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Reviews of Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa

4 out of 5
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
288 Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit, Limpopo

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 84 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 84 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 84 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 84 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 84 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at this property was beyond a dream, our room was quiet, in the middle of nature. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate all our needs and more. The sunset drive and sunrise walk were amazing, seeing the animals so close was a wonderful experience. Jeremiah was so knowledgeable. The food was great! Can’t say how fantastic our stay here was!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven, Gwynn Oak

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I cannot begin to express how wonderful the lodge, the staff and my stay here was. Unembeza is fantastic! It is located in an estate with other private properties. You will need to receive a code from the hotel to enter the estate and drive/ride, slowly for approximately 2 miles to get to the lodge. Along the way you will pass warthogs, kudu and impala…one guest told me he saw giraffes also. Frank greeted me and registered me at checkin. He showed me around the lodge and took me to my AMAZING room in the Monkeythorn building. My room was stunning. I had an incredible massage, given by Maria. I would highly recommend her. At breakfast, Vote, served me with incredible warmth, conversation and a smile. I wish I could remember all the names but everyone was amazing. It is unusual to find a place of this caliber anywhere in the world like this. It is a ways from Kruger National Park, so allow an hour or ninety minutes to get to the gate. hope to return someday.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristofer

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shasheen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A true gem adjacent to Kruger, truly allowed our family to disconnect from the world, relax, and recharge, amidst the wilderness which is at the doorstep of each villa. Staff are super attentive, and cater to a unique boutique experience. The safari guides are really friendly and professional.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Henrique

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Starline

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lucas

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Carol

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Arnold on 16 Mar 2023
Dear Carol Repinga from the UK.Thank you for staying with us. It is unfortunate that you not given us any feedback with you review.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful
It was amazing especially the spa so so amazing and relaxing we will definitely come back for more treatments. The staff also very helpful and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from arnold on 18 Dec 2022
Thank you for visiting us and your compliments.Best regards,Arnold

10/10 Excellent

Shlomo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from arnold on 28 Sept 2022
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Busisiwe Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Place
We had a beautiful stay and enjoyed everything. The staff is very friendly and always there to help. The place is beautiful and serene. The food was devine, breakfast and dinner out of this world, thanks to Lussy and team. Sam, Caroline, Decide, Patience, Meriam their service was great and Patience checked is in and was a quick check in. Kurhula and Miyelani at the Spa gave us a beautiful massage and they are very friendly too. Appearance, Phindile and team they serviced our room so beautiful They are all so professional and friendly, I will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Arnold on 19 Sept 2022
Dear Carol,Thank you for staying with us and your extensive review and compliments.We hope to welcome you back soon.Best regards,Arnold

8/10 Good

Morufa

Travelled with family
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Breakfast a disappointment
The breakfast was horrible. Same things everyday
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Arnold on 8 Jul 2022
Dear Morufa, thank you for your feedback. We are a bit surprised since every day we serve multiple different breakfast courses. Every day a different pastry, starter and special and eggs any stye you like. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Arnold

10/10 Excellent

Refiloe Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent
Absolutely amazing. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from Charlotte on 8 Jan 2022
Thank you for staying with us and your compliments. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A definite 2 thumbs up for value and cleanliness.
We enjoyed our brief stay. We arrived late in the day and left early, so we did not have time to enjoy all the lodge and spa have to offer. The pool was a bit of a disappointment because it was dirt and the surface of the pool was peeling. The pool area could use a bit of sprucing up, but otherwise, everything was great. Very clean and cozy. We had everything we needed and the hosts were lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from Charlotte on 23 Dec 2021
Dear Kathryn, Thank you for your stay and compliments. We are happy to inform you that our pool will get a full makeover in may 2022. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Alexandros

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Glenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Maritz stay
The stay was wonderful and the food Devine!! My only area where I can comment was that I wished the spa had a bit more options. Accommodation staff very proffessional. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Response from Charlotte on 27 Oct 2020
Dear Maritz, Thank you for staying with us and all your compliments. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Can 10/10 unreservedly recommend.
I don't even know where to begin. Every single tiny detail about this place I loved. I was bleak when it was time to check out.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Response from Charlotte on 17 Sept 2020
Dear Samantha, Thank you for staying with us and your compliments.

