Our copy editor Patience Gumbo-Chimbetete took some time out at Brahman Hills in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, and cannot stop gushing about the resort’s tranquillity.
Images: Ceeces Travel
Now under new management, the 4-star resort has undergone extensive renovations since its days as the Windmills Hotel.
Accessibility and surroundings
Nestled among the rolling hills of the 1 000-hectare Blue Crane Nature Reserve, the Brahman Hills resort is about two hours’ drive from King Shaka International Airport and just a stone’s throw away from the N3 highway.
Accommodation
The resort offers 30 hotel rooms and 12 self-catering cottages. Together with the ladies I was with, we stayed in the self-catering cottages that are a perfect mix of modern comfort and rustic charm. Each cottage has an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi and patio. The cottages are fully equipped with all the appliances including a microwave, double-door fridge, gas stove, iron and ironing board (my favourite items), DStv and a fireplace. They also come with all the crockery and cutlery. The cottages are fully serviced every day, from making the beds to washing dishes and cleaning up your mess. What more could anyone ask for while on holiday?
See Also: Townhouse Hotel Review
Food
Any hotel worth its salt should offer enticing and delicious food. And, I must say, Brahman Hills exceeds expectations, from the food presentation and taste to the staff hospitality. Food & beverage manager Onwaba Maholwana’s food and wine pairing prowess stood out for me as it showed the effort and lengths the staff goes to please guests. You can enjoy all meals in the elegant Brahman Café where a welcoming fireplace takes off the chill in cooler weather. For a truly exceptional experience, you may be wowed in 89 on Copper – an extravagantly decorated dining room located in the hotel basement. Guests can also request a private picnic anywhere around the hotel.
Facilities
Brahman Hills is home to a unique chapel on a lake and a fairy tale glass wedding reception venue. These make it ideal for a romantic country wedding. Other noteworthy facilities include a variety of eventing venues. The resort also boasts a luxurious spa that offers different pampering treatments. We had a chance to experience a lavish full-body exfoliation, mani and pedi while being fed delicious treats! You can also take advantage of the vast landscape where the resort is situated to go on easy walks, exhilarating runs or adventurous trails. So, you can take your mountain bike and running shoes, and explore the distant reaches of the farm.
The little things
Brahman Hills guarantees impeccable attention to detail. Self-care items like earbuds, cosmetic cotton pads and a nail file are also provided and resupplied daily. For someone who uses these, it was such a treat. Each cottage also has a number of umbrellas. I wouldn’t think of carrying an umbrella when going on holiday! Talk about thinking every detail through!
For more info, visit brahmanhills.co.za
