Woodridge Country Hotel

Woodridge Country Hotel - accommodation in Balgowan Kwazulu Natal

Description

Woodridge Country Hotel is set in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. It is a four star country style retreat for the nature lover who desires fine food, fine wines and a chance to rejuvenate their body, mind and soul. Guests can step out of their room to have a choice of three excellent restaurants. Including Isibaya (Kraal) an A la Carte restaurant, Indlovu (Elephant) which is a relaxed Grill House and Umlilo (Fire) a Boma in the Nature Reserve where you can enjoy a South African Traditional Braai. Woodridge also specializes in Weddings with our own Chapel on site and Conferences. Activities available on site, Horse Riding, walks in the Nature Reserve amongst our plains game, Bass and Trout Fishing, Walk and Talk with the Nguni Cows, Spa Treatments or shop in our delightful shop with home-made soaps and herbal potions.

Accommodation

Suites

There are 10 spacious Luxury suites at Woodridge which look out over natural spring feature pools into the Woodridge Nature Reserve and down the Balgowan Valley. Water in the pools cascade down from one level to the next and add to the overall ambience.

Each suite is tastefully furnished and decorated and has a separate bathroom including bath, basin toilet and shower. Bathing products which are all hand made on site are provided to guests for their exclusive use and enjoyment.

Fresh biscuits as well as surprise sweet and savory delights are prepared for each suite by our ingenious chefs on a daily basis.

Chalets

There are five Chalet units at Woodridge. Each chalet has an internal loft area with two beds which is accessed via separate external stairway and is ideal for children between the age of 8 and 12. Each unit has a separate bathroom with shower, bath, basin and toilet facilities. A tea and coffee station provides guests with refreshments and freshly cooked biscuits and or snacks.

All chalets overlook the formal Woodridge gardens and magnificent Balgowan valley. A heated Jacuzzi pool and trampoline are available to guests.

Valley Suites

Woodridge has access to house accommodation units owned by private investors. There are a minimum of two suites within each house unit; which are rented out as four star room accommodation to Woodridge Guests, when the house is not being occupied by the owner. It is important to note that each suite is accessed via separate external entrance and that the central living areas are not rented out as they are the private abode of the owner.

There are currently ten houses (Twenty rooms) which can be rented out to Woodridge guests. All rooms conform to a minimum four star grading requirement, and do have a limited fixed number of TV channels.`

All rooms have excellent private views of the Nature Reserve and Balgowan Valley. Some units have garden pools which can be used by guests if in occupation.

Attractions

ON SITE ACTIVITIES:

• Take in the sights, sounds and tranquility of the midlands on horseback.
• Take in the fresh morning air whilst exploring our invigorating hiking trails.
• Fishing and water tubing.
• Soap and herbal products crafting courses are provided to guests and visitors by resident experts
• This relaxing getaway destination provides the opportunity for you to relax and enjoy the privacy of a heated Jacuzzi.
• View indigenous game in our own Private Nature Reserve, including Zebra, Ostrich, Blesbuck, Wildebeest, Duiker, Reedbuck and Oribi.
• Woodridge also show cases a beautiful array of birdlife.
• Woodridge has five natural springs which rise on the property. A walk to the falls is a must.
• Bass and Trout fishing experiences can be executed in dams or the Mpofana river
• Experts have identified over 67 Wild flower species property; which can be viewed between the months of November and February. There is also a wild protea forest on the property
• Visit and hear all about and touch our Nguni cattle

OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES:

•  Rock-climbing challenges abound in the Kamberg region.
• Solo or tandem, the sky’s the limit for flighty adventurers.
• Golf can be enjoyed at a number of different golf venues in the close vicinity including Boschhoek, Gowrie, Sacabula
• Stop off for a variety of cheeses, fresh fruit and bread on the road to Curry’s Post
• Pietermaritzburg Midlands is the destination of choice for wild, white-knuckle water rafting.
• Hot air ballooning is an exciting way to view game.
• Take a canopy tour of a bird’s eye view of the Karkloof forest
• Abseil 97 meters down South Africa’s second highest waterfall
• There are number of large waterfalls in KZN including Howick, Karlkloof and Albert falls all of which are in close proximity to Woodridge
• Natal midlands also boast numerous nature reserves with a wide display of African Fauna & Flora.

