Best Getaways 
Chocolate Orchid
Chocolate Orchid is tucked into a corner of the estate community just outside White River, on the road to Uplands and Longmere, and offers lovely, unique self-catering self service units that can accommodate couples, single travellers or families. Individually decorated, the units are furnished with comfortable queen-size, king-size or three-quarter beds that can convert to a king-size bed on request, and have en-suite bathrooms with baths and showers, or showers only. Comfortable bunk beds are available in the lounge areas of 2 of the units. Rooms are serviced every 3 days for bookings of 6 days or longer, and daily room service is available at an additional fee. A laundry service is not available, but can be arranged for long stays. All the units have kitchens that are equipped with a stove, microwave, fridge, tea and coffee facilities, cutlery and crockery and a dining area. Guests have cosy lounge areas with TVs, opening onto a patio or a private, hedged garden with jasmine and gardenia. Uncapped Wi-Fi with backup power is available, as well as braai facilities at each of the units. For those who like to sleep in, the robins, thrushes, guinea fowl, turacos, and ubiquitous white ducks should be the main disturbance, and Chocolate Orchid offers a small, communal swimming pool, and parking.
Area Info
Chocolate Orchid is an excellent base from which to explore the Lowveld and escarpment. It is within a 15-minute drive of the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and 40 minutes from the Kruger National Park, while escarpment towns like Graskop, Kaapsehoop, and Pilgrim’s Rest are within a 90-minute scenic drive. It also allows easy access to Lowveld towns like Malelane and Hazyview.
The Lowveld offers visitors a very wide range of experiences. From the vistas of the escarpment to the immediacy of open-vehicle game drives. There is a great deal to do and much to see. Visitors can arrange to see the work of Anton Bosch, or visit ‘Die Randjie’ where Esias Bosch s daughter Ezra has her studio. There are the Eloffs and the Voigts, as well as many others. A good place to start getting acquainted with local artists is at the White River Gallery at Casterbridge.
In keeping with its history, Lowveld locals offer hospitality, quality, and quirkiness in equal measure. From Carl and Megan’s ‘64 on Coolmore’ restaurant which is 150 m from Chocolate Orchid, to the Plantsman down the road, to Oliver’s for exceptional spa treatments and food. There is enough to do to satisfy the most restless.
You can cycle to the forests from Chocolate Orchid’s gate or take a short drive to Klipkopjes for a walk along the water’s edge. There is even sailing at Da Gama, with its very temperamental breezes.
Units and Rooms
Family Room with Garden View
Guests: 4
Opening to a private garden with a 2 m hedge and braai area, the unit contains a queen-size bed, a bunk bed and a full en-suite bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with a gas hob and oven and a dining area. The lounge has a TV, and Wi-Fi access.
Deluxe Queen Room
Guests: 2
Hidden in the corner of the garden with an optional private entrance, the unit is the most secluded and private with a queen-size bed and en-suite shower. The kitchen is equipped with a gas oven and a dining area. The lounge has a TV, and Wi-Fi access.
Family Room with Garden View - Shower
Guests: 4
Ideal for 4, the unit has a bedroom with a king-size bed and an en-suite shower only. A bunk bed, TV and Wi-Fi are available in the lounge. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove and oven, and a dining area, opening to a garden area.
Deluxe Twin/King Room with Garden View
Guests: 2
Sheltered under the giant old avocado tree, the open-plan room contains twin beds that can convert to a king-size, and a full en-suite bathroom. The kitchen has a gas stove, small fridge and a dining area, opening to a patio. Wi-Fi is available.
