With our mental hard drives full and in need of chill-out time, my partner and I made our way to Wild Horses Lodge on the shores of Sterkfontein Dam in the Northern Drakensberg, hoping it would fit the bill. Indeed it did.
This romantic country lodge is owned by Jon and Trish Hawkins and was originally intended as a private getaway – this explains the personal touches in the design, furnishings, decor and artwork.
It’s a wonderfully laid-back haven – perfect for rejuvenating mind, body and soul.
Wild Horses Lodge is a popular location for romantic getaways, and because the focus is on peaceful surroundings and privacy, children and pets are not permitted.
The lodge, built mostly of locally sourced sandstone, has panoramic views of the dam, the Platberg mountain and surrounding hills.
It consists of an accommodation wing, dining room, a lounge with private library and a well-stocked wine cellar. A Koi pond, rim-flow pool, a second lounge and viewing deck, rose garden and indigenous garden complete the picture. The four suites all have king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and cherry wood floors.
The welcome basket was something special, and while the selection of snacks, teas and coffee was tempting, I knew I’d regret tucking in when afternoon tea was a short while away. Tea with freshly prepared pastries was well worth waiting for.
After sundowners we were treated to a gourmet dinner in the wine cellar. Returning to our suite to find the room warmed up, the bed turned down and a crystal decanter of sherry and handmade chocolate was the cherry on top.
It is not so much what is on offer at Wild Horses Lodge so much as the way it is offered. Hosts Jaime and Tim Lee, both trained chefs, are fantastically attentive.
Although we lazed most of our time away reading, gazing over the dam and eating, there is plenty to do. A highlight was a cruise on the lodge’s boat but guests are also welcome to bring their own boat. You can horse ride or take relatively easy hikes through the nature reserve. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Basotho Cultural Village are a half-hour away and Clarens is an hour’s drive.
We didn’t indulge in massage treatments as we already felt so spoilt and left with smiles, expanded waistlines and our hard drives restored.
l Wild Horses Lodge is just over three hours from Durban. Rates are from R950 per person sharing, and include dinner, bed and breakfast. Call 058 622 7000 or visit www.wildhorses.co.za
l Wild Horses Lodge is a bench-marked member of the Portfolio Collection. - Sunday Tribune