Summerfield’s Rose Retreat is an interesting one. Overall we loved the river setting and general ambience of Summerfield. It’s ideal for those who don’t want to leave the bush when they finish their safari.
I loved the Forest suite (where I stayed). It was like an uber-contemporary log cabin with an open plan bathroom (and enclosed loo).
But I do wonder whether the tented rooms are quite up to the general standard of the lodge and the lovely Forest Suite? The tented rooms are all quite close to each other and so seclusion is only guaranteed if you do not open the side ‘window’ and only only the front of the room. This is fine in summer but in winter it makes the rooms quite dark inside.
Indeed my main concern is the winter months. The semi-open bathrooms is open to the elements with a covered roof but open to the front. It could work wonderfully in summer but it is not good in the winter months. The shower was not very practical and sort of flooded the bathroom floor.
Plus points
• Riverside setting
• Lovely spa and breakfast areas
• Lots of walking opportunities (5k trail which is also a Park Run every Saturday) on the estate
Minus
• Tented Rooms too cold and dark to enjoy in the winter months of June to early August
• Restaurant is a drive away so not ideal
Note: Since my visit, they have installed a heater above the semi-alfresco bath which offsets the cold a little. But I still recommend avoiding in June to mid August. Or book the (more expensive) Forest Suite!
