Reviews of Phantom Forest
(90%) From 4 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Beautiful lodge
Treehouse suites were amazing. Lovely views, pool, bar.
The dinner in the evening was a little OTT - nice to have once or twice. Staying there for longer, it might have been a bit annoying either to have to eat the 6 course dinner every night or have to drive to Knysna to eat (given you have to get the staff to give you a lift down to your car).
There were some great walks in the forest. Would be helpful for reception to have a map of the trails in the area (they didn't when we were there). I think they assume that most people just do the standard 45min walk which is quite easy to follow. We went off onto some other trails for a longer walk, but were quite lucky in coming across a map on the trail to get us home again!
A beautiful treetop setting
We were welcomed on arrival by Sandy. Not welcomed back, even though it was our 4th stay here and even though we had emailed Sandy previously. Not impressive!
Food was of its normal very high standard and the breakfasts were the best anywhere. But again, service was an issue. We waited 50 minutes for lunchtime bar service, in spite of several 'reminders' to Sandy. A far, far too impersonal and 'hands off' style of management. Rooms are amazing and the location exquisite.
Be sure to wear long trousers if doing the forest walk, or a dose of African Tick Bite Fever could await.......
luxury in a luxuriant setting
Tree house rooms are furnished to a very high standard. The best view is from the luxurious bathroom, looking out through the trees and across the estuary to Knysna.
Food was very good if not quite as outstanding as under the previous chef. However there is no doubt that everything was made with passion and the breakfasts were exceptional. The chef obviously had a great rapport with her local trainees and we are confident about their future! The set dinner menu is great value.
There should be a warning sign in the rooms regarding the vervet monkeys, which are ubiquitous and a nuisance. They enter the rooms at every opportunity, which could be disastrous.
Very different as a location. Great fun.
The new bathroom extensions are very good and have not spoilt the outdoor feel as the large windows remain. Management could do with a bit of tightening up especially on the maintenance side. Trivial matters such as catches on doors and the very original box which contains tea, coffee etc need repair as they give a bad impression. However none of this would stop us returning. We would far rather stay here than down in Knysa as it is so peaceful.
We do wonder why in the 'Morocco' area high up where there is a second pool that tea and coffee is not brewed up there rather than being carried all the way up from below. This cools the beverage and wastes time and the energy of the staff. There was a member of staff up there all the time we were there and he surely could cope.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
