The picturesque Byrne Valley in the hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is the ideal area in which to revive the soul amid nature’s splendour and there’s no better place to do so than The Oaks at Byrne.
The Oaks is a landmark in the area and Rosemary Butt and her family have owned and managed it since 1984.
From the whisper of the leaves on the majestic oak trees from which the hotel gets its name to the fragrant scent of Rosemary’s beautiful roses, the gardens and outlook weave a special spell.
It has a homely but charming decor and relaxed atmosphere. No sooner had we put our bags down than we had a nap. “You must have needed it,” quipped Rosemary when we surfaced for afternoon tea.
I’d call it an excellent start to a relaxing stay. On a stroll we took in the challenging 18-hole putt-putt course, pool, tennis courts, bowling greens, a play area for children and the biggest pig I have ever seen.
There are more challenging walks, including a guided tour of the village or to the top of Cunningham Ridge, part of the lip of the natural bowl that shelters The Oaks.
The beautiful Richmond Golf Course is so close that a round of golf is a must for enthusiasts. Nearby is paintball and a miniature train ride in Ixopo.
If you’re hopping in the car, a visit to the mechanical museum on the hillside is far more interesting than you might think. So is a visit to the Richmond Museum to discover more of Byrne’s history.
Of course, you also have the option of enjoying a good book in the garden or comfortable lounge.
The Oaks is close enough to major towns for visitors to forget it’s in the country.
The soft, sweet water is piped directly from springs in the hills behind the hotel.
One of the blocks of rooms has a reticulation system using a waste product (terpenes) from eucalyptus.
Top-notch eucalyptus oils and balms are produced locally and available in a little shop at The Oaks.
You can buy other souvenirs or a snack at the shop too, though you shouldn’t need a snack when three multi-course meals a day and twice-daily teas are included in the rates.
The Oaks is popular with groups of motorcyclists on breakfast runs or using back roads to get to places like Rhodes. It’s a great place for parents with children, grandparents and clubs or common-interest groups.
Rates for adults begin at R585 per person sharing. There are reduced rates structured for children 15 years and younger.
Call 033 212 2324 or e-mail info@oaks at byrne.co.za. - Sunday Tribune