Here’s what guests and their families are saying about us…

On December the 15th my mother fell again. And fractured her hip . I was away In Capetown and I knew I could relay on The Sunninghill Recovery lodge to assist my mother . They arranged transport a doctor and X-rays and then transported my mother to the hospital she needed to go to for Surgery . She then went back and recovered under their loving professional care .

 

Thank you so much Ann Margaret and team who are so kind and amazing I dont know what I would have done without you xxxx

 

Five stars to the wonderful staff and especially to Ann-Margret McKerrell, the owner of Sunninghill Recovery Lodge.
During an incredibly difficult time, when my elderly father-in-law fell at home and broke his hip, the team provided exceptional care, kindness, and support. Following his surgery, we needed a place where he would feel safe, comfortable, and as close to home as possible while he regained his strength. It also gave our family—particularly my mother-in-law—the time and support needed to come to terms with the shock and challenges of his fall and recovery.
Throughout his stay, he was treated with genuine compassion, patience, dignity, and respect. Even during moments of evening confusion, the staff remained calm, caring, and understanding, always making him feel valued and secure.
One of the most special aspects of his stay was that we were allowed to bring our dog to visit. Those visits brought him enormous comfort and joy, and we truly believe they helped stimulate his memory and lifted his spirits during his recovery.
We are deeply grateful to Ann-Margret and the entire team for the outstanding care they provided. Their kindness made an incredibly difficult chapter much easier for our whole family.

Rowan Retzlaff

Google review:

My husband had an excellent experience from start to finish. The team was incredibly caring, professional, and attentive throughout our journey. They made us feel comfortable, answered all our questions with patience, and provided exceptional care every step of the way.

A heartfelt thank you for your kindness and dedication. He is doing well, and we truly appreciate everything you did for us. We highly recommend your services to anyone looking for compassionate and outstanding care. Keep up the amazing work! ❤️🙏🏽

Bianca Jacobs

 

I hardly know where to begin. The Sunninghill Recovery Lodge was truly a blessing during one of the most difficult moments of my life. Coming from the DRC and caring for my father alone as his condition worsened was overwhelming, until I met Anne-Margaret and her team.

From the very first moment, they welcomed us with kindness, compassion, and dignity. My father spent his final days in their care and passed peacefully, surrounded by people who treated him with genuine warmth and respect. That means more to me than words can express.

I am deeply grateful to Anne-Margaret for her constant kindness and most beautiful smile, Eddy for connecting with my father in French, Olida for her patience, Kundai for her uplifting energy, Georges for answering all my questions and of course the rest of this amazing team. Their support even after my father’s passing meant everything.

I wholeheartedly recommend Sunninghill Recovery Lodge to anyone in need of care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will definitely come visit again.

Forever grateful.

I will never find enough words to express my gratitude and appreciation for this Recovery Lodge. Besides the beautiful gardens, tranquility, great rooms, above all the staff. It is always the people who make any organsiation rise or fall, starting with leadership. Ann-Magret is a very special lady who clearly hires and trains her staff in attitude, compassion, warmth and true caring. Everyone, Eddy, George, Kandai, Dylan, Sarah, Kedibone, Nobuhle, Nthabiseng, Rose, Odila, Albertina, Ester, Bongiwe and Thelma were amazing each in their own special way, giving hugs, feedback, support and kindness whenever necessary. I would not have got through a very difficult time with a family member without them, from going with me to hospital visits, holding me when I cried, giving me wise words of comfort and inspiration, you will always be in my heart. We are well on the way to recovery now and I know should I ever need help they are a call away. Thank you and know how your special light shines healing on those who are in recovery.

 

Google review:

I cannot speak more highly of Sunninghill Recovery Lodge. From the very first phone call through many weeks of devoted attention, the staff at the Lodge have offered impeccable care to my loved one. I have had peace of mind of knowing that my family member has been looked after with devotion and attention by a team of trusted, experienced and truly professional people who cherish the Lodge’s residents as if they are family. Every detail is taken care of, communication is excellent, the staff have always worked to find solutions to help my loved one feel at home and to thrive. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and peaceful. The Lodge is small and feels like home with lovely rooms, all facing a soothing garden. The food is nutritious, varied and delicious, and help is always available immediately, and 24 hours a day. I would never in a million years have imagined that this level and quality of care could be possible, and yet it is – every hour of every day, at Sunninghill Recovery Lodge. Thank you to Ann-Margret and her exceptional team for the love and support and even joy you have given to my family.

 

Ann-Margret and her team are phenomenal!, And the facilities are exceptional. You feel like you’re in a five star B&B.

