Sudwala Newsletter December 2020

There is nothing quite as wonderful as the hurly-burly of happy voices and splashes greeting one's ears at the Swimming Pool next to Grotto’s Corner. Holiday-goers lazily stretch out on the loungers next to the Pool. Kids ‘chill’ on inflatable pool-mattresses, while others spin around in the Pool, enjoying a game of tag. All along the lawn, adults lie out on their towels – some in the shade of a palm tree and others sunbathing in the bright December sun. The holiday excitement lingers in the air and that December-feeling echoes and grows, bouncing off the Chalets’ walls and filling the air.

The Festive Season is such a beautiful time to recall what living is truly about! It’s a time to take in the beauty of summer, it’s a time to be thankful for the loving bonds we share with family and it’s a time to appreciate the ability we have to pursue our own passions in a way that benefits others. Those summer-sun-lazy-lounging-pool days have returned! Let this holiday season be all about getting family together and celebrating how wonderful life is. Let the sunshine fill your hair and let your dreams for 2021 fill the air, as we cherish these special moments.

Your Safety Comes First

RHS HygienicHospitality

We believe that it is our responsibility to provide our guests and staff members with a safe environment, always putting their health and well-being first. Our dedicated team has been working diligently during this time to ensure that the government-enforced regulations, as well as our own COVID-19 safety protocols, are adhered to and that stringent health and safety protocols remain in effect to ensure a safe holiday environment for all.

RHS HygienicHospitality protocols

COVID-19 Protocols

The Sudwala Lodge Team has gone through all of the necessary training and preparation to ensure a safe holiday environment for all. Above are a few measures you may notice when next visiting Sudwala Lodge.

COVID-19-related news and updates

Awards and Applause

This excellent result speaks to the amazing calibre and dedication of the Sudwala Lodge Team and their commitment to ensuring your Grotto corner continues to shine. Continuing on their mission to “Creating the Environment for Everlasting Holiday Memories”.

Resort News

Baby Hedgehogs

In the morning, on the 9th of October 2020, we found a female hedgehog and her little–bundles-of-joy in the course of our routine lawns maintenance. In order to keep the little ones safe and sound, we moved them and mom to an enclosure - away from the predators on the property. The sow and her little snuggle buddies are now safely nestled and doing well!

The Sudwala Team have been trained to be ‘on standby’ to assist the Sudwala resident wildlife, should the need arise. Our policy is always to not interfere with nature, but only assist if any creatures are in jeopardy, with the lightest possible touch. Should any of our guests or Shareholders come across an animal in distress, or at risk, please immediately report the matter to Reception and do not intervene or disturb any animals yourself. It’s a common misconception that animals abandon their young when touched by humans – this isn’t true, but we should all act as though it is and not touch any wild animals on the property.

Did you know?
Hedgehogs only give birth once per year after a gestation of four to six weeks. Their litters usually consist of four to seven young at one time. Each baby hedgehog, called a hoglet or piglet, weighs less than 25g at birth.

Sudwala Lodge Team

It's time to say farewell!

With a sad heart, we bid goodbye to Johan Lamprecht, our Resort Manager, and Natasha Lamprecht, our Assistant Resort Manager. The dynamic duo will remain within the VRS family and have been transferred to Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. Their supportive and caring nature helped nurture the Sudwala Team and the successes of the past years speak volumes to all the Team has managed to achieve under their guidance. We would like to pencil a thank you note to Johan and Natasha for all their hard work in helping Sudwala Lodge reach new heights. We wish them both all the best with their new adventure at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.

Welcome to the Sudwala Lodge family!

We are elated to introduce and welcome our new Resort Manager to the Sudwala Team, Wolf Küsel. Wolf, who was previously the Resort Manager at Monateng Safari Lodge, transferred to Sudwala Lodge in October 2020. We are thrilled to welcome Wolf to the Sudwala Lodge family and we wish him a long-lasting, fruitful and rewarding tenure at Sudwala Lodge!

A big round of applause.

Lucky Mathebula has been with Sudwala Lodge for quite some time now and was recently promoted to the position of Operational Manager at Sudwala Lodge! With his unwavering commitment, we are confident that this new journey will prove successful. Keep up the good work!

Sithembile Ntsele has been transferred from Head Receptionist to Administrator. Sithembile is very hospitable and will always go the extra mile to keep guests happy and comfortable. Congratulations Sithembile! We wish Sithembile well as she takes on this new role and assists in taking Sudwala Lodge to new heights!

More About Sudwala Lodge

Pecan Trees

The numerous pecan trees on the property produced a bumper crop of nuts this year! These nutty nibbles can now be bought from Grotto’s Treats.

Pecan nuts are a perfect trail snack for your next hiking excursion up the Mankelekele Mountains. Perhaps take some home and bake a delicious pecan tart for your family and friends.

Keep up with Sudwala: We have a Blog!

