Reconnect with Nature at IRIS

Welcome to the ultimate escape—Iris Retreat & Island Day Spa, nestled in a tranquil bush setting near Hartbeespoort, South Africa. If you’re craving peace, privacy, and a reconnection with nature, you’re in for a treat.

A Haven in the Heart of Nature

Located in Skeerpoort, just a 15-minute drive from Hartbeespoort Dam, Iris Retreat offers a serene hideaway where the Magalies River whispers through the lush landscape. Air-conditioned, self-catering suites—each with kitchenettes, mosquito-net-draped beds, and private bathrooms—blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings  .

Exceptional Guest Experience

With a stellar overall rating of 9.3/10 on Booking.com, this retreat shines in every category—from cleanliness and comfort to staff and value  . Guests fall in love with the tranquil forest ambiance, private relaxation areas, and thoughtful touches like complimentary sherry and chocolates  .

Here’s what visitors are saying:

“Absolutely LOVED our stay… Private outdoor relaxation area, complimentary sherry on arrival… Staff very friendly and helpful.”

“An unforgettable escape into nature – Iris Retreat is a hidden gem!”

“The spa treatments were done next to the river and it was so serene and calming… The beauticians were so attentive… perfect.”

Reviewers consistently highlight the peaceful bush environment, lovely service, and restorative spa experiences  .

The Spa: A Riverside Sanctuary

At Iris’s spa, feel your stresses dissolve under expert hands. Treatments are delivered next to the river, with the natural soundtrack of flowing water and birds adding to the magic  .

Packages like the “Calm,” “Serene,” “Bliss,” and “Relax” offer combinations of full-body massages, hot stones, head, hand, foot treatments, and soothing beverages—priced from R1,400 to R1,500 per couple  . Guests also rave about the quality of the massages and the peaceful, atmospheric surroundings  .

Cozy Accommodations That Feel Like Home

Iris Retreat boasts four rustic yet luxurious bush cottages—two boma-style with two bedrooms, and two cozy one-bedroom spaces clad in bamboo. Most accommodations are en-suite and fully self-contained  .

Guests adore the charming quirks: outdoor showers, candle-lit dinners, spacious lounges, and hammocks. One reviewer even described the bed as “absolutely massive, incredibly comfortable, and spotlessly clean”  .

Surrounding Magic & Local Adventures

Beyond the retreat’s boundaries lies a treasure trove of local attractions: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, Elephant Sanctuary, Bushbaby Sanctuary, Chameleon Village, and Hartbeespoort’s aerial cableway, hot air ballooning, ziplines, and safari experiences  .

Getting There: Directions for a Hassle-Free Journey

• From Johannesburg: Follow Malibongwe Road past Lanseria Airport onto R512, then head toward Broederstroom. After turning onto R560 in Skeerpoort, look for the purple Iris Retreat gate and press the “TOP” button to access.

• From Pretoria: Take R104 to Broederstroom, then the same route as above via R560  .

Why Iris Retreat Stands Out

Feature

Highlights

Atmosphere

Immersive natural bush, spiritual calm, yet not isolated

Hospitality

Christine and team go above and beyond—greeting guests personally, accommodating final-minute needs

Nature & Privacy

Secluded cottages, hammocks, outdoor fire pits, serene river views

Value-for-Money

Competitive nightly rates, inclusive spa packages, private self-catering

Romantic & Quirky

Unique design, outdoor showers, fire-side moments and serene escapes

Final Word: Your Blissful Escape Begins Here

Iris Retreat & Island Day Spa is a lovingly crafted sanctuary offering restorative spa treatments, rustic-chic accommodation, and a deep connection to nature. Whether you’re after a romantic weekend, a solo unwind, or a rejuvenating retreat with friends, this place delivers on serenity, service, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to plan your stay or need help crafting your spa experience? I’m here to help you design your perfect escape.