Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a five-star premium eco-luxury lodge, is set in a pristine Milkwood forest overlooking Walker Bay in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Beyond a luxury experience, progressive tourism is incorporated into every level of the operation and is in the very DNA at Grootbos. Since inception, the reserve has had conservation and community at its core and this is driven by the Grootbos Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The vision of the Grootbos Foundation is summarised as the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the upliftment of the community therein. The Grootbos Foundation now works to conserve over 20 000 hectares of fynbos, beyond the Grootbos boundaries, across the regional Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy (WBFC) and reaches over 11 000 beneficiaries through ecotourism, sport for development, support for early learning centres and entrepreneurship community programmes. Grootbos is a National Geographic Unique Lodge member and is a GER (Global Ecosphere Retreat) of The Long Run. The GER standard is one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the tourism industry and was recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in 2015. The GER is only awarded to organisations that demonstrate a holistic balance of the ‘4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce), excel in conserving nature and improve the wellbeing of the communities they belong to. For more about Grootbos’s sustainable tourism development, read our review ‘How to Apply Responsible Tourism Practices’ or ‘Ecotourism: A Case Study’ and our Property Review on the reserve and the three lodges; Forest Lodge, Garden Lodge and the Villa. But why take our word for it – experience Grootbos yourself. QUICK LINKS: Tel: +27 (0) 28 384 8008 Email: bookings@grootbos.co.za Website: www.grootbos.com Facebook: @Grootbos Twitter: @Grootbos Youtube: GrootbosReserve Pack for a Purpose: grootbos-private-nature-reserve Eco Atlas: grootbos-private-nature-reserve