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Clive
Durban, South Africa

Holiday in paradise

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 6 Jul 2023via mobile
The beach lodge in my opinion should be rated 5 star. The lodges are very clean and comfortable. They are cleaned daily and in the evenings the beds have the mosquitoes nets put down. Caron and Martin are amazing hosts always there to assist. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Martin is an excellent skipper putting us on fish every time we went out. Not to mention the snorkeling was out this world. You can have a full breakfast and the dinners are exceptional with a variety of seafood to the traditional braai.
Having travelled extensively all over the world, Dugong Beach Lodge is one of those places I will definitely go back to. Well done Caron and Martin
Date of stay: June 2023
Room Tip: Plenty of parking on the premises if you do a self drive. They also arrange airport pick up. Some...
Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Reviewed 14 March 2020

If, to you, exclusivity is comercialised consumer luxury, then this may not be the place for you. However if you want to experience serenity, relaxation and peace in a wonderfully secluded, safe location with both beach and wildlife at your doorstep, all the while being pampered by a wonderful group of people, then this is your place. Winpie is on hand right from the airport to guide you and encourage you to take part in any activity which might appeal. Not all are free, but all are worth it. The guided bushwalks (free) are amazing and highly recommended, as is the dhow sundowner cruise (not free). In the lodge you are totally spoiled and pampered both by front of house staff (special mention to Arturo, Alfonso, Samuel and Henriques) and those behind the scenes. Roberto's cooking is delicious.
Do your research however! You'll be staying in a nature reserve on a remote island off a remote town in a remote country in Africa - It's powered by generator which cannot be run 24/7. There is every attempt to make you comfortable whilst the power is down ( 11pm -6am and 9.30ish am - 6pm). Enjoy being disconnected - it's so freeing and relaxing. Bring bug spray and suncream, take non powered entertainment (a book folks! There is a book exchange onsite)
Don't expect hot and cold running champagne - while every effort is made to cater to your wants, it's not always possible to provide. Your every need is catered to, just not perhaps all your first world wants.
To sum up, staying at the Dugong is an absolutely fantastic experience, the word that springs to mind is paradise. Absolutely unforgettable, for all the right reasons!

Room tip: The end rooms have 2 private balconies, perfect for catching breezes and avoiding the sun
Date of stay: March 2020
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank annem939
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LegendHospitality, Public Relations Manager at Dugong Beach Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 24 March 2020

Dear Anne,

We cannot you enough for the thorough & detailed feedback after your recent stay at Dugong Beach Lodge.

It gives us great joy to read that you enjoyed the remoteness, the serenity, the wildlife experience and the African Hospitality that accompanies our lodge. Our lodge is indeed very secluded and "disconnected" in a good way & we are so incredibly thrilled that this was one of the highlights of your visit.

Thank you for your wonderful compliments on our general manager Wimpie, he always ensures that the guests have stories to tell when they return home. Your kind comments on the rest of our team is also highly appreciated, it makes us proud to read that they spoiled you and did their very best to make every moment comfortable & relaxing.

We hope to welcome you back again soon to paradise along the San Sebastian Peninsula!

Kind regards
The Legend Team

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 29 January 2020

What a magical place to spend a week or more... From the pick up at the airport, the room by the beach, the food, the hospitality, the horses, everything was above expectations.
Madri and Wimpie, Manager of the lodge and Manager of the stables, took very good care of me and made my week more than magical. I experienced local life going on horseback rides in the bushes, encountering zebras, eland, gnou! and meeting local people (especially amazing children). We swam with horses, and this was a beautiful experience...
The staff at the lodge is the most reliable and nicest people. Always a smile, always a nice word. The lodge itself is such a precious place. It is peaceful and beautiful. Grateful for such an incredible week.

Room tip: All rooms have beach access and beach view from the private balcony/deck.
Date of stay: January 2020
    • Location
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank Y2396FHlauram
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LegendHospitality, Guest Relations Manager at Dugong Beach Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 29 January 2020

Dear Laura,

Thank you for choosing to spend your precious holiday time with us!

