CYBELE FOREST LODGE Deluxe country lodge Intimate suites, cottages and studios Riding stables and wonderful river walks Excellent birdwatching and trout fishing

Deep in the heart of the forest, you'll find an old hunting lodge called Cybele: 300 acres of African paradise surrounded by timber plantations, mountains and meadows. In the very centre is the Lodge itself, a charming old farmhouse with a wide veranda where you can sip sundowners and look out over the magnificent gardens.

The Paris based Relais ET Chateaux chain demands the highest standards from its members. Establishments that are part of the association are situated in quiet places of exceptional character. The overall criteron for membership and acceptance is quality, expressed in the "five C's", Namely Character, Courtesy, Calm, Charm and Cuisine.

The appointment of Cybele Forest Lodge in 1983 as the first Southern Afriacn establishment to achieve membership is a significant acknowledgement of standards achieved and consistenly maintained.

Watch the playful monkeys cavorting in the giant Turpentine trees, take in the cool violet of the Jacaranda, the shocking pink of the Tibouchina and the scarlet umbrella of the African Flame tree. Wander down to the large secluded swimming pool with its comfortable sun beds. Here you can relax and listen to the creaking of the Bluegum trees in the forest breeze, and breathe in the heady aromas of Frangipani, Gardenia and Buddleia.

In striking contrast to the vivid colours and lush greenery of the garden, the interior of the Lodge is warm, soft and mellow. Furnished throughout with antiques, art and exquisite fabrics, the main house is a most relaxing place to read a book or to browse through one of the many current magazines from all over the world. Daydream on the veranda, or visit the bar to enjoy a drink or a special cocktail before sampling the Lodge's legendary cuisine.

The candlelit dining room forms the warm heart at the centre of the Lodge. Here Cybele has earned a reputation amongst local and international travellers alike for its world-class country cuisine. The freshest of ingredients, including vegetables and herbs from our own organic garden, are combined by impeccably qualified chefs in creative and memorable dishes. These are complemented by a collection of the finest wines from our award-winning wine list.

As an integral part of the Lodge, the Spa in the Forest offers those in need of restoration a little foretaste of heaven, providing guests with a wide range of treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and enrich the soul. Facilities include massage, treatment and beauty therapy rooms, a steam room and spacious showers with multiple high-pressure jets. A large, open-air hydrotherapy bath fashioned from natural indigenous granite is situated in its own private courtyard. For your total well-being, come and experience one of our special three, five and seven day health spa packages whih combine a variety of specially desinged light, balanced menus with various treatments and programmes offered at the Spa.

Accommodation at the Lodge is limited to 28 guests, ensuring peace and quiet, and personal attention. Each of the suites and cottages has been furnished and decorated individually to the most exacting standards. Most incluide sitting rooms, some have private gardens, and all have mini bar facilities and satellite television as standard. There is also a fireplace in all suites and cottages with a plentiful supply of firewood, ensuring that in winter you can drift off to the warming sounds of logs crackling.

For true exclusivity, our Paddock suites combine complete privacy and great comfort with the ultimate in luxury accommodation. Situated with stunning views over meadows, forest and mountains these spacious suites include a main bedroom with bathroom en suite featuring a walled garden shower, a large sitting room, a second bathroom, and an upstairs galley with additional beds. Each of these suites also has its own sun terrace and generously proportioned private swimming pool-some heated.

The scenery at Cybele is breathtaking, and there is no better way to experience it than on horseback. The Lodge has its own stables, and our groom will escort you through this magnificent riding country at whichever pace you choose. For something a little less strenuous, there are some wonderful walks. Stroll down to the river through the forest, where wild bushbuck live in the thickets. Walk further along the banks to the waterfall. This is a birdwatcher's paradise, with literally hundreds of species to be seen, from colourful Sunbirds and Kingfishers to Purple-crested Loeries and Fish Eagles. Or borrow some of our tackle and try your hand at catching one of two of the plump rainbow trout- the river has been stocked for the exclusive use of Cybele's guests.

