Akabeko Boutique Hotel
Waterfall Farm JP58, Lydenburg 1120 South Africa
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About
4.5
#1 of 3 small hotels in LydenburgLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Elegant, romantic, exclusive.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Internet
Hot bath
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Golf course
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Spa
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Room service
Kitchenette
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Charming
Location
Waterfall Farm JP58, Lydenburg 1120 South Africa
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 39 out of 100
39
Kruger Mpumalanga Intl Airport
73.3 km•
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Johannesburg Intl Airport
249.3 km•
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Car Hire
13 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
2 Attractions
within 1 kilometer
104Reviews1Q+A8Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
Having travelled 7 times to South Africa in the last decade and stayed at a variety of hotels, lodges, and country estates, we thought we had had the very best of the best until the 7 days we spent at Akebeko. The moment we arrived the writing was on the wall that this was indeed a very special place located just outside of Lindbergh.
You would expect luxurious rooms at 5 star hotels, but a suite the size of a large apartment? The photographs barely do justice to the quality of those suites, all built with stone from the land they stand and in the most idyllic surroundings. The extensive gardens, lawns, shrubberies, rockeries, including the river in which they are set, are simply stunning, all immaculately kept.
It was unique in finding the kind of tranquillity that we had only previously found when in the bush in Safari camps, but with all that greenery and lushness! It was so reminiscent of the Isles of Scotland, but with some sun of course! This area of South Africa, which is within easy reach of the Panorama, is truly breathtaking.
The hotel is owned and ran by two of the friendliest people we have ever met, husband and wife team George and Rodica. From the first evening sat having our dinner to our last, a week later, we had been treated as genuine family members.
We enjoyed the most sumptuous of food and quality wines; we could not have been made more welcome. I even ate the fish? And I very rarely eat fish; such was the quality and the presentation!
George and Rodica live nearby the hotel and take guests for game drives on their own land. A very special location on that drive that can only be gotten to by a 4x4 and a sturdy set of steps built by George and his team was the waterfall with its naturally formed lido.
A scene that looked like something out of the deepest Amazon! All totally natural as only nature can create something so sublime to the eye and soul! The water is natural spring and is totally safe to drink and to, dare I say relax in!
There is no need to ask will we be returning any time soon, Akebeko has left a permanent mark in our hearts as did George and Rodica and we cannot thank them enough for sharing their dream with us; few hoteliers have been more generous to us than they were, what an experience!
You would expect luxurious rooms at 5 star hotels, but a suite the size of a large apartment? The photographs barely do justice to the quality of those suites, all built with stone from the land they stand and in the most idyllic surroundings. The extensive gardens, lawns, shrubberies, rockeries, including the river in which they are set, are simply stunning, all immaculately kept.
It was unique in finding the kind of tranquillity that we had only previously found when in the bush in Safari camps, but with all that greenery and lushness! It was so reminiscent of the Isles of Scotland, but with some sun of course! This area of South Africa, which is within easy reach of the Panorama, is truly breathtaking.
The hotel is owned and ran by two of the friendliest people we have ever met, husband and wife team George and Rodica. From the first evening sat having our dinner to our last, a week later, we had been treated as genuine family members.
We enjoyed the most sumptuous of food and quality wines; we could not have been made more welcome. I even ate the fish? And I very rarely eat fish; such was the quality and the presentation!
George and Rodica live nearby the hotel and take guests for game drives on their own land. A very special location on that drive that can only be gotten to by a 4x4 and a sturdy set of steps built by George and his team was the waterfall with its naturally formed lido.
A scene that looked like something out of the deepest Amazon! All totally natural as only nature can create something so sublime to the eye and soul! The water is natural spring and is totally safe to drink and to, dare I say relax in!
There is no need to ask will we be returning any time soon, Akebeko has left a permanent mark in our hearts as did George and Rodica and we cannot thank them enough for sharing their dream with us; few hoteliers have been more generous to us than they were, what an experience!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The fresh mountain air..this place is a must for couples seeking a peaceful and romantic breakaway. Suites are very spacious and so beautiful, offering views of the forest and sounds of nature. Restaurant had a lovely atmosphere and food was really good. We had a sunset picnic one evening with, amongst other yummie treats, the most delicious chocolate brownie I have ever tasted. Service was top level and personal,they went out of their way to cater for my special dietary requirements which I really appreciated. We stayed in Room 3 of only 7, all units are private with beautiful forest views. Room 1 offers the least amount of privacy, being closest to the restaurant. Go there if you are looking for a romantic, intimate place to celebrate a special occassion or to enjoy nature.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from 20travelwithme, Owner at Akabeko Boutique Hotel
Responded 20 Jan 2020
Hello Lani, Thank you very much for sharing your experience here at Akabeko Boutique Hotel. We love to hear your thoughts and are happy to know you had a great Romantic stay with us. Regards, AKABEKO Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing rooms with gorgeous views of a stream from your room! A bath so big you can swim in it and beds kept warm with electric blankets. Completely lovely. The drive to the Hotel is a bit rough, but driving slowly you should be fine!
