There is an art to doing nothing, and at Mantis Hiddn in Addo, that art is a true masterpiece. Surrounded by breathtaking wilderness scenery, this remote hideaway is a sanctuary for the senses, a place where magnificent landscapes frame 12 mountain suites, two family villas, a blissful lodge, and the chance to reset.
Easily reached by transfer from Gqeberha’s Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, the hotel is just a scenic drive from Port Elizabeth and neighbours Addo Elephant National Park, which is around 40 minutes away by car.
Nature is celebrated across the 800-hectare private reserve, and Hiddn in Addo has been built from scratch on land that is now home to one of the most peaceful eco-retreats in the Eastern Cape.
The Lodge:
The heart of the property lies in the lodge, which serves as both the focal point of the reserve and the social hub of Hiddn. By day, the space feels much like a private home. Uplifting décor and locally influenced art adorn the walls, and the craft-led design sits beautifully within the lush surroundings while still feeling contemporary and balanced, with thoughtful nods to creativity murmured throughout the space.
There is a welcome sense of nonchalance to days spent here, openly inviting agenda-free hours at leisure, where an infinity pool sets the scene, and the deck’s wooden panelling doubles as a space for yoga or meditation.
A small handful of sun loungers reinforces the lodge’s intimacy, and everything around it quietly reflects the care and consideration that have gone into creating this sublimely serene escape.
Beyond the pool, a small alcove overlooks the Zuurberg Mountains and offers another spot within the retreat that is both a viewpoint and a relaxation zone. It is one of those places where you can sit for hours on end, breathing in the unmistakably fresh air or reading a book as the day drifts by. You may even spot the occasional warthog scurrying across the plains below.
The Room:
Thoughtfully designed and carefully curated for Hiddn’s all-season setting, each room features an indoor fireplace, comfortable living spaces, and furnishings that complement the ambience in a way that feels entirely in tune with the surrounding natural elements.
King-sized beds, beautifully appointed bathrooms with rain showers, and generously sized bathtubs are further accentuated by luxurious touches, including in-room Technogym weights, digitally controlled underfloor heating in the bathroom, and high-speed internet.
The Terrace:
The pièce de résistance is the terrace of each suite, which not only offers inspiring views but also features dreamy KolKol wood-fired hot tubs.
An experience in themselves, they take around two hours to heat up, though the friendly guest experience team is only too happy to prepare them. Combined with a star-filled sky, they create the kind of pinch-me moment that comes from immersing yourself in hot water while embracing the uniqueness of your surroundings.
Dining:
All meals are included during your stay at Hiddn, and with a chef almost entirely at your disposal throughout your stay and no fixed menus, the dining experience feels tailored to your tastes and the wellness journey you choose to embark on.
Each day is different, and dishes explore traditional South African cooking techniques through a highly refined culinary journey, one that celebrates flame-cooked meats and hand-foraged herbs.
At lunch, meals are served family-style, with a variety of dishes shaped by the season’s produce, ranging from barbecued meats to hearty salads. By night, the offering truly comes to life with larger plates of fish, meat, and braai.
Meals are mainly served in the lodge’s dining room, with the option to eat either inside or out on the deck for an al fresco moment accompanied by enviable views.
The wine selection has also been curated by a highly skilled sommelier, and Hiddn’s team has received specialist training to ensure each bottle complements every meal in perfect harmony.
Wellness:
Built on an ethos that deliberately avoids being stereotyped as a safari camp, Hiddn presents its concept as a new way to encounter a remote retreat, and its full potential is yet to be realised.
Today, a team of therapists, handpicked for their unique ability to deliver the very best in restorative and holistic rituals, is on hand to provide in-room treatments.
Mud wraps, invigorating body scrubs, and detoxifying lymphatic drainage techniques are all part of the experience at this hybrid resort.
In the next phase of development, there is talk of a gym and possibly expanding the facilities to include dedicated treatment rooms, something that would be a welcome addition on the rare occasion that you might want to venture out of your suite during your stay.
What is certain is that you will leave feeling lighter, both figuratively and almost physically, as the team goes above and beyond to ease tension and fatigue with their magical hands.
Activities:
The programme is being refined in real time as the reserve slowly transitions out of its soft-launch phase to become a well-established camp in the Eastern Cape, one that is undeniably distinct from others in the region.
A stay at Hiddn is an activity in itself, unfolding at your own pace. For those who do not want to be woken at the crack of dawn for a game drive, although the option is available on request, it offers a slower rhythm that doesn’t leave you exhausted by the end of the day.
Wildlife is abundant at the nearby Addo Elephant National Park, and the picturesque drive can be enjoyed in one of Hiddn’s fleet of customised open-top 4x4s, driven by some of the area’s most distinguished guides and rangers.
Across the lodge’s vast landscapes, there is no shortage of inspiration, whether in the plethora of flora and fauna or in the rare bird species that grace the skies daily and can be spotted through the lodge’s sleek Swarovski binoculars.
Other activities:
Hiddn’s General Manager, Tracy, is working behind the scenes to curate a whole menu of on-site activities, from tea-tasting ceremonies to magical stargazing sessions, and she is bringing in experts from around the world to help shape them.
Overall:
There is no doubt that Mantis Hiddn in Addo is set to become one of the most in-demand lodges in the Eastern Cape for the growing wave of eco-conscious travellers who will flock here to appreciate its extraordinary beauty. In doing so, they can expect to embrace a new kind of holiday, one that is not quite a wellness retreat, nor a safari, but rather a sojourn to a place so remarkable it is almost indescribable, with hospitality that is second to none.
To discover more, visit Mantis Collection
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All imagery courtesy of Mantis Hiddn in Addo.