BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
The Midlands Meander is a charming countryside destination known for its fresh produce, adventurous activities, and relaxing holidays. It’s also famous for its romantic wedding venues. Before 1985, the area was a small farming community at the foot of the Drakensberg mountains. The transformation began when a group of artists and creatives started showcasing their work and the community. Today, it’s hard to drive through the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River without stopping at Nottingham Road for its spectacular views and incredible food.
The drive
Recently, we intentionally stopped in the Midlands, invited by Toyota for the launch of the rugged Hilux, South Africa’s farmer bakkie of choice. We stayed at the luxurious Fordoun Hotel & Spa. Our convoy drove from King Shaka International Airport through the rolling cane fields connecting the northern coast of KZN and the Midlands. The roads were winding and bumpy due to the abundance of sugar cane trucks. Occasionally, we had to navigate chaos and jaywalkers as we crossed small towns during their peak hours.
In the early evening, as the sun glistened on the horizon, we arrived at a road lined with tall trees. The surroundings felt like a scene from a romantic novel. We reached the beautiful courtyard of the Fordoun Hotel & Spa, originally a dairy farm from the 1860s. Now, it is a 5-star boutique hotel known for its excellent hospitality, incredible spa, and delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
The rooms
The Fordoun has 22 spacious, luxurious rooms decorated in a country style that instantly makes you feel at home, especially during the cold winter months. The rooms feature fluffy carpets, full bathrooms with large sunken bathtubs, showers, and underfloor heating. With only an hour between check-in and the business presentation leading to dinner, a candle-lit bath with soothing vocals from Brenda Mntambo seemed like the perfect way to relax.
After dinner, it was comforting to return to my room to find the bed turned down, lights dimmed, and a decadent chocolate on the nightstand—a touch that reminds you you’re in a five-star establishment.
Fine Dining
Dinner was served at the cozy Sky Bistro, the hotel’s restaurant. Here, the chefs create fine-dining meals from local ingredients. The service is personal, with waiters who strike the perfect balance between attentiveness and familiarity, making you feel like part of the family. They offer an incredible selection of wines to pair with the dishes and are very knowledgeable.
The team from Toyota arranged a long table for the group of guests for a three-course dinner. From the first course, there were “oohs” and “aahs” as we enjoyed the delectable meals. I started with sesame-coated, fried camembert served with figs and a balsamic reduction. This was followed by a generous portion of Fordoun lamb curry with rice, poppadums, and roti. Not too hot and not too mild, it struck the perfect balance and the flavorful spices danced inside my mouth. For dessert, I had Nompilo’s cheesecake, which felt like a slice of heaven. Thankfully, the rooms are within walking distance from the restaurant, and as I bid goodnight to my fellow diners, I wore a big smile.
An early check-out meant I missed their legendary breakfast, but I promised myself to return to Fordoun with my family for leisure. I plan to enjoy simple country activities like horse riding, fishing, hiking, biking, and even cow milking. I will also take full advantage of their luxurious spa, which incorporates elements of African spirituality and healing.
