Durban - Fordoun is more gracious than grand, more stylish than imposing. Almost everything is single-storey and fans out amid beautiful shrubbery and trees across immaculate grounds.
After a warm welcome and drink, we piled in to our shuttle for a ride along paved pathways past the hotel rooms to the new, individual suites set atop a ridge, with views towards the Drakensberg. What a view – and what views there are from all vantage points at Fordoun.
Our suites were gorgeous, sumptuously draped and more than well appointed – almost the size of country cottages.
A cold snap meant a blaze in the glass-fronted gas fireplace was more than welcome. The bedroom had a TV set with a DVD player concealed in a mirrored cabinet, a comfortable couch and king-size bed. Down the passage was a large dressing room, a lovely bathroom with underfloor heating and heated towel rails, dual vanity basins and two showers, one outdoors.
Stepping out through French doors, you have a wonderful view across rolling pastures to the hills and mountains. The private veranda and patio had a table, chairs and recliners.
The five mountain-view suites are set apart from the main building, which was a dairy in the 1860s. There’s a reception, lounge, bar, restaurant and spa.
Ah, the spa. I do like a bit of pampering and the team at Fordoun know how to do just that.
Apart from a gym, lounge, skilled masseurs and aestheticians, there are reiki and bio-energy specialists, and larger than life Dr Elliot Ndlovu, who is both a sangoma and inyanga and a director of Fordoun.
Under his guidance, a number of products have been created from indigenous healing plants especially for Fordoun.
I’m a water baby and so made good use of the flotation tank in a converted grain silo. The indoor pool also came in handy to burn calories, especially as the food at Skye Bistro is excellent and the portions generous.
New chef Regis Brouet and his team do a fantastic job and if you’ve overfilled your boots there’s a shuttle cart to take you 100-odd metres to your cottage.
All my favourite places are family-run or owned. Fordoun is one such place and John Bates and his son, Richard, will bend your ears with fascinating facts, history and anecdotes. If you’re up to it, Richard will take you mountain biking or hiking – or you could join a spinning or yoga class. Classy indeed.
Rates start at a relatively reasonable R750 per person sharing. Call 033 266 6217 or visit www.fordoun.com - Sunday Tribune