Bushmans Kloof bliss

Why bother catching planes, trains and automobiles when you can scoot off to Bushmans Kloof, a few hours out of Cape Town, for an absolutely magical honeymoon?

We spent a blissful two nights at Bushmans Kloof and I kid you not – I felt a little teary when we had to leave! It’s difficult to say exactly what makes this five-star lodge in the Cederberg so special. Yes, it is stunningly beautiful – surrounded on all sides by ancient rock formations (with two-thousand-year-old rock art) and indigenous succulents and vast stretches of fynbos. Yes, it is deliciously peaceful – no sounds except for birdsong and the occassional bark of a baboon. And yes, it is deeply luxurious, with no expense spared to make every moment the ultimate in comfort.

But it’s something more than that. My man and I are lucky enough to have reviewed a lot of luxury hotels (for Just the Planet) but there’s something about Bushmans Kloof that really stands out. I think it’s the people. A lot of five star places will give you great service, but it’s because they have to. Here, it feels like they want to. So it wasn’t just that we were greeted with a bottle of bubbly and had a rose petal, candlelit turndown in the evening, and a romantic gift pack (of body oil and massage candles – lovely). It wasn’t just that they had thought ahead and knew that we were arriving after afternoon tea, and so had selected a platter of goodies for us. It was that they did it with such care – they really saw us, you know? We weren’t just another pair of guests. And isn’t that what you want for your honeymoon?

Aside from the exceptional service, the superb food and the beautiful surroundings, two things really stuck out for us at Bushmans Kloof. The one was the spa treatment, their 90 minute signature treatment that encompassed a full body massage, scalp, face and foot massage (amazing!) in quite possibly the most beautiful spa treatment room I’ve ever been in: a private cottage that opens out on to the surrounding mountains. Wow.

The other was one of the most romantic evenings my man and I have ever had… Ever. For those really wanting to celebrate, you can book a private dinner at Kadoro (‘tinderbox of stories’ in the ancient San language). It’s an old shepherd’s hut without any electricity that is filled (filled!) with lanterns and candles, and where you are served an extraordinary private dinner… Just the two of you, surrounded by candlelight, with an ocean of stars right outside your door. It’s also the perfect place to propose!

Driving back from our incredible evening at Kadoro (complete with ostrich carpaccio, fresh salmon and chocolate mousse cake) we were treated to a half-hour star-gazing drive to round off what was undoubtedly one of the best days of our lives. And we weren’t even on honeymoon!

The Honeymoon Suite is also quite amazing – a giant four-poster bed, huge bathtub, private outdoor shower, private heated swimming pool and patio, all looking out over the beautiful surroundings, without anyone being able to look in.

(pics source: Mark Peddle)