It enjoys the reputation of being one of the Lowveld’s most romantic hideaways, but Timamoon’s overgrown isolation will appeal to many more than just honeymooners. By Ciska Kay
Couples wanting to reconnect, treat themselves for a milestone anniversary or simply escape to somewhere in style, need to look no further than the fabulous Timamoon, on the road from Sabie to Hazyview. Soon after the lodge’s turn-off, the vegetation becomes dense and lush and the road offers the odd view over surrounding valleys and hills. At the top, guests are greeted by a heady mix – Indonesia meets Morocco meets the Lowveld – reflecting owners Maurice and Gayle Hammond’s eclectic style.
“We wanted to create something that we would like to find in a hotel,” explains Gayle. “It was our only criterion. We’re keen travellers and like an exotic feel.” Both ad executives from Joburg, the couple dreamed of building a lodge, but searched for two years to find the right spot. When they finally did, the family left Gauteng for the big unknown in 1998, moved onto “the prettiest farm in the area” and got cracking.
Named after a little Algerian oasis town in the middle of the Sahara Desert, Timamoon is an assault on the senses. Visitors expecting a crisply manicured establishment will be disappointed – its charm lies in its untamed, organic air. Little pathways lead to secluded benches next to moss-covered rocks, and partially cleared vegetation reveals secret pathways.
Dreamed up and designed by Maurice and built by a team consisting of only two helpers, Timamoon is heavily influenced by Moroccan-style arches, intricate woodwork and colourful mosaics. “It has evolved to some extent,” says Gayle. “We love stuff from Bali, Indonesia and India, but have combined it with local art and furniture. We simply let our imaginations go wild.”
One by one, six suites went up, each with its own quirks and variations on the basic theme. “It involved a lot of physical work, but we didn’t have unlimited funds so we had to work it out,” Gayle laughs. There are no plans to expand any further. “We’ve got what we’ve got,” she says. “Rather than going bigger, we like to make changes and improvements to the existing units. We like adding detail.”
The Bali-style restaurant is built on stilts alongside a small pond, and is perfect for memorable candlelit evenings – just ask Protea cricketer Faf du Plessis, who recently popped the question at the lodge
Rooms are romantic and private, each with a mosquito-net-draped four-poster bed, a large fireplace and a sunken bath big enough to float away in – and certainly large enough for two! Private pools and built-in daybeds offer endless, unspoilt views.
“We really want our guests to experience something different. Being isolated is very important – it is a place to reconnect and many of our couples report being in love again after spending a weekend here.”
Some guests initially complain about the lack of electronic distractions (no rugby on a Saturday afternoon), but confess to having a complete change of mind after a day or two surrounded by beauty and immersed in silence.
Another aspect Gayle likes to focus on is food and the ambience during meals. The Bali-style restaurant is built on stilts alongside a small pond, and is perfect for memorable candlelit evenings – just ask Protea cricketer Faf du Plessis, who recently popped the question at the lodge. During breakfast, the bamboo blinds are rolled up allowing the sun to stream in. At night, candles and a log fire create an intimate atmosphere.
The menu is often adapted and changed to accommodate seasonal dishes and dietary requirements. The food is superb, often pushing the envelope with its creativity. “We try to encourage people to try dishes they wouldn’t normally order in a restaurant, but it’s not too way-out. It’s fine dining, but not over the top,” says Gayle. Favourites include a salmon roulade, chicken and prawn curry and utterly decadent chocolate soufflé.
Maurice and Gayle are happy and settled in the Lowveld and have no plans of relocating. Timamoon has evolved into a family business, with daughter Jesse employed as manager and her boyfriend as handyman. “It’s a lovely place to live and it works for us as a family,” says Gayle. “Besides, we can’t go anywhere – we’ve put so much into it! Whenever we have been away, we are really happy to return.”
Get in touch
To see more, visit www.timamoonlodge.co.za or phone them on 013-767-1740. The lodge is situated on the R536 about halfway between Sabie and Hazyview.
