Aerial view of Hiddn suites and lodge
Mantis Hddn
If you’re looking for a wellness retreat in a secluded, unique setting surrounded by mountains and undulating green valleys, Mantis Hiddn in Addo is a new, off-grid luxury lodge in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Set in 800 hectares of unpopulated (except by wildlife) mountains and wilderness, on the edge of Addo Elephant National Park (the world’s only Big Seven reserve), this new eco-minded lodge pairs low-impact design with wellness and wildlife encounters in one of South Africa’s most underrated regions.
A Truly Hidden Location
Hiddn safari vehicle
Mantis Hddn
While a proper safari vehicle will take you from the lodge into the nearby elephant park, this isn’t a typical luxury safari lodge opening. This unique lodge in the Eastern Cape is a thoughtful alternative to busier safari circuits, offering visitors a deeper, slower way into South Africa’s wild spaces through wellness perched on top of the Zuurberg mountains with no other human life for miles in every direction, just glorious scenery. While the focus at Hiddn is on wellness, guests will be thrilled to see plenty of wildlife on the drive from the airport. Grazing inside fences along the road, you’re likely to see zebras and elephants, monkeys plundering a citrus farm and nearer the retreat, warthogs and antelope.
Hiddn infinity pool at the main lodge
Mantis Hiddn
The stylish main lodge overlooks the guest lodges below and has a lounge plus an outdoor boma (firepit) and terrace, a bar with an outdoor terrace, a large infinity pool. Both the main lodge and guest accommodation are designed with a low-carbon, modular approach that blends seamlessly into the landscape. Timber waffle structures allow the buildings to breathe with their surroundings, while living creepers create natural canopies. Designed by the Hiddn development team in collaboration with Mantis, the lodge reflects a holistic, nature-led architectural approach. Art is an important part of Hiddn too with attractive artworks and crafts by local artists on display and for sale in the Hiddn shop.
Accommodation
A bedroom in a guest suite at Mantis Hddn, South Africa
Mantis Hddn
Twelve splendid one and two bedroom guest lodges are arranged on a hilltop along a path away from the main lodge, ensuring maximum privacy. For larger groups or families, on a different path, are two 4-bedroom Mountain villas, each with their own infinity pools. Each stand alone suite features open views stretching across the surrounding valleys and wilderness. Large expanses of glass and generous outdoor decks create a seamless connection between interior and landscape, keeping nature in constant view, from early morning light to star-filled evenings. Every suite is designed to be a mountain sanctuary, defined by natural textures and a refined simplicity. Timber, stone from local mountains and handcrafted details like lampshades made from upcycled leather and mohair blankets made by a local artisan reflect the setting, while curved structural elements and living greenery give the spaces a fluid, organic feel.
Food And Drink
The restaurant at Hddn, South Africa
Mantis Hddn
Meals are served with a view, in the large airy restaurant which has plenty of outdoor seating. Before or after drinks, including cocktails featuring local ingredients are served in the lovely bar. With no fixed menu, even for breakfast, every meal at Mantis Hiddn is based on seasonality and guest preferences. The chef works with foraged ingredients and produce from the kitchen garden below the lodge, shaping an outstanding dining experience that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. The menu combines African influences with Modern European and each dish has been carefully thought out and reflects the landscape. Expect a delicious rack of lamb or handmade pasta and the pastry chef creates handmade chocolates every day.
Wellness
A KolKol tub on the terrace of a suite at Mantis Hiddn in Addo
Mantis Hiddn
With a focus on wellness, every guest is welcomed with a foot bath and foot massage, very comforting after a long journey. The aim of a stay is to restore balance in every client in terms of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and environmental well being. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery completely away from the hustle and bustle of normal life could be tonic enough but Hiddn also offers superb wellness treatments by highly skilled therapists.
The therapists are genuinely warm and attentive, using all natural African skincare brands and treatments are often created from wild-harvested plants. The wellness offering is designed to align with the body’s natural rhythms, combining treatments such as lymphatic drainage and deep tissue massage with more immersive experiences, including sound baths, crystal healing, and treatment to support deeper sleep. Treatments are currently in the guest suites with the plan to have a full spa open later this year. Guided yoga and breathwork is also available.
The suites have outdoor traditional “KolKol” tubs which the therapists fill with heady, scented herbs and petals, the ideal place to relax in the evening to enjoy stargazing.
Activities
A nature walk with a guide at Hddn, South Africa
Mantis Hddn
Beyond the wellness offering, Hiddn offers game drives in Addo Elephant National Park in their open-air 4×4 safari vehicles, guided walking safaris with the retreat’s on site guides, through the woods past rivers, waterfalls and caves, birdwatching, barbecues on nearby peaks and other surprises.
Addo Elephant Park South Africa
getty
At the Addo Elephant Park, you’ll see elephants of course (there are over 600) as well as zebras, warthogs, antelope species (Kudu, eland, bushbuck) and hyenas. The park advertises itself as housing the “big seven” game animals and if you’re lucky you might see lions, leopards (quite rare), buffalo and black rhinoceros. The other two making up the big seven are whales and great white sharks in the park’s marine reserve.
Sustainability
Hiddn lounge with local art
Mantis Hiddn
Sustainability sits at the core of Hiddn, co-owned by educator and entrepreneur, Andrea Dunkley, who has partnered with Mantis Collection, a well-known conservation-focused hotel group in South Africa. Built using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, the lodge relies on solar power, water harvesting and recycling systems minimise environmental impact, while restored trails and rewilded areas support free wildlife movement and the regeneration of previously disturbed habitats. Hiddn is confident that animals will continue to return to the rewilded valleys below the retreat and soon it might be possible to see some of the Big Five there.
Ms Dunkley’s Hiddn Foundation supports initiatives focused on education, art and sport, strengthening surrounding communities and advancing sustainable development. Community outreach is key here with support for the local football academy and other groups. The retreat also supports the French rooted Nukukamma Hospitality School, based in Addo, with local hospitality students completing their practical hospitality training at Hiddn in Addo.
Getting There And Rates
The nearest airport is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), 75km from the lodge. Rates start from £2,000 per suite per night (Panoramic Mountain Suites; based on two people sharing; fully inclusive including treatments, food and transfer from Port Elizabeth airport.)