Dream Lodge: a digital detox destination

Dinner by candlelight and without digital distractions on an off-grid farm makes this North West lodge the ideal getaway for reconnecting with friends and family, writes Riaan Hattingh.

- Riaan Hattingh

This writer found the ideal destination for a digital detox in North West. Only 20km west of the small town Magaliesburg, Dream Lodge makes for a relaxing break for travellers exploring the region.

Stephen and Sam Savage purchased the lodge in 2003. Gecko Cottage was already operational then, and Sam says she had to prepare supper for the guests on the day they took ownership of this 74ha farm, which they call Broken Hill.

With Stephen being a consulting geologist by profession and Sam a social worker and trauma counsellor, they stepped up and expanded Dream Lodge to add another cottage called Agama in 2008, with another called Chameleon opening in 2010. Sam also co-owns a restaurant and art gallery in Magaliesburg.

ACCOMMODATION

The farm is off-grid and has no electricity. One of the cottages has limited solar power for lights and charging cell phones, while the other two have no power supply. This allows guests to have a relaxing, reconnecting time away from the rest of the world. Water comes from boreholes.

Three cottages are available to guests: Agama, Gecko, and Chameleon.

Gecko and Chameleon are accessible to sedans, but for Agama one needs a highclearance vehicle. If you do not have one, you can park at the main house and Sam will take you there with their vehicle.

The Agama and Gecko cottages have no self-catering facilities, and your stay includes dinner and breakfast that the hosts will deliver. There are coffee stations, and a flask of boiling water comes with your meals.

As there is no electricity, paraffin lamps and candles in niches in the walls provide lighting and add to a romantic ambience.