Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House, Bela-Bela - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

Farm Tweefontein, Bela-Bela, South Africa, 0480

Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House is a premier resort located in the scenic Bela-Bela area of South Africa. This exclusive destination stands out for its extensive array of bushveld accommodations and its commitment to nature conservation. With a location just an hour from Pretoria, it provides an escape into natural beauty and wildlife. The resort boasts various amenities, including luxury self-catering chalets and a butler-serviced Country House, establishing itself as a top choice for both relaxation and adventure.

Location

Sondela Nature Reserve is ideally located only 95 km from Wonderboom and just an hour's drive from Pretoria Central, making it easily accessible for visitors. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, featuring landscapes that are perfect for exploring and outdoor activities. With a variety of attractions and a tranquil ambiance, it serves as an excellent getaway for both relaxation and adventure.

Rooms

The resort offers diverse accommodation options, including 4-star self-catering chalets and butler-serviced Country House. Guests can choose between rental, timeshare ownership, or even full ownership. Each unit features amenities designed for comfort, including air-conditioned rooms and private balconies overlooking lush gardens. The well-appointed chalets also come equipped with kitchens for personal dining experiences.

Eat & Drink

Dining at the resort is an immersive experience with Piccinini's Bistro & Pub, which serves delicious breakfasts and leisure meals under the stunning Maroela trees. Guests can savor traditional South African dishes alongside international cuisines, with signature offerings such as heartwarming sherry by the log fire. The Bistro's proximity to the pool and farmyard adds to its attractive family-friendly atmosphere.

Leisure & Business

The resort features various leisure activities designed for all ages. Guests can enjoy the heated swimming pool, participate in nature walks on 70 km of dirt roads, and take guided game drives to spot unique wildlife. The Iketla Wellness & Spa provides revitalizing treatments and access to facilities such as steam rooms and a Kneipp Pool for a complete relaxing experience.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Comfort Suite

Max:

2 persons

35 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Luxury Suite

Max:

2 persons

30 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Large Double Room

Max:

2 persons

31 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Bela-Bela 7.8 km

Airports

Wonderboom (PRY) 90.5 km

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Delicious Daily Menus

I was impressed by the amazing food at the Country House! Every day, the menu changed, offering a good surprise at each meal. The chef did an extraordinary job crafting delicious dishes that catered to various tastes.

Bruce23. United Kingdom, 2024-03-10Read full review on

Stunning Deluxe Suite

Our Deluxe Suite with Spa Bath was simply stunning. The room was well-maintained, clean, and offered a private garden which really added to our experience. The spa bath was a wonderful feature, perfect for relaxation after a day of activities.

Ava_M. Australia, 2024-04-20Read full review on

Unbelievably Comfortable Bed

I can't express how comfortable the bed was in our room! It was so cozy that I looked forward to climbing in each night. Additionally, the fireplace in the bedroom added a lovely touch, keeping the space warm and inviting.

Grayson_S. Canada, 2024-05-15Read full review on

Beautiful Garden Retreat

The garden was a amazing oasis filled with birdsong, and it was the perfect spot to unwind. I loved spending my mornings there and even enjoyed breakfast outside surrounded by nature. It truly enhanced my overall experience!

Jennifer_L. South Africa, 2024-06-30Read full review on

What’s included

General

No smoking on site
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
ATM/Cash machine
Barber shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer

Services

Room service
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Location

Farm Tweefontein, Bela-Bela, South Africa, 0480

Map view

Farm Tweefontein, Bela-Bela, South Africa, 0480

City landmarks

Nature reserve

Sondela Nature Reserve

3.1 km

Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Bela Bela

2.9 km

Sondela Wildlife Centre

3.7 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

84%

liked the resort and would come back again

8.4/10

Great

Rooms

8.4

Location

8.4

Service

8.4

Dining

7.0

Sebastian

United Kingdom, February 2025

6.2/10

I recently stayed at Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House for three nights, and it was mostly a peaceful getaway. The Country House itself was beautiful and serene, providing a perfect escape from the busy areas. However, I did face some issues with noise and service that marred my experience a bit.

Rooms

9.0

I stayed in a Luxury Suite, which was beautiful and spacious with a private garden, outdoor shower, and jacuzzi. It offered a great way to unwind, but the room did smell a bit like a smoking room, which was disappointing.

Service

7.0

The staff were fantastic overall, really attentive, especially Tyrone and Altina. They were always ready to help, which made a big difference in my stay. However, I encountered issues like a lack of promised bathrobes and slippers, and no water when I wanted to shower, which was frustrating.

Location

8.0

The location of the Country House was perfect for relaxation, far from the noise of the main resort area. I absolutely enjoyed the quietness and could immerse myself in nature. However, the paths can be tough to navigate, especially in the rain, which is something to keep in mind if you're in a small car.