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Date of stay: June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have called numerous times to the cell phone numbers provided on the website and have sent an email. I had to call again twice this morning on both numbers. I wanted to book a room for 4 nights at 4500.00 per night and had a request to bring our 19 year old house trained four legged child. No response to the email 12 hours later and a blatend no to my request over the phone. Terrible
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Monia Tait, General Manager at Akabeko Boutique Hotel
Responded 18 Dec 2020
Hi Marthinus, We appologise for the delay in response, as you contacted on a public holiday we had no response to your email. We unfortunately do not allow animals at Akabeko Boutique Hotel. We do hope you found suitable accommofation elsewhere. Have a blessed Festive Season. Regards, Akabeko Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Akabeko Boutique Hotel has great facilities, an experienced chef, and is situated in a beautiful part of the country. When it comes to basic service, they are terrible. My partner and I booked the special occasion package and upon arriving, were told that if we wanted to swim, we had better do it soon, as the following day, they would have a large function with many guests and we wouldn't have access to the pool. This was not communicated to us prior to arrival. That evening at dinner, we were given a menu that had no vegetarian options, despite the fact that, when booking, we indicated that we both had vegetarian diets. When we told the staff this, they said that they didn't receive this information (a lie. It's a required part of the booking form so they definitely received the information) and told us that we needed to have communicated this with the chef. We were told this perhaps two or three more times during our stay. There was never an apology for this, they just kept avoiding responsibility and insinuating that we were the ones at fault. The chef himself, however, was able to adapt quickly and provide us with some great options on the fly. The next day, not being able to utilise the pool and other common areas, we hoped to at least add a treatment to our couples massage (included in the package). We were told we could not, due to them needing to tend to the large function that day. The staff giving the massages, it turns out, were the same ones serving drinks at the function. When we arrived for our massage, they were 30 minutes late, and the massage was ultimately unsatisfactory. The staff were clearly overworked and rushing our massages in order to return to the large function. After a walk around the grounds, we spent the rest of the day in our room. There wasn't anything else to do. Finally, small things like damp, used towels being hung up again instead of being replaced, expired nespresso pods, and a general unwillingness from the staff to assist us, left us feeling completely overlooked for the duration of the stay. The "big function" they had to tend to clearly took priority, leaving us feeling ignored and uncared for on what was meant to be a special weekend away.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â The road to Akabeko is also falling to pieces. Potholes are growing into dongas.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A truly beautiful boutique hotel and perfect couple getaway . Hotel nestled amongst the tall lush trees with the soothing sound of streaming water in the background . Accomodation allowed for openness yet privacy. Dinner of oxtail with creamy mash was delicious and definitely fine dining . Worth a revisit. Only drawback is the terrible potholes in route to the hotel but worth dodging those potholes to find a peace tranquility of note
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
we had a very relaxing stay. the suites are stunning, with wrap around windows. the outside deck is idyllic, with views of a stream, lush trees, and shrubs. the suite & the surroundings are very private, and peaceful. service from Thabo, and his team were outstanding. they went the extra mile. we had a problem with our shower, and it was tended to very swiftly. Food was great as well. Only negative I have, is that the quality of the towels are worn and the spa treatment was average. other than that an excellent place to stay.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I, enjoyed our weekend here. The room was breathtaking, private, spacious and beyond what we expected. The staff and owners were pleasant and friendly. I did forget to pack for the chilly nights, fortunately the fireplace kept us warm and cozy. It was definitely worth the drive, the best kept jewel for couples looking for some quiet time away from the city and little ones ;-)
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Our Room 2, was very private!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All the suites are almost the size of a house! Quite spectacular with wrap around balconies, sunken bath and shower outside on one's balcony. One look onto a flowing small river with loads of lovely vegetation.
A journey and a half to get there ... but once there, very special!
A journey and a half to get there ... but once there, very special!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful setting and buildings which blend perfectly into the surroundings. Service from Kennedy was excellent and friendly. Delicious food, desserts and good coffee. Golf course was a fun 9 holes. Worth a day trip from Lydenberg.
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Date of stay: August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There, our greatest appologies for the unpleasant experience you had with us. Unfortunately July is our coldest month of the year and this is undeniable. We will look into the other issues addresed. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Regards, Akabeko Team
LOCATION
South AfricaMpumalangaLydenburg
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingAKABEKO BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Reviews (Lydenburg, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about Akabeko Boutique Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Akabeko Boutique Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Shoe (0.03 km) and Vape Fli (0.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Akabeko Boutique Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Akabeko Boutique Hotel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a minibar, and air conditioning.
What food & drink options are available at Akabeko Boutique Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Akabeko Boutique Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Akabeko Boutique Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include JamJar Lounge, Ocean Basket Lydenburg, and Bebels Coffee Express.
Does Akabeko Boutique Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, Akabeko Boutique Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Akabeko Boutique Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Lydenburg.
Does Akabeko Boutique Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.