From the minute, I inquired about the facility, to the day Mark was discharged, there was so much care, positivity, and willingness to help.

We can’t thank you enough.

Lanya Stanek

 

 

I can’t thank Sunninghill Lodge enough for the care and dedication they showed my parents post-operatively.

It was such a welcome ‘step’ between the hospital and home as it gave us all a ‘breather’ to cope with next steps that needed to happen.

Their professionalism cannot be faulted and we are all doing better for having been there. Thank you to all the staff.

Robyn Taylor

 

Google review:

I have been two different times in this place and it has been very nice,

they are kind and friendly, and take good care of their patients.

 

The place is beautiful and clean…

Exactly what a person need for a good and speedy recovery

 

Diamy Diaz

 

Zazen Respite Centre was a haven for our mom during a time of great turmoil. She spent her final days in a tranquil, compassionate environment, cared for by an incredible team in peaceful surroundings. We deeply appreciated being able to come and go freely — or simply spend the entire day with her — without any sense of restriction.

Thank you to the entire team. May many more families experience this level of dignified, gentle care, free from the rigidity often found in hospital settings.

Tonya Vensky

 

I cannot thank you enough for the fabulous care my father received at SunningRecovery Lodge. He was so happy there and nothing was ever too much to ensure his comfort.

As a family we will be eternally grateful to you all.

 

Joanne Kisby-Greene

 

Google review:

 

This is the BEST place to recover from anything in . My husband spent 4 months there and I was quite jealous . Lovely surroundings , fantastic staff ( the most patient people I have ever met ) and great food .. what more could one want .

They were so accommodating of every request and Ann Magret is an amazing leader.

 

Lindy Dekker

 

I work for Dr Deon Weyers and we refer so many of our traveling, and local, patients to Sunninghill Recovery Lodge for aftercare.
Ann-Margaret and her team (George, Kundai, Thelma to name a few) are INCREDIBLE! Always super helpful and they give the BEST care to our patients!
If it could give them more than 5 starts I would!
Don’t even think twice about contacting them – the best service that you’ll ever experience.

 

Wade McDonald

 

Ann-Margaret and her team are completely

one of a kind. From facing the possibility of death or being in a wheelchair the rest of my life, they lovingly guided me through my healing journey every step of the way (literally and figuratively ) If it weren’t for their initial care, love and commitment, I honestly do not know if I would be here today! I owe them all, the entire team, my eternal gratitude! I honestly could not say more better things about them because they were such a massive part of this healing process. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Scott M

Google review:

 

A home away from home !

Sunninghill Recovery Lodge is the perfect place to recover.

The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. They give you peace of mind.

The staff have hearts of gold ❤️Always caring, helpful and give individual attention.

I give Sunninghill Recovery Lodge my best recommendations.

Flemming Schlier

Denmark

 

 

Thank you Ann-Magret and your amazing team for the care and genuine support my mum received from you. She was unsure if she ‘needed’ the extra help in her recovery from a hip replacement and she is so glad she came to the Sunninghill Recovery Lodge! It meant she could unwind in the serene garden, catch up on sleep, and focus on getting better. The meals were superb and so much thought was put into every part of her care. Nothing was too much trouble, there was always a smiling face to help but she was also able to have enough quiet time. As a family we would highly recommend this lovely place for anyone else needing help in their recovery/healing process.

Jen Charsley

 

We can’t express our gratitude enough for the wonderful team at Zazen. In hospital our mother was just another patient, on high levels of medication with no person-centered care – we started to lose who our mother was as a person. The move to Zazen, which they facilitated taking the burden from the family, for her final few months was everything you would hope end of life care would be. We saw mom come back to her old self, and the team at Zazen quickly became a part of the family, looking after our mother as if her own. We will always have fond memories of mom laughing with the carers that took such amazing care of her. As we were from overseas, we were able to stay in the Sunninghill Guest Lodge and spend every day with mom, and the time our daughter got to spend with her granny is something we will always be grateful for. Thank you Zazen, you stand for everything that is exceptional in care and compassion.

Stuart Norris

Google review:

 

I would give more than a 5-star rating if I could. Honestly, an unbelievable facility which went far beyond what we could have imagined was possible in a sad and trying time. Empathetic doctors and staff, an amazing environment and a support team which clearly “feels” what it does. Thank you to the team for supporting me and my family during the last hours of my mother’s life.

 

Ron Martin

 

Highly recommend Sunninghill Recovery Lodge!

