Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Stays at See More Guest House, South Africa

See More Guest House South Africa

Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Stays at See More Guest House, South Africa

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of See More Guest House, the supposed Escape to Paradise of South Africa. And, let me tell you, it's a ride. We're talkin' honest, messy, and hopefully, a little bit helpful. Because, let's be real, booking a vacation is crucial, like choosing sides at the zombie apocalypse, you gonna survive, or you gonna be zombie food.

First Impressions (and the Arrival Frenzy):

Landing at See More, well, first, it's a mission to find, even with GPS that could make a Navy Seal blush. But…then, there it is. Nestled (I'm being kind) amongst other houses, it is not very obvious from the road. The entrance is… well, let's just say it's not the grand, sweeping vista I'd envisioned. But, hey, I'm here for the paradise, right? They do have CCTV outside the property, which I liked. Always a plus when you're lugging your suitcase, with sweat dripping and a grimace stuck to my face, to some place new!

Now, for the Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private]! I loved the private! The front desk seems to have some really amazing staff who are trained in what they do, and I really loved the service.

And, as for Accessibility: Hmm. This is where things get a little…confusing. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests, but the actual layout? Let's say it's not exactly smooth sailing. The elevator helps, but definitely call ahead if you require wheelchair assistance.

The Rooms: Paradise Found (or, Maybe Just Relaxed?)

Let's delve into the Available in all rooms aspect.

The room? Okay, it was… decent. I'm talking Air conditioning that mostly worked. And the Internet access – wireless was a saving grace. Free Wi-Fi is a must-have, and they deliver. I'm not sure how Internet access – LAN works, so I didn't look into that.

The basics were there: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

That bed? Amazing. It makes the long trip worth it. Extra long bed is just what my tired body needed!

My room was actually on the high floor, which was kind of cool. I was able to get some really nice views.

One of my favorite features was definitely the Bathtub and the Separate shower/bathtub that I loved. I am absolutely in love with a good bath, if one can even believe it.

Dining & Sipping (More Than Just a Snack Bar!):

The Restaurants are a definite selling point. From what I read, you can have your Breakfast [buffet] or Breakfast in room, which I love. If you were to go for Buffet in restaurant you can bet you are able to get some Western breakfast. All of this is also backed up by A la carte in restaurant for all of us foodies!

As to the Dining, drinking, and snacking it includes:

• A la carte in restaurant
• Alternative meal arrangement
• Asian breakfast
• Asian cuisine in restaurant
• Bar
• Bottle of water
• Breakfast [buffet]
• Breakfast service
• Buffet in restaurant
• Coffee/tea in restaurant
• Coffee shop
• Desserts in restaurant
• Happy hour
• International cuisine in restaurant
• Poolside bar
• Restaurants
• Room service [24-hour]
• Salad in restaurant
• Snack bar
• Soup in restaurant
• Vegetarian restaurant
• Western breakfast
• Western cuisine in restaurant

Relaxation & Recuperation (Spa, Gym, Oh My!):

Okay, this is where See More almost wins me over. The Pool with view definitely delivers. Stunning. And the Spa/sauna is heavenly. I spent way too much time there, to be honest. I am talking hours. I even took off work! I did love some of the facilities, more particularly:

• Body scrub
• Body wrap
• Fitness center
• Foot bath
• Gym/fitness
• Massage
• Pool with view
• Sauna
• Spa
• Spa/sauna
• Steamroom
• Swimming pool
• Swimming pool [outdoor]

Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony

Now, about Cleanliness and safety, and boy, does See More take this seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products are used.

The full list of items used include:

• Anti-viral cleaning products
• Cashless payment service
• Daily disinfection in common areas
• Doctor/nurse on call
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Hot water linen and laundry washing
• Hygiene certification
• Individually-wrapped food options
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
• Professional-grade sanitizing services
• Room sanitization opt-out available
• Rooms sanitized between stays
• Safe dining setup
• Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
• Shared stationery removed
• Staff trained in safety protocol
• Sterilizing equipment

Things to Do (Beyond the Buffet):

There's a bit of a "do-it-yourself" vibe, but the Things to do list definitely has some good options.

