Some people are drawn to Nieu Bethesda after reading Athol Fugards The Road to Mecca. Others have heard of Helen Martins Owl House. It could also simply be the fact that the Karoo allows weary travelers the opportunity to slip back into the ease of a simpler, less hectic life where they can find their soul connection. Community spirit is strong here, and so alive and vibrant its like been part of a large, tight-knit family, and Nieu Bethesda itself has become a small tourism mecca in its own right with a big heart.
Owner, Terry Winship, has traveled the world, and was inspired to create The Ibis Lounge when she envisioned the perfect place for a decent cup of coffee something that is mandatory in every country town and city, wherever you go. Sit on the stoep of one of Nieu Bethesdas number one restaurants and enjoy the dusty Karoo ambience with your meal. If its cold and raining, get cosy indoors at the fireplace. Come soak in the Slow Karoo vibe.
The Ibis Lounge Restaurant:
The Karoo is known for its open-hearted, welcoming and generous hospitality. You might arrive as a guest but leave as a friend, and this is something Terry has strived for when creating The Ibis Lounge. Reservations can be made of breakfast, lunch and supper.
The Ibis Lounge Shop:
In need of a little retail therapy in Nieu Bethesda? When Terry selects items for her store at The Ibis Lounge, she keeps her eyes open for funky, fresh and stylish items with a Karoo theme, such as windmills, donkeys, barbed wire and, yes, the iconic owls like those that feature so prominently in The Owl House. Our high-quality handmade artisan goods are sourced in Nieu Bethesda, Aberdeen and further afield and are always made in South Africa. You wont find anything squeezed out in a huge factory run. The items here are quirky, individual and handmade by artisans, to be treasured for their memories of a very special place on earth.
Accommodation at The Ibis Lounge:
Has the Karoos siren call beckoned you to linger? Now you can rest your weary head here at The Ibis Lounge with a choice of three accommodation offerings.
The Karoo Room has large doors that open onto a stoep, a double bed, and reed ceilings. The interior is decorated with Charmaine Haines art and has a separate room just for the bath completely indulgent with all sorts of nice bubbles, oils and more provided. Other facilities include a shower, toilet, electric blankets, a heater, fan, toiletries, a bathroom heater and heated towel rails.
The Amore Room is our room of love, decorated all in white, with its double bed featuring a love headboard. The bed has a down duvet and electric blanket for those cold Karoo nights. The en-suite bathroom has a shower and heater, with heated towel rails. Utilities include a bar fridge, electronic safe, DSTV, steam iron, hair dryer as well as a coffee and tea station.
The Happy Room has two three-quarter beds and is decorated in bright colours and themes from our travels in South America. The large bathroom has a double shower (two people can shower each with separate controls and shower head). There is a ball-and-claw bath, under-floor heating, heated towel rails, a fan, electric blanket and more.