My granny stayed here for a week after undergoing a surgery and she received outstanding service and care that helped her get back onto her feet. Ann-Margret and the staff here are absolutely fantastic. They were always friendly, patient and professional. My granny was very comfortable here and the team always went the extra mile to ensure she was well looked after. We cannot thank you enough for your service!

Lisa Heyneke

 

To all the beautiful staff and Ann-Margaret of Sunninghill Recovery Lodge,

I cannot thank you all enough for the incredible care and kindness you showed me during my stay. From putting up with my tears and my late-night bell ringing to listening patiently to my ramblings, you created a space where I felt safe, heard, and genuinely cared for.

This journey was overwhelming for me—I truly despaired that I wouldn’t recover. But each of you gave me hope, calmed my panic, and made me believe healing was possible. I feel so blessed to have experienced this special place firsthand.

Barbara

 

 

Google review:

 

Leaving was emotional because I was saying goodbye to such amazing people. A huge thank you to the team behind the delicious meals—every plate was made with love. George, your sense of humor kept me smiling. Khudi, you are truly a gentle giant. Sarah, Sli, Olida (the lovely lady with the gold tooth), and Eddy—each of you left an imprint on my heart. Not forgetting Tilly, my constant companion and therapy cat.

I know I may be forgetting a few names, but please know that every single one of you made a difference. Those lucky enough to recover at this lodge will grow stronger day by day—and may even find it hard to leave!

From the bottom of my heart, I love and appreciate you all. Thank you for everything.

 

I can attest to the pain, sadness, and grief experienced when walking with loved ones, side by side, through their cancer journey. It’s close and personal which changes one forever. It’s AN HONOUR,

We’ve only recently said goodbye to our beautiful and courageous friend, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and daughter. A warrior and a courageous spirit to the core.

Watching someone suffering is unbearable at times, especially as the end nears. It requires a loving, patient, and unselfish touch. 100% of your time and focus. I highly recommend Sunninghill Recovery Lodge. Deeply caring, and committed to loving support.

Claire Protheroe

 

The Staff at this beautiful place treated my mom with so much love and respect whilst she recovered after a long ICU stay.

I can highly recommend it to anyone needing a step-down facility to strengthen up or live out their last days.

Thank you so so much!

Marie van der Westhuisen

 

 

Google review:

 

My Dad was cared for with love and compassion during his stay at Sunninghill Recovery Lodge.

The staff are real life angels.

He would never have recovered without them all.

Karin Saunders

 

To all the beautiful staff and Ann-Margaret of Sunninghill Recovery Lodge,

I cannot thank you all enough for the incredible care and kindness you showed me during my stay. From putting up with my tears and my late-night bell ringing to listening patiently to my ramblings, you created a space where I felt safe, heard, and genuinely cared for.

This journey was overwhelming for me—I truly despaired that I wouldn’t recover. But each of you gave me hope, calmed my panic, and made me believe healing was possible. I feel so blessed to have experienced this special place firsthand.

Leaving was emotional because I was saying goodbye to such amazing people. A huge thank you to the team behind the delicious meals—every plate was made with love. George, your sense of humor kept me smiling. Khudi, you are truly a gentle giant. Sarah, Sli, Olida (the lovely lady with the gold tooth), and Eddy—each of you left an imprint on my heart. Not forgetting Tilly, my constant companion and therapy cat.

I know I may be forgetting a few names, but please know that every single one of you made a difference. Those lucky enough to recover at this lodge will grow stronger day by day—and may even find it hard to leave!

From the bottom of my heart, I love and appreciate you all. Thank you for everything.

Barbara

Google review:

 

Just a note to thank you, one and all, for all the love and care shown me during my short stay with you. I truly appreciate it. Never have I experienced such friendliness, from every member of your team. Everyone always smiling, nothing too much trouble for anyone.

Thank you too for the beautiful and unusual coffee mug. It will certainly be very useful.

May God bless you.

Marlene

Dear Ann

I don’t know where to start to thank you once again for all the love and care that has been given to my mom. She feels so comfortable and safe being with you and your amazing staff. We are just so grateful as a family for you. You are one extremely special lady. Thank you so much.

Ann Davidson

 

 

 

 

Dear Ann-Magret and team

Thank you so much for your wonderful Sunninghill Recovery Lodge! What would we do without you? We so appreciate your love, care and helpfulness. You have AMAZING staff.

Jon

 

 

Whatsapp message:

Thank you team for all you have done for both my parents-in-law!! Dad seems so content and settled. And Mom loves that you put her jewelry on and her make-up. She always looked like a million bucks and I know she loves the pampering.

I can not thank you enough.

Mary-Beth

Ann, we are so grateful that Mom spent her last days in

the best care!