It’s finally here: the Sudwala Blog! Come and enjoy this online space, where you can read all about what’s happening in and around your home-away-from-home, even when you’re not with us in person. We share some interesting facts about Sudwala’s history and things to do in the area! Read all about what activities are available at our neighbours and enjoy a fun-filled space all for your perusal. Read more here.

Where does the name "Sudwala Lodge" come from?

Sudwala Lodge is rooted in the fascinating history of a group of individuals who have a rather incredible story to share!

The Birth of Sudwala

The Sibiya clan, who were considered the greatest Swazi hunters of the time, lived near the Swazi kingdom. Their leader, Matsamo Sibiya, and his wife LoMave – had a son named Sudwala. He was born five days before the birth of king Somhlolo’s son, Mswati. Sudwala’s birth was a miracle for the Sibiya clan, at the time, since Matsamo only had daughters and therefore no heir. Before Sudwala’s birth, his mother had a dream where she saw her future son leading people of different nations.

Why the name Sudwala Lodge?

Sudwala was the principal guardian of Sudwala Caves’ entrance and also the councillor to the then Swazi King, Mswati II, during the late 1800s. The Cave was used by the Swati King and his followers as a haven during times of conflict. As legend has it – Sudwala’s spirit still lingers in the Caves, hence the name Sudwala Caves…and Lodge! Read more here...

Keep the Good Times Rolling...

Sudwala is all about ensuring that no guest or Shareholder goes home without thoroughly enjoying their Sudwala experience...

WOMEN'S DAY

The Lodge opened for leisure travellers just in time for women’s month. In light of all that happened in 2020, it goes without saying that we had to show tons of appreciation for all the strong women out there. To celebrate the amazing women in our lives, Sudwala delivered a beautiful Resort-made wooden tray to the Units for all our lady guests. The wooden tray had the following phrase on it: “Fearfully and wonderfully made!” and came complete with a stunning card and special message.

HERITAGE DAY

The day was filled to the brim with fun activities for young and old. It started with a hiking excursion up the Mankelekele Mountains on the strenuous Blue Trail. Guests could snap pictures at the viewpoint, which were then printed in a signature Sudwala frame at Reception. The kiddos were entertained by the exciting slippery-slide and enjoyed some cooler-than-cool, sweet ice-cream from Grotto’s Treats. The festivities continued into the evening in celebration of National Braai Day. Guests could see the gigantic bonfire from afar, as they set off from their Chalets to join the festivities. In true South African style, Shisa nyama, cold beer on ice and lively chatter were the order of the evening. It was lovely to see all our guests gathered together, celebrating life and filling the air with laughter and the delicious scent of marinated kebabs on the grill.

While the Sudwala Lodge Team may not have had many opportunities to provide our valued Shareholders with exciting onsite games and activities, the Shareholder communications kept the Resort spirit alive with fun-filled competitions. We enjoyed all the puzzles and photo recreations you submitted,

but in the end there can only be one

FULL WEEK BONUS BOOKING WINNER

Congratulations to
Sonet Coetzee

for snatching up this prize in our lucky draw!

Thank you for staying up-to-date with all things Sudwala, throughout this tough season, as well as partaking in this awesome adventure!

In the Know with Sudwala Lodge Upgrades!

Our Reception, Kiosk and Takeaway are now conveniently located all in one space. You can check-in, have some delicious grub and buy some meat and wood for tonight’s braai from Grotto’s Treats. We’ve dubbed the shop Grotto’s Corner due to the fact that all Grotto’s favourite little things can now be found under one roof – delicious food, knick knacks and lovely guests checking-in.

Other projects:

Games Room and Gym cleaned and certain equipment replaced.

The Gardens on the property were spring-cleaned.

Washing lines installed for selected Units.

More Information

Expand your holiday horizons through a range of available ownership weeks. Simply visit the Uni-Vate Properties website, browse to find your perfectly matched holiday destination and get in touch to secure an additional home-away-from-home week at one of South Africa’s finest Resorts.

Family fun for all ages!

Only a ‘hartbeat’ away!

Family focused fun.

A harmonious hum of nature.

Drift away into peaceful escape.

UniVate Properties

If you would like to explore more destinations, click here

AFRICAN BLESSINGS
As our Jochebed Children’s Village continues to grow, so do our laundry loads! We are raising funds to purchase an industrial washing machine that will go a long way in helping us manage the big task of keeping the Village’s linen and little King’s clothes clean and fresh, while reducing the cost and the time spent on managing the loads of laundry. Read our blog to find out how you can contribute to our cause.

Read our blog

OPTIONS
As the custodian of your preferred holiday destination, Vacation Recreational Services is consistently looking out for your best interests, as they relate to important and quality holidays. Consequently, VRS recently teamed up with Options. Options (previously VRS Options) is an independent exchange organisation that provides you, as a valued Shareholder, the opportunity of exchanging your week for an alternative holiday in any given year, should you like to. For more information and for exchange enquiries, please contact Options directly on info@holidayoptions.co.za, or visit their website below.
Happy holidaying!

Go to the Options website

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Important Notices

2021 Calendar > Download

2021 Instruction Letter > Download