Cathedral Peak Hotel

Considering the hotel can accommodate 200-plus guests, it's no surprise that the public areas are pretty extensive. The lounge, dining room and bar areas, although rather old-fashioned, are clean and well-tended. Outside, lovely terraced areas provide peaceful spaces to soak up the views or have a sundowner. On site are swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, mini-golf course, gym, kiddies' play area, and a spa. There's a conference centre, and a charming stone chapel that's perfect for weddings.

Ninety rooms range from standard singles to family rooms, honeymoon and presidential suites. Though their size and furnishings vary considerably, each has twin or king-sized beds, a carpeted floor, en-suite bathroom, coffee-making facilities, TV, fan, heater, and a private veranda, and some are under thatch. The larger suites have electric fireplaces, underfloor heating, spa baths and breathtaking mountain views. Rates include dinner, and breakfast plus mid-morning and afternoon tea. Decor varies from slightly old-fashioned (although more than comfortable) to modern.

The lodge lies in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site that offers some of southern Africa's best hiking. The spectacular hike up to Cathedral Peak is physically quite challenging. Many other, less strenuous, trails wind their way through glorious scenery, passing streams and trout ponds. Explore on horseback or quad bike, enjoy tennis or a round of golf. There's lots for children, and an on-site helicopter for a bird's-eye view. Didima Valley's impressive rock art is close by.