Walkersons Hotel and Spa | Dullstroom | za - Tranquil five star country side escape
- travellingduckies
- Apr 23, 2023
- 5 min read
Misty mornings, rainy days, hot chocolate, Pablo Neruda poems and a crackling fire dancing in the background... that's what winter dreams are made of, well at least ours. This is exactly what Dullstroom has offered us on our visits.
The quaint town in Mpumalanga transports you to the Scottish Highlands or rolling hills of the Cotswolds and even County Kerry in Ireland. With wet misty winters and mild summers its a great option year round. Trout farms scattered across the green hills and country side, small town feel with cozy restaurants and small shops with hand made, quality crafts, are only some of the things we love about Dullstroom. If sleepy and cozy is not your scene, helmet-up for more adrenaline activities like quad biking, horse riding, rafting, rock climbing, abseiling and zip lining.
Dullstroom, is one of those unique places you keep going back to. Every time you visit it feels like a new experience which is perfect for a weekend breakaway or a holiday retreat.
Walkersons Hotel and Spa |
Just outside of Dullstroom, you'll find the sign to the impressive Walkersons Country Estate. Tucked away from the road, none of the houses on the Estate, hotel or facilities are visible, which makes the anticipation so much greater. The estate has some of the most beautiful and high-end real estate in the area, as well as the 5 star Walkersons Hotel and spa.
Driving down the winding road towards the Walkersons Hotel, you will constantly need to remind yourself you are not in the highlands of Scotland, but a mere 2 hours drive from Johannesburg. Cool, wet weather, mist rolling over the green moss hills and small trout lakes/dams scattered around the property, evokes a yearning for cozy snuggles in front of a large fire, cuddling with a loved one or just watching the stars on clear nights.
The impressive stone built hotel sits nestled between large trees as if it has always been there.
Tucked away between the green hills of the Dullstroom countryside, it beckons you to stop and switch off - to take in the serenity of the area and just be...
The stone façade of the hotel looks impressive and stately. Inside you are welcomed by warm and inviting fireplaces, stone walls and cozy couches which reminds you of the interior of a old Scottish castle.
The hotel houses the reception area with a bar, The Flying Scotsman Restaurant, ample seating areas with views of either stone walled fireplaces or the lovely gardens.
The large sitting areas with views over the lush gardens and ponds are peaceful and you are enticed to enjoy a whiskey from the bar. The indoor seating area with a large fireplace is the perfect place to just sit and take it all in, read or gather with fellow travelers or fisherman and share stories. On chilly days the fireplaces are lit and adds to the ambiance of coziness and warmth.
The 27 suites have the same stone façade as the Main Building complex and are all situated close to the reception area. The hotel also has self catering cottages available. Rooms are also build in the same style and has everything you might need for a relaxing stay. Our room was tastefully decorated in a simple style that feels warm and inviting. The room is cozy and gently nodded to its country location and Scottish resemblance. The bed and day chairs both have lovely views of the tranquil outdoors, as well as the indoor fireplace.
The wood fireplace warms up the room in the chilly evenings, while the crisp morning air and views from your outside veranda makes for the best coffee spot. The best part of the room must be the views. The views over the trout dam and surrounding area from your veranda creates a feel of serenity. Trout dams, hilly views and cozy fireplace snuggles - you really do not want to leave your room. The fireplaces are lit up every evening during the turn down service if needed.
The buildings and grounds remind you of an old Estate in the Highlands and comes into its own during the wet and cold winter months when mist covers the lakes and dams and rain dances against your veranda door, while you listen to the crackling of the indoor fire.
The Estate has various other activities and services available. With a conference center, wedding venue and reception rooms, it is the perfect place for a function or wedding. The swimming pool is the perfect escape during summer months with views over one of the trout dams. The estate also offers bike hire, fly-fishing and horse riding. If you are looking for a more indoors experience, the Spa at Walkersons is the place to spend your day. A full spa with many treatment options, using quality products, combined with friendly well-trained staff makes for the perfect "pamper". If that is not enough you can take a hike to view some wildlife which includes: Impala, Zebra, Blue wildebeest and Bles buck.
The Flying Scotsman restaurant on the premise has an amazing a la cart breakfast and set menus for dinner. We spoke to a few other guests and they were in accord that the food was of a high quality. Food are sourced locally with sustainability in mind. We really do expect more from establishments with higher accolades and ratings, and Walkersons did not disappoint on any of our expectations. And the food was no exception.
The Flying Scotsman, where breakfast and dinner is served, is a warm and intimate space, perfect for a romantic date night. The food were excellent and we were delighted with the Vegan options. Being Vegan and Vegetarian the restaurant was accommodating and the food was well prepared and delicious. Although veganism is huge all over the world, it seems some South African places still lack a total understanding of veganism, but we were catered for, without a problem.
The whole experience calls for books, coffee and just to take a breather.
Elegance, exceptional service and attention to detail are things rarely found these days. Although one would expect this from 5* hotels, we rarely encounter all of these together in one establishment, during our travels. This makes Walkersons a true gem, if you are looking for these qualities in your next weekend away.
Family break, romantic getaway or just some me-time, Walkersons Hotel and Spa is an exceptional place to spend your time.
Our time here can only be described as **smirr** - Magical in Gaelic- seeing the Scottish theme through.
#Walkersons Hotel and Spa imprints - Tranquility#
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