ATTRACTIONS;

• Natal National Botanic Gardens
• The Comrades Marathon has put Pietermaritzburg on the international map and brings ultra marathon runners from around the world to this premier athletics event
• Scottsville Race Course attracts punters to the sport of kings
• Golden Horse Casino is an added attraction for those who enjoy gambling
• The Natal Museum is a treasure trove of information about past events and famous persons
• Every June, artists flock to the popular art in the park at Alexandra Park, rated the country’s premier outdoor selling expo
• Natal Midlands is uniquely symbolic of its magnificent waterfalls.
• Natal midlands also boast numerous nature reserves with a wide display of African Fauna & Flora.
• uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest Marine Theme Park, is just an hours drive away from Woodridge.
• Experience first hand African Rock Art at Kamburg and Hilton
• Take a walk down KZN’s history to the Anglo Zulu War Battle Fields

Facilities

Weddings

Woodridge Country Hotel is the premier KwaZulu-Natal Midlands 4-star country wedding venue.

Sitting on one of the highest points overlooking the Balgowan Valley, our wedding venue, Chapel as well as all of our beautifully appointed suites, have magnificent views that will literally take your breath away !

Our enchanting thatched and glass-enclosed Chapel is situated close to the reception venue and can seat up to 120 people.

The reception venue and bar area, with its’ high thatched ceiling adorned with fairy lights and beautiful wrought iron chandeliers, is tastefully decorated with modern African décor, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The venue can seat up to 120 guests with a dance floor or 150 without.

Woodridge is well known for its excellent service and cuisine with a wide range of menus to choose from. All menus are plated ensuring the best quality and freshness.

The Woodridge property has beautifully manicured gardens and a small forest which provides your photographer with ample opportunities to capture your memories against stunning backgrounds.

Please contact Shelley Herbst, our Wedding Co-ordinator, to discuss your special occasion.

Destination weddings

Destination weddings (also known as weddings away) are a new trend of wedding that suites couples who want to marry away from home. Couples have the freedom and flexibility to celebrate for days and it sets the tone to turn your wedding day into a weekend event. This way you can also ensure you have a memorable event without it costing a fortune. When you compare the cost of getting married in your home country to getting married in South Africa you will find you can have your dream wedding over a weekend at HALF the price. 

Green Weddings

Responsible Tourism means taking action when it comes to environmentally friendly practices.

Weddings have a major part to play and going green on weddings does not mean that your day will still not be as beautiful as you imagined.

Conference

Function packages are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the client.

Package options can include a host of activities including hot air ballooning, golf with professionals, fly fishing, but to name a few.

All dietary requirements are catered for on request.

Unique Selling Points - A Bigger than 5 Experience

• A Mini Spa - tranquillity and beauty at its best.
•  3 Restaurants that provide unique dining experiences:
• “Isibaya” (The Kraal with a Nguni Cattle theme) - Traditional African gourmet
• “Ndlovu” (The Elephant) - Grill House with beef, poultry and seafood specialities
• “Umlilo” (The Fire) - A bush braai /potjie experience – a South African treat
• Herbal Centre stocked with bath and body products made on site from local herbs
• Soap Making Courses
• African Animal Walks with Nguni, Zebra, Wildebeest and Blesbuck
• African Storytelling and African entertainment
• Horse Riding
• Walking trails – free of charge
• Dam Fishing
• Library  - free of charge
• DVD/Video Library  - free of charge
• Information boxes with activity and excursion brochures from the area
• Heated Jacuzzi available for use ,Lap Pools at selected Luxury Suites and Valley Suite rooms

Directions