If the recent holiday season has left you feeling more blah than blissful, perhaps it’s time to start planning your next getaway, pronto! Walkersons Hotel & Spa is the perfect country escape you didn’t know you needed. Trust me when I say that this secluded Mpumalanga gem is exactly the place to be for total relaxation and rejuvenation.
Located about 15km from the quaint town of Dullstroom, the exclusive 5-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa is the quintessential country getaway. Synonymous with luxury accommodation, warm hospitality, fine dining, superb wines and a variety of laid-back and adventure activities, you’ll fall in love with this serene haven.
LUXURY LAKESIDE LIVING
The ambience throughout the beautiful property is one of pure luxury, elegance and tranquillity. Reminiscent of a magnificent Scottish country manor, old-world charm radiates throughout the hotel’s luxurious rooms and suites.
I stayed in one of the lovely Lakeside Suites. It looked as if it had been plucked straight from an Enid Blyton storybook! If ever a suite was created for pure relaxation, then this is it. The natural exterior features a thatched roof and stonework, while the spacious and stylish interior beckons you to put your feet up with a glass of wine beside the inviting fireplace.
Or relax in the large bathtub with candles and your favourite book. The comfy bed with luxe linen is ideal to snuggle for a lazy afternoon nap while the rain beats a staccato drum on the tin roof. Venture outside and sip on a steaming mug of coffee from your own private patio, enjoying picturesque views and birdsong, accompanied by a gentle breeze or early morning mists rolling in over the mountains.
The Suite is beautifully appointed with a luxurious and comfortable feel. Expect all modern amenities, including Charlotte Rhys bathroom toiletries, a fully stocked mini-bar (additional charge), bathrobes and DSTV. The complimentary sherry was a lovely touch which I enjoyed immensely. Lakeside Suite rates start from R3 100 pp sharing (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and Vat).
Walkersons Hotel & Spa is an ideal romantic country getaway, where newlyweds can cosy up in the Honeymoon Suite. Families are welcome and can stay in either the Manor Suite (one) or luxury self-catering Family Cottages (five). For family-friendly accommodation, enquire directly.
SUBLIME FOOD & WINE
What is a country getaway without fine food and wine? At Walkersons, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a variety of dining options and menus. Experience a feast for the senses with gourmet country fare utilising the finest fresh, seasonal produce. Whether you dine at The Flying Scotsman, The Terrace or indulge in a picture-perfect picnic on the estate’s grounds, an unforgettable dining experience is assured.
The Terrace is a leisurely restaurant with views over the landscaped gardens and rolling hills. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the a la carte menu offers an array of tantalising dishes with some lighter options. Summer days are perfect for al fresco dining, and what could be better than some bubbles to celebrate arriving at this heavenly hotel?
We opted for crisp Kleine Zalze Brut that went down a treat. The Salmon Trout Pasta I had was utterly divine. The Beer Battered Hake & Chips, Caesar Salad and Ploughman’s Platter ordered by the rest of the group almost had me rethinking my choice. It was all so fresh and delicious, enjoyed in an idyllic setting. Spend time here savouring the good food, stunning views and attentive service.
It’s also ideal for families, with open space for the kids to run around and a delicious kiddie’s menu that is available at The Terrace Restaurant and The Misty Trout. I’ve heard the scones are legendary, but sadly didn’t have time to indulge in this teatime favourite.
Dining at The Flying Scotsman is a decadent gastronomic journey. It’s an intimate space that sparks your imagination and satisfies every culinary desire. With the focus on local, seasonal produce, the sumptuous 4-course menu changes daily and is carefully curated by a team of talented Chefs. Pair your mouth-watering meal with a bottle or two of wine from the award-winning cellar.
The opulent restaurant has high thatched ceilings with eye-catching artwork adorning the exposed brick walls. The tables are set with crisp white linens and luxurious floor-to-ceiling drapery, creating an undeniably romantic ambience, with a roaring fire on most evenings. A sundowner or two is a must at Peggy’s Bar prior to dining.
Each beautifully prepared and presented dish was an enticing treat. The delicious choices included Trout Fish Cakes, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Chicken Curry and Puttanesca Pasta. The following evening, we faced more tough menu decisions – it’s tricky when you want to order EVERYTHING on the menu! Squid Bites, Confit Duck Leg, White and Dark Chocolate Mousse, anyone?
Suffice it to say, a meal at The Flying Scotsman is unforgettable and comes highly recommended. The attentive waitrons ensure that your experience is memorable. Bookings are essential at this popular Dullstroom eatery. (No kids under 12 are allowed into this restaurant)
I love nothing more than a leisurely outdoor picnic, and that is exactly what we got at Walkersons. Virtually endless dreamy settings are found around the estate – on the banks of one of the 14 lakes and dams or beneath the pine trees at the main waterfall.