For the adventurous at heart, Cybele forms an ideal base from which to explore the surroundings countryside. Only a short distance across the mountains from the Lodge are the spectacular attractions of the area- God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon. The Kruger Park and private game reserves, including Londolozi, Lion Sands, Singita, Mala Mala, Ulusabs, Nottens and Sabi Sabi, are close you can almost hear the roar of the lions. Let us organise a day trip for you. Or experience it in real style with one of our exhilarating helicopter trips: 'Mountain Magic' which takes in all the highlights of Mpumalanga and includes a picnic lunch on top of the world, or 'Winged Safari' for a flight into the very heart of the bushveld, with an open Land Rover game drive at one of the nearby private game reserves.

Enquire about our wide range of world famous 5 day, 4 night Cybele/Pivate Game Lodge Packages- self-drive, fly/drive, Chauffeur drive and Chauffeur drive with overnight Steam Train journey and helicopter. Or, only a short helicopter trip away, enjoy a once in a lifetime sensation. An elephant back safari in a Private Big 5 Game Reserve.

For the early bird, a hot air balloon ride offers an awesome perspective on yet another specail Afriacn day.

The choices are yours. So, whether you're an explorer, an exhausted businessman or simply an incurable romantic, Cybele is the place for you.

LOCATION:
Cybele is situated 420 km east of Johannesburg in the heart of Mpumalanga between White River and Hazyview. It is 40km from the Phabeni Gate into the Kruger National Park and close to the top Private Game Reserves in the Sabi Sands including Londolozi, Mala Mala, Idube, Inyati, Savanna, Nottens, Leopard Hills, Dulini, Exeter, Ulusaba, Lion Sands, Tinga, Singita and Sabi Sabi. Cybele is ideally situated for exploring the magnificent highlights of Mpumalanga, including the Mac Mac Falls, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim’s Rest.

CLIMATE:
Cybele is situated at 1000 metres or 3000 feet and so avoids the really intense heat and humidity that can sometimes be experienced in Mpumalanga during the summer months. For this reason particularly, it is an ideal stop off point on the way in or out of the game reserves.

ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation at Cybele is limited to 28 guests and each of the various Suites, all of which have their own heated pools, and Cottages have been individually decorated and personalised. All Suites and Cottages have recently been neatly walled-in and are screened from their neighbours offering exceptional privacy.

Facilities in all Cottages and Suites:
- Mini bars
- Fireplaces
- T.V. / Video combination sets
- DSTV Satellite Television (Six Channels)
- Video library (available at Reception)
- Heated towel rails
- Hairdryers
- Large bath sheets
- Towelling Bath Gowns
- A selection of current magazines
- Home-baked biscuits
- Tea and Coffee making facilities
- Complimentary Sherry Decanter
- Charlotte Rhys toiletries
- Air-conditioning

Cottages:
Cottage No. 2:
Main bedroom and sitting room combined with private walled courtyard. Twin beds
and fireplace. Bathroom en suite with heated floor and double basins, an outdoor hot & cold shower in a private courtyard. Covered front porch and private garden.
Cottage No. 5 - Combined bedroom and sitting room with Twin beds, log fireplace, full underfloor heating throughout the Cottage, bathroom en suite, separate shower and double basins. Private walled garden.

Luxury Cottages:
Luxury Cottage No. 7:
(Completely refurbished) – Main bedroom has twin beds and is a combination
bedroom and sitting room with log fireplace. Bathroom, with heated floor, has separate lavatory, and inside shower. Doors lead out to a private walled outside shower. Spacious entrance hall / dressing room. Private garden with table and chairs.

Luxury Cottage No. 8:
(Completely refurbished) – Main bedroom with wooden floor has a King-size
bed. Bathroom, with heated floor, en-suite with double basins and a separate shower. Downstairs sitting room with log fireplace and underfloor heating. Private garden with table and chairs.

Luxury Cottage No. 3:
(New Construction - Previously Studio 3) – Main bedroom and sitting room
combined. Bay window with in-room dining table. King size bed. Sitting room fireplace, flat screen 74 cm television / VCR, Hi-fi system with C.D. or tape, selection of CD’s and book tapes, Digital safe, iron and ironing board, cordless portable telephone and overhead fan. Bathroom en-suite with double basins, inside shower and outside courtyard shower. Free standing bath, music speaker and
control. Underfloor heating throughout the Cottage. Walled garden with sunbeds, umbrella, table and chairs.

