Award Winning Restaurant
After a long day of meandering or conferencing, unwind in front of an open fire in the bar or on the patio while watching Reedbuck and Duiker frolic on the open lawns. The bar was used in the first Spud movie as John Cleese’s office.
Then move into our restaurant where the Table d’hote menus are drawn up daily by our head chef, Vusi Mkhwanazi. It is seldom that one gets the opportunity these days to relax, slow down and enjoy special company, while enjoying a 5 course dinner. Through redesigning the menu daily, Vusi can ensure the freshest and best quality produce from around the Midlands.
The setting of the restaurant is as varied as the cuisine Vusi offers. The restaurant staff will often take the restaurant outside where dinner can be enjoyed under an ancient oak tree and the twinkling stars of the night sky. The restaurant is always open to guests staying at Lythwood Lodge. Non-residents are welcome to come and enjoy Vusi’s great fare but bookings are essential.
What our guests say
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My husband booked us to this beautiful hotel for our reset annual vacation in January 2025. Oh my my, we felt like royalties. Upon arrival we were told our room was upgraded to a honeymoon suite. Beautiful views, friendly staff and clean room. We are planning on coming back with kids next time
Noxolo Jaca25/04/2026Just a short drive from Durban, we had a great night away at Lythwood lodge, the drive off the main road is a little far but worth it. The views are beautiful and the road was in good condition. We were greeted by beautiful gardens and great hospitality. The manager and staff were all friendly and so attentive, the rooms were beautiful and clean with a cosy little verandah with stunning views of the rolling hills. We will definitely be back.
janice williams24/04/2026Did my second wedding here on the 7th of March 2026. Knowing how good the service and staff were on the last wedding back in 2023 it was smooth sailing from before even arriving. John and his team find it hard to say NO or “no we can’t “ they would rather come up with an alternative or a whole new plan before giving you up hill and it makes working at the venue so much easier.
I had a room next to the reception tent this time round and it was so convenient and cosy. I would recommend staying the... read moreDid my second wedding here on the 7th of March 2026. Knowing how good the service and staff were on the last wedding back in 2023 it was smooth sailing from before even arriving. John and his team find it hard to say NO or “no we can’t “ they would rather come up with an alternative or a whole new plan before giving you up hill and it makes working at the venue so much easier.
I had a room next to the reception tent this time round and it was so convenient and cosy. I would recommend staying the night before a wedding and the day of or even if you just visiting for other purposes.
I look forward to working with John and his team in future and even going up for a quick vacay ☝🏽 read less
DeeJay Sanks SA (DeeJay Sanks SA)18/03/2026 -
What an incredible place to stay at! So beautiful, not such a far detour from the main road and the units are lovely with everything you need. A great place to stay over with dogs and beautiful walks all around. The food is always super delicious and the view from the restaurant is great! Breakfast is also wonderful!!
Naomi Snyman29/12/2025What a beautiful piece of paradise. The location is magnificent, surrounded by the rolling hills of the kwazulu natal midlands. The service is excellent. The rooms are great, clean and well equipped. There is attention to detail. The food is excellent. Would recommend Lythwood lodge
Manfred Kuhn20/10/2025We attended a wedding. Everything was simply brilliant, from the setting to the rooms to the staff. A special mention to Amanda at reception, very friendly and super helpful with anything we needed.
Matthew Verasamy14/10/2025 -
My husband and I had the privilege of having our wedding celebrations this past weekend at Lythwood ,and it was absolutely perfect ! The venue and especially the co-ordinator John worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly and that our family and friends were happy from the moment we checked in . The food ,the service from the waiters /waitresses / barman ,the atmosphere ,and the overall friendliness from everyone made this the best weekend for my groom and I ,as well as for all who attended . We cannot thank you enough Lythwood Lodge 🤍🙏🏼.
Alexandria Reynecke01/10/2025Great setting to celebrate nuptials or any occasion. Staff are friendly. Food and service outstanding.
