Mosaic Private Sanctuary - Hotel of the Month - March 2016

​Escapism is to imagine a break from reality or routine. For those of you who picture an incredible landscape of mountains, wildlife, a lagoon, a beach and the ocean all in one place, look no further than Mosaic Private Sanctuary. This is no exaggeration, Mosaic’s position in Stanford, a short trip from Hermanus, is right next to the Hermanus Lagoon. The Kleinrivier Mountains provide an impressive backdrop and reflection across the water. If you venture this way when there is a little rain, this mountain range provides great waterfall viewing. Opposite the mountain range, you will find a SAN Park (South African National Park) where fynbos and wildlife take presedence. Huge white sand dunes rise up in front of you straight out of the bush and lead to the sea, where whales can be spotted during the season. You might find all of that difficult to imagine, so the only way to experience it properly, is to visit.

“An all inclusive, 5-star stay. For the ultimate private getaway, Lagoon Lodge captures the essence of tranquillity, with just five safari-style suites secluded among ancient Milkwood trees on the edge of the Hermanus Lagoon.”

On one of the excursions, we took a trip to this SAN Park and the beach, it’s an incredible sight. The beach is protected due to being in the park and it stretches on and on as far as you can see. Hermanus on one side, Gansbaai (famous for shark cage diving) on the other in the distance. The cold ocean water crashing at the shoreline, with the fynbos lying behind you, a stark contrast. I climbed to the top of one of the dunes, with my feet sinking in the soft white sand. Once I reached the top I was granted a spectacular vantage point, a full 360 panorama with something different on every side.

​Escapism is often also associated with imagining adventure. Thankfully, Mosaic also provide this in abundance, with all of their activities included. I’ve already alluded to the beach trip with whale watching (sometimes you can even spot a waterspout out of season), but they also have other activites you can take part in. Such as, a boat trip and kayaking adventures on the lagoon, various mountain bike trails (they even have bikes with extra wide tyres that allow you to ride on sand), as well as a jetty to relax and splash around in the water, plus great bird watching spots for keen twitchers.
We were excited about another of their activities, a quadbike/ATV fynbos and wildlife trip. We were driven to the Spookhuis (more on this to come) where the quadbikes are kept, had a quick lesson, hopped on and away we went, to explore the surrounding bush. We were treated to a fun and bumpy ride, spectacular views as well as wild sour figs, by our fun, friendly and competent guide, Vitalis. To round off a great ride, we were brought a delicious hot chocolate with Amarula, great for the slightly chilly overcast day.

​Whilst on these trips it’s a great time to chat with other guests staying at Lagoon Lodge. We had the pleasure of meeting two other couples who were also blown away with the whole experience of Mosaic. The pristene environment, the initiatives on the reserve to safeguard indiginious flora & fauna (alien tree species were brought to the coastline in the 1800’s by Australian sailors and have wreaked havoc ever since), and the feature that made the difference for everyone was the team at the lodge. The staff at Mosaic make this place extra special, they go the extra mile and it is the the only place where each staff member has come and actively introduced themselves with a handshake and a wide smile. The genuine hospitality and friendlyness is heartfelt and made our stay all the more special.

​All of the rooms at Mosaic are named after birds. We had the Kingfisher room for our stay. With the look of a safari lodge and thatched roof on the outside you are greeted with the warmth and cosyness once inside your suite. A large 4 poster bed looks out onto the wooden deck, where you can sit, relax, listen to the tweeting birds and gaze at the never ending and ever changing vista infront of you. If later in the evening you need another way to unwind then there is a huge bathtub, where you can light some candles and enjoy a good soak. If you’re not a bath person, then you can look up at the stars, or feel the rising sun on your back in private whilst having an invigorating outdoor shower.

​We had a fantastic dinner whilst watching one of the longest and most breathtaking sunsets we had ever seen. After which, we strolled along the wooden walkway to our room. As soon as we opened the door we were greeted with a very special turn down. A bottle of Villiera Tradition, Methode Cap Classique, awaited in its ice bucket surrounded by the glow, not of lights but lots of tea candles. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway then Mosaic is the most ideal place. The effort and care that had been taken just added that little extra needed for a great end to the day. On the colder evenings, they’ll even come and light the fire so that your room is uber warm and cosy.

​The true test of a great place is if it leaves you yearning for more. Sarah and I were both wanting to stay at Mosaic for a long time to come. A true testament to the location, atmosphere, activities and brilliant team. It is a hidden gem in the Overberg, outside of Cape Town, and the ideal place to disappear and relax. We can’t wait to be able to go back and visit, not just because it is a wonderful place to be, with so many things to see and do (or not do if you just want to kick back and relax). But due to the staff you feel more than welcome and right at home.

Our favourite features are:
LOCATION - What a place to spend some time, you only have to see your natural surroundings for a second before you take that big lungful of fresh air, and feel your body unwind.
THE STAFF - They go the extra mile, making sure that you are more than happy on your break, they never fail to bring a smile to your face with their amazing characters.
THE ROOM - Just wow, it feels as though you are in the middle of nowhere, the view from the deck areas just reveal nature and nothing more.
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Rates start from -
R1960 p/p sharing
This includes:

• Accommodation and all meals
• House beverages including house wines & beers
• All activities at Mosaic (such as: Quad biking, mountain biking, nature walks, boating, kayaking, 4x4 beach excursion & sundowners, archeological cave tour, wine tasting at Springfontein).

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Keep in contact with Mosaic, Private Sanctuary here via social media.

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Mosaic Private Sanctuary kindly hosted us for a complimentary stay.
All images are property of BACK IN TOWN. All rights reserved.

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