SILVER FOREST NEWS

A MOST TRAUMATIC NIGHT!

As we get settled into winter in our beautiful part of the winelands, we stand in wonder when we remember the recent wildfires that raged on 3 sides of our property in June and see how lucky we were.

On the 11th of June we had no choice but to evacuate our 27 staff, our clients, our home, our 3 dogs and our loyal cat… (One cat who never goes in a car and consequently secreted all over my husband’s legs as we drove away in a hurry!)

The fire was raging fast, the wind swirling down the mountain and there seemed like no hope for our beautiful Silver Forest to survive.

At 6.30pm we went to our friends and tried to sit it out and wait to see what the night held in store for us.
We were called back at 7 pm as the “Fire was on our property, and no one had access!”

Driving like Lewis Hamilton at Formula 1 speed to reach our destination, (apologies to everyone who thought that woman driving the H1 was on some form of narcotics!) we arrived to see the fire raging and destroying our bottom car park. The heat was overwhelming and the smoke completely suffocating. With some quick thinking we ran onto the property (of course not wise in hindsight!) and my husband switched on all the irrigation he could, and we left and stood and waited!

No fire trucks in sight and now nothing more we could do… our beautiful Bamboo Forest BLEW UP, with an almighty thunder. At around 9pm we believed it was over for Silver Forest…. Engaging in some calm discussions with the police and less calm hailing down the fire officer in his trusty red truck (hindsight again I am pleased he saw me in the dark in the middle of the road wearing black clothes surrounded by black smoke…what was I thinking?), I explained that this was not only our home, but a Hotel, a Restaurant, a Day Spa and a business. Most importantly, responsible for 27 families full time employment… After the covid years and having to retrench two full teams of staff already, I could NOT let this happen a third time!

Eventually we saw the arrival of not one but 4 fire trucks into the lower car park, now engulfed with flames all around….and it was time to pray!

There was nothing we could do, and the overpowering smoke meant it was no longer advisable to be in the area. As we drove away, we hardly spoke as the exhaustion of the day and the shock started to kick in.
Now imagine the emotion at 1am in the morning lying in your friends spare room, with no communication or knowledge of what has happened since you left, to suddenly read on Facebook community pages “Silver Forest is Gone Burnt Down!” 

Apart from some damage to our lower car park, when we walked onto Silver Forest the following morning, not only was it unharmed it was as beautiful as ever. There were angels flying around our property that night, not even ash or dust or smoke smells were present throughout our beautiful boutique hotel. Our garden is green and lush and the birds are back…and we are ready to welcome all and everyone with open arms in celebration of this miraculous event. 

The biggest damage was the inaccurate social media coverage and the community and clients believing we were burnt down and gone. We are reaching out to you now to spread the great news that we are unharmed (save for a bit of work needed in our car park) and with the best team of dedicated staff we have ever had we are more fabulous and better than ever!

We are open all day, every day from 8am to all and we look forward to hosting many of you soon whether it be for a quick coffee on a walk with the dogs, or a romantic dinner for 2 or some relaxation at The Spa, or a quick escape to our wonderful rooms with log burning fires. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

We have the most amazing team at The Eatery and Wine Bar. Our chefs are cooking up a storm with 3 different menus. All in our small exclusive space. 

• “Oishi” our Asian Tapas menu which also includes Poke Bowls and Bao buns (CHECK OUT OUR MENU HERE) is simply delicious. Oh those duck pancakes are addictive!
• “Casual Dining” with Gourmet Burgers and Wood Fired Pizzas we have had many reviews that both are “the best in town!” Read it on google and dine plan, don’t take my word for it.
• “A La Carte” – this is where we show off great unfussy tasty food, crispy pork belly to die for and so much more. 
• “Breakfast and Brunch” – Start your day the 5 star way with our Breakfast Kitchen, a British fave to satisfy any hungry appetite, avo on toast, or a choice of Benedicts with creamy hollandaise. Not so hungry? Enjoy a simple croissant with your choice of toppings all washed down with delicious coffee of course. 

Check out our WINTER SPECIALS HERE for The Eatery.

Bring the dog …our Eatery welcomes furry friends who are well behaved and on leads! Water bowls on the ready…

Kids are welcome preferably on leads too but seriously, although we don’t go out of our way to cater for children, they are welcome to dine with you, headphones needed for electronic entertainment and we can always find some paper and crayons or a pack of playing cards to keep them entertained… well behaved parents of all ages most welcome!…

Get ready for Year End and Small Intimate events.

We specialise in small events too with 3 different spaces perfect for groups from 15 to 40 people! The Dome is a private tented space in our lovely garden. The Eatery is luxurious and perfect for that special dinner. The Stoep, outdoors and with a relaxed vibe for up to 40 people. Enquire about your next birthday, celebration, office party, baby shower, kitchen tea of family get together and we will happily quote you on all the different options.

Our therapists are amazing and working hard again this year to be the best they can be, with extra skills, renewed passions and new treatments. Our senior therapists, Anna and Pheliwe, are your go-to ladies for extra advice and skin care as well as probably the best waxers in town! Did we say look like 40 at 50, or 60 at 70? Yes we did! Pop in and start some age reversing treatments today!

Our pamper days and luxurious spa treatments from Kalahari are most indulgent… 

Our Thermal Room is open and included in some of our specials this winter. Ever had a Rasul? We have the only Rasul in Somerset West, and not only is it indulgent this ancient mud ritual is rejuvenating too. Add a bit of extra romance with a bottle of bubbly and some chocolate treats.

August is “Women’s Month” so check out what we have prepared especially for you ladies HERE.