The Things to do list includes:

• Audio-visual equipment for special events
• Bicycle parking
• Car park [free of charge]
• Car park [on-site]
• Car power charging station
• Convenience store
• Food delivery
• Gift/souvenir shop
• Indoor venue for special events
• On-site event hosting
• Outdoor venue for special events
• Proposal spot
• Shrine
• Smoking area
• Terrace
• Wi-Fi for special events

Services & Conveniences (The Little Extras):

This is where See More shines, in my opinion. The Services and conveniences include things like:

• Air conditioning in public area
• Audio-visual equipment for special events
• Business facilities
• Cash withdrawal
• Concierge
• Contactless check-in/out
• Convenience store
• Currency exchange
• Daily housekeeping
• Doorman
• Dry cleaning
• Elevator
• Essential condiments
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Food delivery
• Gift/souvenir shop
• Indoor venue for special events
• Invoice provided
• Ironing service
• Laundry service
• Luggage storage
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Meetings
• Meeting stationery
• On-site event hosting
• Outdoor venue for special events
• Projector/LED display
• Safety deposit boxes
• Seminars
• Shrine
• Smoking area
• Terrace
• Wi-Fi for special events
• Xerox/fax in business center

From Daily housekeeping to Concierge that actually helped me with my trip, it's the little things that make a difference. The Food delivery was a lifesaver after that intense spa session.

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See More Guest House: A Messy, Glorious Adventure (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Biltong)

Okay, so let's just say the "perfectly curated" travel itineraries you see online? They are bullshit. This is real life, people. This is South Africa, filled with dust, charm, and the distinct possibility of getting hopelessly lost. This is my See More Guest House adventure, and it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Buckle up.

Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (the Drive from Johannesburg)

• Morning (ish): Landed at OR Tambo. Jet lag, a monster that stalks me relentlessly, was already kicking in. Got snagged by a slightly-too-enthusiastic taxi driver who regaled me with stories about his collection of vintage Land Rovers (I zoned out, mostly, thinking about how I'd never own a Land Rover). The drive. Oh, the drive. It was supposed to be scenic. It was, I suppose, scenic in that it offered a panoramic view of… well, a lot of dry, brown earth. Kinda like a giant, sun-baked dog biscuit.
• Afternoon: Found a "farm stall" (a roadside shop, basically). Bought a bunch of biltong (cured, dried meat – South Africa's answer to jerky, but a million times better). Ate half of it in the car. Already regretting the other half.
• Late Afternoon: Arrived at See More Guest House. It's… rustic. Let's go with that. And a bit… quirky. The owner, a woman named Brenda, with a perm that defied gravity and eyes that could see into your soul, greeted me like I was a long-lost relative. “You look shattered, petal!” she boomed. "Come, tea and rusks are essential.” (Rusks are dry, biscotti-like biscuits. They are, apparently, the glue that holds the universe together in South Africa. I would soon learn to love them).
• Evening: Went to my room. It had a creaky bed, a view of Brenda's prize-winning petunias (they were… prolific), and a distinct smell of old books and… something indefinably… farm-adjacent. Started unpacking, and immediately realized I'd packed approximately seven pairs of black leggings and zero sunblock. Cue the existential dread. Dinner was a hearty stew, cooked by Brenda. It was delicious, and I ate it all, even though I was pretty sure I was going to become a permanent resident in the guest house toilet. After this great start I couldn't wait to go to sleep to start the next day.