The kindness and peace she had with you is priceless for me xxx

S Williams

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for organising Dad a haircut, and for making him feel like he is at a home away from home.

The months in hospital has been very taxing indeed, we are grateful for your space of comfort and exceptional caring.

With love from Sharon in Scotland

Thank you card:

Dear Kundai and the fabulous staff.

I have so enjoyed my stay with you.

I am not an easy person to please, but you exceeded my expectations.

Thank you for taking such good care of me. Your facilities are excellent, I felt like I was at a hotel.

Chef, thank you for serving me scrumptious meals.

I would not hesitate to recommend the Sunninghill Recovery Lodge to my family and friends.

I wish I could stay longer!

With appreciation,

R Khan

Thank you very much for being there when we needed you, and taking Franny in straight away, and for the way you looked after her. You guys are absolutely amazing and she loved it there.

You really got her up and going and I wish she could have stayed there longer. You really made her so comfortable.

Lots of love to you all.

Ed Danieils

 

 

Good Morning Friends.I write to let you know that I returned safely to Nigeria and to thank ALL of you for your labour of love and care while my stay at the Sunninghill Recovery Lodge lasted. Also your lovely gift at my departure is highly appreciated.

Again, many thanks and regards to all.Mr. Chika Chime

from Nigeria.

Whatsapp message:

We got lots of hugs from your amazing staff today.

I am so glad and relieved we found you and Sunninghill Recovery Lodge.

It made a difficult and stressful time a lot easier than it might have been.

Karen Booth

A family member of ours spent a month at Sunninghill Recovery Lodge following a stroke, and we cannot express enough gratitude for the care and support they received. From the moment they arrived, every single staff member—from the nurses and therapists to the kitchen team—went above and beyond to ensure they felt comfortable, safe, and well-cared for.

The cleanliness of the facility was outstanding, providing a welcoming and hygienic environment that gave us peace of mind during this challenging time. The food was another highlight; every meal was thoughtfully prepared, not only meeting but exceeding dietary needs and preferences.

As we were abroad, the staff’s dedication to keeping us updated was truly invaluable. They regularly sent daily pictures and videos, allowing us to stay informed and connected despite the distance. This thoughtful gesture meant the world to us and reflected the exceptional level of care provided.

The love, kindness, and compassion shown by every single member of the team made all the difference in my family member’s recovery journey. As a family, we feel incredibly blessed to have chosen Sunninghill Recovery Lodge. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a place that combines professional expertise with genuine warmth and care.

Thank you for everything! – Humphrey Muleba

This is just a short note to say how truly blessed and fortunate I was to be able to spend more than five weeks in your amazing lodge recovering from 3 back operations and a very long spell in hospital.I have been fortunate enough to stay in some of the best hotels and lodges in the world and your facility rates right up there with them,my memories of my stay with you will remain with me for a very long time.

Amongst the highlights, in no specific order is the professional caring staff that went beyond the call of duty to ensure my stay was beyond expectation, the nutritious, sufficient and flavorful meals that helped me regain my weight and strength, the excellent uninterrupted Wi Fi, the well maintained gardens, the sparkling pool, the very well recommended physio, the serene and peaceful atmosphere and last but not at all least, the great security for myself and my visitors.

An Magriet, as privately discussed with you I will be making a separate deposit into the lodges account and I would sincerely appreciate it if you could use these funds to reward all the staff, especially Kundai, Eddie, Patience, Eddie, Buhle , Ester, George, Bongiwe, and Thelma.

Wishing you all a Very Happy and Blessed Christmas.

Adrian Wingfield

Sunninghill Recovery Lodge was an incredible blessing to our family. Their kindness and willingness to take a leap of faith by offering Silvino a place to heal, despite the challenges of his condition, speaks volumes about their compassion and dedication. The progress Silvino made during his time there was truly remarkable.

To the amazing staff, thank you for your open hearts, gentle care and unwavering kindness. Your support and love made a world of difference in Silvino’s recovery. God bless each and every one of you!

Amanda De Frietas
This is an AMAZING place with amazing people on staff. My mom stayed for 2 weeks after she was discharged from hospital. She got top notch care (and an abundance of love) from staff with the most beautiful hearts. My mom was there when she celebrated her 80th birthday and they went out of their way to make the day extra special for her and for us as a family. Highly recommended. Wish I could give them more stars. – Renette Beylfeld
Sunninghill Lodge is like no other! The staff are super caring, very professional and your well being is their goal. No need is too big too meet. They are a hard act to follow!
Thank you for all that it is you do, Sunninghill Lodge.
Poppy Andriolokos
As a family we can’t thank you enough for the love, kindness, compassion and care shown by every single staff member not only to my late husband but to my whole family. I can’t recommend this place enough.
Claire Osry

Thank you to your incredible team for everything you did for my mom and my family.  Your staff are all incredible and this is such a difficult time for families but your absolute care and dedication to our family certainly made it easier. Words can’t express how grateful we are for Zazen respite care.

