Bushmans Kloof, S.Africa

In the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, 168 miles from Cape Town, lies one of the most celebrated resorts in the world. As an experienced traveler who’s spent time in some very posh hotels, I can say that my three days at Bushmans Kloof were some of the most relaxing, welcoming, and comfortable of my life. Even more important were the memories made there.

 

I won’t lie — I did have expectations before arriving at the resort. With multiple titles such as Travel + Leisure’s “Best Hotel in the World” and equally prestigious awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes, National Geographic and more, I knew I was going to get great service. I just didn’t know how great.

When our group arrived we were welcomed by absolutely wonderful hosts that couldn’t have been more helpful or happy to see us.  It was unlike anything I’d ever felt. The vision of the manager, James Basson, and his staff waiting outside to greet us reminded me of a scene out of Downton Abbey, and it made us feel instantly at home. We were whisked to the historic Manor House and there we lavished in a gorgeous suite with private terrace, living room, and fireplace. Spacious, comfortable, and elegant, the suites (as well as the lobby areas), were immaculately maintained and acted as a true home-away-from-home.  As a Relais & Chateaux property and part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection (which includes 13 luxury boutique hotels in the UK and other worldwide locations), all the interior and exterior public spaces are beautifully adorned and completely unique, yet somehow appeal to everyone’s aesthetic.

After freshening up, we were treated to an afternoon nature drive via Land Rovers through the Bushmans Kloof plains, where Simone, our very knowledgeable and personable driver, took us to see the rare and endangered Cape Mountain Zebra. I learned that the resort takes extensive measures to preserve the wildlife found on the site, including over 35 species of mammals, 150 bird species, and 755 indigenous plant species. Surrounded by the red mountains that glowed in the sun, we traversed the wide open plains and felt as if we were witnessing the world as it was meant to be.

That night we ate at the Homestead, the heart of Bushmans Kloof, which contains two lounges, a library, a fitness center, a heated pool, bar, and restaurant. Little did I know that the amazing chefs, led by food and beverage manager Malcolm Baxter, used fresh ingredients from the resort’s garden. The seasonal menu featured dishes such as togarashi spiced beef sashimi, dry aged roast carrot with yoghurt, curry oil, macadamia, and white chocolate, duck liver parfait, and beetroot streusel. I’d never eaten anything so simultaneously delicious and surprising. We also had the pleasure of dining at Kadoro, the tiny stone building in the middle of the reserve, which was an extraordinary experience. With no electricity, the charming little space was lit only by candlelight, and we spent the entire evening there enjoying great wines, delicious barbecue, and the stars overhead.

 

The uniqueness of Bushmans Kloof doesn’t stop at the cuisine in its restaurants, however. Unbeknownst to many are its incredible examples of ancient rock art by the San people. Bushmans Kloof is the custodian of over 130 rock art sites, some as old as 10,000 years. It has even been awarded the status of a South African national heritage site. The Cederberg is one of the richest areas of rock art in the world, and feature images of humans, animals, and history. I was able to see some of them inside the small shelters and cavern overhangs within the reserve. Although much is unknown about the paintings and the people who created them, they are widely considered a historic and cultural treasure.

 

One of my favorite experiences at the reserve was a day at the spa for their Signature Massage. I was even able to pick a candle with a scent that represented my personality the most. The spa was gorgeous and glowed with cream-colored walls and pristine marble surfaces. It was sanctuary within an already peaceful environment.

In the course of a single day at Bushmans Kloof, guests can choose from endless activities to experience on their own, with a guide, or with a group. Mountain biking through the trails, bird watching, archery, painting, fly-fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, spa treatments, rock climbing, and yoga are only some of the things available.

 

Staying at Bushmans Kloof was a truly transformative 3-day experience. Leaving the lodge proved to be more difficult than I expected. How could I say good-bye to the majestic views of the garden from my terrace, or the inviting interiors that managed to combine traditional South African design with modern luxury? But the day came, and James and his staff again walked us out, waving at us as we departed, just as graciously as when we arrived. This is a property that holds something for you, whether it’s in the world-class cuisine, the sightseeing and the endless relaxation, or the chance to live luxuriously in the naturally preserved wild. It was the stay of a lifetime and one that I’ll never forget.