Day 2: The Wonderment of Wildlife (and the Awkwardness of a Hippo Encounter)

• Morning: Woke up to bird song and the distinct feeling of being mildly sunburnt (despite the lack of sunblock). Breakfast was a feast - eggs, bacon, toast, and copious amounts of coffee. Brenda sat with me, chatting about the local wildlife. The woman knew EVERYTHING.
• Mid-Morning: Went with Brenda to see a local Game Drive (small, private game reserve). The excitement? Overwhelming. The reality? Slightly less overwhelming, but still pretty damn amazing. Saw giraffes, zebras, and a rhino who looked thoroughly unimpressed with my existence.
• Afternoon: The highlight. We followed a dirt road that was seemingly going nowhere. We drove and drove. Suddenly, a sign announced "HIppo pool". We approached, with the engine shut off so we kept silent. The hippo pool, it actually felt ancient. The water was murky, but you could make out the submerged forms. One of them slowly emerged. I stood silent, I stood transfixed. As if I'd just witnessed creation, a silent symphony, nature at it's best.
• Late Afternoon: Returned to the guest house, exhausted and euphoric. Felt like I'd truly experienced something special.
• Evening: The usual ritual: Brenda fed me and made sure I was satisfied. After dinner, I was tired as hell, but it was worth it.

Day 3: Village Life, Culinary Adventures (and a Mild Case of Food Poisoning?)

• Morning: Brenda insisted on taking me to the nearby township. "Get a real feel for the place," she said. Okay, I was nervous. But it was incredible. People were selling crafts, chatting with friends, and children were playing. The best part of this experience? It was pure living. I wasn't taking photos, pretending, just feeling the energy of the streets.
• Mid-Morning: We visited a local restaurant. Tried the bunny chow (curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread). Delicious, in a way that also made me question my life choices.
• Afternoon: The bunny chow. I fear I may have angered my stomach, because I was sick. Very sick. The following hours were spent horizontal on the creaky bed, wishing I had remembered the Immodium.
• Evening: Brenda, bless her heart, brought me lukewarm ginger ale and sympathy. Didn’t touch dinner. Praying to the porcelain gods.

Day 4: Recovery & Farewell (and the Quest for the Perfect Rusks)

• Morning: Still slightly green around the gills, but alive and with the will to continue, I somehow managed to muster the energy to eat some rusks. The dry crunch, the sweetness… It was strangely comforting.
• Mid-Morning: Wandered around the guest house garden, admiring Brenda's petunias. Honestly, they were impressive. Wondered if I could smuggle a cutting back home.
• Afternoon: Brenda and I had a final tea. She gave me a bag of rusks and a hug. "Come back anytime, petal," she said. "Just maybe lay off the bunny chow."
• Late Afternoon: Sadly, it's time to pack up and leave. This Guest House has filled me with joy, sadness, and a renewed appreciation for the concept of clean plumbing.
• Evening: On the road again! Saying goodbye to Brenda and See More Guest House was harder than I expected. Realized how much I'd come to love the quirks, the dust, and the constant feeling of being slightly on the edge of a very messy adventure. Driving away, I felt a strange mix of sadness and exhilaration. South Africa, you magnificent, chaotic place, you truly got under my skin. Also, I really need to find a decent supplier of biltong back home… and maybe a recipe for those damn rusks.

The End (… for now?): The itinerary. It was a suggestion. Reality? It was so much better.

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Escape to Paradise: See More Guest House - Prepare Yourself (Seriously)

Is "Paradise" really that accurate? The brochure *lied*, right?

Okay, look. "Paradise" is a *strong* word. And the brochure? Pretty sure they used a filter that removed all the actual reality. But... (and this is a big but, like *the* Big But) South Africa, and particularly the area around See More? Yeah, there's a genuine magic there. Sunrise over the Indian Ocean? Jaw-dropping. Sunset? Forget about it, you'll be weeping. Just... be prepared for the *other* stuff. Like the occasional power outage (bring a flashlight, trust me – I learned the hard way, tripping over a freaking *zebra* statue). And the bugs. Oh, the bugs. They're part of the "paradise" tax.

What’s the food situation? I’m a picky eater (and prone to hangry meltdowns).

