The Gardens

This month, I am writing from the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), a country I am privileged enough to call home. Eswatini is the most breathtaking country, with stunning views, warm people and so much potential. I can’t wait to visit more places to share with you all and show the beauty of this wonderful place. Now, for the main event!

Summerfields Botanical Gardens and Exclusive Resorts is a hidden gem in the kingdom of Eswatini, not because it isn't well-known but because it is literally hidden within the lush bush of Malkerns. This resort boasts the most unique aesthetic that channels Sun City mixed with an ancient African kingdom that has a touch of magic and mystique.

The massive estate holds a restaurant, the Palm Cascades and the award-winning Summerfields Boutique Hotel, an exclusive and luxurious getaway discreetly nestled in the picturesque and tranquil backdrop of the gardens.

When you arrive at the restaurant, you are met by this large body of water (a man-made dam) and immediately think you’re stepping onto the set of ‘Coming to America’ - but not in a bad way! You follow the pathway and enjoy the views of the dam and the animal statues that litter the resort in clever corners and bushes all along the perimeter. Palm trees, singing birds and even handsome peacocks accompany you to the door of the restaurant, transporting you to a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Palm Cascades restaurant is a fine dining experience with stunning pieces of animal print décor, deep reds and golds accentuate the space and extravagance spills through every detail. Everything about the restaurant makes you feel like a royal, which is fitting since you are in an actual kingdom. Views of the exterior aren’t missed as windows span the majority of the walls, allowing you to enjoy your company and your food with nature.

SO GRAND: The upstairs seating area at the Palm Cascades Restaurant

ANIMAL PRINT: The downstairs seating area at the Palm Cascades Restaurant.

I must be honest, I know food is always our main priority (as it should) but the beauty of Summerfields really overrules any type of meal. The owners of the establishment are firm believers in flora protection and nature conservation so they wanted the restaurant and the hotel to encourage an appreciation and enjoyment of the rich plant life that exists in the kingdom.

But food is our prerogative so I can report that the it was definitely delicious! The cuisine varies from seafood to grilled meats and even a few Chinese dishes - there is something for everyone.

The true selling-point of the restaurant is the outdoor area where guests can dine over the dam and once again, be within nature and revel in its glory. There are little cabana’s for two that serve as an intimate retreat for a secluded meal and there is a larger area for bigger tables where functions can be held - all areas are connected by bridges that were built right in the water.

TRANQUIL: The outdoor area that overlooks the dam.

ONLY ROOM FOR 2: The secluded cabana's for more intimate gatherings.

Now we move on to the Summerfields Boutique Hotel. I was especially impressed by the hotel side because I had no idea there was so much beauty hiding within those trees! I have been visiting Summerfields since my primary school years and never suspected a thing so when they say the hotel is a secluded haven, they really mean just that.

The reception of the hotel sets the tone for your stay and what you can expect your stay to look like. It just exudes elegance, luxury and soft-living - three things that I absolutely love. From the reception, you can stroll down the ‘avenue’ and between the trees, you see the chalets peeking at you. There aren’t a large number of chalets so as soon as you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve got the entire resort to yourself because it is that quiet and serene.

LUXE: The reception of the Summerfields Boutique Hotel. Look at that chandelier!

I got to spend some time in a separate cottage called The Dove which is different to the other chalets. It has a more homey feel, it gives an English summer cottage in the country with the outdoor patio, quaint paintings and glass window panes. The room itself was very spacious and felt so cosy in the evening with the heater on and the lights illuminating the warm colours of the room.

THE DOVE: This is the interior of the Dove chalet.

Hotel guests enjoy their own private restaurant, bar, pool and clubhouse. I was just in awe of how much there was to see and impressed by the consistency of the elegance in the décor. The prints and colours aren’t as bold on the hotel side, it's much softer and immediately evokes your ‘’vacation mode’’ with tall palm trees, thatched roofs and the use of water features as a design element.

VACATION MODE: The water features outside the clubhouse of the Summerfields Boutique Hotel.

CHILLIN POOLISDE: This is the private pool and restaurant enjoyed by guests.

The hotel is a world of its own where nothing moves too fast, nothing is too loud - there is a perfect balance of everything you would want during a getaway. The best part is that it isn’t too far from tourist attractions and Ezulwini Valley (nearest city) for those who want to explore the kingdom.

I felt so much pride in my country whilst walking through the Summerfields Botanical Gardens, it is a resort like nothing else you have ever seen and is a definite must on any bucket list.

All images were taken by me, click here to view pictures or head to the 'Lets Go Out' Instagram page for more visuals!

Til next time xx