Durban - It has been many years since I was last in the Drakenberg and I couldn’t have chosen a more stunning location than Champagne Castle Hotel for a return visit.
A three-night stay at the hotel, with all its attractions, was a breath of fresh air for myself, my wife Sharon and our eight-month-old daughter Jodi-Belle, who came along for the ride. And with the Matterhorn, Champagne Castle and the Cathkin Peak Mountain ranges towering above the hotel, we had more than enough view to enjoy.
The hotel has 60 hotel rooms, two suites and seven self-catering chalets. We stayed in a spacious deluxe room which had two armchairs, a desk, framed bird portraits, all of which blended well with the room’s earthy tones.
The large bathroom included a tub and a large shower. A soak in the tub on the first evening did much to soothe away the last effects of the long road trip.
Jodi-Belle was completely at home in the camp-cot which was positioned next to our comfortable king-size bed.
The room’s large wooden cottage-paned window offered more views of the mountains and when we stepped outside, there were acres of manicured gardens and lush green grass.
The hotel and its estate are located in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, which is the only “mixed” heritage site in South Africa, meaning it is richly endowed with cultural sites (caves and rock shelters bearing thousands of San/Bushman paintings) as well as indigenous plant and animal species.
Apart from the troop of baboons we saw prancing about, George Slabbert, deputy general manager, told us Champagne Castle is home to a fair number of other animals. “Vervet monkeys, grey duiker, bush buck, nyala, lynx and otter have been spotted in the forest, at the edge of our estate, or on the property,” he said.
As for Jodi-Belle, she was enchanted by the birds in the aviary and the animals at the petting zoo, especially the rabbits.
The hotel is family friendly and there is plenty to keep your children occupied. But if you fancy an intimate dinner for two babysitters are also available.
Another attraction was the food, served buffet-style. Though executive chef Emran Sheik was off duty, sous chef Mohammed Riza Rasool proved to be a more than capable replacement.
For Sharon who is a bit of a dessert connoisseur, the extensive range was a delight.
Some of the other on-site attractions at Champagne Castle include horse riding, trout fishing at the two dams, a swimming pool, the bowling green, tennis court, outdoor chess, a games room and a wellness centre.
Rates start at R915 per person per night sharing. Call 036 468 1063 or visit www.champagnecastlehotel.co.za. - Sunday Tribune