It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and we thank you for your detailed feedback and compliments on the rooms, service, meals, location and activities. We are thrilled to read that the overall experience was "magical" and that it exceeded all expectations, especially your time on horseback. Your kind words truly mean a lot to the entire team and we look forward to making your next visit to Dugong Beach Lodge another memorable one!

Kind regards
The Dugong Beach Lodge Team

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Reviewed 21 January 2020 via mobile

From the moment we met Madri at the airport, our holiday really began. We were blown away by the location of the beach lodge. Our welcome was so special as we docked outside. We felt very welcome!! The lodge is a real paradise. Beautifully kept, quality furnishings and has everything you need. Even a little library, board games and chess which my children enjoyed. The accommodation is beautiful. The rooms are first class. Lovely shower, comfy beds with mosquito nets. Gorgeous views of the beach. The small spa is lovely and treated myself to 2 massages which was bliss! The pool is lovely and there was floats and snorkels for the children. My youngest also appreciated the sandpit. The food was amazing and I can’t believe there was such choice given the location. The chef was superb and even made a cake for my son’s birthday. The bar by the pool was great and stocked well. The staff were simply amazing. So proud and truly looked after us. So friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We went on the fishing village excursion which was beautiful and lovely to see local people. My husband and son also swam with the horses which again was magical. Unforgettable. The kids enjoyed the banana boat rides! I particularly enjoyed the boat trip to a nearby island. On our last night we had a special dinner with the most amazing fresh fish and lobster. Such a treat. Watching the stars and sunset (the lodge is west facing!) - what more could you want. We felt totally refreshed and so lucky to find this special place. Thank you! Hope to see you again.

Date of stay: January 2020
Trip type: Travelled with family
Thank Krachelwood
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LegendHospitality, Public Relations Manager at Dugong Beach Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 27 January 2020

Dear Krachelwood,

We would like to thank you for taking the time to rate & provide detailed feedback of your recent stay at Dugong Beach Lodge.

We are delighted to read that your "holiday in paradise" exceeded prospects on all levels and that all of the elements, from the food and the service to the activities and accommodation lived up to expectations!

Thank you for your kind compliments on the little touches, such as the library & board games as well as the experience and service received from our spa. We also appreciate your wonderful feedback on the meals and Roberto and his team's incredible work. Our entire team takes such pride in their what they do and they would be over the moon to read that this has not gone unnoticed. It warms our hearts to read that all of the activities were thoroughly enjoyed by the entire family and that you found peace in relaxation on this little patch of paradise in the San Sebastian Peninsula.

We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for yet another unforgettable experience at the mesmerizing Dugong Beach Lodge.

Kind regards
The Dugong Beach Lodge Team

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Reviewed 5 January 2020 via mobile

Do not be fooled by the ‘air conditioning’ feature of this resort. It is only on for a few hours in the morning and evenings which makes sleeping at night or afternoons very difficult. Electricity is cut off due to generator noise from 11.00pm to 6.30am and from 10.00am to 6.00pm.

It is a beautiful resort but very poorly managed by a couple who do not understand housekeeping (had to request for sheets on our bed twice, not shampoo and body wash, no shower mat, face washer... just 2 towels).

They also cannot manage their stock levels (no beans for coffee machine, no more yoghurts for our first breakfast, no bread for one of our lunch, no more juice, no more beer...)

New Year’s Eve was a disaster. After providing guests with a meal, we were left with no entertainment from 9.00pm to 12.00pm when we were then served a glass of sparkling wine. A little music would have sufficed as guests were keen on partying. Unfortunately, the resort was very quiet for these 3 long hours.

After complaining to the couple who managed the resort, we were offered our laundry cleaning for free and our horse riding activity which were were initially charged full price when we could only enjoy for 5mn instead of 1 hour due to unavailability of the horses.

