The Edge Mountain Retreat

We were handed keys and directed to find our own way for a kilometer away through a maze of potholed roads, open and shut a gate inthhhe road.

The roads throughout Hogsback are appalling. The blurb that we had read about Mountain Edge suggested a lovely view. There was long grass in front of the cabin and the view was 100m away. The cabin was suitable, clean and comfortable. They offered dinner, before we arrived, but we didn't realise that we'd have to drive there and back through the mud and potholes to have it. And it was re-heated ribs. Not great!

It lived up to it's name - the isolation not just of the property but from other guests as well really made it feel like a retreat. It was exceptionally clean and the cabin had every amenity a person could need. I truly have no complaints. It's a good spot for couples seeking quality time or someone needing a mental break from the grind of life.

The Cabin we were in sits on the edge of a cliff, and had incredible views down the valley. The reception very kindly upgraded us to a cabin with better views than the one we had booked, which was extremely generous. All very peaceful

The clouds! With the outdoor sun loungers, it would have been amazing for stargazing and sun tanning, but we had rain and clouds unfortunately! Of course, nothing to do with the property! Also, make sure you keep the windows closed at night, we left a few open and inevitably invited a whole party of different bugs to join us

the quietness and the view very clean space everything was in order friendly staff at the reception with warm welcome

nothing

如果撇开第一晚停电导致的问题（到达时已经是晚上，停电+下雨，硬是没找到正确的道路进入住宿区，在前台已经下班的前提下，餐厅工作人员热情地帮助了我们，虽然很冷，但还是感受到了工作人员的善意），它的位置和环境都长在我的心巴上，不辜负retreat 这个定位，一百米开外就是悬崖和森林景观，虽然整个住宿区还有其他木屋，但隐私性特别好，有树木的自然隔断，互相之间完全不打扰，同时价格也非常香，我们住的这间小屋属于偏小的，但内部也分隔为一室一厅一厨一卫，设施该有的都有，还能体验自己烧柴火炉的乐趣。此外，餐厅的餐品也很好吃，前台的美女还免费送了一筐木柴给我们，周边风景很好，有很多适合徒步的路线，村民们也很淳朴可爱，我们在路边向村民购买了两只手工做的粘土猪当作纪念品。

Friendly and efficient

Comfortable room. Breakfast & dinner at restaurant were good. Although nothing is open/ no one is around after 5pm on a Sunday. Communication with guests was poor.

There was a planned power outage during my stay. Despite the area outage being announced a week in advance by Eskom, the Lodge did not communicate this to guests so that we could be prepared. There also appears to be no provision for outages (e.g. there no solar or generator or alt power supply at the lodge) This is very odd given the years of severe loadshedding SA has experienced!! There was one candle in the room - but I think it would be better to provide guests with LED lights as candles are inefficient & can be a fire hazard. The planned power outage also meant there was no running water in the rooms. Again guests were not notified of this despite the advanced Eskom announcement. When I went to the reception to ask for help re the lack of power & water, the receptionist on duty was very unhelpful. She said she couldn't help me & didn't offer a solution. Nor did she offer to call anyone on my behalf. I was left to sort it out by myself. I eventually tracked down someone to address the water issue, but this took several false starts & attempts to get it running again. And I had to keep calling back to say there was still no water in my room. So my main questions are why were guests not notified in advance about the planned outage? Why are there no provisions in place for an outage - which clearly affects both power & water supply at the Lodge (e.g. solar, LED lights, bucket of water in the room). Why are guests required to sort things out for themselves with no support from reception? It is not like power outages & loadshedding are are new or unexpected events - giving SA's loadshedding history. I also pre-booked dinner on Sunday night & gave my ETA. However, when I arrived I was told everything was closed & there was no one available. Again - it would be good to be organised & tell guests in advance if this is the case so that they can be prepared.

It was really an unforgettable weekend in Hogsback. The views were absolutely magical, the food was incredible, and every little spot we visited had its own charm. Honestly, such a hidden gem!

The potholes and the road getting there definitely turned out to be a bit of a mission. But once you’re in Hogsback, it’s totally worth it. I would suggest that people go up there and use a "Bakkie or a bigger vehicle."