The Midlands is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa for good reason! We take a look at some amazing places to stay when you are visiting this magical part of South Africa, escaping from the hustle and bustle of city living.
Granny Mouse Country House & Spa
As one of the oldest establishments in the Midlands area, Granny Mouse is well-known for its romantic atmosphere and culinary delights. Guests come from all over to experience the Granny Mouse hospitality and affordable luxury, and tend to return time and time again because they can’t get enough, becoming a part of the #GMFamily. Its superb central location in the Midlands means that it is easy to explore the gorgeous surroundings and Midlands Meander, before returning to enjoy the culinary delights, wine cellar, on-site spa and luxury accommodation options that Granny Mouse has available. Granny Mouse is steeped in history, which is part of what makes it one of the most iconic venues in the Midlands, and the attentive nature of the staff add to the all-around incredible experience and are part of the reason why they have so many repeat visitors. The staff has been missing the hustle and bustle of a full hotel while the lockdown has been in place. Whether you are down in the Midlands for a wedding or special event, or just want to enjoy some time in the country and with nature, Granny Mouse provides the ultimate luxurious, but affordable, getaway!
033 234 4071
reservations@grannymouse.co.za
Windspur Estate
440 Windspur is a three bedroom house within a “boutique” residential Estate of 34 units in the centre of the gorgeous village of Nottingham Road. The unique house was designed by Project Architect Marita Nell of Elements Architecture, under the banner of Contemporary Country Architecture, to suit the topography and the Midlands weather conditions, where one can typically have four seasons in one day. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for guests to want to purchase their own home on the Estate after visiting Windspur! Centrally located, there are lots of fun and exciting things to do around Windspur, on and around Nottingham Road. “If visitors want a fun-filled, action weekend of golfing, fishing, riding, walking, pampering, restaurants and coffee shops, or simply to kick back and relax in the fresh air and quiet surroundings to recharge their batteries, the Midlands in general and Windspur in particular is the solution,” says owner, Ian Spico. Guests’ reactions to the home are one of Ian’s favourite parts about hosting guests, and he has missed this a lot during the lockdown. If you are looking for the perfect home for your stay in the idyllic village of Nottingham Road, Windspur is it!
079 527 1344
Weltevreden Manor
Weltevreden Manor is a luxury self-catering guesthouse based in the heart of Curry’s Post. The house currently has three en-suite guest rooms, with plans to open four more rooms in the future, making it possible for the house to sleep fourteen people. Located in and amongst the rolling hills of the Midlands, Weltevreden Manor has an idyllic setting that truly sets them apart. They want their guests to experience farm life, and being located in the beautiful Midlands really lends itself to this experience. “This is a child’s dream growing up; a place to put your wellies on and explore the herb gardens, or to put on your sneakers and go for a hike. Kit up, mount your mountain bikes and go explore the trails the Karkloof Valley has to offer. We have a horse lover’s backyard and in-house livery with stunning outrides and existing riding rings. Indulge yourself in the peace and quiet that so many others long for,” explains owner Nicky Cawood. In the future we can look forward to Weltevredon Manor also being available for birthday parties, bachelorette parties and weddings.
082 506 6409
D293 Curry’s Post Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
Copperleigh Trout Cottages
Officially opened in 2017 by the Crookes family, Copperleigh Trout Cottages is located in the picturesque upper Dargle area of the Midlands in KZN. They initially started off with one large, beautiful self-catering unit which could sleep up to eight guests, but in 2019 they decided to build a stunning new log cabin which is right on the water’s edge. Copperleigh Trout Cottages is built right next to the 10ha trout stocked Mavela Dam on our working sheep and cattle farm, and guests have free access to fly fish. The establishment is also a member of the Boston, Dargle, Impendle Community Tourism Organisation, and has been certified as Superior by the AA. Guests can also expect to enjoy daily housekeeping, kayaking, trout fishing and firewood to enjoy a bonfire with the family! “The iconic Inhlosane Mountain provides a stunning backdrop. There are natural forests which are home to Samango and Vervet monkeys, sparkling streams, fresh air and loads of space for guests to walk, hike and cycle when they are not fly fishing or enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants or farms in the area,” explains Ashley Crookes. For those looking for a weekend break from the city or to enjoy some fantastic fly fishing, we’d suggest a visit to Copperleigh.
