Accomodation
The Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs Resort – Review
Our family of four was recently invited to spend 2 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast included at the Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs Resort located just outside of Paulpietersburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Off we set, myself, my husband Barry and two kids, Reese (4 years old) and Ethan (18 months old). We were driving from Ballito, so the drive took us about three and a half hours through the rolling hills of Zululand. We packed lunch for the drive because there was nowhere to stop along the way for food or drinks. I think we passed one very small garage on the way, so filling up before you leave is probably a good idea! – The scenery on the way to Natal Spa is gorgeous though. Lots of goats and cows for the kids to look for along the way, too!
We arrived a little after 2pm as per check-in instructions. To be honest I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but the staff were incredibly helpful and enthusiastic right from the security guard at the gate to the reception staff and the waitrons. Nothing was too much to ask and everything was done with a smile!
We were offered help with our luggage which we gladly accepted and were shown to our family room. I was pleasantly surprised! I had expected a single open plan room (as I was told when I phoned beforehand) but instead we had two separate rooms with an interleading door and one bathroom to share.
The rooms were very spacious, clean and comfy! Ours had a queen sized bed with TV, DSTV, mini fridge, and tea and coffee facilities.
The kid’s room had two single beds, a TV and a cupboard. The view from the kid’s room was lovely, overlooking the main pool, bar area and smaller water slides. The bathroom had a bath only (no shower) but I actually prefer that for young kids. The hotel is showing its age and could do with some upgrades (which I was told are in the budget for this year) but in general it is cozy and comfortable.
Barry showing Reese how it’s done
The kids couldn’t wait to get onto the slides so we changed into our costumes and headed down to the pool. I stopped along the way to order some toasted sandwiches from the restaurant and took them down to the pool to eat. There’s a little kiosk shop that sells chips and cool drinks and a bar where drinks were ordered from to go with lunch. There’s a lot to keep the kids busy down at the pool area. What with trampolines, mini golf, jungle gyms, and lots of open space to just run around. There’s a really big super tube for bigger kids and adults which I was told is also due for upgrade this year and then the hot spring pools that are the main attraction for the resort. These are just lovely to laze around in and have added health benefits as well.
The resort has something for everyone with a wide range of activities on offer such as horse-riding, quad-biking, mountain biking, paintball, obstacle course, archery, fishing, wellness spa, table tennis, squash, pool, volleyball, and bird walks.
The next morning we unfortunately woke up to a very rainy day! Heading down to breakfast, we were a bit apprehensive about the food but we had no reason to be because the breakfast buffet was wonderful! There was loads on offer for a yummy breakfast. I can’t remember everything but some of the things included fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereal, tea, coffee, juice, bacon, sausage, eggs made to order right in front of you.
Disappointed with the rainy day, I headed to reception to ask them for advice on what to do with the kids to keep them busy and was told that they have organised activities from 10am – 3pm. Excellent! I was starting to think we would have to binge watch movies in our room all day. Reese and Barry headed down to the boulders bar at the pool for a Minute to Win It game! They met Sam who organized all the activities for the kids. He was fantastic with the kids and kept them entertained through all of the activities with her enthusiasm and bubbly personality!
The next activity was a movie from 11am – 1pm so instead of that, we decided to head into Paulpietersburg to get some goodies from the shops. Well… it’s a very small town with not much going on. It seems like the largest attraction in the area is the resort itself. We drove around trying to find a restaurant to have some lunch and couldn’t find anything suitable so stopped at the Spar on the way for some sweets and supplies for the next day. We eventually headed back to the resort where we ordered lunch from The Bistro restaurant. The menu was simple but the food was fresh and tasty.
The staff were really wonderful and the chef was happy to make my prego roll without prego sauce. The rest of the afternoon was taken up with arts, crafts and movies.
I have to show off some of the kids art #ProudMom
Sunday morning, we woke up to an overcast but NOT rainy day! Awesome! We scheduled some archery and went to go and have a look at the new foal that had been born 7 days before. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to try out any of the other activities. After another yummy breakfast, we headed off to our archery lesson. The instructor was very knowledgable and helpful. All of us had a go land lots of fun was had by all!
