If it’s all about location, location, location then the Drakensberg Mountain Retreat ticks all the boxes. This stunning destination is some 20km beyond Sterkfontein Dam.
From Durban we took the Colenso/Bergville turn-off, headed up and into some really scenic country – past Little Switzerland, up Oliviershoek Pass, past Caterpillar and Catfish and onto the Retief’s Pass dirt road. Well worth the drive.
But even these spectacular sights on the journey were surpassed by the panoramic views of the central and northern Berg and Maluti Mountains from the lodge.
It’s wild, with winds and vastness to stir the soul. It’s a magical place to chill and unwind, so much so that the Zondertwyfel Barnhouse at Drakensberg Mountain Retreat is increasingly used as a spiritual retreat.
Zondertwyfel Barnhouse is a great venue for groups – either self- or fully catered – with a room ideal for small conferences, weddings and other gatherings. Zondertwyfel has five en-suite rooms and five dormitory-type rooms with two separate ablutions, accommodating up to 26 people.
On arrival we were warmly greeted by Angelina Pillay and ushered across the lawn into a different sort of retreat – Vergezient Lodge with 10 en-suite rooms, built to complement, rather than compete with, its surroundings.
This classically furnished upmarket lodge has a spacious dining room with a wood-burning stove, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, an indoor pool, large central space and a large enclosed verandah with indoor atriums. Some of the rooms have their own indoor garden. How unusual and lovely to look over petunias, busy lizzies and arum lilies. Owner Dave George designed the lodge with nooks and crannies which allow guests to relax with a book in soem privacy.
If reflecting, reading, playing board games, gazing into the fire or at the views is your kind of thing, this is the place.
But there is also plenty to do further afield. The New Beginnings trail (about 13.5km) will take you to the cave of the same name, where San art can be viewed.
Hikes, half-day rambles and strolls with evocative names such as Razor’s Edge, Dragon’s Spine, Lotherien’s Gate and Heldersig beckon.
Mornings are perfect for taking a rug, a book and a cup of tea on to the lawn and staring up at the circling lammergeiers, letting the deep silences work their magic.
Drakensberg Mountain Retreat is a benchmarked member of the Portfolio Collection.
Rates at Vergezient Lodge start from R375 per person per night, inclusive of a full English breakfast and dinner. Self catering at Zondertwyfel Barnhouse is from R200 per person midweek. For reservations call 082 302 0406, e-mail [email protected] - Sunday Tribune