Photos: In Toto Retreat
About this place
In Toto Retreat is a solar-powered, contemporary four-star guesthouse on the shores of the Swartvlei Lagoon in The Island Conservancy of Sedgefield, on the Garden Route between George and Knysna. The six individually styled suites and garden rooms each tell a local story: the Swartvlei Suite with 180 degree views over the lagoon, the Goliath Heron Suite where herons, cormorants and egrets jostle in the towering gums, the Seahorse Suite named for the Knysna seahorses of the lagoon, the self-catering Strelitzia Studio, the Yellowwood Room honouring the giant indigenous forests, and the Outeniqua Room, a nod to the mountains. There is a heated pool in the central courtyard, wifi across the property, braai facilities and free parking.
The birding is the point: take the retreat's canoes onto the Swartvlei to find African Fish Eagle, Goliath, Grey and Purple Herons, egrets, cormorants, Red-knobbed Coot and Little Grebe; watch sunbirds and Cape White-eye in the garden; stroll along Swartvlei Beach to Gericke's Point for breeding African Black Oystercatcher and Hartlaub's Gull; and visit the Rondevlei and Malachite bird hides of the Garden Route National Park just 10 km away, where African Spoonbill and Greater Flamingo are possibilities. The Goukamma Nature Reserve, Groenvlei and Platbank add Knysna Turaco, Giant Kingfisher and Malachite Kingfisher. In Toto Retreat is a BirdLife South Africa affiliated property.
Amenities
Lake view
Bed linen
Wifi
Braai area
Swimming pool
Garden
Get to know where you stay
Keep exploring
Availability
Any available room
6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 3
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
Select date
November 2026
December 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Rooms sleep 2 to 3
King, twin on request · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious upstairs suite with sweeping 180 degree views of the Swartvlei Lagoon from the balcony. King-size bed (twin on request), en-suite bath and shower, flat screen TV with streaming services, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious garden-view room honouring the giant indigenous yellowwood forests of the area, with a king-size bed and walk-in closet. Bathroom with a couple shower, two basins and a bath. Flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
King, twin optional · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious garden-view room named for the Outeniqua mountains, with a king-size bed (twin optional) and a comfortable reading chair. Bathroom with shower and bath combination. Flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ground floor suite named for the Knysna seahorses of the lagoon, opening onto the central courtyard and pool, with a private patio. King-size bed, en-suite bath and shower, flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
King plus sleeper couch · 3 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious ground floor studio with a private patio and braai, a king-size bed and sleeper couch, en-suite shower, and a fully equipped kitchenette for optional self-catering. Flat screen TV with streaming and wifi. Bed and breakfast.
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious suite with partial Swartvlei Lagoon views, the forested dune and stunning sunsets from the balcony, and herons, cormorants and egrets jostling in the towering gum trees. King-size bed, en-suite bath and shower, flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
Nature
What lives at In Toto Retreat
16 birds recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Sedgefield
Important information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 10:00
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 10:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is In Toto Retreat located?
In Toto Retreat is in Sedgefield, Western Cape, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at In Toto Retreat?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can In Toto Retreat accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 2 and 3 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
What causes does a booking at In Toto Retreat support?
A portion of every booking at In Toto Retreat contributes to BirdLife South Africa. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book In Toto Retreat?
Select your dates on the In Toto Retreat property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
Book your stay
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