A surprise awaited us on our drive home in the form of a huge beautiful chameleon which we almost drove over while it was crossing the road! Luckily my hubby was able to avoid it and we stopped to show the kids who were over the moon at seeing one in real life!!
All in all we had a fun trip. I feel like we didn’t really get to experience everything that the resort had to offer because of the bad weather, but what we did experience was lovely! I would definitely recommend this as a family destination.
Author: Durbanite
Nestled in the heart of Kamberg Valley in the Drakensberg, Qambathi Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem designed exclusively for couples seeking a tranquil retreat. As Durbanites, we had the pleasure of spending a rejuvenating weekend at this stunning mountain lodge, and it truly exceeded all expectations.
From the moment we arrived, we were treated to exceptional hospitality. The gracious hostess welcomed us with a glass of champagne at their stylish yet homely bar. As we walked through the entrance, we were led through a glass passageway that opened up into a beautifully designed lounge. The decor seamlessly blends modern elegance with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Intricately designed chancellor beads enhance the ambiance, while the lodge’s wine cellar offers guests the opportunity to indulge in wine and gin tastings.
The Greenhouse Suite: A Luxurious Stay
Qambathi Mountain Lodge features only five exclusive suites, which get booked up quickly due to high demand. Our bags were promptly taken to our suite—the Greenhouse Suite—which boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with high-end finishes. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with a Nespresso machine, offering a delightful selection of coffee and tea. One of the standout features of the suite was the locally crafted artwork showcasing the wild animals that roam the property. Stepping out onto our private sitting area, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of zebras, horses, and donkeys peacefully grazing.
Activities & Experiences
Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers a variety of unique experiences designed to enhance your stay. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there is something for everyone. One of the lodge’s most highly recommended activities is horseback riding, an experience that allows guests to take in the stunning scenery in an intimate and unique way. Additionally, we embarked on a 5km hiking trail within the property, which led us through a picturesque waterfall and stream, offering mesmerizing views of the Drakensberg mountains. Guests can also enjoy trout fishing in the nearby streams, indulge in a romantic picnic set up by the lodge, or participate in a rejuvenating yoga session amidst nature.
A Culinary Delight
Qambathi Mountain Lodge takes pride in its exquisite dining experience, offering a daily changing five-course menu prepared by a specialized chef. Our dinner was a gastronomic journey, starting with a mini feta pizza, followed by a creamy butternut soup, and culminating in a delectable lamb dish served with fragrant rice. Each course was beautifully presented, with locally sourced ingredients adding to the rich flavors. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the malva pudding, accompanied by homemade ice cream—a dessert not to be missed.
The morning after, we indulged in a delightful homemade breakfast buffet. From fresh oats, muesli, and yogurt to warm, flaky scones with cream, every bite was a treat. For those who prefer a heartier meal, the lodge also offers hot breakfast options such as eggs Benedict and a traditional farmhouse breakfast.
Unparalleled Service & Special Touches
The staff at Qambathi go above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home. They regularly checked in with us, ensuring our needs were met, whether it was arranging additional experiences or providing in-room comforts. The nightly turndown service was a lovely touch, adding to the overall sense of luxury.
A Celebrity Retreat
Adding to its prestige, Qambathi Mountain Lodge has even hosted Hollywood royalty—Tom Cruise himself stayed here for several months while filming the latest Mission Impossible installment, set to release in 2025. It’s easy to see why, as the lodge offers a stunning deck area perfect for unwinding with sundowners by the pool, accompanied by delightful chef-prepared snacks.
Relax & Rejuvenate
For couples seeking ultimate relaxation, the lodge also offers a serene spa where guests can indulge in a rejuvenating couples’ massage. The tranquil surroundings only enhance the experience, making it a must-do during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an exclusive retreat with only five suites, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Despite its limited number of suites, the lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for small gatherings. Owners Nadia and Stephen have curated an exceptional retreat that truly feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re looking to explore the surrounding beauty of the Drakensberg or simply unwind in luxury, Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an unforgettable experience. With its perfect blend of natural beauty, top-tier hospitality, and fine dining, we highly recommend this sanctuary to couples seeking a romantic and rejuvenating getaway.
Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family reunion, a company retreat, or a gathering of friends, Qambathi can accommodate that for you. We invite you to immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of this nature lodge, where every moment is crafted to perfection.
Author: Melissa Moodley
Planning the ideal honeymoon can be exceptionally daunting, not to mention expensive, but if you’re looking local, and want to continue the romance long past your wedding day, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is a definite contender! Renowned for being one of the most romantic getaway destinations in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, this idyllic retreat offers the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon, with its tranquil atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, world-class facilities and attentive staff.
Granny Mouse’s accommodation is luxury at its finest, ranging from their secluded garden rooms, nestled in their spectacular gardens, to their sprawling deluxe suites with private balconies overlooking the Lions River. Each and every room has been designed with comfort and luxury in mind, and are equipped with large bath tubs and aromatic bath salts and oils for those intimate evenings in.
Following the excitement of the wedding, what could be better than relaxing in their on-site, state-of-the-art spa, which offers an extensive range of treatments and therapies, including hydrotherapy to replenish your mind and body before you have to get back to reality?
One of the standout features of Granny Mouse is a culinary haven, offering guests a diverse range of delectable experiences. From their fine-dining restaurant, Eaves, with its sophisticated menu of modern fusion cuisine, to their open-sky Bistro, providing a more casual dining experience, and their wine cellar, which is undoubtedly the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. These, coupled with their award-winning wine menu, will have you toasting to your new life together. No matter where you choose to dine whilst on honeymoon, the Granny Mouse team will pull out all the stops to ensure the most romantic of occasions.
In addition to the fantastic facilities, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is also ideally located for exploring the surrounding area. From picnics in the Caversham Valley to wine tasting, or just taking a leisurely stroll around the local stores to choose some new items for your home together, the list is endless.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable honeymoon. Book your stay at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa today and let their team ensure a romantic and memorable experience for you and your partner.
Author: Durbanite
In the heart of Umhlanga Beach lies a beautifully furnished, newly renovated beach house. Being a double storey with views and access to the ocean, 1 Licorna Beach is the perfect luxury getaway.
Suitable for both business and vacation rentals, this beachfront property will give you the “home away from home” relaxed feel with a pool, garden, outside braai area.
This beach house can accommodate up to 6 guests, and comprises of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Stay entertained with smart tv, dual view DSTV and free wifi.
We’ve listed 9 of the many reasons why 1 Licorna Beach should be your next stay in Umhlanga:
1. UMHLANGA PROMENADE ACCESS
Enjoy direct access to the Umhlanga Promenade: a stretch along the Umhlanga coast and nature reserve, perfect for walks or runs and home to restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream spots and local vendors.
2. DIRECT BEACH ACCESS
Go for a swim in the warm Indian Ocean or chill on the shore. With beach access and a choice of four beaches in walking distance, what more do you need? Make sure there’s a life guard on duty if you go for a dip!
3. UMHLANGA NATURE RESERVE
Explore the coastal wildlife, birds and forest along the Umhlanga Nature Reserve wooden boardwalk and trail. Be sure to check out the Bike & Bean coffee shop at the Northside of the Umhlanga Promenade.
4. FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS
Spoil yourself with a dinner date at The Chef’s Table or the 14 on Chartwell, both just a stone’s throw away at Umhlanga Village.
5. FREE WIFI
Stay connected with 1 Licorna’s free wifi during your stay. Whether for business or leisure, you and your family or guests are covered.
6. DAILY HOUSEKEEPING
No one wants to do the dishes & sweep on holiday! What’s better than arriving back to your accommodation to find it’s been cleaned?
7. 24 HOUR SECURITY & SAFE PARKING
Safety is a priority at Licorna Beach. Relax knowing that you, your family & belongings are tucked away in a gated, access controlled estate.
8. POOL ACCESS
The communal pool is available for a dip, if the sea isn’t calling. Whether you’re braaiing, chilling or just cooling off – it’s nice to have options.
9. SELF-CATERING
Explore new restaurants or enjoy the comforts of home cooking. Remember, you won’t have to do the dishes either. Don’t forget to have a braai while you’re at 1 Licorna.
To book your stay:
Cell: 083 492 3241
Website: www.1licornabeach.co.za
Address:
82 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga
Author: Shelley
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