Best hotels in Midlands

This quirky and principled owner-run lodge has a distinct Tolkien-esque feel, with thatched roofs and hay-bale walls. It has a real family-farm atmosphere too, in which chickens and horses wander the property and the owners are likely to join you for a meal. Best of all, it sits at the foot of the stunning Drakensberg mountains, taking in wide escarpment views. (You can even stay in a luxurious glass-fronted cave.) Built sustainably, using local and recycled materials (including glass bottles for bricks), Antbear Lodge fulfils its owners' commitment to living gently on the planet.

There's nothing mousy about this retreat in the foothills of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, one of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites. It's a charming country hotel in a picturesque setting on the willow-lined Lions River. Here you're on the popular Midlands Meander route, where Granny Mouse Country House is a much-loved destination for its excellent cuisine, wide range of accommodation, on-site spa, chapel, and dine-in cellar with 4000-plus wines. Come for a romantic weekend, or to say "I do". Stay for longer and explore the grounds, where some 200 bird species have been recorded, and free-roaming antelope and other critters roam freely.

Set on a working dairy farm in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, Fordoun could be a pretty retreat in the English countryside. It's an impression that's intensifed by the curving tree-lined access, Nottingham Road, which leads to this guesthouse and spa that occupy portions of an original 1860 homestead. Today, you can indulge in considerably more than farm fare at this five-star retreat, with elegant cuisine at the on-site restaurant, a host of therapies at the well-appointed spa, and charming, really comfortable accommodation. Along with dairy products, fruit and veg are sourced right here on the farm.

Nestled deep in the heart of the lush and serene KwaZulu Natal Midlands, you will find the charming Rawdons Hotel and Country Estate, a haven for those who seek the peace and tranquility of this famous country retreat. Rawdons Hotel is a welcome haven for tourists, businesses, brides and weekenders offering splendid a la Carte, Table d’Hote and pub menus. The recently refurbished rooms decorated with a combination of prize antiques & all the mod-cons one expects in the city. The hotel also offers lawn tennis and quiet walking trails around the property. Clay shoots, ideal for team-building, wedding groups and something-different birthdays, can be arranged on a distant section of our vast estate. A thriving independent brewery delights visitors with a range of naturally brewed ales and lagers of outstanding quality. These brews can be enjoyed in the famous “The Boars Head Pub”, situated at Rawdons Hotel.

Old Furth Estate is close to The Midlands Meander. You’ll love the location, the high ceilings, the views and the ambience. The property is good for families (with older kids) and big groups. Spectacular scenery, many fabulous walking trails, waterfalls and indigenous forests; this is a working farm with Nguni cattle, Shire horses and forestry, plus farmyard animals such as dogs, cats, chickens and ducks. It is completely off-grid, so you can also add up those carbon-friendly credits. Take time to breathe & relax! This luxurious accommodation can provide you with some much needed leisure time. Enjoy the splendours of the beautiful Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, tour the sites, walk in the forest, hike Nhlosane mountain, eat pizza, read a book, take a long nap, swim in the dam, listen to the birds, watch the sunset and indulge in some much needed chill time..