I love escaping from the city – and try to do so regularly. Not only do I need some down time considering the pace of life, but I also find that being in nature, surrounded by beautiful views and the peace and quiet – punctuated only by birds – is something that restores my energy like nothing else. Last weekend I was lucky enough to pay a visit to the much talked about Kloofzicht Lodge and Spa. A mere 40 minute drive from my home, Kloofzicht is located in the foothills of the Zwartkops Mountains, and is really close to the Cradle of Humankind.
From check in to check out, my stay was nothing short of spectacular and the service beyond compare. Helpful and friendly, nothing was to much trouble for the team – helping me with my bag, coming to unlock the safe which I manged to lock my wallet and I-pad in and couldn’t get open again – to bringing me wine as I was relaxing and looking at the view – this team are all smiles.
My room was huge – with it’s own private verandah with two chairs to allow you to sit and soak up the amazing view. The fact that they have a hair dryer in the room made me very happy – to me this is the sign of a great hotel, nothing worse than washing your hair and then not being able to find the dryer, or even worse going to bed with wet hair!
Crisp linen, a big bunch of red roses and a fruit and biltong basket awaited me, perfect to snack on after my busy morning, and the bathroom sported not only a huge bath, but leading off the shower was an outdoor shower! Unfortunately it was quite a chilly overcast weekend, otherwise I would certainly have enjoyed this feature to it’s maximum, but a glass of wine in the bath was just as amazing – I can promise you!
The peace and quiet is amazing – and sitting watching the fly fishermen on the other side of the lake, and a few couples strolling about as the sun set was amazing.
The lodge comprises of sixty suites and overlooks six exquisite fly fishing dams and the lower reaches of the Blaauwbank Spruit, which wanders through the unspoilt Zwartkops gorge. Located on a nature reserve has it’s perks and I kept my eyes peeled to spot some of the wildlife – among them kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, eland, red hartebeest, springbuck, gemsbok, zebra and of course a vast array of bird life are also present.
Dinner is served in the private dining room and is nothing short of exquisite and beautifully plated. You can select from the carefully put together a la menu to create your very own dining experience, or select the buffet menu. The staff are knowledgeable on the menu items, and a highlight of my dinner was the cheese and dessert trolley! Very 1980’s but incredibly cool – you can select your cheese and crackers – or even a beautifully plated dessert. The idea was to create a talking point – and they have certainly achieved that!
Overmeer Bistro is open to the public and is a bit more of a relaxed dining and family vibe restaurant. They do braai’s on the balcony on the weekends and booking is highly advised, as it gets really busy!
The ideal wedding venue, the lodge sports a beautiful, private, under cover deck right on the waters edge where you can hold your ceremony and beautiful conference rooms to hold the reception –
If you are in to fishing – then this is the spot for you. They also have an on site spa and hot air balloon trips can be organised too!
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