4 Best Hotels in The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban

In the heart of a lush dairy farm that dates back to the 1800s, original stone buildings have been converted into a five-star luxury hotel and spa. The award-winning spa is uniquely African. Dr. Elliott Ndlovu, a sangoma (traditional African healer), herbalist, and ethnobotanist, helped to develop Fordoun's signature range of holistic products. Book a session with him and watch him "throw" the bones and assess your well-being, as well as prescribe healing herbs that he grows in Mooi River. Tuck into some of the specials at the on-site gourmet Skye Bistro, which uses fresh farm produce; book in advance if you're not a guest. If you're energetic, you can go fly-fishing, mountain biking, play a round of golf, or go shopping. Ask for a mountain-facing suite, or stock up on local goods along the Midlands Meander and check into a self-catering suite for a budget-friendly alternative. 

Brahman Hills is a contemporary slick country hotel with standard rooms, serviced self-catering cottages, and five-star self-catering villas—ideal for couples or families. Set on the Blue Crane nature reserve, expect to see zebras and various buck grazing nearby at sunset—kids will be in awe. The bar and the bistro built belowground at the main building, using the original walls, tend to get a little cold, but expect a crackling fire in colder months and warm service. The on-site chapel by the dam and the conference facilities are booked solid, so it does lose some of the intimacy if you're not part of a group. The spa and room service options (even if you're at a self-catering cottage) ensure you can fully relax without leaving the property.

One of the best-loved and oldest hotels on the Meander, Granny Mouse has cozy thatched rooms, all slightly different, with a bush view, fireplace, and homey, though upmarket, atmosphere. Freestanding rooms offer more privacy and peace than the newer hotel wing, though the latter have more space. All rooms have a his-and-hers bathroom vanity and a separate bathtub. The main hotel building—formerly an unusual farmhouse with doors and windows from an old church—offers conviviality and warmth in its several lounges. The on-site bistro is locally famous for its lavish breakfasts and afternoon teas. Upstairs, the fine-dining restaurant is known for its gorgeous plating in an intimate room. Some of the best places on the Meander are within easy reach.

In the heart of the lush KwaZulu Natal Midlands, this lakeside English cottage–style hotel offers lawn tennis, walking trails, a distillery, and a brewery, with beers best enjoyed at the Boars Head Pub.