The original house at the Hilton Estate and Spa in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands was once the family home of the Hillcove family (who also own Tala Private Game Reserve). They bought out one of their neighbours to create the 20-hectare lush estate, which is still home to the family’s two Jack Russells – who are a big hit with visiting children.
Once a bed and breakfast with a wellness centre, the Hillcove family have now handed over the management reins to Signature Life Hotels, which hopes to inject fresh life into the estate.
With a superb view of Pietermaritzburg and beyond, the estate sleeps 16 people in luxury rooms within the main house, a plush garden suite and a self-standing family unit with two bedrooms, both en suite, and a communal lounge.
We stayed in the garden suite – or the presidential suite, as the staff call it. It lives up to its name with a luxurious bed floating in the centre of the room and a massive, Italian-tiled bathroom with top-notch fittings. It’s also kitted out with DStv and a DVD player.
There is not much to want for. Excellent food is cooked in a stylish, open-plan kitchen and can be eaten in the dining room or in the garden. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served, and there is a good selection of wines on offer.
There are two communal lounges (one with a huge, flat-screen television), open fires (for when it’s cool – and it’s often chilly in Hilton), a swimming pool (for when it’s hot) and an on-site spa where you can indulge in massages, pedicures and manicures.
Out of the gate and just around the corner is the little town of Hilton – home to the prestigious Hilton College and St Anne’s – with its restaurants and shops and “meander attractions”.
Resort manager Lindy Naidoo said Signature Life took over last month and was working closely with Greg Hillcove to add extra attractions, including a conference centre and a wedding venue in what was once a large aviary at the bottom of the garden.
“We want to maintain the intimate and exclusive feel of the place. But, ultimately, we are looking at about 20 rooms catering for 40 guests,” she said.
“There is plenty of B&B accommodation in Hilton and the surrounding areas which can accommodate people attending weddings and conference functions on the estate. We also want to attract locals to come to the spa and eat in the restaurant.”
Managing director Alan Vels said Signature Life had been looking for the “right” property in the area, as it was inundated with calls from travellers wanting to go to the Midlands for a break or a conference. - The Mercury
l Tania Broughton was a guest of Signature Life Hotels.
l For reasonably priced, delicious food, Jaxx Restaurant in the Quarry Centre in Hilton. Booking is recommended because, locals say, this place pumps day and night. Telephone 033 343 2226.
l Just up the N3 beyond Howick is the Abingdon Wine Estate. It is not listed on the Midlands Meander and if you go too fast on the road heading towards Lions River you might miss the small sign.
Owners Ian and Jill Smorthwaite will give you the lowdown on their unique estate and you can either do a wine tasting or, like me, just order a couple of glasses of whatever you fancy. Lunch (their platter is recommended) is served under the trees when the weather is good. Phone 083 4638503 or 033 2344335
l Only open for a few months, the new Truth Museum, focusing on the life of Nelson Mandela, is a must for anyone travelling in the area. Situated across the road from the Mandela capture site on the R103, it houses some little-seen photographs and video footage of the great man. There is also a little shop selling beadwork and other Mandela memorabilia and the Truth Café, which promises good, home-made food and has the added attraction of a swimming pool for hot days. At present, it is only open at weekends. Phone 082 895 1042.