10/10 Excellent

Eben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Do yourself the favour and go and stay here!
Our stay was very relaxing - the staff really went out of their way to help us as I had a stomach-bug when we arrived there, so they called the nearest pharmacy to stay open for us, so that I could get some medicine. Charlotte is a very kind and helpful young woman. Beautiful surroundings and the breakfast is 6 stars!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Charlotte on 31 Dec 2019
Dear Eben, Thank you so much for all your kind words. We truly hope that you will visit us a gain in the future. On behalf of the Unembeza family. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pure luxury at a great price!
This was the absolute best hotel we have ever stayed at. It is extremely luxurious and the staff go above and beyond for you. We have never experienced such fantastic service. We only stayed here one night in transit to a safari game reserve but we wish we had stayed here 3 nights and done Kruger on our own. The food was outstanding, the staff was genuine and kind, the building and property were an architectural dream. We saw giraffes, zebras, warthogs and impalas within the reserve. We will be back
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Charlotte on 16 Oct 2019
Dear Jonathan, We feel humbled by all your compliments. It was more then a pleasure having you at Unembeza. We hope to see you back in the future. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gem in the Bush-veld !!
We had a very short stay, due to business commitments, but everything was exceptional, personnel very very friendly, food was outstanding, the room beautiful and toiletries in room fantastic, we will definitely spread the word, about this gem in the bush-veld, wish we had time to stay longer. !!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Charlotte on 19 Aug 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for staying with us and all your compliments. We would love to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was amazing! The resort was beautiful, and the staff go above and beyond!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Charlotte on 16 Aug 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for your compliments, Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nothing to fault
Everything was great!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Charlotte on 9 Jul 2019
Thank you !

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Charlotte on 17 Jun 2019
Thank you for staying with us and your compliment.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place to stay en route to (or coming from) Kruger Park. Outstanding facilities and a warm, gracious staff. We're already looking forward to our next visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Tania on 9 Feb 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for the compliments. We are looking forward to your next stay with us. Best regards, Tania

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A beautiful lodge set in a wildlife estate, with animals such as monkeys and impalas within the lodge grounds. The service was exemplary, quiet and extremely efficient, very good food, presented in an appealing manner. Our room, a cottage, was very private but only 10 metres away from the main building and the restaurant area. The whole experience was tranquil and peaceful, just what we needed as we used our stay to visit the Kruger and a private reserve on safaris.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Liana on 28 Jan 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for staying with us and all your compliments. On behalf of the Unembeza family. Best regards, Liana

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Incredible stay!
The service was incredible. The location is great to visit Kruger. The bike safari was wonderful. The food is great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Liana on 8 Jan 2019
Dear Jan, Thank you for all the compliments. We hope to see you back soon. Best regards, Liana

10/10 Excellent

Ido

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
D R E A M!!!!
The most perfect place on earth, the staff are beyond perfect and the room as are a dream. The breakfast is great and their nighttime set ups is beautiful!! Our only recommendation is to make sure book all your activities at least a week before arrival due to time and space, also pay attention that there are a lot of other activities not relevant to the lodge. Other than that, perfect place! Have fun!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Response from liana on 22 Dec 2018
Dear Ido, Thank you for the compliments. You are correct to say that activities should be booked before arrival. We have limited seat available. I hope to see you back in the future. Best regards, Liana

6/10 Okay

Philip, uk

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Overall it was ok. For the price the bike hire should be free of charge. I would skip the evening meal - they push this when you arrive, but I don't think it's worth the money. There are better places to eat in town.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Tania on 20 Sept 2018
Dear Philip, Thank you for staying with us and taking the time to review us. We always politely ask people if they would like to join for dinner in the evening so that our chefs can prepare a 4 course dinner with the freshest organic ingredients. We are happy that on average our clients rate our food a 9,5. We hope you enjoyed the restaurant setting at the pool at our newly opened villa Mbali. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip in South Africa. Best regards, Tania

10/10 Excellent

Elika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall stay experience
Overall a good experience. Good service from friendly staff. Comfortable spacious room and very clean. Close to town.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018
Response from Tania on 29 Jun 2018
Dear Elika, It was a pleasure hosting you. Thank you for all the compliments. Best regards, Tania

10/10 Excellent

Bill, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great accommodations and exceptional service
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Tania on 3 Jun 2018
Dear Bill, Thank you for the compliments. We hope to see you back in the near future. Best regards, Tania

10/10 Excellent

JW

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A great stop over on the way to the Kruger Park
Response from Tania on 29 Apr 2018
Dear guest, Thank you for the compliments. We hope to see you back soon. Best regards, Tania

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay
Everything about this lodge is above expectations
Response from Tania on 10 Apr 2018
Thank you Catherine for the compliments ! We hope to see you back soon ! Best regards, Tania

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient and Comfortable
We really enjoyed our stay at Unembeza . Great food, lovely setting and the staff were fantastic!

10/10 Excellent

Thanakorn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Graeme, Sydney, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A great base to explore the Kruger region
We had a wonderful 4 nights at Unembeeza. The room, meals and staff were all great.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing
Fantastic superb food amazing service great owners just fantastic

10/10 Excellent

Lance

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The lodge is beautiful and in a wild animal preserve so there are zebra and water bucks in the yard! The little extra touches to make one feel pampered are everywhere. Tanya is an excellent hostess and the staff can't do enough for you. And the bed was heavenly!!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wunderschöne Unterkunft. Die Umgebung war ruhig und man war mitten im Busch bei den Tieren im Reservat. Die Mitarbeiter waren sehr bemüht und sehr freundlich ! Jeden Abend wurde uns ein 3 Gänge Menü serviert und nach unseren Wünschen zubereitet.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Lizzy on 16 Mar 2023
Dear guest,Thank you for staying with us and all your compliments.We hope to welcome you back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Tamara Luiza

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Um dos melhores hotéis que já fiquei!
Sem palavras para esse hotel! Nunca fui tão bem atendida na minha vida! Todos os funcionários são MUITO prestativos e atenciosos! O jantar (embora não incluso) é excelente! O café da manhã também é maravilhoso! Nos deram um upgrade de quarto e ficamos em um quarto absurdamente lindo, Charmoso e aconchegante! Eles se preocupam com os mínimos detalhes! Recomendo demais esse hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Charlotte on 31 Mar 2020
Dear Tamara, Thank you for all your compliments. We hope to see you back one day. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tudo perfeito!!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Charlotte on 2 Feb 2020
Thank you !!!

