with stylish bow ties welcoming friends on the entrance to the manor home, a pair of legs dangling in the air, tiny ‘rock climbers’ mounting a boulder (in the backyard suite), a ceramic “head” stuffed with crops, and many others. Adding to Sheppard’s particular atmosphere is the pleasant employees.
“All the staff are local, mostly Swazi, and come a long way with Sheppard – 10 years or longer – so they are quite experienced. “Their friendliness can be at- tributed to the accessible personalities, the enjoyable working conditions and simply because everybody at Sheppard is treated with respect, equally and just,” Alberts stresses.
“Every employee knows exactly what is expected of him or her. We are a close-knit, enthusiastic team that strives tirelessly for excellence – and I believe this sets us apart,” says Alberts.