Cybele Forest Lodge was purchased by Rupert and Barbara Jeffries in May of 1979. Both had previously been in the world of advertising in London and Johannesburg.

At that time, the concept of an English country weekend getaway was relatively unknown in South Africa. Cybele was originally an old hunting lodge and Rupert and Barbara set about transforming it into a world class hotel. Over the years Cybele required enormous investment to elevate it to the level of comfort, good food and service that it is known for today.

One of the turning points was admission, in 1983, to the prestigious Paris based Relais & Chateaux Association. Cybele was the founder member of this luxurious chain in Southern Africa - and today has 28 members in Southern & East Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands. Cybele was extended from the original seven rooms to a total of 12 rooms; 6 of these being suites with private heated swimming pools. Today Cybele is considered one of South Africa's top country hotels and has an expanded Health Spa with products such as Clarins, Lillian Terry, Algologie and OPI. The Lodge also has an extensively equipped gymnasium.

In addition, the lodge offers spectacular river walks to a beautiful waterfall, horse riding, cycling, helicopter and ballooning adventures, and on site vehicles and guides for chauffeur driven transfers and excursions to the Kruger National Park, the private game lodges, and the surrounding countryside.

Quick facts about the Lodge:   

Location – Cybele is situated 420 km east of Johannesburg in the heart of Mpumalanga between White River and Hazyview. It is 40km from the Phabeni Gate into the Kruger National Park and close to the top Private Game Reserves in the Sabi Sands including Londolozi, Mala Mala, Idube, Inyati, Savanna, Nottens, Leopard Hills, Dulini, Exeter, Ulusaba, Lion Sands, Tinga, Singita and Sabi Sabi. Cybele is ideally situated for exploring the magnificent highlights of Mpumalanga, including the Mac Mac Falls, God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim's Rest.

Climate –- Cybele is situated at 1000 metres or 3000 feet above sea level and so avoids the really intense heat and humidity that can sometimes be experienced in Mpumalanga during the summer months. For this reason particularly, it is an ideal stop off point on the way in or out of the game reserves.

Accommodation –Limited to 28 guests each of the various Suites, all of which have their own climate controlled pools, and Cottages have been individually decorated and personalised. All Suites and Cottages have been neatly walled-in and are screened from their neighbours offering exceptional privacy.

Cuisine - The food at Cybele is supervised by internationally experienced chefs and could be described as classic French combined with traditional English. Naturally, we use only the best and the freshest of ingredients. No expense is spared in the preparation of our food, which has been acclaimed on numerous occasions by guests and journalists from all over the world, as amongst the best on offer in Southern Africa.

The Lodge offers a full buffet breakfast, including seasonal fresh and poached fruits, home-baked muesli, ham, cheeses, home baked scones, croissants, muffins and preserves, freshly squeezed juices followed by a traditional English breakfast, to order, incorporating, for example, dishes such as Eggs Benedict, kippers, etc.

A Table d' Hote dinner menu is presented every evening and you may choose to dine between 6:30pm and 9:00pm. Pre-dinner snacks are served from 6:30pm till 8:30pm in the main house. The Dinner menu offers diners a well-selected choice of soups, starters, main courses, side dishes, desserts and cheeses to satisfy all palates. A Table d' Hote , served either in the gardens under the trees, in the dining room or in the privacy of your room.

Service - We believe in providing a friendly welcome and a high standard of service throughout the Lodge, whilst at the same time respecting our guests' privacy.

What is there to do? - The best thing to do at Cybele is to relax. There are superb walks on the 300 acre property which is down through the forest to the river and along to the waterfall. We have our own stables on the property and our groom can take guests out on breathtaking horse rides through the forest. Many guests use Cybele as a base to explore Mpumalanga or to venture into the Kruger Park for the day. Contact Reception for information on day tours, exciting helicopter adventures and hot air balloon safaris. Cybele has a large heated main pool for year round swimming. Golf, Tennis and Squash are available nearby. Transfers between hotels, game lodges and airports can also be arranged at Reception.

