As I think back to sitting on the deck at Intle Boutique Hotel and watching the sun, a molten ball hanging low in the sky as it slowly sets behind some distant mountains, it is easy to see why it was love at first sight for owners Eric and Tracy Roelofsen.
Setting foot on the land which they bought 11 years ago, the couple had no idea what form their dream would take, but they knew it was meant for “something extraordinary”.
And so, Intle — an isiXhosa word which roughly translates as “beautiful” — was born, not just a hotel, but “a place of calm, of connection and of beauty”.
That dream, however, turned into a nightmare when, on a Sunday evening in August 2024, a fire broke out in the hotel.
Describing that fateful night at Intle’s relaunch last weekend, almost a year to the date of the devastating fire, Intle MD Chris Roberts said while the fire had been contained to the kitchen and laundry areas, there was significant smoke damage throughout the hotel.
“Walking through the smoke-damaged rooms the following day was heart-wrenching,” Roberts said. “The extensive damage forced us to gut the interiors and close for a year.”
“It was, unfortunately, a very similar feeling to the challenges we faced during the 2020 pandemic, something we were only just starting to recover from.
“Yet, from that devastation, we found inspiration. With the support of our partners, we reimagined Intle, keeping its essence but upgrading it significantly, ready to welcome you all today.”
Nestled on a hill between the mountain ranges to the right and Indian Ocean to the left, there are endless views of hills and valleys, with the ocean and Jeffreys Bay in the distance.
In a note read by Roberts at the relaunch, the owners, referring to this natural beauty, said from Australia, one of their stops as they sail around the world on their catamaran Intle Breeze, that Intle was more than just a hotel.
“Intle is deeply close to our heart,” they wrote.
“For us, this is still one of the most breathtaking pieces of land. The views are nothing short of magnificent.
“Even when we worked here daily, not a single morning passed without us pausing to take in the beauty. It has just never lost its magic.
“Intle is more than a hotel; it is a place of calm, of connection and of beauty.
“Here, the elegance of our interiors, the warmth of our hospitality and the care in every meal are all matched by the incredible beauty that surrounds us.”
Described as an intimate hotel experience with space to roam freely among grazing game such as giraffe, zebra, antelope and birds of prey, the hotel offers luxurious treatments focused on relaxation and rejuvenation at its spa and a viewing deck overlooking the Gamtoos River where guests can enjoy sundowners or a romantic picnic.
For those cyclists and hikers looking for a bit more adventure, there is 800ha of Eastern Cape landscape to explore.
The hotel also serves as a base from which to explore the region, including strawberry picking at Mooihoek Strawberry Farm, visiting the Baviaanskloof world heritage site or nearby towns such as Hankey (the final resting place of Sarah Baartman), surfing mecca Jeffreys Bay and the St Francises — Bay, Cape and Port.
With just nine luxury rooms, guests are afforded a tailored experience in an intimate setting which includes private balconies and a communal deck area with an infinity pool from which to view sunsets and a cosy fire pit area.
“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled for Intle’s future,” Roberts said. “Perfectly positioned, Intle will continue to attract global travellers and offer Eastern Cape locals a serene escape to reconnect with nature, all while supporting our local community.
“As a quieter alternative to the Garden Route, we’ll showcase true Eastern Cape hospitality through events, bespoke weddings and nature retreats, providing a space to pause, connect and recharge.”
- Karen van Rooyen was hosted by Intle Boutique Hotel
The Herald