The manager charged our credit card twice on the last day. That was the cherry on top of the cake.

On a good note, the wait and bar staff was very friendly, the resort is beautiful although needs a few repairs, the view is amazing. It’s just a shame it is poorly managed.

Date of stay: January 2020
Trip type: Travelled with family
3  Thank T146GVchristinep
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LegendHospitality, Public Relations Manager at Dugong Beach Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 8 January 2020

Dear Ms Pavageau

Thank you for taking the time to rate & review your recent experience at Dugong Beach Lodge. Constructive feedback assists us in constantly improving the overall guest experience for future visitors.

Thank you for your kind feedback and compliments on the location, service and staff members, this is highly appreciated! We are however saddened to read that the overall stay did not live up to your initial expectations of our resort.

Due to our remote location within the untouched & beautiful Vilanculos Coastal & Wildlife Sanctuary and along the Bazaruto Archipelago we are unfortunately dependant on generator power for operations. Our generator operation times are: 07:00 to 11:00, 14:00 to 15:00, 18:00 to 23:00.

At Dugong Beach Lodge we usually provide amenities in the room including, body lotion, shampoo and bars of soap. Upon arrival we had unfortunately run out of stock but had placed complimentary Body Scrub and Body Butter from our spa within the rooms. Our management team also provided ya full bottle of shampoo and on the second day of your stay soap was replenished &place in the room. In the room you were also provided with face cloths as well as bath/shower mats, two small towels and two large towels. All of our beds are equipped with fitted sheets and after communicating your disappointment that there was no flat sheet our management team tried their best to assist.

Our lodge has a wide variety of options for hot beverages including a variety of normal coffees, filter coffee, hot chocolate and teas. Although coffee beans were not available for the first two days of your stay, the coffee beans had been replenished upon the third day when our team members stocked up in Vilankulos. Yoghurt was available and replenished every morning with the buffet breakfast as confirmed by our management team and the juice was replenished by the next day after stock levels had lowered.

Our management team mentioned your dismay in the fact that we did not have fireworks for New Year’s Eve, where after they explained that due to our location being within a protected area, this was not allowed. Before the meal our management team ensured a lovely drumming performance for the guests where most of the guests joined in, in the fun and dancing. Our team also placed picnic blankets on our private beach and swimming pool with lanterns for guests to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of our location. Music was playing at the bar, where champagne was served for the countdown and continued to play until 01:30AM when all the guests had gone to bed. Our team truly did their best to make it a special New Year’s Eve to remember for the guests at Dugong Beach Lodge.
Seeing that most of our horses were out on horseback safari with Pegasus Retreats, the time for this activity was limited. For this reason and to be able to give each guest the opportunity the time on the horses were shortened. Initially your family was however only charged for 1 person and there after this activity along with the laundry was offered complimentary.

Our management team explained that due to the poor signal the first payment did not go through, the machine was “posted” to ensure that nothing had already been deducted. There after a second attempt was made and successful. After you had contacted Madri concerning this, we double checked and confirmed that only one payment had been done and posted to the bank - as you will also be able to confirm on your end.

Although we do understand that the overall experience did not live up to expectations we still thank you for providing us with feedback.

Kind regards
The Dugong Beach Lodge Team

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Reviewed 21 October 2019

Exotic destination with crystal clear blue beaches. The food is fresh and out of this world delicious. We loved the island excursion to Pansy islands. The staff were not only friendly, but also very accommodating to make our stay a memorable experience.

Date of stay: October 2019
    • Location
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank Hayleyrawraw
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LegendHospitality, Public Relations Manager at Dugong Beach Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 24 October 2019

Dear Hayley,

We would like to thank you for your kind feedback after your recent visit to Dugong Beach Lodge.

It gives us great joy to read that you thoroughly enjoyed the food, location, service. We are thrilled to read that we had a hand in making your experience with us a memorable one!

We look forward to welcoming you again soon in the near future!

Kind regards
The Dugong Beach Lodge Team

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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