DO NOT VISIT THIS LODGE (there is no spa)

This has been such a negative experience. I booked the Island Suite for a much needed break for myself and my husband, and having to leave a couple of hours after checking in is utterly disappointing. Having visited this resort in the past, I’m saddened by the manner in which the quality of this once top-quality resort has decreased. Upon arrival at 14:30, the first mission was to locate the hostess assigned to us as there is no clearly indicated reception area. Eventually we managed to be taken to our room, which was still being cleaned, a half an hour after the specified check-in time. We were then taken to the main house to pay, only to intrude on other visitors who were booked into the main house. The tidiness of the resort is really poor, beer cans and bottles were scattered across the pool area, the kitchen in the communal area was extremely untidy and smelly. We also noticed the small fish ponds in the resort were disgustingly dirty, not being able to tell if it’s grass or water. While walking back we noticed what used to be a spa area, now looking like a dump site with a dirty red couch on the porch, torn and filthy mattresses inside, something out of a horror movie. When asked if we may pass the communal deck, we were bluntly denied access by a staff member saying the people inside do not feel comfortable. We eventually returned to our room, only to find the wooden window frames were destroyed by termites, the entire corner of the bath tub has been removed with rubble and cement pieces just being left there. Not to mention the “outside shower” being nothing more than a modified shower head outside, with 2 cement tiles to stand on. Lastly, in a matter of 1h30 we encountered MASSIVE spiders, and other sorts of insects that just topped off the entire bad experience. Upon leaving, we informed the resort that we have decided to leave,22:00 at night. A lady then made telephonic contact with us, to whom we expressed our concerns, requesting a refund seeing that we will not be commencing our stay for R1700 p/night. This matter very quickly escalated via Whatsapp, where discussions were had with the owner, where we were not only convicted of racial allegations, but also condescending messages, and I quote: “I have entertained European and local guests above his superiority.” Not once did my husband mention his profession nor qualifications or race. The owner does not even know his name. The owner also rep**** with the fact that she “notes my exaggeration.” I followed up this morning to find out about the refund after the owner asked me what would be a reasonable cancellation fee, only to be ignored, and then being threatened with legal action because of the fact that we informed her that we will be reviewing the poor standards and conditions of the resort. I’m deeply disappointed with the manner in which this situation has been handled, and how a simple matter like this could’ve been handled with professionalism and courtesy. In closing, the rate per night does not at all live up to the expectations of what you are going to get.