Name: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
Address: Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa, South Africa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

Western Cape, South Africa

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Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

Western Cape, South Africa

About the hotel

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Boutique

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"Set in the heart of the Cederberg mountains, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat boasts exclusive guestrooms, magical dining experiences and an indulgent spa."

Within South Africa’s Cederberg mountain ranges, dramatic rock formations are plentiful. Rich-hued stone makes for impossibly scenic drives and ancient artwork awaits the earnest explorer. In the heart of the mountains is Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat. Getting there is a bit of a trek – a three-hour drive is unavoidable – but those who make the journey are richly rewarded.

The hotel’s low buildings blend unobtrusively into the landscape. There are just seventeen rooms and suites in addition to two villas – all are uniquely designed, blending the contemporary with the traditional by way of framed art, bold patterns and dark wood furnishings. Many have private terraces or patios, and some have fireplaces to cosy up to as the nights cool. Spacious bathrooms have walk-in showers and toiletries are locally made. Four beautiful pools can be found at the lodge, or – if you’d prefer privacy – in the Villas, where you’ll find magnificent pools in addition to private chefs, guides and a host of other perks.

Dining here is excellent, and subtlety is clearly not of any import – the hotel offers what they call “Extraordinary Dining” experiences in walled gardens, wildflower fields or on riverbanks. For a slightly less extraordinary (but still divine) meal, a magical under-the-stars dinner buffet can be found in a natural sandstone amphitheatre at Embers. The Homestead is the hotel’s fine-dining option complete with a bar and well-stocked library. Have high tea or a simple but delicious grilled dinner at Makana – its name means “to feast” – and feast you shall. The romantic Kadoro is set in an old shepherd’s cottage, and has no electricity – indoor meals are illuminated by hundreds of candles – outdoors, by the light of the stars.

The spa’s menu options range from touch therapies treatments to hand rituals to the expected exfoliations and wraps. The real adventures are to be had outside – more than a hundred paintings of Bushmen rock art at several sites contribute to what is lovingly referred to as one of the world’s “largest open-air art galleries”. The wilderness can be explored on one’s own; wildlife in the sanctuary is prevalent but devoid of predators. Canoe through waterways, try your hand at archery or croquet or – if you’re here between July and October – bear witness to the famed Cape wildflower blooms when the grasslands explode with colour.