Durban - Tilly, who has moved Down Under, asked me where I had been recently. “Good old fashioned, relaxed country hotel,” I replied. “Glorious weather, great fun.”
When I told her it was Cathedral Peak Hotel she replied: “YES! Lovely, established spot – so beautiful!” Cathedral Peak Hotel is one of those places one remembers, fondly.
No sooner had I arrived than I saw general manager Bruce Botes warmly greeting a returning guest whose family had been visiting since the 1950s, celebrating milestones such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays at the hotel.
You can see why. The four-star hotel prides itself on maintaining standards of service. Staff are friendly and there’s a wide range of accommodation.
My spacious superior room was immaculate with everything one needs, though I didn’t turn on the TV or make a cuppa since, when not out and about, we were on the outside admiring the view, the plants and the many birds and buzzing things enjoying the very well cared-for gardens. And cuppas, with yummy biscuits, were on offer morning and afternoon on the ample terrace with that gorgeous view of Cathedral Peak, The Bell, Organ Pipes and around to Champagne Castle.
The main attraction is the mountain range and there are more free guided walks and hikes than one could possibly manage during one visit – 18 in all – ranging from gentle riverside ambles, walks to Bushman paintings and beautiful waterfalls, to the challenging climb to the summit of Cathedral Peak.
There is also archery, horse rides, mountain bike trails, a jogging route, tennis, squash, bowls, outdoor chess, beach volleyball, badminton, floodlit mini-adventure golf, a climbing tower, heated and cold outdoor swimming pools, fly fishing, quad and mountain bike riding, plus helicopter flights nearby.
I almost forgot the nine-hole golf course, which offers alternate tees for an 18-hole game. I have but a passing interest in the game but, standing at the tee-off, I could imagine immensely enjoying a round in such surroundings.
Rowan was in search of the 121 resident bird species, so I suggested the short-ish hike past Lake Jarred to Doreen Falls, mainly because I just had to swim in the mountain water. Fresh! Rowan was as happy as a lark, or whatever else he was ticking off on his list (apparently 52 species is good going in two days).
He was even happier when we joined Johan from Drakensberg Quad Tracks & Adventures. On our throbbing four-wheel steeds we twisted and turned up the mountainside, stopping here and there to take pictures, until we reached Lake William.
You may have picked up a thread of place names – that’s because landmarks on the property are named after members of the Van der Riet family who have owned Cathedral Peak Hotel since before it opened in 1939.
Lake William was the perfect place for a bracing (teeth-clenching) dip off the wooden jetty. Johan just laughed. He’s seen such folly many times. A great guide and an expert rider, this ex- Joburger would never trade his lifestyle.
If the weather was foul I don’t think we would have minded as we never got to enjoy a game of pool, darts or sport on the big screen in Harry’s Bar, or relax in Albert’s Cocktail Bar in front of a roaring log fire.
The kids will relish the pony rides, playground, jumping castle, heated paddling pool or trampoline.
We did act like greedy kids at dinner time but avoided banishment to the separate children’s dining room (babysitters are available for couples wanting time to themselves). The buffet is extensive – and very good indeed – with something to please everyone.
There’s also a fully equipped gym with steam bath in the Peak Performance Vitality Centre (you pay extra), plus spa spoilation.
We went to bed most contented each night, where a sweet treat and bedtime story lay waiting.
l Call 036 488 1888 or visit www.cathedralpeak.co.za
Sunday Tribune