For many, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands needs little introduction. Walk through farmlands and forests, cycle across the rolling hills and explore country lanes. Enjoy the fascinating mix of arts and crafts, artisanal produce, sublime spas, world-class restaurants and a plethora of outdoor experiences and adventure. But did you know that Brahman Hills, home of glorious views and charming 4- and 5-star accommodation, gives you the opportunity to experience all of the above without having to hop back into your car.

Brahman Hills recently hosted #TheBrahmanHillsExperience to launch their award-winning gardens and world-class offering to the public. Boasting an enchanting blend of refined experiences, the weekend offered an extraordinary fusion of comfort, culinary excellence, artistic beauty, and thrilling adventures. What can only be described as ‘the ultimate indulgence’, and an opportunity to ‘escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary’.

Experience #1: A warm welcome

We start the weekend with heartfelt greetings and broad smiles, followed by chilled Simonsig wines and a delicious light lunch at Skyfall Premium Dining Cellar and Bar. A delightful space with raw concrete, exposed brick and copper piping housing the electrical wiring and mounting points for lights. A wonderful blend of industrial and olde world with a modern twist.

The scene is set for a weekend of fine wines and exquisite cuisine accompanied by great conversations, new friends and wonderful experiences.

Experience #2: 5-Star Self-Catering Accommodation

We’re in Chameleon Cottage for the weekend, one of 12 luxury self-catering cottages, ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, dispersed across the reserve. We have a fully equipped kitchen, which thankfully we don’t require – except for the fridge to keep the bubbly and fresh fruit juice chilled, spacious lounge and dining room as well as three en-suite bedrooms as well as a private deck that offer panoramic views over the rolling hills. It’s common to awake to zebra grazing nearby and herds of impala, eland and even blesbok on the hills beyond.  

Besides being the perfect place to unwind, it’s comforting to know that Brahman Hills is committed to sustainability, and operate off the grid as much as possible, harnessing a remarkable 75% of their energy from solar panels as well as sourcing their water from a pristine borehole. From solar and water management to cultivating herbs and vegetables, and farming free-range, hormone-free meat, every aspect reflects a commitment to environmental conservation and changing lives.

Experience #3: Spa time at Healing Earth Spa

The entrance path is lined with lavender, a water feature runs the length of the building, its flow relaxing as we sip on a refreshing herbal infusion. The breeze wafts the sheer curtains in our couple’s treatment room, the view extending over the rolling hills of the Blue Crane Nature Reserve.

Our pampering experience at the Healing Earth Transformative Wellness Spa at Brahman Hills begins the moment I lay down and surrender under the expert hands of my skilled therapist. Even my hubby, who would generally choose flyfishing or birding over a spa treatment, succumbs to the bliss of a 90 minute full-body massage. The blend of marula, neroli, and lavender body butter has me relaxed and rehydrated in no time at all.

There are eight luxurious treatment rooms and a spa menu offering a diverse range of top-notch treatments, first-class service, and indulgent therapies using natural products as well as a pool with breathtaking views, and steam and sauna rooms.  The pool looks most inviting, but I guess that will have to wait for next time…

Experience #4: Enjoying the beauty of the Nguni cattle

It’s dusk as we walk the short distance to our cottage, the sky is pastel and the breeze gentle, a herd of Nguni cattle amble past, quite unperturbed by our presence. Over the course of the weekend we watch them graze under trees, run across hillsides, and munch lazily on a misty Midlands afternoon.

Experience #5: The start of our culinary adventure

Evening descends and we step into the Skyfall Casual Dining Restaurant, the sweet sounds of saxophonist Rene fill the room, I survey the room, a glass of Reserve Pinotage Bruce Jack wine in hand. Conversation flows, rugby icons: Duane Vermeulen, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Stefan Terblanche, and Hanyani Shimange are in demand – a serious fan has even brought a Springbok rugby jersey to be signed. We chat to garden guru, Tanya Visser, and reminisce over Dunrobin days and how gardening styles have changed over the decades.

The highly acclaimed Chef Pete Goffe-Wood introduces his menu of handheld delights, a few of my favourites being the Caramelised Cauliflower & Pumpkin Seed Risotto, rich Beer Braised Beef Shin Croquettes with a Roasted Garlic & Mustard Sauce and for dessert, the moreish Tarte Tatin, Vanilla Ice Cream, Baked Guava Custard, and Macadamia Nut Praline.