Luxury Cottage No. 4:
(New Construction) – Main bedroom, with twin beds, and sitting room
combined. Fireplace. Private courtyard off bedroom. Digital safe, Hi-fi system with C.D. or tape, selection of CD’s and book tapes, iron and ironing board, cordless portable telephone and overhead fan. Bathroom en-suite with bath, separate shower and double basins. Private outside walled shower courtyard. Underfloor heating throughout the Cottage. Walled garden with sunbeds, umbrella, table and chairs

Suites:
Courtyard Suite No. 1:
Main bedroom with King size bed. Bathroom en suite, separate shower and
double basins. Bedroom doors open onto private patio and garden with own heated swimming pool and sun beds. Spacious sitting room, with underfloor heating throughout, Hi-fi sound system, selection of CD’s and book tapes, iron and ironing board and log fireplace.

Paddock Suites No. 10, 11, 12 and 14:
(All bathrooms, pools and surrounding pool surrounding areas completely refurbished) – Situated with stunning views over the mountains, these spacious thatched suites offer great comfort and are the ultimate in luxury accommodation. Paddock Suites have a main bedroom (with fireplace), and bathroom en suite, with double basins, leading onto a private courtyard, with hot and cold shower. There is a large sitting room, which is fitted with a fireplace, Hifi sound system and selection of CD’s and book tapes. Most of the suites have heated floors
throughout. A balcony is situated above the sitting room and can accommodate a third (no. 10) and fourth person (no’s 11, 12 and14) in single beds. A spare bathroom with basin, lavatory, shower and cupboards is located off the sitting room. The bedroom and sitting room looks upon a wide terrace equipped with tables, chairs and a large umbrella. A generously proportioned pool lies beneath the terrace of each Suite. A cordless portable phone and iron and ironing board is provided. Airconditioned in bedroom and sitting room.

Forest Suite:
(New construction - previously Private Garden Suite) – Separate from other
accommodation, this new suite comprises 180m of space with views over the mountains and the forests. Entrance hallway with guest lavatory and basin. Bedroom with extra length King size bed, fireplace, TV / VCR, additional mineral water and French champagne mini bar, central music control, cordless portable telephone, overhead fan and air-conditioning. Bathroom with freestanding bath, double basins, large inside shower, fireplace, Television, central music control. Private outside walled shower courtyard. Spacious Sitting room / Dining room combination. Flat screen 74cm Television with home theatre including DVD. Fireplace, cordless portable telephone, Hi-fi sound system, selection of CD’s and book tapes, large mini bar fridge, iron and ironing board and electric clothes steamer. Underfloor heating throughout the suite. Large outside walled garden with sunbeds, large umbrella, tables and chairs. Private, heated swimming pool with water cascading over rock. Superb view over mountains. Air-conditioned in bedroom and sitting room.

Additional Facilities in all Suites:
- Private heated swimming pools
- Poolside sunbeds
- Sun umbrella
- Whisky and Vodka decanters (charged on consumption)
- Digital safes (inside cupboards)
- Iron and ironing board
- Towelling and cotton dressing gowns
- Air-conditioned in bedroom and sitting room
- 2 Fireplaces, 2 Televisions (except the Courtyard Suite)

Additional Facilities in Paddock Suite No. 14:
- Complimentary Whisky, Brandy and Vodka decanters
- Private sauna
- Facsimile Machine
- Electronically controlled bedroom curtains
- Complimentary laundry and valet service
- Guaranteed bay window seat in dining room
- Jacuzzi bath
- Underfloor heating throughout

Additional Facilities in The Forest Suite
- Espresso machine
- Complimentary Whisky, Brandy and Vodka decanters
- Complimentary laundry and valet service
- Guaranteed bay window seat in dining room
- Underfloor heating throughout
- Home Entertainment System with a selection of eleven Excursions

CUISINE:
The food at Cybele is supervised by internationally experienced chefs and could be described as classic French combined with traditional English. Naturally, we use only the best and the freshest of ingredients. No expense is spared in the preparation of our food, which has been acclaimed on numerous occasions by guests and journalists from all over the world, as amongst the best on offer in
South Africa.

The Lodge offers a full buffet breakfast, including seasonal fresh and poached fruits, home-baked muesli, ham, cheeses, home baked scones, croissants, muffins and preserves, freshly squeezed juices followed by a traditional English breakfast, to order, incorporating, for example, dishes such as eggs benedict, kippers, etc.

