We're back in Jo'burg after five incredibly beautiful days in Lesotho, which also means that our month of near constant travel has come to an end. Between Pilanesberg, Bela Bela, Durban and now Lesotho, it feels as though we've been spending more time away than not. And while I love the feeling of constantly being on the move, for the first time in my life I think I'm actually looking forward to spending the next month at home, catching up on life, studies and work. No more of this packing and unpacking business for awhile.
At least not until November that is...
Today I'd planned to continue with the Greece recaps, but then I uploaded photos from Durban and became completely enamored by the design haven that is Teremok Marine. Located in Umhlanga Rocks and just a short walk away from the Indian Ocean, I was literally in awe of this private residence turned boutique hotel. The design was flawless. If I were to create my dream home one day, this would be it.
The history of Teremok Marine pulses through the walls of the house and remains a central theme carried throughout the suites and common areas. Initially built by Kotchka Vladykin as a retirement home, the lodge has retained its original Russian name {meaning, little hideaway}. Russian by birth, Kotchka escaped the Soviet revolution as a young child, initially immigrating to England, and then later making his way to South Africa as a mine surveyor. Marrying into the diamond industry, he eventually chose to retire in Umhlanga Rocks, carefully designing Teremok to encompass his love for nature and the surrounding Milkwood trees.
Eventually inherited by the Douglases, Teremok Marine was converted into a luxury boutique lodge in 2003 and ultimately re-created into what it is today. I loved that each suite has been designed with a particular aspect of the Teremok legacy in mind and spent a significant amount of time lost in the old photo books on display in the common area. Jurg and I stayed in the Milkwood room, appropriately named after Kotchka's adoration for Milkwood trees and situated amongst the branches of the large Milkwood on the property. With clear views of the Indian ocean from our balcony, our experience was idyllic in every sense of the word.
Because history plays such an extensive role in the Teremok Marine motif, it's difficult not to leave feeling somewhat nostalgic. It's almost as though you've become so submerged in its history that you've become a part of it, not only saying goodbye to the house, but also to all of those people associated with it who have intricate stories of their own. Teremok really got under my skin, in the best sort of way.
By the numbers:
Rates: R1,625 {$160} per person per night
Breakfast: Included in the above rate
Laundry & Ironing Service: Included in the above rate
For more information, you can visit their website here.