Here we tucked into a sensational picnic brunch spread fit for a queen! Accompanied by chilled Leopard’s Leap sparkling wine, we sipped, savoured and chatted away. The picnic included fresh salads, homemade bread, cheese & charcuterie platters, BBQ chicken, salmon trout (a Dullstroom staple), fresh fruit AND dessert. What a delectable feast! Be sure to book in advance. Picnics for 2 are based on the same, just packed into stainless steel containers in a picnic basket.
ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Walkersons Hotel & Spa offer a wide range of activities and facilities for their guests. Whether you need to unwind your mind or prefer something a bit more active, you’ll find it at Walkersons.
There’s almost nothing more soul-reviving than a walk in nature. With nature right on your doorstep, a mindful stroll around the lush 800-hectare estate is an easy and relaxing way to get your daily steps. The paved pathways take you past fly-fishing lakes and dams, rolling hills, winding rivers and waterfalls.
Invigorating hiking trails up into the mountain reserve give you a bird’s eye view of the estate. Perhaps you’ll be fortunate to encounter some of Dullstroom’s wildlife, such as blue wildebeest, zebra and impala.
Keen to hone your fly-fishing skills? Dullstroom is known as the fly-fishing capital of South Africa. Boasting 14 lakes and dams stocked with rainbow trout, novice and experienced fly fishermen are welcome to try their hand at fly fishing. Guides are available to help those who may need them.
More than 15 years had passed since I was last in the saddle. The Dullstroom Riding Centre caters to all levels of riders with beautiful, experienced horses. The 1-hour ride around the estate was a magical experience.
Allen, a passionate and highly skilled rider, was the perfect guide to take our somewhat nervous 3-women group on the ride. A bit anxious to begin with, I soon settled in and enjoyed being back in the saddle.
If you love horses or ever wanted to ride a horse, book your trail ride with Dullstroom Riding Centre. TIP: Make sure you wear long, comfortable pants that cover your ankles to avoid horsefly bites.
Being a complete aquaphile, I couldn’t resist a dip in the sparkling swimming pool overlooking one of the serene lakes. The on-site gym is available for guests, as well as mountain bikes to explore the estate.
The nearby quaint town of Dullstroom is definitely worth a visit. Explore an assortment of cute little gift and speciality stores selling arts and crafts, chocolate, artisanal foods and wine, gin and more.
I thought I’d died and gone to foodie heaven when I discovered 84 On Main. It’s a fabulous food and wine lovers’ paradise, where you can shop for rich cheeses (try the tasters), handcrafted pasta, Dullstroom’s famous rainbow trout, wine and local craft gin.
Whisky lovers can get wild about whisky at, you guessed it, the aptly named Wild About Whisky Bar. With the largest whisky menu in the Southern Hemisphere, pop into this cosy spot for one of their signature whisky tastings.
UNWIND YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL
For the ultimate in self-indulgence, book a pamper session (or two!) at Walkersons Spa. A gently flowing fountain greets you as you enter a serene sanctuary for the senses. Feel your cares melt away as one of the skilled therapists works their magic on you. The Spa features an outdoor shower and steam room, idyllic spaces to reflect, relax and rejuvenate.
I walked in with tense shoulder and back muscles and just about floated out of there after a particularly blissful Hot Stone Massage. I would be a regular client of Annah’s if she lived in Cape Town! The extensive treatment menu includes a variety of massages, exfoliations, facials and wraps. Or choose from heavenly Body Experiences, Spa Ritual Packages and Ultimate Indulge Experiences.
WALKERSONS HOTEL & SPA CONTACT DETAILS
Reservations: +27 (13) 253 7000
Alternate: +27 (86) 192 5537 or +27 (61) 272 6185
Fax: +27 (13) 253 7230
Email: book@walkersons.co.za / reservations@walkersons.co.za
Website: www.walkersons.co.za
DISCLOSURE: I was invited to review Walkersons Hotel & Spa. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Featured image courtesy of Walkersons Hotel & Spa. Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without prior notice.
Big thanks to Kate Christie (General Manager) and her amazing team for a truly memorable stay. Your warmth and wonderful hospitality are so appreciated.
Ford South Africa sponsored the awesome Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition. The 3-hour journey from Johannesburg to Walkersons was a breeze in this high-performance off-road bakkie (pickup) that boasts a sportier interior trim, muscular design and so much more.
Until the next adventure!
Yours in Travel, Food & Wine
Nadine xoxo