Marcelle Fynn-Gilbert28/09/2025I felt like a princess my room was cozy and warm, the hotel staff we a pleasure to have very kind and professional, from the reception staff which was very helpful to the restaurant and kitchen staff, to the manager asking if one is still well taken care of. The food was amazing, compliments to that chef indeed 👌
Thando Mkhize15/08/2025 -
Best 18th wedding anniversary ever art Lythwood Lodge! The staff couldn't have been more attentive and extended every thoughtful effort to ensuring we'd have an unforgettable experience. What a magical place to get married, or enjoy a quick weekend breakaway! If you don't want to travel out at night, their in-house restaurant and bar are fabulous, too, and extremely reasonably priced! If you haven't tried this Midlands gem yet, your visit is overdue.
Grant Wright01/06/2025Most peaceful place I ever stayed.... the views, gardens and mountains were breathtaking.... Very friendly and helpful staff. The Chef definitely served devine food.
I will go again and again.
Poppie Van Staden23/05/2025What an AWESOME place.
Our 2 bedroom cottage was in IMMACULATE condition & beautiful with the tastiest crunchies & tea/coffee/ hot chocolate sachets provided...even milk in the fridge!!!
Staff are super efficient & friendly.
Restaurant food was very tasty.
Will definitely revisit.
Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Shirene Rungiah06/05/2025 -
Absolutely Caring and hospitable Staff, Lythwood Lodge has so much pride in the cleanest, upkeeping of the Lodge, the food is excellent.
Will definitely recommend as the Best place and venue for a getaway and Wedding.
Highly Rated.♥️💯✅️
Sylvia Lutchmanna07/04/2025Our stay at Lythwood was nothing short of exceptional. The location is breathtaking, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Every aspect of our experience exceeded expectations – from the immaculate cleanliness to the warm and welcoming staff who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.
The rooms are elegantly designed, spotless, and equipped with everything you could need. Modern amenities such as complimentary access to Netflix, DSTV, YouTube, and more, along with efficient air conditioning and luxurious bathrooms, made our stay truly relaxing. Waking up to the gorgeous, tranquil... read moreOur stay at Lythwood was nothing short of exceptional. The location is breathtaking, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Every aspect of our experience exceeded expectations – from the immaculate cleanliness to the warm and welcoming staff who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.
The rooms are elegantly designed, spotless, and equipped with everything you could need. Modern amenities such as complimentary access to Netflix, DSTV, YouTube, and more, along with efficient air conditioning and luxurious bathrooms, made our stay truly relaxing. Waking up to the gorgeous, tranquil views from our room was an unforgettable experience.
The on-site restaurant deserves special mention – the food was absolutely top-notch, with each meal thoughtfully prepared and delicious. The staff’s attentiveness and hospitality added a personal touch that made us feel right at home.
This is, without a doubt, one of my favourite places I’ve ever stayed, and I can’t wait to return. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat with outstanding service, comfort, and breathtaking scenery! read less
Johan Nel16/02/2025Very peaceful setting. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Breakfast was well prepared.
Christian Visser14/02/2025
A tempting example of one of our menus:
Amuse Bouche
Starters
Duck Carpaccio
Pan seared and thinly sliced Breast of Duck served on a bed of garden greens
and drizzled with a Van Der Hum and Orange reduction
Chicken & Prawn Laksa
Thai style chicken, sautéed prawns & julienne vegetables
in curried coconut topped with freshly baked herb bread sticks
Sorbet
Mains
Spinach & Feta Chicken stack
Spinach & feta stuffed chicken breast served with herb potato puree, honey glazed butternut
& steamed seasonal baby vegetables accompanied with a roasted red pepper & coriander sauce
Beef Medallion
Grilled fillet of beef served with herb potato puree, honey glazed butternut
& steamed seasonal baby vegetables finished off with a creamy mushroom & green peppercorn sauce
Desserts
Malva pudding
Traditional malva pudding in a pool of Amarula crème anglaise & vanilla ice cream
French Pavlova
An individual crispy meringue cake filled with seasonal fresh fruits,
Chantilly cream and a mixed berry compote
