Marataba Mountain Lodge is perched on the side of the mountain, with 180 degree views into Waterfall Valley. It is utterly remote, in a wilderness world of its own for never more than 10 guests at a time. The original brief to the architect and interior designer was simple. Every stone, ledge, window, piece of furniture and soft finish had to take its cue from the natural environment. The essence here is on the outside, and the lodge had to complement and enhance that – not compete with it. But at the same time every comfort had to be met, and no compromise was to be made on the quality of every single element a guest would encounter through their senses. Only the finest of materials (from timber to cotton sheeting) were to be used and carefully put together in imaginatively simple ways. And finally, to respect the earth.

The result was an off-the-grid ‘Scandi-Safari’ style luxury lodge perched lightly on the earth and almost fully powered by the sun’s energy.

The pool area at Marataba Mountain Lodge is built between natural rocks and Wild Olive trees, and is far enough from the ‘heart-of-house’ to allow for complete privacy, yet close enough for quick service. The 6m long martini step is the perfect place to enjoying the infinite view of the valley at sunset, perhaps with an ice-cold G&T.