www.copperleightroutcottage.co.za
copperleightroutcottages@gmail.com
082 460 1815
Brookdale Health Hydro
Located on an estate bordered by forest, farmland and a meandering stream, Brookdale is a quiet, tranquil place where people can escape the pressures and stress of everyday life, and a haven where mind, body and soul can come to rest, relax and recuperate. Brookdale is not a “spa” attached to a hotel or game lodge, but a health hydro offering a holistic health package designed to bring balance into your life. Their composite, easy-to-manage Nutrifit Lifestyle Management program is based on healthy and mindful eating, moderate regular exercise and stress management. It is their hope that each guest leaves informed, happier and a little wiser, along with a changed mindset with regards to creating a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Here you will find a place where you can truly find peace, whether it be whilst taking a stroll along the stream, sinking into a comfy couch next to a fire, enjoying a delicious and wholesome meal, being enveloped in a good book, or having your worries massaged away by one of their professional wellness consultants. It is hard not to feel like you have entered a dream-like state, and with the only decisions you’ll need to make being those regarding what amazing treatments you should try next, you will find yourself floating from one joyous experience to the next!
R103, Old Main Road, Nottingham Road
033 266 6208/507 / 082 906 0842
info@brookdale.co.za
Fordoun Hotel and Spa
Fordoun Hotel and Spa is an award-winning, five-star and luxury boutique hotel and spa located near Nottingham Road in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Fordoun’s history dates back to the 1800s, is family owned and managed, and has a strong ethos on personalised hospitality. The hotel comprises of 22 luxurious, comfortable and individually-styled rooms, and the self-catering farm village offers nine luxurious cottages with breath-taking views of the Drakensberg. The Fordoun Spa boasts a team of experts and offers a wide selection of spa treatments, spa day packages, detox packages and overnight spa packages for you to enjoy during your stay. With panoramic views of the majestic Drakensberg in a tranquil country setting, the feeling of romance is almost tangible. Easily accessible from both Durban and Gauteng, Fordoun offers all the makings of a spectacular wedding venue, boasting superb facilities, accommodation and activities to ensure an unforgettable, magical wedding experience. The stunning venue and chapel are ideal for an elegant, stylish and country wedding accommodating up to 180 guests. They are very excited to open their doors again to business travellers under Level 3, alongside strict COVID-19 protocols. They are offering 30% off stays at the hotel and self-catering cottages until 31 July 2020. For those wanting to stay longer, they are also offering a special weekly or monthly rate for their self-catering cottages.
033 266 6217 /074 112 4584
Hartford House Hotel
Harford House Hotel is situated at the renowned and incredibly beautiful Summerhill Equestrian farm outside Mooi River. Since March 2020 it is also the home to Capital Stud and over 300 Warmblood horses when Henning Pretorius bought the Stud farm and hotel earlier this year. If you’re looking for a destination with incredible food, service and luxury accommodation in a tranquil setting, Hartford House Hotel is it! Their main restaurant is ranked in the top 10 in South Africa and has won many awards over the years. Their wine list is equally as impressive and won a Diamond status in 2019 Diners Club International Wine List Awards. In addition to the restaurant, Hartford House Hotel has the ‘Tijnhuis’ that offers a more relaxed à la carte menu between 12:00 and 16:00. There is a lot to do around the premises, from fly fishing and horse riding to relaxing by the pool, indulging in a treatment at the wellness centre or enjoying a scenic walk around the farm. The views are spectacular and there is something magical about having the gorgeous horses around. If you are looking for luxury with a country feel to it, Hartford House Hotel should be on your bucket list. Visit our social media pages for information on specials to come.
033 263 2713
Hlatikulu Road, Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal
Gwahumbe Game Lodge & Spa
Gwahumbe Game Lodge & Spa is situated in Mid-Illovo/Eston, a mere 45 minutes from PMB and an hour from Durban, offering wilderness on a whim! The lodge offers incredible views of the Gwahumbe Valley. A variety of accommodation formats are available to guests, including contemporary, natural double suites and family or group units with their own rim flow pools and outside bomas. All rooms have access to the lodge dining room and the full spa experience. Game drives are available daily, and self-drives in your own 4×4 are also permitted. Gwahumbe Game & Spa is situated in an undiscovered picturesque part of KZN and it’s a constant surprise to guests that arrive for the first time just how diverse this little reserve is, from the grassland plateaus at the top that house the lodge and provide our spectacular views, to the tropical valley below where the Gwahumbe River flows. The team has been missing the place being busy during the lockdown, as it’s just not the same! Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway in the African bush, or a group or family trip, Gwahumbe offers something for everyone to enjoy.
082 347 6536