Mrs M family

We had a wonderful experience at Zazen Respite care and all our needs were taken care of. The staff was very receptive and loving. Our wish would be for others to have such a peaceful transition. Words cannot express how grateful we are for the kind and loving care. We appreciate your compassionate team and all you have done for us.

Mr B family

I witnessed such care and respect from your team at Zazen Respite Care ( Hospitality Lodges ) Especially Thursday evening to make my friend comfy. Not to mention the hospice kitty that came running with loves and cuddles. I am in awe of the facility you have created.

Mr C. friend

Thank you so much guys for everything,You made my stay and recovery very easy, I appreciate you all may you please continue to support all the families in this journey. Oh man Olida, Esther, Thelma , Nthabiseng and George oh man you are so amazing guys I love you all.
Iviwe Duda
The perfect place to stopover after a surgery or illness, especially if you are living abroad or far away. Just across the road from Netcare hospital, there are 12 rooms in a pretty garden and pool area. Food is healthy and delicious, 24h service and professional care. The vibe is friendly and homely. I travelled from Kenya on my own for knee surgery and never felt alone and always had the help I needed. Book ahead as they are always busy!
Linzi Kennaway
Ann-Magret Mackrell has an incredible team of caregivers. They made my journey to recovery so bearable. I highly recommend Sunninghill Recovery Lodge.
Leonard Dewa
Mr Dewa spent time here for post-trauma care
I spent 7 days with the amazing, caring, attentive and experienced team at Sunninghill recovery Lodge after an opp in June, that limited my movement and ability to take care of myself. They cared for me with compassion and attended to all my needs. From delicious meals, to caring companionship to going the extra mile to help me manage my pain, they were phenomenal. I highly recommend the Sunninghill team on your healing journey. Tracey Jeary.
My name is Mabatho first of all I will like to give all thanks to the staff from Sunninghill Lodge, guys I don’t no where will I be if it wasn’t for u guys, thanks for ur kindness, ur caring heart ❤️ and ur dedication to helping us, I remember when I arrived there the way u guys rush to my car I was so speechless,I stayed there for 7 days and they have never been the day when I will feel like I want to go home , u became my home and thanks to the chef for the beautiful meal we had may the Lord continue to bless you guys also that u can help others. Mabatho
I was at the Sunninghill Recovery Lodge for 1 month. It is an amazing place to stay to recover after Surgery. From the Management to the Carers, a group of amazing and caring people.
Would recommend it.
Merryl Feldman
I would just like to thank Dr Jes, Dr Jodie, Sister Leigh and every other sister (I am sorry that I can’t remember all your names) for the wonderful care you gave my father before his passing. You are all angels and your dedication and caring shows now boundaries. He was only with you for a short time but he was comfortable. A sincere thank you from my mom and myself ( Bev and Candice Martin)

Words cannot express how grateful I am for the care and kindness you showed me during my time at your facility. Every single member of the team, from the nurses to the therapists to the kitchen staff, consistently went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, safe, and supported. Your smiles, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to my healing truly made a world of difference.

Dawn Naidoo
The food was incredible, and it was a real highlight of my day. The atmosphere was peaceful and calming, exactly what I needed to focus on my recovery.
I am so grateful for the time I spent at Sunninghill and the incredible journey I was able to take towards healing. I wish you all the very best for continued success in helping others on their journeys.
Good morning Friends
I write to let you know that I returned safely to Nigeria, and to thank ALL of you for your. labour of love and care while I stayed at the Sunninghill Recovery Lodge. Again many thanks for assisting during my post-surgical recovery. Your team and Dr Urry at Netcare Waterfall made all the difference.
Chika Chime

We got lots of hugs from your amazing staff today. I am so glad and relieved that we found you and Sunninghill Recovery Lodge. It made a difficult and stressful time a lot easier than it might have been.Karen Cornwright

(Karen’s mom was with us for end-of-life and palliative care )
I cannot thank you all enough for the incredible care, compassion and empathy you have given to my dad this past week. You really have been amazing and words cannot express our gratitude. L Dunk
( Mr Dunk received palliative care here )

We provide holistic, empathetic care that seeks to serve the guest and their loved ones. Genuine care is about more than good medical support. It’s about being seen and loved.