Walkersons Hotel and Spa: Hideaway in Dullstroom

I’ve been wanting to plan a getaway to Dullstroom for absolute ages! Which is why I jumped at the invitation to join a group a lovely group of ladies for a weekend at Walkerson Hotel and Spa, located just on the outside of Dullstroom.

With Dullstroom being an under three-hour drive from Joburg, I have no idea why I haven’t been sneaking off there for weekends more often! It really is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway with friends, family or the kids. There is something for everyone (as cliché as it sounds). The quaint main street is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, bars, boutique stores, farm stalls and clothing shops. You could spend a full day strolling around the town shopping while stopping for coffee and snacks along the way – you can even do a sneaky whisky tasting at Wild about Whisky.

Dullstroom accommodation: Walkersons Hotel & Spa

Whether you’re looking for Dullstroom self-catering accommodation, hotels in Dullstroom or simply just a nice place to stay, Walkersons Hotel and Spa has you covered. There are 27 beautifully decorated hotel rooms, including a family suite and manor suite which both feature two bedrooms. I was lucky enough to stay in one of the luxury lakeside suites which overlooked the lakes situated in front of the hotel. The suites are spread out around the hotel, making each room feel private.

The room was very spacious, including a large bed, couch, TV, working desk, full tea-and-coffee making facilities, minibar, and two bathrooms – one with bath and basin and another with toilet and both indoor and outdoor shower. The patio looked out over the small trout dams – offering a perfect sunrise view!

There are also seven fully-furnished self-catering units spread throughout the Walkersons Estate. These are great for big families or perhaps a group of friends. We had lunch in one of the self-catering units and it was absolutely amazing. So beautifully decorated, with a massive kitchen and entertainment area (indoor and outdoor). It would be the perfect option for a group of friends or larger families.

Really, look no further for accommodation in Dullstroom.

The Walkersons Spa

There is something so lush about adding a spa treatment to a weekend getaway. It is an ideal way to make sure that you are even more relaxed. The Walkersons Spa offers a variety of pamper treatments, from massages to facials, mani’s & pedi’s and exfoliation treatments.

I had the 60-minute hot stone massage and it was heaven!

Restaurants at Walkersons

There are two restaurants at Walkersons Hotel and Spa: The Flying Scotsman Restaurant and The Terrace.

Each morning we had breakfast at The Terrace – this includes a starter of fresh fruit and yogurt followed by a cooked breakfast. The usual options are available, from oats and flapjacks to omelettes and a big breakfast fry up.

The Terrace also offers a lunch and dinner menu, with daily specials. I had a delicious fresh pear and biltong salad for lunch on the day that we arrived. Other main meals on the menu (available for lunch or dinner) include pan-fried trout, chicken and prawn curry (I had this and it was yum!), pastas, burgers, rump steak and falafel pita pocket. Find the full menu here.

The Flying Scotsman Restaurant offers a more intimate fine-dining experience with a set menu. The set menu includes a variety of courses and sorbet and can be perfectly paired with the some of the finest wines. The menu is constantly changing, taking into consideration what locally-sourced ingredients are in season.

When dining at The Flying Scotsman, I was lucky enough to try their cream of spinach soup, pan-fried Halloumi with blueberry-port glaze, pork fillet wrapped in bacon with potato croquettes and Dutch Apple Bake with vanilla ice-cream. Each course was delicious!

The atmosphere in The Flying Scotsman is cozy and romantic, with dim-lighting and laid-back seating allowing you to settle in comfortably for the evening. The roaring fireplace in the winter months will add to the allure, I’m sure. It’s a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or to add to a romantic getaway for two.

For families, you may want to stick to The Terrace restaurant where the atmosphere is more laid-back and the menu options more suitable.

Make sure to also pop into Peggy’s Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap after dinner.

The activities

What I loved the most about Walkersons Hotel and Spa was the outdoor experiences. Set on the massive Walkersons Estate, you are free to roam and explore the surroundings. From walking along the many trout dams to hiking over the hills and along the footpaths.

We did a long (about 10km) hike around the estate, starting from the hotel and up to the highest point, then walked around the estate passing some of the houses and dams on the property. The view from the top was amazing, really showing off the magnitude of the estate. It also takes you closer the estates wildlife, including Impala, Zebra, Blue wildebeest and Bles buck. The hiking path is well marked and there are also several paved paths on the lower levels of the estate.

Then, of course, there is fly fishing. You can’t spend a weekend in Dullstroom without at least attempting to catch a fish. Walkersons has 14 lakes and dams, all stocked with rainbow trout, so you don’t have to leave the property!

It was a misty morning in the valley when we went fly fishing which added to the experience. None of us caught any fish, but it was still fun to try.

There is also a small gym on the property and picnic spots (get the hotel to pack a picnic basket for you).

The location

Walkersons Hotel & Spa is located on the Walkersons Private Estate. If you’re coming from the Johannesburg side, then you will have to first pass through Dullstroom’s main street before finding the entrance on the right-hand side.

Situated in a valley, you feel absolutely secluded from the rest of the world. Yet, you are still close enough to the main Dullstroom attractions.

Walkersons Hotel and Spa is perfect for a romantic weekend away, a relaxed girls weekend or active family breakaway with the kids. The property is large enough to feel secluded and the facilities are down to the earth with a touch of fancy to make it feel special.

Thank you to Walkersons Hotel and Spa for the complimentary media weekend. As always, all views are my own.

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