Amber Moon Guesthouse - Hartbeespoort, Kosmos.

We arrived here just as the sun extended its last few rays of light over the quiet waters of Hartbeespoort dam. Pearl, our hostess, welcomed us with a soft smile and a gentle hug, making us feel like we have arrived home. She gave us a quick tour of the place but if I am honest, I got completely distracted by the breathtaking view from the balcony and had to read through the manual again just to remind myself of what was said.

We poured ourselves a glass of gin and made ourselves comfortable on the balcony. I went straight for the hammock while hubby relaxed on one of the cushioned ‘lazy-chairs’. As it grew darker over the water, tiny lights of all different shades and colors started to make their presence known, creating a clear definition between water and land on the other side of the dam. The mountain's silhouette grew darker and darker until it was no longer possible to determine where the top was, except for the random red light shining from the highest peak.

We took a little trip down memory lane, seeing that we are celebrating our 7th year anniversary as a couple. We both never had the opportunity to meet each other's fathers and so we discussed how we imagined they would have loved and embraced us if they had been with us still. Like any deep and emotional discussion, it ended with one of us confessing to some naughty surprise that 'he' sneakily brought with him to our special celebration. We filled the jacuzzi bath with warm water and just a drop too much of the bubble bath, so there was a little less 'jacuzzi-ing', and more soaking, but it was magical, nevertheless.

The King size bed with its feather duvet and fluffy cushions swallowed us as we forgot about the beautiful view through the open stack-doors with the moonlight dancing on the tiny ripples of the dam, and our focus turned towards each other. With nothing chasing us and the world shut out, we took our time exploring the lines and curves of our bodies. It's easy to forget the absolute beauty and unique elements of your partner's being as the years progress and the race of everyday life consumes you.

This discovery of how we have changed, although terrifying, somehow turned into an even deeper appreciation and admiration for each other, perhaps because the extra lines and curves resemble our journey and our roadmap together.

Some nervous giggles make their way to the surface as we try to catch our breaths. We can only hope that we were not as noisy as we thought we were. We lie quietly, listening to the sounds echoing from a cheerful party on the other side of the water. No knock on the door or messages received on our phones, must mean that we are in the clear. Tired and completely relaxed, we fell asleep for a while. At some point, we remembered that the monkeys might be visiting in the early hours of the morning, so we closed the doors and windows before retiring for the long haul.

We woke up to a pallet of colors with the sun kissing the water and the mountains. We enjoyed our first morning tea while losing ourselves in the sounds of the birds and the colors of mother nature’s sunrise. It was only when the sunrays hit the balcony that we retreated into the air-conditioned room for a second nap.

Slowly but surely, we could hear how Hartbeespoort was waking up. Some early birds started their motorboats for an early morning spin on the waters and in the far distance we could hear the monkeys having elaborate conversations at the snake park. As the day progressed, sounds of music and laughter fell softly onto our ears. A traditional ‘happy birthday song’ echoed from the famous party boat while jet skis and sailboats created small waves in the otherwise, quiet waters.

Having failed to fully enjoy the power of the jets in the jacuzzi the night before, I decided to give it one more try. The large window supplies a cool breeze onto your face while the hot water massages every inch of your body. I think that I have decided what I want for my next birthday!

Guttural growls from the lions at the snake park somehow seemed like they were announcing the start of sunset. It remains one of the most beautiful and unique sounds to Africa. We might not be very supportive of the concept of caged wildlife, but we felt blessed to hear those strong, deep grunts.

On our final morning at the Amber Moon Guesthouse, we once again enjoyed the breathtaking sunrise over a cup of fresh coffee before it was time to pack up. I took a last exploration walk through the flat so I could appreciate the artwork hanging on the walls. Most of these painted by our friendly hostess, Pearl. These paintings give life and magic to the guesthouse.

Pearl invited us to her gallery downstairs, which we absolutely loved. Various artists’ work, including more of hers, fill the patio and the garden, creating a magical garden of colors and beauty.

What an amazing way to celebrate our anniversary. We will definitely be back to visit this magnificent spot very soon.