Dining

8.0

The food was pretty amazing, with changing menus and delicious dishes. I had a tasty breakfast each day, though I wish there had been more options for pastries for my wife since she doesn't enjoy traditional English breakfast fare.

Facilities

7.0

While the facilities were mostly enjoyable, I did run into some issues during my stay. The room service was prompt, and the welcome drinks were a nice touch, but I did experience frustrations with the lack of water in the room at one point.

Parker

United Kingdom, February 2025

6.2/10

I just had the most serene stay at Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House. The atmosphere was tranquil, far removed from the busier parts of the resort. However, I felt there could be more diversity in dining options, particularly during the New Year's celebration. Overall, it was a lovely experience with standout staff, especially Tyrone and Altina.

Rooms

9.0

I stayed in a Luxury Suite, which was beautiful and peaceful. It offered enough comfort and privacy, and I loved the quietness of the space.

Service

10.0

The service was amazing! Tyrone and Altina were super attentive and went out of their way to help with any needs we had. Their grace and good vibes really made my stay special.

Location

8.0

The location is beautiful, surrounded by nature, but the terrain can be tricky for small cars, especially when it rains.

Dining

7.0

Dining was decent, but I wish there were more vegetarian options and more variety for the non-vegetarians. The food quality was great, but the meals could be larger for the price.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities were nice. The welcome drink was a lovely touch, and I enjoyed the garden areas, but I’d love to see more snacks available in the rooms.

Charles

United Kingdom, February 2025

6.2/10

I enjoyed my stay at Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House, particularly relishing the beautiful surroundings and the friendly staff. The food, however, left something to be desired. While breakfast was good, it could use more variety, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

Rooms

8.0

The Deluxe Double Room was beautiful, but I noticed it lacked a microwave and bar fridge, which would have been convenient. A handrail in the bathroom would have been a nice addition for stability, especially post-surgery.

Service

7.0

The service was excellent with friendly staff who were always ready to assist. However, staff knowledge about dietary requests could be improved as my vegan breakfast request wasn't recognized.

Location

8.0

The location is peaceful and serene, surrounded by nature. accessing the place can be tricky during rainy weather due to the terrain not being suitable for small cars.

Dining

6.0

While I found the dinner options quite enjoyable, breakfast was not as impressive. A wider selection, particularly for those who prefer pastries, would have enhanced the experience.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities included a lovely garden and a cozy lounge area perfect for relaxation. However, the lack of certain amenities like microwaves in the rooms was a bit of a letdown.

Eric

United Kingdom, February 2025

6.2/10

My stay at Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House was quite lovely, although there were a few hiccups. The peaceful atmosphere and attentive staff made my experience nice. yet, the dining options, particularly for dinner, fell short of expectations. Overall, I enjoyed my time and would likely return.

Rooms

8.0

The Large Double Room was spacious and had a beautiful private garden. I appreciated the outdoor shower and jacuzzi which were amazing and very welcome. However, it lacked a bar fridge.

Service

8.0

The staff was incredibly friendly and efficient, catering to my needs with a smile. Tyron and Christine were excellent, though I did find the therapist at the spa to be unprofessional.

Location

9.0

The location is perfect, surrounded by nature and offering a tranquil escape. it’s close to Johannesburg, but the terrain access was challenging due to the rain.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast options were varied and lovely, but dinner was a bit of a letdown. I found the vegetarian options quite limited and the portions smaller than expected.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were enjoyable, with lots of activities available to keep me busy. the pools were a nice touch, although my experience at the spa could have been better.

Rosie

United Kingdom, October 2024

7.4/10

My stay at Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa Country House was good overall, yet some aspects left room for improvement. The serene atmosphere made for a peaceful retreat, but I found some inconsistencies in the dining experience that could use attention. The staff were incredibly attentive, making my experience feel special and cared for.

Rooms

8.0

I stayed in a lovely Luxury Suite, which was always kept clean and comfortable. However, I did notice that the water flow in the outer shower was poor and it clogged up, which was disappointing.

Service

10.0

The service was excellent, with staff like Thabang, Tyrone, and Altina being incredibly attentive and eager to assist. I always felt looked after, which greatly enhanced my stay.

Location

9.0

The location was perfect, surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle. I truly appreciated the serene and quiet atmosphere it provided for relaxation.

Dining

7.0

While the meals were generally delicious and varied, I did find some inconsistencies. For example, the breakfast fruit options on the second day were noticeably reduced compared to the first day. It would have been nice to have some additional snacks available too.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were well-maintained, but I did have minor issues with the pool area, specifically the cushions in the braai area were unkempt. However, the garden was lovely for relaxation and activities.