Accomodation
REVIEW: The new Springholm Cottages, Brahman Hills
If you’re looking for a weekend of peace and tranquility and to spend a little time in the country, then the new Springholm cottages owned by Brahman Hills is just the perfect place.
Our Durbanite family of 3 left Durban at 12pm and arrived at the front desk of the beautiful Brahman Hills for check-in at 2pm, where we were warmly welcomed and given our cottage keys.
After a quick drive down the road (roughly 4.5 km on a dirt road), we had arrived at Springholm. Right away we were greeted with amazing bird life all around the dam. As the sun began to set its way down, we were spoilt with a spectacular sunset over the dam, which is normally reserved for oil paintings. Next up dinner became our priority so we made our way back up the road to the Linga Lapa restaurant for a very quaint curry and rice while the fires roared.
Springholm offers you the perfect country retreat in a selection of self catering cottages and B&B suites. The accommodation is nestled around a large dam with birdlife like no other and wildlife roaming the hills of the neighbouring farms. We stayed in one of the Waterfront cottage, which we found a little cramped with a toddler. However, if you are booking for a party/ family of four, you can book the adjoining room upstairs to become a two-bedroom cottage.
The Waterfront Cottages (x3) offers elegant accommodation right on the water. This cottage can accommodate up to 4 people. Upstairs has standard bedroom and full bathroom. While downstairs includes an additional bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen and open plan living area with sundeck overlooking the dam. These units are separated into completely independent and private split level accommodation. Upstairs offers a standard room which sleeps up to 2 on a B&B basis. While downstairs is a self-catering 2-sleeper.
The Stone Cottages (x3) higher up on the hill overlooking the valley and the dam, includes a double bed in the one room and two single beds in the other. The lounge is equipped with a fireplace and a heater. The cottages are fully equipped for self-catering and there are braai facilities on the patio. These units can also be split into completely separate booked accommodation.
We had heard that there were trout in the dam and that it also had not been stocked for a while, so while mom and son had a sleep-in, I took my chances the first morning and was very very surprised to be greeted by a beautiful and very healthy male Rainbow trout after only 15 minutes of fishing up against the bank from the paddle boat provided. Then to my surprise another then another and another. It was at that point I that I realised, I had found heaven.
After the normal morning toddler tasks we set off to have breakfast. The breakfast spread that Brahman Hills put out was buffet / a-la carte breakfast in the beautiful dining hall with warm fires blazing. The staff were very friendly and loved entertaining our little boy.
With breakfast over and the day ahead of us we decided that a braai was on the cards so off we went to the Nottingham Road Spar to gather supplies. We made our way back to the cottage for some relaxing time on the lawn with cheese and wine in the warm winter sun. Cheese and wine with a toddler is more like cheese and run and catch and trampoline and swing and run and wine.
After a spot of evening fly fishing (another 4 healthy fish were fooled by my #8 Mrs Simpson fly) it was beer oāclock and time to braai. Braaing on the deck overlooking the trout dam that has no light pollution with the stars so close you could pluck them out the night sky is the kind of braai that will ruin all future braai settings.
After a brisk morning fly fish in -3Ā°C it was time to pack up and head off to breakfast where once again we were spoilt for choice with a breakfast spread like no other! We opted to take the scenic route home with a spot of Midlands Meandering. Make sure to stop off at The Junction, Nottingham Road and Piggly Wiggly if its country shopping and endless kids entertainment you are after.
The location and flexibility to split the cottages to smaller self contained units lends itself to overflow for wedding accommodation. In summary Springholm is in a beautiful setting in the country. The proximity to all things the Midlands Meander has on offer makes the location perfect! Then couple that with a healthy trout stock and lovely cottages makes this the ultimate, tick all the boxes kind of Midlands getaway.
To book your next stay:
www.brahmanhills.co.za
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Planning the ideal honeymoon can be exceptionally daunting, not to mention expensive, but if youāre 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 Mouseās 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.
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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 beachesĀ 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 RESERVEā
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 TableĀ 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 ACCESSĀ
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
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Accomodation
Want to stay in the heart of Cape Town? Hereās why The Cape Milner should be your go-to.
For Durbanites, a trip to Cape Town is always enthralling. White-sand beaches, throngs of restaurants, and sea life sightings are just some of the things we look forward to when visiting our Mother City. Of course, the various accommodation on offer forms part of said hype ā and can either make or break your experience!
Well, weāre here to tell you this: If youāre looking for a hotel thatās contemporary, comfy, central, quiet and not too costly, weāve found the place for you. Not to mention its fascinating decor, great hospitality, and luxury charm that just wraps you up and keeps you snug throughout your entire stay.
The opulent Cape Milner building matches Cape Townās Victorian aesthetic. But inside youāll find a mix of art-deco, modern and African chic; much like the feel of modern Africa today.
As if wedged at the bottom of Table Mountain, the views from the rooms and lounges are spectacular. We particularly enjoyed dining out in the swanky Glass Lounge, where you can look up into the blue sky or night stars while you enjoy a hearty lamb shank below.
Our homely rooms overlooked the serene Milner Road, with its impressive avenues of trees. We were given complimentary macarons on arrival and enjoyed them with tea as we watched the rain pitter-patter on the tails of unbothered squirrels ā how cute! The Milner Hotel really is a place you can enjoy come rain or shine.
The hotel was the absolute, perfect base from which to explore pretty much everything and anything. Just a few minutes drive away lies Bree and KloofĀ ā two favourites, Metropolitan streets for tourists and locals alike. Over the few days of our stay we visited many great spots, all within 5-10 minutes away.
We sank our teeth into cheesy pizza at the much-hyped āI love the doughā and tried out āMochi Mochi” for dessert; we ordered fizzing and steaming cocktails from āCause and Effectā at the V&A; and of course, we spent a fun-filled evening at the cheeky and illustrious āBeefcakesā in Green Point.
After each jam-packed day, coming home to our state-of-the-art bathtub and luxurious linen was the cherry on top. It fitted in perfectly with our diverse range of activities we had planned, and matched the entire style of our trip.
We didnāt want to leave!
And of course, we canāt wait to stay againā¦
To book your stay at the Cape Milner, contact
Tel: +27 11 516 4367
Email: res@extraordinary.co.za
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