A five-course table d’hôte dinner menu is presented every evening and you may choose to dine between 7:30pm and 9:00pm. Pre-dinner snacks are served from 7:00pm till 8:45pm in the main house. The Dinner menu offers diners a well-selected choice of starters, main courses, side dishes,desserts and cheeses to satisfy all palates. Lunch is a là carte, served either in the gardens under the trees, in the dining room or in the privacy of your room.

SERVICE:
We believe in providing a friendly welcome and a high standard of service throughout the Lodge, whilst at the same time respecting our guest’s privacy.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
The best thing to do at Cybele is to relax. There are some superb walks on the 300 acre property, the most popular of which is down through the forest to the river and along to the waterfall. We have our own stables on the property and our groom can take guests out on breathtaking horse rides through the forests.

Many guests use Cybele as a base to explore Mpumalanga or to venture into the Kruger
Park for the day. Contact Reception for information on day tours, exciting helicopter adventures and hot air balloon safaris. Cybele has a large heated main pool for year round swimming. Golf, Tennis and Squash are available nearby. Transfers between hotels, game lodges and airports can also be arranged.

Cybele is a member of Relais & Châteaux, which is renowned for the 5C’s – character, courtesy,calm, charm and cuisine. Cybele was the first Southern African member and has now been part of the chain for 20 years.

THERAPY:
A relaxing espresso, cappuccino and cocktail bar along with an exclusive gift emporium and art gallery. The shop is styled with modern furniture, a large sandstone fireplace, 18 globe chandelier, full satellite television and CD player and stereo. A selection of books and magazine are available for your pleasure. Therapy also offers light meals, cakes and confectionary. It is the ideal venue for a chilled glass of wine and relaxation.

THE GYMNASIUM AT CYBELE:
state of the art equipment including a treadmill, recumbent cycle, several adjustable benches and stands for specialized training as well as a rack of dumbbells and barbell equipment are available to all residents of Cybele on a complimentary basis. A qualified trainer is usually available by appointment. The Gymnasium also boasts two televisions, a full satellite system, chrome roof fans, a beautiful wooden floor and modern dressing room with lockers and all the necessary amenities.

THE SPA IN THE FOREST:
Cybele Forest Lodge offers a superb health and beauty Spa – The Spa in the Forest and guests at Cybele are now able to indulge in a full range of treatments at this world-famous forest hideaway. Highly experienced staff have designed a wide range of programmes and treatments to relax the body and enrich the soul. Products used are Pevonia Botanica, Environ, Pure Man, Ecklon and St. Tropez. On entering the Spa you will find yourself in a completely private and peaceful zen courtyard, where lemon trees and lavender bushes gently scent the air. The Koi fish gliding effortlessly through the pond water emphasizes the tranquillity and calm of the Spa.

The treatment rooms have been designed with generous space in mind, and all the fittings and equipment are of the very finest quality. The Spa comprises three treatment rooms, one of which is a double treatment room, a newhydrotherapy room, a steam room and spacious showers – including two outside showers in private courtyards.

An additional feature of the Spa is a large open-air Jacuzzi bath – which has been fashioned out of natural materials and is enclosed in yet another private-walled courtyard. All surrounded by the natural foliage of the forest.

For those who are serious about health and weight control, Cybele’s Executive Chef has designed a selection of fat free, healthy and appetizing menus, including ingredients from the Lodge’s organic vegetable garden.

The addition the new Cybele Spa in the Forest ensures the most perfect and relaxing holiday imaginable. 2, 3 and 5-day Spa packages are available.

Hazyview:
Near the Paul Kruger gate of the Kruger National Park, Hazyview derives its name from the summer haze that envelopes the low bush land. Unfortunately when this light veil descends, your photographs will not truly reflect the stunning beauty of the area, but the panoramas will undoubtedly remain in your memory. The area is reputed to have the best climate in the world for bananas and you will see row upon row of these lush tropical plantations. Many visitors to Kruger National Park stay overnight in Hazyview rather than in the park itself, as it is quite closeby.

Tropical paradise and trading post of Mpumalanga province , this town has its romantic name because of the excellent banana plantations which dominate the landscape. This village was originally promulgated in 1959 when the first post office was established and Hazyview station came into being when the old Selati Railway line was diverted outside the western border of the Kruger National Park to Kaapmuiden in the late 1960s

The town is strategically placed midway between spectacular scenery of the escarpment and the wild life experience of the Kruger National Park, Hazyview provides the best of both worlds.