Looking for a few days away in the country to completely unwind, be pampered, take long walks, try your hand at fly-fishing and indulge in superb cuisine at an affordable price?
About two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Joburg and Pretoria, just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom, set in the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga highlands.
The Walkersons Hotel & Spa is a perfect blend of old-school elegance and charm. The Scottish-inspired architecture of the main building features natural stone and wood with interesting little nooks and crannies. On entering the lounge and dining area I felt as if I was visiting a private manor house in the Scottish Highlands.
The grand old world country atmosphere is carried through to the large bedroom suites with elegant decor. A decanter of sherry is placed on a silver tray for guests to enjoy at leisure.
My suite had two bathrooms and a luxury private outside shower. I enjoy having a kitchenette facility in my suite even when I am dining in the restaurant, and the suites include a fully fitted kitchenette including a microwave and nespresso machine.
The suites open up on to large verandas with spectacular views over 800 hectares of rolling lawns and countryside. There are fourteen fly-fishing dams stocked with trout dotted throughout the property for guests to enjoy the sport that made Dullstroom famous.
Walkersons has become known for it’s culinary experiences. Chef Adri van Wieringen is a genius and presents a four-course gastronomic experience every evening.
Guests usually stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast rate and eat in the Flying Scotsman restaurant.
Breakfast is served on the terrace. Coffee, fresh juices, croissants and muffins are served with a selection of fresh fruit, followed by a bowl of Scottish-style creamy oats with a dash of whisky - and if you have enough space after that there is the option of a delicious English breakfast.
The lodge has created a separate family dining room, the Misty Trout, where families with children over 6 can enjoy relaxed dining away from the other diners.
For lunch Chef Adri prepared a picnic basket packed with fresh fruits, cheeses, cold meats and sushi for us to enjoy in a secluded area overlooking a waterfall.
Outdoor activities available to guests include mountain biking, walks and, of course, fly-fishing in Walkersons’ famous trout dams. All equipment is available from the hotel.
Walkersons boasts 27 private hotel rooms, of which two - the Family and Manor suites - are suitable for families; and six self-catering family cottages.The hotel’s on-site Spa has three treatment rooms and a steam room. The wide range of treatments include their signature Healing Crystal Massage and the Hydrating/Detox Cocoon full body exfoliation and wrap.
Walkersons is offering a 20% discount on mid-week bookings, valid until December15.
Book a two-night stay in a Lakeside Suite (Sunday to Thursday) on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, for R1800 pp/pn sharing and get a R250 spa voucher.
See www.walkersons.co.za or call 0132537000.