Okay, picky eaters, listen up. This is *crucial*. The food at See More is... well, it's *South African*. Which means meat. Lots of it. Braai (BBQ) is a religion. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to air, you need to *pre-warn* them. Like, tell them *before* you show up, maybe three times. I'm talking carrier pigeon, smoke signals, the works. The breakfasts are solid – think eggs, bacon (if you eat it), fruit. Lunches? Often a simple affair. Dinners? Expect huge, hearty portions, and maybe some of the best biltong (cured meat) of your life. Or maybe not. I *loved* the bobotie (a savory mince dish), my friend swore it tasted like cat food. It really depends on the day, and who is doing the cooking. And if you get a bad day, just laugh. You're on vacation!

Okay, sounds fun. Are the rooms *actually* nice? The pictures are always curated, right?

Alright, truth bomb time: the rooms are... *charming*. Picture this: a slightly faded Victorian-era building, lovingly (and perhaps slightly haphazardly) maintained. Expect character. Expect quirks. Expect maybe a bit of a draft, a wonky tap, and a spider or two. (They're just part of the decor, really). My room had *the most* incredible view of the ocean. Seriously, I could practically roll out of bed and onto the beach. But the bathroom door? It didn't close properly. I had to wedge a shoe in there for... privacy. It's part of the experience, honestly. Don't go expecting sterile perfection. Go expecting something warm, welcoming, and with a story behind *everything*. And a decent mosquito net, preferably.

What's the wifi like? Gotta stay connected (unfortunately).

Okay, deep breaths. The wifi… is… a *thing*. It’s there. Sometimes. Mostly weak, sometimes non-existent. It’s like a shy, elusive creature, only surfacing when you least expect it. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect. Seriously. Read a book, stare at the ocean, talk to actual *people*. I spent a whole glorious week without being glued to my phone, and it was… *blissful*. (Aside from the desperate attempts to upload photos to Instagram that ended in a flurry of frantic, wifi-fueled frustration.) But seriously, download your maps offline, get a local SIM, and prepare to embrace the digital detox. It's good for the soul. And for the photos. Eventually, you'll be able to upload them.

Is it safe there? I've heard... things.

Safety is important. See More is in a generally safe area, but South Africa has its challenges. Use common sense. Don't flash expensive jewelry or wads of cash. Don't wander alone at night. Listen to the staff; they know the local situation better than anyone. Lock your doors. And remember that it's always better to be cautious than cavalier. That said, the vibe at See More is incredibly relaxed. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is laid-back. I felt much safer there than I have in many places. Just be aware, attentive, and don't be an idiot. And definitely, DEFINITELY don't wander down that dark alleyway at midnight, no matter how curious you are. (I didn't, I swear!).

What's the best part about staying at See More? What makes it unique?

Okay, this is the good stuff. Forget the wonky taps and the intermittent wifi. Forget the bugs. The *best* part? The people. The staff are unbelievably welcoming, always ready with a smile and a story. The other guests? Well, you're thrown together, and you bond over shared experiences – the amazing sunsets, the slightly terrifying wildlife encounters, the general sense of "wow, we're actually here!" I remember one evening, we were all gathered around a bonfire, roasting marshmallows (yes, they had marshmallows!) and swapping travel tales. There was this old guy, Arthur, who had been visiting the area for like, fifty years. He told the most incredible stories about the history of the place, the people, everything. He was *amazing*. And that's the magic of See More. It's not just a place to stay; it's a place to connect. It’s a place that feels, well, like home. And finding a piece of home, a place that welcomes you and keeps you, is rare. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.

What should I pack? (Besides the obvious, like clothes.)

Okay, the essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, bug spray (the *good* stuff), comfortable walking shoes. A good book (or two – trust me), a universal adapter, a flashlight (see above!), and a sense of adventure. Don't forget a swimsuit and a towel! But more importantly, pack:

• An open mind.
• Patience (especially with the wifi, and on the roads).
• A willingness to try new things (like the local cuisine! Even if it looks a bit... *different*).
• A camera (or a phone with a good camera). You'll want to capture the sunsets. And the wildlife. And your friends.
• And, most importantly, your sense of humor. You'll need it. Because things *will* go wrong. Things will be hilarious. And you will remember it all for years to come.

And don't forget the after-sun.

Any tips for getting to See More? How do I cope with travel?

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