Therapy at Cybele - A relaxing area comprising of a cocktail bar along with an exclusive gift emporium and art gallery. The shop is styled with modern furniture, a large sandstone fireplace, full satellite television and CD player and stereo. A selection of books and magazines are available for your pleasure. It is the ideal venue for a chilled glass of wine and relaxation.

Gymnasium at Cybele - State of the art equipment including a treadmill, recumbent cycle, several adjustable benches and stands for specialized training as well as a rack of dumbbells and barbell equipment are available to all residents of Cybele on a complimentary basis. A qualified trainer is available by appointment.
The Gymnasium also boasts two televisions, a full satellite system, chrome roof fans, a beautiful wooden floor and modern dressing room with lockers and all the necessary amenities.

Group booking deposit policy on application.
Cancellation Policy -
31 days prior to arrival 15%
30 - 15 days prior to arrival 30%
14 - 8 days prior to arrival 75%
7 days or less 100%

The Forest Health Spa at Cybele
Cybele Forest Lodge offers a superb health and beauty Spa - Guests at Cybele are now able to indulge in a full range of treatments at this world-famous forest hideaway.

Highly experienced staff have designed a wide range of programmes and treatments to relax the body and enrich the soul. Products used are Algologie, O.P.I., St. Tropez, Lilian Terry, and Clarins.

On entering the Spa you will find yourself in a completely private and peaceful zen courtyard, where lemon trees and mint bushes gently scent the air. The Koi fish gliding effortlessly through the pond water emphasizes the tranquillity and calm of the Spa. The treatment rooms have been designed with generous space in mind, and all the fittings and equipment are of the very finest quality.

The Spa comprises three treatment rooms, one of which is a double treatment room, a new hydrotherapy room, steam room, sauna and spacious showers - including two outside showers in private courtyards.

An additional feature of the Spa is a large open-air Jacuzzi bath - which has been fashioned out of natural materials and is enclosed in yet another private-walled courtyard. All surrounded by the natural foliage of the forest.

For those who are serious about health and weight control, Cybele's Executive Chef has designed a selection of fat free, healthy and appetizing menus, including ingredients from the Lodge's organic vegetable garden. Not so weight conscious partners can continue to enjoy the regular acclaimed Cybele Forest Lodge food.

The addition of The Forest Health Spa at Cybele ensures the most perfect and relaxing holiday imaginable. 3,4,5,6 and 7-day Spa packages are available.

Day packages are available on request

ACCOMMODATION AT CYBELE FOREST LODGE AND HEALTH SPA
Facilities in all Cottages and Suites:
Mini bars
Fireplaces
T.V., DVD and/or Video machines
DSTV Satellite Television (Twenty five Channels)
DVD & Video library (available at Reception)
Heated towel rails
Hairdryers
Iron & Ironing board
Large bath sheets
Towelling
Bath Gowns
A selection of current magazines
Home-baked biscuits
Tea and Coffee making facilities
Complimentary Sherry Decanter
Charlotte Rhys toiletries
Air-conditioning
Digital Safe

Garden Cottages
Garden Cottage No. 2
Main bedroom and sitting room combined with private walled courtyard. Twin beds and log fireplace. Bathroom en-suite with heated floor, bath, and double basins, an outdoor hot & cold shower in a private courtyard. Covered front porch and private garden.

Garden Cottage No. 5
Combined bedroom and sitting room with twin beds, log fireplace, bathroom en-suite with heated floor, separate shower and bath and double basins. Private walled garden with sun beds, umbrella, table and chairs.

Garden Cottage No. 7
Main bedroom has a queen size bed and is a combination bedroom and sitting room with log fireplace. Bathroom has separate lavatory, inside shower and heated floor. Doors lead out to a private walled outside shower. Spacious entrance hall / dressing room. Private garden with sun beds, umbrella, table and chairs.