6/10 Okay

Luan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Atendimento horrível na chegada!
A minha estadia começou muito ruim! Reservei um quarto para 3 pessoas conforme disponível no site do hotéis.com e chegando lá nos avisaram que minha reserva estava para 2 pessoas e que eu teria que pagar pela cama extra. Eu mostrei a comprovação da reserva e a atendente - Tânia - foi pouco solicita a ajudar ( mesmo eu mencionando não ter celular disponível para ligar). Ela foi insistente dizendo que na página de reservas dela, do expedia, mencionava apenas 2 pessoas. Ela pediu minha reserva e só imprimiu a parte que mencionava a parte que interessava a ela - que a reserva estava feita para 2 pessoas - sendo que abaixo mencionava que o quarto era pra 3 camas twin. Ela fez questão de ligar pra expedia, o mesmo sistema dela que já mencionava uma reserva de 2 adustos. Sendo que minha reserva estava feita pelo hotéis.com e nesse mostrava 3 adultos. Falei para ela que seria em vão. Ligamos no hotéis.com, ela fez a ligação depois de muito pedir a ajuda dela, de implorar de fato, e quando conseguimos falar com a atendente a ligação caiu e ela me disse que não ligaria de novo que teria que pagar. Mais uma vez tive que me estressar, levantar a voz, alegar que tinha pego pelo menos 2 pessoas, e que ela teria que me ajudar. Segundo ela, essa seria a última vez que ligaria e que se caísse ela não faria mais nada. Assim, ligamos novamente e o atendente disse que teve um erro na Reseva e que realmente estava para 3 pessoas e não para 2 como ela relatava! Ou seja, eu estava correto.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from charlotte on 24 Jan 2020
Dear Luan, We apologise for the inconvenience caused. According to our records you did book for 2 people, but you requested 3 beds. That is in our opinion where the confusion comes from. Room rates for 3 people are different then for 2 pax. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Sehr nettes und herzliches Personal. Leckeres Essen. Die Zimmer sind auch nett anzuschauen, es fehlt aber an einigen wesentlichen Dingen, zum Beispiel hat die Toilette keinen Abzug nach draußen. Wohlmeinend steht schon ein Raumspray bereit. Auf der eigenen Kleinen Terrasse fehlt ein Tischchen, auf das man mal ein Glas stellen kann. Der Gemauerte Schrank erlaubt nicht ein Hemd aufzuhängen, da fehlgeplant und zu kurz.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Charlotte on 27 Dec 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for staying with us and your compliments. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Foi tudo perfeito, adoramos estar lá. Gostaríamos de ter ficado mais, com certeza voltaremos.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Charlotte on 7 Dec 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for staying with us and all your compliments. And yes, please stay longer next time. Best regards, Charlotte

4/10 Poor

Adrian

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Déçu
Très déçu de la chambre ! Pas du tout cosy , salle de bain simple . On reste globalement très déçu de ce lodge .
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Charlotte on 4 Dec 2019
Dear Adrian, Thank you for staying with us and your review. We regret that you did not like your room. We are not sure to which room you refer, because have many different room types. Next time you stay with us we advice you to book one of our Garden Suites. You will not be disappointed.

10/10 Excellent

Rosana F

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sensacional
Incrível! A equipe é fantástica e muito atenta a todos os detalhes. Os jantares são sensacionais; já na chegada perguntam sobre todas as alergias e restrições alimentares. Me senti “cuidada” por eles. Os pequenos detalhes fazem a diferença.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from Charlotte on 15 Oct 2019
Dera Rosana, Thank you for staying with us and calling us "sensational". We hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Maria Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Agradável
Lugar agradável e ótimas pessoas
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Charlotte on 7 Sept 2019
Thank you for your compliments Julia. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

renner

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Experiência incrível!!!
Simplesmente incrível!!! O pessoal do hotel é super atencioso. O quarto é super confortável. Vimos javalis e impalas da varanda do nosso quarto.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Charlotte on 1 Aug 2019
Dear Renner, Thank you for staying with us and calling us "incredible". We hope to see you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Charlotte on 23 May 2019
thank you

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Man fühlt sich rundum wohl. Wird verwöhnt und ist aufmerksam zu den Gästen.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Charlotte on 9 May 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for staying with and your compliments. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best regards, Charlotte