There are a few other accommodation options in the area (a convenient journey breaker to and from Jo'burg and Kruger), but Sean immediately and enthusiastically responded to my enquiry and that is how I chose Boven Villa. Due to a faulty GPS, I got lost in the town, but unprompted he came to fetch and convoy me to the Villa (his directions were perfect). The welcome was hearty and genuine, and the room light and pleasant. The setting of the premises were tranquil and beautiful, and the outdoor balcony (with tables for meals and drinks) had magnificent views. Sean suggested various hikes and even drove me on one to familiarise me in case I lost my way! Such service and attention is certainly above and beyond expectation. I had no dinner plans, but he said he was making an evening meal. He offered me a drink and presented a veritable feast - he obviously has talent as a chef. Breakfast was served in a pretty room adjacent to the main lounge, and while there are options for fruit and cereals, etc, he made a sumptuous breakfast of eggs, beans, grilled tomato, roast potatoes, bacon, etc. Travelling alone, and first time to this area, I appreciated the suggestions and tips he provided for my onward trip, and I was given his card and invited to call if I had any problems en-route. The Villa itself was perfect, but what makes this place and my experience of it exceptional has to be Sean, and the attention and care to the comfort of his guests. On my return journey, I stayed at another near-by, rather more celebrated accommodation, and whilst the setting was stunning, I found myself missing Boven Villa and the hearty friendliness offered to guests there. I extended my journey and hoped to spend another night at BV, but it was full. I was about to just drive back to Jo'burg when Sean called - he'd just had a cancellation, and if I still needed a place, it was mine. It was like a homecoming, after a week on the road, and I think I had my best night's sleep, not too mention more superb meals. Much credit to Sean who enhances the Villa with his energy. I will always plan to stay here if in the area, and am recommending it to others. Thanks!
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Date of stay: March 2012
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:I understand the 'Elephant' room is impressive and has a balcony. I had the Lion room...
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In order to break up a Friday night drive from Maputo to Johannesburg, I arranged a stop over at Boven Villa. The drive took longer than expected, so we were met at the gate by the owner Sean to divert us to the soon closing kitchen (20:00)of the nearby pub! He had even phoned ahead to ask them to wait for us! After a quick pub lunch and some interesting DJing we returned to our accomodation to be welcomed. We were the only guests that night and were lucky to be in the Elephant room with it's own fantastic ensuite. We experienced a power cut due to a raging storm, and Sean arrived within minutes with candles and to check that we were OK. in the morning we were greeted with a buffet style breakfast of cereals and yoghurts and Sean was on hand to take our order for a cooked breakfast. Just what we need before setting off on the remaining journey. We didn't have enought time to look around properly but the villa is stunning, we were well looked after and would definately stay here again! It is an easy 5-10minutes detour from the N4 and is perfect to use as a midway stop between Maputo / Kruger & Johannesburg.
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Date of stay: October 2011
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:The Elephant room has it's own private balcony and en-suite bathroon, The other rooms (which...
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Response from bovenvilla, Owner at Boven Villa
Responded 08 Nov 2011
Hi Guys Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I hope that you enjoyed your concert. Fingers crossed for the Saints!! Regards Sean
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our party of three spent three nights (7, 8 and 9 September 2012) at Boven Villa. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome. The setting at the end of a cul-de-sac in a large garden is beautifully tranquil with lovely views towards the mountains. The rooms (“Elephant” and “Lion”) were elegantly furnished, and the beds inviting and comfortable. The breakfasts and dinners were wonderful “feasts”, and Sean even made some delicious lemon curd specially for us with lemons out the garden. Sean is very knowledgeable about the area and was always available to help and make suggestions (we were particularly interested in bird-watching). Our emails received prompt replies. We thank him for going out of his way to make our stay a memorable one and would not hesitate to recommend a stop-over here.
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Date of stay: September 2012
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Trip type: Travelled with family
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I stayed at the Boven Villa this week-end, and enjoyed a lovely and relaxed week-end in the Boven Villa. I stayed in the Lion room. Thanks Sean for a very enjoyable week-end
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Date of stay: September 2011
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
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 stayed with my dad and children at Boven Villa during our roadtrip. We got a warm welcome and a fantstic breakfast. The Villa were the rooms is located gives a comforting welcome, spacious and clean. The rooms are nice and clean, some with balcony and a great view. The owner is cherefull and helpful, always there to make sure you have a great time and all you need for youre visit.
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Date of stay: February 2015
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Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Our room was lovely and cosy and our host was very welcoming and cooked us a delicious dinner.
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Date of stay: June 2012
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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 highly recommend Boven Villa at Waterval Boven. Sean, the host, could not be more charming, helpful and accomodating. He is also a fantastic chef. The home is a lovely thatch with great views and conviniently located, and small extras like the nicely stocked bookshelf made all the difference.
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Date of stay: April 2012
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Trip type: Travelled solo
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've been there twice now for the weekend, and it makes a great break from the busy roads of JHB. Perfect place to chill and do absolutely nothing. Shaun is a great host, and an even better cook. Keep it up!
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Date of stay: April 2012
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Elephant room is great with its huge bathroom.
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We dropped in by the three of us on a business trip for the Railways. We've been very welcomed and felt right at home from the beginning. Very nice place to stay, very good hosts! He served us a superb meal!
Definitely a place you want to stay over!
Note that the shower/washroom was not in the room, but, to be honest, it was totally not a problem! It was nearby, clean, and shared with another room. Non-Issue, even if you insist on en-suite.
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Date of stay: March 2012
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Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Top floor rooms were great actually!
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Arrived a day late and " no sweat, I've made a plan " Sean, proved to be an excellent host with great skills in the kitchen. "Elephant" room was extremely comfortable and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Boven Villa to any traveler looking for convenient, peaceful and that "little bit extra" in accommodation.
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Date of stay: October 2012
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Emgwenya area.
PRICE RANGE
R 1,209 - R 1,647 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
boven villa hotel waterval boven
LOCATION
South AfricaMpumalangaEmgwenya
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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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BOVEN VILLA - Guesthouse Reviews & Price Comparison (Emgwenya, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about Boven Villa
Which popular attractions are close to Boven Villa?
Nearby attractions include Tegwaan Country Getaway Hiking Trails (2.4 km), Stone Circle Museum (0.6 km), and Mountain Biking At Tranquilitas Farm (0.7 km).
