Durban - Champagne Valley, in the Central Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Drakensberg Sun Resort in particular, is one of my favourite escapes.
Just three hours from Durban, this piece of heaven is ideal for all ages. I should know, having enjoyed holidays at the resort for years. As a youngster I enjoyed the sporting amenities – that was back in the day when there were motorised tyre-type boats in the dam.
I have fond memories of karaoke in winter. As newlyweds, my husband and I enjoyed the romance of the mountainous surrounds, the privacy and tranquillity of the picturesque grounds.
When my son came along, we were glad for the tank engine that did circles around the jungle gym and now that he’s older there are fully equipped indoor and outdoor play centres to keep him safe and busy.
On our last visit a few weeks ago we joined the communal bring-and-braai at the poolside, lit and semi-catered for by the hotel and its friendly staff.
Comforts
There are various options when it comes to accommodation – exclusive chalets, that feel like your own little cabin in the woods, hotel accommodation and (within the hotel precinct) self-catering lodging. The look and feel is rustic with all the creature comforts you’d expect from an award-winning resort.
Over the years we’ve come to know the area (some would say too well), but part of the appeal is that it feels like a home from home.
It helps to know that the amazing Valley Bakery is a stone’s throw away. It is highly rated for freshly baked bread or a sweet treat in the rose garden.
Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre, at the entrance to Champagne Valley, is another gem. Designed by a group of artists, it houses an impressive variety of small shops, galleries, a playground, restaurant, bar and tea garden.
It’s where you’ll find the popular Ugly Duckling, of which there is another one, closer to the resort, literally across the road from Champagne Sports Resort. It is part of a small shopping centre with a useful grocery store and includes Chocolate Memories – chocolate made in the foothills of the Drakensberg – where you can book a chocolate and coffee tasting at a fair price.
Falcon Ridge Birds of Prey Centre is a must-visit if you’re in the area. It’s an opportunity to get up close to some of the most amazing wild birds. Shows are at 10.30am every morning, except on Fridays.
When you arrive be sure to find out about public performances by the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir – the school holds weekly concerts.
There are plenty of pretty trails, such as the one to the Blue Grotto, horse riding, canopy tours and quad riding.
But in truth, I’m as happy to lie on the couch with a book all day as my husband is to go fly fishing for rainbow trout in the dam all afternoon.
So while there is no shortage of adventure, the charm of this resort and this part of the world is in its natural beauty and the opportunity it offers visitors to unwind, rest, relax, recharge and, if you prefer, do nothing at all.
Omeshnie Naidoo, The Mercury