Chef Pete tells us that his food philosophy has always been about simplicity, authenticity, and integrity, and that this will be reflected in how he uses the beautiful and sustainable ingredients grown at Brahman Hills.

And as if things couldn’t get more interesting, after dessert we follow a trail of lanterns to the mysterious candlelit Grotto to see the mesmerising new Medusa sculpture, the never-before-seen bronze and wood sculpture by artist Sandro Trapani. The legendary story of Medusa begins with the tragedies she endured in her life, then rising above the pain, finds strength, and the ability to turn you to stone when you meet her gaze – but will she? And in case your nerves are shattered, there’s a snakebite shot on hand to calm them!

Experience #6: Early morning exercise

It’s still dark as I head up the road, the sky an inky blue with just a tinge of crimson, the promise of dawn moments away. The sun greets us over the hill as we kick off our shoes and relax on the mat. We’re in the Valley View Chapel with yoga specialist Blossom with Nina – I’m new to yoga so there’s the challenge of terminology and body positions, but with Nina’s gentle instruction I’m soon doing ‘asanas’ with the rest of them. The sunrise view is spectacular and the reflection on the water quite sublime.

Some switch from relaxation to action by joining the rugby icons on the 5km Park Run through the reserve. with the rugby icons. Runners for the Brahman Hills Parkrun meet at 7:30am on Saturday mornings in the parking lot of The Midlands Kitchen, to start the run at 8am. The trail leads past the dams and luxurious self-catering cottages then up into the hills.

We opt for breakfast at the Skyfall Premium Dining Restaurant instead, enjoying mimosas, cappuccinos and a breakfast spread fit for a king (or queen).

Experience #7: Helicopter Flip

I await the start of our garden walk and watch as helicopter blades twirl, slowly at first then, gathering speed, lift off and thunder into the distance. Guests had the opportunity of booking a 15-minute heli-flip to get a bird’s eye view of the gardens and surrounding hills. An incoming Midlands mist put paid to our helicopter flip scheduled for later that afternoon, but judging by the delight on the faces of those who ‘flipped’, they absolutely loved it…

Experience #8: Guided Garden Walk

A highlight for me is the guided walk through the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) award-winning gardens with renowned landscape artist and designer of the gardens, Tim Steyn.

Standing alongside a brass plaque nestled in the flowerbed, Orrin Cottle, CEO of Brahman Hills, he tells us how the gardens, which span five-and-a-half hectares took root as a labour of love during the days of Covid.  

“When COVID hit, the hospitality sector took a beating. People lost jobs and established businesses closed. We had no guests to care for, food to prepare or weddings to host. In an effort to preserve jobs, our people had their salaries reduced by 50%. In spite of this, they volunteered and worked as if they were on full pay, regardless of previous roles: chefs found themselves digging ditches, waitresses planted vegetables, General Managers laid rocks in and amongst a host of other activities” he says. “It was a remarkable scene to witness, and our gardens are evidence of the incredible passion and determination of our people and an everlasting testament to what can be achieved by a diverse group of individuals working together. In just eight months, our hotel team turned Brahman Hills into a jaw-dropping botanical miracle.”  

The garden, comprising 26 different garden rooms, is a delight for the senses… from structured formal gardens with their multi-level flowerbeds and tiered terraces to planters overflowing with an abundance of vegetables and herbs as well as a variety of fruit trees.

There is an abundance of lush foliage, water features and beds overflowing with fragrant blooms, as well as a ‘bee garden’.  Each of the 16 hives are enclosed in a structure built in the style of a Zulu hut, each hut beautifully handmade by clay and bead artists. Tim tells us that the Brahman bees are workaholic pollinators that play a huge role as pollinators in the garden and produce delicious organic raw honey for use in their kitchen.

On a mound surrounded by water we pause to appreciate the views – the newly planted cherry blossom trees we stroll past will be a delight in the Spring in years to come. We stroll through winding pathways, arches, and water features, and an extensive vegetable garden overflows with everything from nasturtiums and artichokes to Brussel sprouts and beans,

I love the abundant use of grasses and how they blend the landscaped with the rolling grassy hillsides beyond… and of course the incredible sculptures. It’s a treat to be in the company of gardening gurus Keith Kirsten (Keith Kirsten Horticulture) and Tanya Visser (The Gardener Magazine), who inspired us through the many gardens we have created and loved over the years.

