Here’s a place where you can kick back, breathe deep and leave your worries behind, always in the knowledge that if you want to liven things up a little or a lot, you can.

Close to the coast and within easy reach of forests, lakes, villages and the town of St Lucia, this five-star rated guest house is a great spot from which to see all kinds of wildlife, including the Big 5, plus hippo and a huge variety of colourful species of bird.

Located on the Elephant Coast north of Richards Bay next to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (which is a World Heritage Site) in KwaZulu-Natal, you’ll soon see how this place gets its name, with the six rooms ensuring there are just a select few guests enjoying the facilities and surroundings at any one time.

Where to go

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do, thanks to the guest house’s location. One day you could be on a guided walking tour or exploring mangrove swamps and local forests from the comfort of a safari vehicle. The next, it might be whale watching or scuba diving off the coast, kayaking in the estuary, birdwatching in the village or wetland park, or even horse riding along the beach.

And we’ve yet to mention all the game viewing trips you can do (day and night), or the turtle tours, and boat cruises. Or the fact that staying here puts you within easy reach of St Lucia town, where you’ll find a range of restaurants, markets and shops that’ll tempt you back time and time again.

At the guest house

Of course, you could wish to take things easy at the guest house, which is designed to help you do exactly that.

There are 6 private, uniquely styled bedrooms here, a quartet of Parkview Suites, a Top Room and the Garden Room. All are airconditioned with a kingsize bed that has a Dutch quality mattress ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep every night of your stay.

The ensuite bathrooms feature twin wash basins, a bath, walk-in shower and separate toilet. You’ll also have private outside space, offering up pleasant views of either the gardens, wetland park or pool.

Shared areas include a breakfast room, library, lounge, terrace with roof garden and pond, plus another garden that has a pool, gazebo and open park area.