Five reasons to visit Walkersons Hotel & Spa in Dullstroom

Here are my top five reasons to pay a visit to the charming Walkersons:

1.   The amazing scenery

Walkersons offers breathtaking views from every angle; the accommodation options which include self-catering cottages and well as hotel suites are scattered throughout the expansive estate and offers serious eyefuls of the surrounding lakes, waterfalls, or hills. There’s even a helipad for Bond-like arrivals.

2.   The top-class food

Meals are either served in the cosy Flying Scotsman or out on the airy Terrace Restaurant. Breakfast offers fruit platters and al carte options such as omelettes, eggs benedict, and whiskey marinated kippers. While lunch includes dishes such as whole trout with couscous (absolutely delicious), salads, burgers, and snack baskets.

However, the cuisine highlight, by far, is the dinner which consists of an ever-evolving four-course menu. You can expect sumptuous options such as rich mushroom soup, crispy trout samosas, oven roasted duck with noodles, tender beef fillet, Amarula pannacotta, and cheese boards. Special food and wine pairings can also be arranged in advance.

3.   The rejuvenating spa

The standalone spa offers classic treatments such as aromatherapy, Swedish and hot stone massages, a variety of facials as well as indulgent spa ritual packages. I chose the 60-minute full body aromatherapy massage and was entirely blissed out by the end of it. To view the full spa menu click here.

4.   The many outdoor activities

The estate offers a myriad of hike options from an easy stroll to the more strenuous calf burning hikes, with the off chance of seeing blesbok, zebra, or duiker. Bicycles can also be acquired to ride the many walkway routes.

Dullstroom is considered the fly-fishing capital of South Africa and with 14 lakes and dams on the Walkersons estate you have plenty of opportunities to try your hand at fly-fishing and possibly hook yourself a rainbow trout. Equipment is offered as well as staff to help you out if you need it.

Outdoor picnics can be arranged in various settings and include a delectable and varied spread of morsels such as cold meats, pastries, cheeses and crackers, chicken, trout, fruit and berry cheesecake, alll catered to your dietary requirements with the option of adding a bottle of chilled wine or bubbles from their award-winning cellar.

5.   The quaint town of Dullstroom

The town of Dullstroom, just 10km from Walkersons, offers a variety of cute restaurants and curio and craft shops. My top pick of things to do in Dullstroom includes a whisky tasting at Wild about Whisky followed by dinner at Mrs Simpson’s. Wild about Whisky boasts the largest whisky menu in the southern hemisphere and features around 30 set tastings. Gin and vodka pairings are also offered.

Once a whisky glow is acquired, drive a few metres down the street and you will find the absolutely fabulous Mrs Simpson’s. Adorned with fairy lights, vintage shoes, bags and memorabilia plus the cutest little kitten, this is one homely spot that is understandably loved by locals and visitors alike, we dined on a Monday night in some incredibly thick mist and practically all the tables were full.

The food is just as outstanding as the décor and friendly staff, think comforting yet delicious dishes such as fall off the bone lamb shank, traditional bobotie, juicy Moroccan prawns, fresh deboned trout and fragrant Durban lamb curry. P.S. Don’t leave without sampling a shot our two of their special granadilla and vodka liquor.

Next time you are planning a relaxing nature-filled getaway put Walkersons and Dullstroom on your list.

For more information, please visit www.walkersons.co.za, call Reservations on 013 253 7000, or email .