Homesteading & produce
A working organic smallholding with access to local fresh and organic produce: bananas, avocados, macadamias, seasonal fruit, vegetables, and farm eggs.
Lifestyle
Rural rhythm,
modern ease
Immerse yourself in a rural Zimbabwean lifestyle with the conveniences that make a longer stay feel like home.
Woodlands Romelda is not a hotel stay stretched longer. It is a place to live for a season: mornings on the deck, work in a quiet office, children outdoors, and evenings when the lake air cools the trees. Residence guests use facilities on the homestead and share Romelda Retreat next door.
At Woodlands
Homestead facilities
Everything on the property that supports a longer stay: work, care, produce, and time outdoors.
Private offices & WiFi
A separate office block a short walk from the houses, with a private desk for each residence and Starlink internet for remote work, writing, research, and sabbaticals.
Eco pool & lake deck
An eco pool and deck overlooking the lake, with the reservoir close by for fishing and quiet days on the water.
Woodlands walking paths
Paths through the trees and lawns for daily walks, bikes, and time outdoors without leaving the property.
Muchinda housekeeping
Housekeeping assistance in each house: laundry and cleaning so the home stays cared for through a longer stay.
Gym
A gym at Woodlands, by the offices, for a simple routine without leaving the homestead.
Family
Children of all ages
From infants to teenagers, stays at Woodlands can include care, learning, and outdoor adventure suited to each stage.
Infants
Arrange a dedicated child-minder to assist with specific care of children under 3 years old.
Children
Children aged 3–8 can enrol in the Little Orchard playhouse for five hours of morning learning in an outdoor environment and fun classroom.
Pre-teens & teenagers
A safe environment to play, fish, and explore on the property. Your Muchinda or our guides can accompany them during the day, a similar experience to a summer camp.
Getting around
Vehicle hire available
A Nissan Xtrail SUV is available to hire alongside your stay at Woodlands, for quick runs to town, exploring the nearby area, and the convenience of your own transport during your time in Zimbabwe.
Hire is booked weekly alongside your house dates. See rates for current pricing.
Property map
Find your way around
Next door
Romelda Retreat facilities
Self-cater when you want independence. When you want shared hospitality, Residence guests have access to Romelda Retreat next door.
Strelitzia Spa
Spa treatments next door when you want a slower afternoon away from the house.
Restaurant & dining
Restaurant and dining at the lodge when you want catering instead of self-catering, including take-away meals.
Activities & excursions
Boat trips, fishing, walks, and lodge activities, plus help arranging short trips further afield.
Little Orchard Playhouse
Outdoor and classroom learning for ages 3–8, a short hop from your house. See Children of all ages for how it fits a stay.
Community upliftment
Neighbouring community
Woodlands Romelda and Romelda Retreat sit within a rural neighbouring community. Across the wider Romelda ground, local people are employed in hospitality, housekeeping, farming, maintenance, and the everyday work that keeps long stays and lodge life running. That employment, and the skills that grow with it, is one of the main ways Romelda supports the area beyond the lakeshore.
Guests
How you can get involved
If you have the means during your stay, we encourage you to take part in community projects: donations, time, training, or anything in your field that could help the rural community. Your hosts will gladly give direction and support to any endeavour you take on while you are here.