Few destinations in the world offer Zulu beer tasting events and Zulu dancing lessons. It’s just one of the many features of Forest Lodge and Forest Villas that help it stand out and attract couples, groups and families to this World Heritage Site 4-star bed and breakfast lodge.

The Zulu links come from its location in the heart of Zululand in St Lucia on the east coast of South Africa, and there’s plenty for guests young and old to do, whether you’re seeking to get active or relax a little and then relax some more.

Things to do and see

It would be a great shame if not a complete surprise if you came to this part of the world and didn’t want to go on safari. Handily, the lodge owners also run a safari company, so the team are dab hands at arranging regular drives into the nearby Hluhluwe, Umfolozi and iSimangaliso Parks.

But you don’t even need to leave the lodge to go snorkelling, diving or horse riding as they’re all on-site, and one of the big advantages of its coastal location is the choice of beaches you get, the nearest being almost exactly 560 metres away.

Biking and hiking are also available close by, and it’s a brisk, or perhaps even a snappy 25 minute walk to St Lucia’s Crocodile Centre. The St Lucia Estuary is 1.5km away, the beach at Jabula just over 2km.

The accommodation

There are 17 air conditioned en-suite rooms at Forest Lodge & Villas, with either a double bed or twin singles. You can stay on a bed and breakfast or self catering basis as you prefer. You get a patio where you can sit and drink in the views of the tropical forest – not something many of us get to do often in our lives. The family rooms have two bedrooms connected to a private lounge/kitchen area.

What about the amenities?

Although it says this is bed and breakfast style accommodation (and the buffet style breakfast is excellent), you can order dinner here on request and enjoy it in the on-site restaurant.

The outside terrace area is put to good use, not just giving you somewhere to relax in the sun, but also as a place for cultural events such as the Zulu beer tasting and Zulu dancing lessons we mentioned earlier. You also have a choice of two pools plus a garden and a shared lounge area.

Perhaps best of all – especially if you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids - this is a family friendly location with children of all ages welcome.