Visit Brahman Hills in the KZN Midlands

Two weeks ago I flew to the KZN Midlands to check out a few properties and get a close look at one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. I never get to Natal, so I tried to pack as much in as possible. The first stop on my trip was Brahman Hills right off Exit 132 of the N3 and kind of in the middle of the Midlands Meander.

Brahman Hills has undergone extensive renovations since its days as the old Windmills Hotel. The overall look and feel is pared back with wood and stone finishes and a neutral colour palette that blends in with the environment. The resort is situated in the 1000 acre Blue Crane Nature Reserve so there are views as the far as the eye can see in all directions. The guest cottages are separated from the main hotel as are the two wedding venues and spa complex. With Brahman cattle and abundant wildlife roaming free, this is a wonderful country retreat right in the middle of the Midlands Meander.

The hotel has 30 rooms and 12 self-catering cottages so there is ample accommodation. Their facilities include a main restaurant, a cozy underground restaurant called 89 on Copper (literally in the cellar), a beautiful spa with views over the rolling hills and two multi purpose eventing facilities which are perfect for a wedding or conference. In fact, they are so popular for weddings (there is an impressive wedding chapel next to a small dam too), they have one booked for every weekend of the year.

I thoroughly enjoyed staying in one of the self-catering cottages which come with its own fire place, TV, braai area and Jacuzzi. Having zebra and back roaming around outside made it feels like a real escape.

The food in both the restaurant (Brahman Hills Cafe) and 89 on Copper was refined and sophisticated with the head chef and culinary GM hailing from 5-star hotels in Cape Town. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible and I even enjoyed a delicious seafood dish of slinger (local line fish) at 89 on Copper.

Brahmans Hills is in the perfect location to explore more of the Midlands and an easy drive to all the local attractions and sites. I took a drive down the utterly exquisite R103 to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Monument and stopped at a few places along the way. I fell in love with the naked trees scattered all over the landscape and beautiful Nguni cattle roaming around. With so much to do and see in the area, a return visit is definitely in order.