Forest Manor Boutique Guest House, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban
Forest Manor Boutique Guest House is one of those places that make travel romantic, fun and desirable. This wonderful guest house is located along Forest Drive, in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban.
It offers all the luxury, service and tranquillity that one would expect from 5-Star accommodation.
This prestigious address is located just a stone’s throw away from Umhlanga’s famous beach and the wealth of top quality restaurants and some of South Africa’s best shopping centres.
Despite the density of houses, hotels, roads and shops, this subtropical coastline still has sufficient trees and luscious undergrowth to be called a forest. In fact, the focal point of Forest Manor Boutique Guest House is a magnificent Milkwood tree that grows in the central court yard.
On arrival, one can’t help but notice that this guest house deserves all of its five stars. The immaculate grounds, helpful and professional staff, contemporary style, fine furnishings and beautiful design all go to making this a great place to stay.
After checking in, the duty manager took me on a brief tour of Forest Manor Boutique Guest House before showing me to my bedroom.
Accommodation at Forest Manor Boutique Guest House
There are two Executive Rooms, three Superior Rooms, a Family Suite and an Executive Suite – most are named after an indigenous tree. Each room’s décor and theme draws inspiration from the tree for which it is named.
Every room is beautifully and luxuriously appointed. The décor is understated and mostly with neutral tones. Apart from the second room in the family unit, all the beds are King-size. Each room has air-conditioning and a roof fan as well as a well-stocked tea and coffee station.
The beds are fitted with crisp percale sheets and large pillows. I slept like the dead, thanks to both the comfort of my bed and the overall peacefulness of my surroundings.
The bathrooms are large, spotless and with all the amenities to make them exceptional. Expect heated towel racks, a wealth of soaps and lotions and thick towels.
Milkwood is the family unit with two bedrooms and a very large bathroom. The main bedroom has a King-size bed and the second bedroom has two single beds.
The Manor suite is the only room not named after a tree but, as the name implies, this is THE room in the manor.
To quote their website, “The Manor Suite is by far the most luxurious option at Forest Manor. It is perfect for the business person who wishes to host a meeting, as the boardroom facilities are included when booking out this suite. The Manor Suite sprawls across almost an entire floor and gives the guest access to a huge bedroom, the boardroom, the boardroom cocktail bar, patio, lounge and luxury en suite bathroom.”
Waterwood and Natal Fig are the two Executive Rooms. Waterwood draws its inspiration from the rare Pondo Waterwood and is decorated in neutral tones. The Natal Fig tree’s influence is clear in in its namesake room, which boasts lovely green décor accents and sturdy wooden furniture.
I spent the night in White Seringa, one of the three Superior Rooms. Everything about my room spoke of comfort, convenience and style. The furnishings, colours and amenities made this one of the most comfortable rooms I have every enjoyed.
Facilities at Forest Manor Boutique Guest House
As one would expect from a 5-Star guesthouse, there are a wealth of facilities. I have already mentioned some of the luxuries found in the bed rooms. However, you can add satellite TV, room safes, mini fridges, hair driers, ironing boards and few others that I have no doubt forgotten.
Breakfast is served on the veranda. The setting is attractive and, thanks to the palm trees, koi pond and large swimming pool, has a real holiday atmosphere. Breakfast is a mix of health, Continental and English servings. My full-house English breakfast was prepared to perfection and served with a smile.
As already mentioned, Forest Manor Boutique Guest House, has a board room. This beautifully-appointed room can seat 10 delegates around a large granite topped table.
Apart from the pool with its loungers, there are two other common areas – the lounge and the bar. The bar is well stocked and is self-service and works on an honesty basis.
There is fast Wi-Fi through-out the guest house, secure, off-street parking, braai facilities and a library with books and magazines.
I loved my stay at Forest Manor Boutique Guest House and look forward to returning.
Top reasons for staying at Forest Manor
- Outstanding comfort – from the furnishings to the bedding to the bathroom, everything is about comfort.
- Fantastic service – the staff will go out of their way to ensure that your stay is memorable.
- Tranquillity – the entire atmosphere of this guest house is peace and tranquillity.
- Awesome location – close to beaches, restaurants, shops and the freeway that can efficiently get you to any part of Durban.
Forest Manor Boutique Guest House can be located at 62 Forest Dr, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga. To make a reservation call them on 031 572 5400 or email info@forestmanor.co.za or book online at forestmanor.co.za.
Find them on Google Maps by clicking here.
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