Luxury Cottages
Luxury Cottage No. 8
Main bedroom with wooden floor has twin beds. Bathroom with heated floor, en-suite and a separate shower. Downstairs sitting room with log fireplace and under floor heating. Private garden with sun beds, umbrella, table and chairs. Flat screen LCD Television with built in DVD player and selection of CD's.

Luxury Cottage No. 3
Main bedroom and sitting room combined. Bay window with in-room dining table. Queen size bed. Sitting room with gas fireplace, flat screen 74 cm television, VCR, DVD, C.D. and tape, selection of CD's and book tapes, digital safe, cordless portable telephone and overhead fan. Bathroom en-suite with double basins, free standing bath inside shower and outside courtyard shower. Under floor heating throughout the Cottage. Walled garden with deck- chairs, umbrella, table and chairs.

Luxury Cottage No. 4
Main bedroom, with twin beds, and sitting room combined. Gas fireplace. Private courtyard off bedroom. Digital safe, C.D. player, selection of CD's, cordless portable telephone and overhead fan. Bathroom en-suite with bath, separate shower and double basins, with under floor heating. Private outside walled shower courtyard. Walled garden with deck-chairs, umbrella, table and chairs.

Suites
Courtyard Suite No. 1
Main bedroom with Queen size bed. Bathroom en-suite with bath, separate shower and double basins. Bedroom doors open onto private patio and garden with own heated swimming pool and sun beds. Spacious sitting room with log fire place, under floor heating throughout, CD player, selection of CD's and book tapes.

Paddock Suites No. 10, 11, 12 and 14
Situated with a stunning view over the mountains, these spacious thatched suites offer great comfort and are the ultimate in luxury accommodation. Paddock Suites have a main bedroom (with fireplace), and bathroom en-suite, with double basins, leading onto a private courtyard with hot and cold shower. There is a large sitting room, which is fitted with a fireplace, Hi-fi sound system and selection of CD's. Most of the suites have heated floors throughout. A balcony is situated above the sitting room and can accommodate a third (no. 10) and fourth person (no's. 11, 12 and14) in single beds. A spare bathroom with basin, lavatory, shower and cupboards is located off the sitting room. The bedroom and sitting room look upon a side terrace equipped with tables, chairs and a large umbrella. A generously proportioned pool lies beneath the terrace of each Suite. A cordless portable phone is provided. Air-conditioned in bedroom and sitting room.

Forest Suite
Separate from other accommodation, this suite comprises 180m² of space with views over the mountains and the forests. Entrance hallway with guest lavatory and basin. Bedroom with extra length king size bed, fireplace, TV / DVD, additional mineral water and French champagne mini bar, central music control, cordless portable telephone, overhead fan and air-conditioning. Bathroom with freestanding bath, double basins, large inside shower, fireplace, television, and central music control. Private outside walled shower courtyard. Spacious Sitting room / Dining room combination. Flat screen LCD Television with home theatre including DVD / VCR. Fireplace, cordless portable telephone, Hi-fi sound system, selection of CD's, large mini bar fridge, and electric clothes steamer. Under floor heating throughout the suite. Large outside walled garden with sun beds, large umbrella, tables and chairs. Private, heated swimming pool with water cascading over rock. Superb view over mountains. Air-conditioned in bedroom and sitting room.

Additional Facilities in all Suites
Private heated swimming pools, Poolside sun beds, Sun umbrella, Air-conditioned in bedroom and sitting room, 2 Fireplaces, 2 Televisions (except the Courtyard Suite)

Additional Facilities in Paddock Suite No. 14
Complimentary Whisky and Vodka decanters, Private sauna, Complimentary laundry and valet service, Jacuzzi bath, Under floor heating throughout.

Additional Facilities in the Forest Suite
Complimentary Whisky, and Vodka decanters Complimentary laundry and valet service, Under floor heating throughout, Home Entertainment System.

Concept – Exceptional service, food and comfort in magnificent surroundings.