If you’re travelling down to the Cape later this year, the perfect – and we do mean perfect – stopover is De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa, just outside Bloemfontein. In fact, we’d suggest a two night stop-over, since there’s just so much to enjoy at this brilliant estate, which is at the centre of a 3000 hectare working merino sheep farm.
The rooms
Stay in one of the two dozen or so luxury rooms or garden suites, or the Merino Farm rooms – around 500m from the main house, these offer the option of self-catering, with private outside braai areas with glorious views of the farm. The rooms are super comfy, with sofas and fireplaces and coffee stations … it’s all four-star rated accommodation with country-style hospitality and atmosphere.
The activities
There’s something for absolutely every guest. From an hour long horse ride with a guide to a half hour hand-led ride for the children, to bird watching, and clay pigeon and .22 shooting. There are mountain bike and hiking trails, a sheep farm tour – two hours on the farm bakkie – besides sheep, the farm has cattle, horses, chicken, pigs … it’s the most marvellous two hours for children. There are also eco farm runs and sundowner drives and farm safaris, where you can look out for the Springbuck, Blesbuck, Sable, Njala and Gemsbuck, who aren’t shy … often grazing just outside the rooms. The ostriches came over for a sneak peek at us too, and there was a peacock showing off his fine colours on our veranda for much of our stay.
The spa
Could there be anything more enjoyable after a long drive than a full body massage? We think not. The award-winning spa – set in the gardens – has single and double treatment rooms, where you can lie back and relax with a massage, facial or wrap. There are all the treatments you expect – manis and pedis and waxes – as well as a Swedish and infra-red sauna, a steam room, pool and Jacuzzi. Packages and journeys, too … well worth pre-booking.
The food
Let’s talk food. It is the highlight of a venue where highlights are plentiful. Owner Marie Lombard is passionate about her food, and it shows on every plate. She’s all about using the freshest, locally sourced produce, sustainable and ethical farming practices, simplicity done perfectly. The four course fine-dining experience served in the main farmhouse each evening is a treat … we enjoyed a pork belly in a Coke sauce with apple mousse and a bacon chip to start off with, a glorious hake and mussel seafood course with black risotto, followed by aged fillet with a nettle sauce and slow baked lamb from the farm, along with three proper old-school Afrikaans farmer veggie side dishes (another highlight!), and a crème brûlée pud that finished the evening off sweetly. There’s also an a la carte restaurant, with easy but no less impressive dishes … if you order a pizza, burger or salad, know it’s going to be extraordinary! A great option if you’ve youngsters, but plan accordingly since it’s open only from 11am to 3pm, with a three-course set-menu lunch on Sunday. You may, if you’re lucky, have your visit coincide with one of the special events the hotel’s known for … wine makers dinners and festivals and special occasion celebrations. The rate includes a full, and jolly hearty, breakfast and afternoon tea and cakes, served at the main house daily.
Info
Rates are from R1485 a night for two adults, children 4 to 12 pay R440 each, children up to the age of three stay free. Rates include buffet breakfast, the sunset wagon & tractor drives. Details: deoudekraal.com
