If you follow me on social media or read the posts on my website then you should have come to the conclusion that I LOVE the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Number one being the coffee (so obvious) and then there is also the arts and crafts, scenery, restaurants and the many fabulous places to stay. It really is a must visit destination!
So I was very excited to get to stay at another of the Midlands Meander’s excellent accommodations – Brahman Hills, where I went on a recent media trip.
“Situated in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Brahman Hills is a destination of choice for weddings, conferences and idyllic country escapes. Its extensive facilities include a state of the art Spa, two restaurants (89 on Copper and Brahman Hills Café), coffee bar, cellar and underground bar, as well as a variety of events venues seating from 10 to 400 people. Nestled amongst rolling hills as far as the eye can see, yet just a stone’s throw away from the N3 Highway, Brahman Hills is easily accessible and central to the famous Midlands Meander. Brahman Hills is situated in the 1000 hectare Blue Crane Reserve.”
Along the Midlands Meander route you are able to find various sizes of hotels, bed & breakfasts and even resorts. I would put the size of Brahman Hills into the medium category for accommodation. It has 30 double rooms in the hotel and 12 self-catering cottages. The room amount might be in the medium category but Brahman Hills itself is definitely in the large category. The main building houses the two restaurants, bar, coffee bar, a lovely lounge, small conference room and the Decor and Flower Room for meeting prospective bridal couples. There is also the magnificent Glass Chapel (Lake House) and the Glass House which can accommodate 380 guests.
In addition to the 12 self-catering cottages on the Blue Crane Reserve there is the Agility Hub which can be used for conferences (seating up to 120 people) and it has its own restaurant called The Stables.
There is also the Brahman Spa which has 8 treatment rooms, a dedicated manicure and pedicure room, a tranquility lounge and a champagne, coffee and chocolate bar. The Spa specializes in Body Massages with many different treatments available to choose from their menu. I don’t go for massages so it was a treat for me to experience one of their signature massages. I also experienced a Detox Coffee Glow Body Scrub which uses ground coffee mixed with salt and oil. The Spa uses Gellish and OPI varnish for manicures and pedicures. If you have a few pesky hairs bothering you they also have waxing on the menu. The Spa is open 7 days a week and is not only for hotel or self-catering guests.
Brahman Hills is in the process of building another chapel to cater for smaller weddings. This “Cave Chapel” is situated just below the Agility Hub and it has a wonderful view over the Blue Crane Reserve.
There were 7 ladies that went on the media weekend and we stayed in two of the self-catering cottages – Eland and Wildebeest. The cottages are adjacent to each other but are totally separate. Each cottage contains a lounge, kitchen, dining room and a deck with a jacuzzi. Eland cottage had 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (2 were on-suite). The bedrooms had 2 single beds joined together and made up with beautiful white percale linen. They also had electric blankets, heater wall panel, hair dryer and Charlotte Rhys products in the bathrooms.
When it comes to food guests are spoiled for choice. Brahman Café is a family friendly restaurant and it is here where you can enjoy either a buffet or à la carte breakfast, an à la carte lunch and dinner. They have a kids menu and also cater Vegan, Vegetarian and gluten free. The Brahman Café can set up to 120 people.
The 89 On Copper restaurant is situated in the wine cellar of the hotel and is a more elegant venue. You are able to order off the Brahman Café à la carte menu but the definite highlight is the Chef’s Selection Menu. The restaurant seats 26 people and can be booked for an exclusive use function or dinner. Next to 89 On Copper is the bar called Copper which seats up to 70 people.
If you just want to sit, relax and chat with a hot beverage in your hand then you must go to Cappuccino – the coffee lounge. It offers coffee as well as other hot and cold beverages. You can also take a walk to next door’s Midlands Kitchen.
With beautiful gardens and friendly and welcoming staff you will love your stay at Brahman Hills.
Hotel Contact Details
Phone: +27 (0)33 266 6965
Mobile: +27 (0) 81 370 9478
Email: reservations@brahmanhills.co.za
Address: Old Curry’s Post Road, Mount West, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Weddings: weddings@brahmanhills.co.za
Conferences: conferences@brahmanhills.co.za