My local travels this year, have allowed me to explore a few wonderful new places! One such place I visited recently, was Piekenierskloof, in Citrusdal. Situated high up in the Piekenierskloof Pass, nestled within the Cederberg Mountains, you will find Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort.

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, is a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. The resort offers guests a real opportunity to escape city life! With stunning views across the Oliphant’s River Valley and a host of leisure activities, it really is the perfect getaway destination.

Accommodation

The Hotel offers guests the choice of either a Valley Suite, Valley Studio, Mountain Suite or Deluxe Suite. All the rooms are well appointed and feature: ceiling fans, air conditioning, under floor heating, bar fridge, microwave, DSTV channels, hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities, electronic safes. There is free WIFI available at the resort but only in the common areas, not in the rooms. Two children {under 12} can be accommodated on a sleeper couch, in the Valley Suites, at an additional cost.

I stayed in a Valley Suite, which had a balcony and great views across the valley! My bed was super comfy and room is wonderfully spacious, with a small sofa and coffee table. If I had to book a room again I would definitely request a Valley Suite!

As well as the Hotel Accommodation the resort offers Two Bedroom Self-catering Chalets, which sleep six people. Chalet accommodation consists of two bedrooms, both ensuite, a loft room, open-plan lounge dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. The main bedroom has a queen size bed, the second bedroom has two single beds and the loft two twin beds. There is also an under cover patio area with a built-in braai. Chalets have DSTV, ceiling fans and selected units have aircon.

The chalets are perfect if you are travelling with children but be warned they are booked up months in advance! My advice is book now for next year, so you won’t be disappointed!

The views from the hotel suites, as well as the chalets are stunning! The grounds are beautifully maintained and there is a wonderful kiddies play area, within view of the chalets.

Dining

Kloof, the hotels restaurant, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As well as indoor seating, there is a wonderful outdoor deck area. The deck overlooks the pool and has beautiful mountain views!

We enjoyed both lunch and dinner at Kloof and I must commend them on delicious food, as well as great service! Portions are generous and the meals, in my opinion, are good value for money. They have a rather extensive wine list, which features many of the wines from the immediate area. Keeping it local, which I think is great!

Facilties

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort has a indoor heated pool, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. The swimming pool has the best views and is rather refreshing in the heat, which can be extreme during summer. I actually took the plunge after our rather adventurous activities!

The Piekenierskloof Wellness Centre offers face and body spa treatments, an ideal way to unwind and enjoy a bit of pampering. Unfortunately due to time constraints I was not able to enjoy a spa treatment but there is always next time!

As I mentioned earlier Piekenierskloof has a great kiddies play area, as well as tramolines and a cute put-putt course. Volley ball is also available, as well as outdoor chess.

If you are a bit of an adventure junkie, they have you covered! Onsite activities include target shooting, zip lining, walking trails and a wonderful mountain bike trail.

Eendekuil Lookout

A wonderful surprise organised by the hotel, was a sundowner trip to the lookout at Eendekuil. The views literally had us all speechless!

It really felt like you were on top of the world! I do not think my photographs do it justice but you will get some idea of the pure splendour of the place. I love the shot I captured of @MrCPT {aka Dylan Moore} – the image says it all, no caption needed!

Part of the surprise was a beer and wine tasting and delicious nibbles. We tasted a variety of local beers, from the area. There were definite favourites amongst the group. I am not going to attempt to weigh-in, as I am not a beer drinker but the most talked about beers, were the Boggom en Voetsek, from Cederberg Brewery!

We also had the opportunity of trying a few wines from the surrounding area, including one of my favourites the Cederberg 2013 Shiraz! What a truly magical experience sipping some of the best wine the Cederberg has to offer, while soaking in that amazing view! The resort does arrange trips to Eendekuil lookout, for hotel guests as an add on, so please remember to inquire when you make your booking.

I really enjoyed my stay at the resort and had loads of fun! I must say a big thank you to the wonderful staff, who took care of us so well, especially Natasha who showed us all the sights! As well as thank you to Big Ambitions, who arranged the trip! I am looking forward to taking my family back soon and possibly staying in one of the chalets.

Special Offer

As a special offer for my readers, Piekenierskloof are offering a 25% discount off your booking value. All you need to do is book via the Dream Resorts website, using my Twitter handle, @inspired_lifeSA, as the promo code. The special offer is valid for travel and booking any time {both on and off peak season}. Please note that your discount, will be provided in the form of vouchers, upon arrival at the resort. the vouchers can be used towards food, drink and activities at the resort {excludes the spa}.

Location & Contact Details:

Address:N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal, 7340, South Africa Contact: Via Telephone:+27 (0) 22 921 3574 +27 (0) 22 921 2569 or Email