Experience #9: Art explorations and lunch with a view

Not happy with just the garden art we decide to head for the hills and do the Forest Walk to see what we could find. We pass beneath Ben Tuge’s Strike a Woman, a powerful arching bronze sculpture as we exit towards the hill. This striking sculpture pays homage to the strength of women in Africa. We head in the direction of The Giant, created by sculptor Louis van den Heever, and enjoy great views of him from above – composed of 5 tons of concrete and steel anchored by 5 chains, each weighing 10 tons and dug 2 meters into the mountain, this magnificent artwork stands as a testament to perseverance and creativity.

A Cape Batis flits through the trees alongside the Forest Walk boardwalk, my hubby wishes he’d brought his birding camera along. There are several other walking trails around the reserve, including a more extreme 10km hike through grass, bushveld, riverine and forest.

We follow the route markers towards the dams and easily spot the 2 meter tall Stargazer, also by Louis van den Heever, as he reaches out to the sky, representing the dreamer in all of us. Further along the 4.5 meter tall Hanneke Sculpture by Sandro Trapani stands proudly overlooking the dam with hands stretched out and water falling from her hands back to the dam. 

Blooms in pinks and purple welcome us to the Agility Hub, as does a glass of bubbly poured by the lovely Zizipho and a delicious harvest table lunch with Anthonij Rupert Wyne. How idyllic it is to sip bubbly on a glorious Midlands afternoon, I appreciate the views and the melodic sounds of the marimba band from the talented Thembelihle school.

Experience #10: Art Walk

Another highlight is the Art Walk. It showcases a magnificent art collection, featuring some of South Africa’s most talented sculptors, curated by Tyron Selmon-Butler, owner of Art Eye Gallery. As we walk through the gardens Tyron explains the stories behind each piece, and the artist concepts from inception to final execution. I love how this carefully selected collection of fine art adds a sense of culture and history, and sometimes a touch of whimsy, to the gardens. One cannot help but be inspired.

A couple of my favourite pieces are Grace da Costa’s ‘Schoolgirl with a dog’, a life-size figure portraying the more gentle, reflective qualities of childhood, Michael Canadas bronze ‘Leopard in Bronze’, showcasing the power and patience that a leopard has in order to survive in the wild and impressive ‘I see Everything’ laser cut steel structure, that towers over the gardens.

Experience #11: Drinks at Dragon’s Eye

The Dragon’s Eye draws one in, a perfectly secluded spot to connect with nature. We walk into the enclosed space and onto the wooden deck, the views across the pond and small waterfall invite relaxation… as does the lively serving Inveroche Gin and craft beer! In the wonderful company of new friends, fellow guests and rugby greats, it’s easy to sip gin and contemplate all that is good in the world.

Experience #12: A Night of Culinary Perfection

A weekend of incredible experiences culminated in a fantastic night of thanks and accolades, dinner and fine wine as well as live music and dancing. Expertly curated by Chef Pete Goffe-Wood, are six exquisite courses, perfectly paired with award-winning Mullineux wines.

Chris and Andrea from Mullineux wines share their captivating wine story, their commitment to sustainability, to the lives of their people, and their journey to becoming certified Regenerative Organic. They are world-renowned fine wine producers, having won multiple awards and being awarded South African Winery of the Year an unprecedented five times by the highly respected Platter’s Guide. I sip, with great appreciation, as each wine is expertly paired with its accompanying dish – from the fresh Kloof Street Chenin Blanc to the rich flavours of the Syrah, and the very special (and rare) Mullineux Straw Wine, a sweet and rich Chenin Blanc aged in French oak barrels.  

Chef Pete tantalised our tastebuds with delights such as Carpaccio of Beef, served with Pickled Carrots, Crisp Capers and Horseradish Cream, Hickory Smoked Duck Breast, with Lentils and Quince (its subtle flavour reminded me of the quince jam my mom used to make), and a decadent Buttermilk Pannacotta, Crisp Pistachio Phyllo and Caramelised Oranges – absolutely delish!

Truly a feast for our senses and a grand finale for an extraordinary weekend in the KZN Midlands!

Whilst these experiences were specific to #TheBrahmanHillsExperience weekend, it gives event organisers, wedding planners, and even guests planning a special occasion inspiring ideas of what Brahman Hills can create.

https://www.brahmanhills.co.za

Read about a previous visit HERE and click this LINK to read the article in Responsible Traveller mag