TREAT YOURSELF
ST ANDREW’S RETREAT, MOOI RIVER
The last time you fell asleep in church certainly wasn’t as comfortable as this! Paul and Jennifer Hindle converted this small Anglican church (pictured) in the middle of nowhere into guest accommodation in 2013, saving it from demolition. The stained-glass windows in the former chancel (now a sitting room) have been preserved, as has the baptismal font which is now a fireplace next to the dining room table. In each church wing there’s a kitchen and a reading/TV room respectively. The atmosphere is cosy and you’ll feel #blessed to be here. The garden is lush, but there are some open water features so you’ll have to keep an eye on young kids. Facilities: The converted church has three en suite bedrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas stove and a coal stove. The annex has an en suite double room with a sitting area where you can make coffee and tea. Eight people can be accommodated in total. Rates: R600 per person. If you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, you can book dinner (R180 per person) and breakfast (R100 per person). Your meals will be prepared by chef and caretaker Thembani Moyo. The church can only be booked by one group at a time, even if you’re only two people. Minimum rate R1 800 over weekends. Niggles? Confess your sins if you find anything wrong here. How to get there? St Andrew’s Retreat is on the Giant’s Castle Road, about 15 km west of Mooi River. Contact: 033 266 6101; 083 376 0150 (Paul Hindle); standrewsretreat.co.za
MIDLANDS SADDLE & TROUT, HIDCOTE
This resort is the perfect family spot. There’s so much to do here: Go horse riding, play mini golf and garden chess, ride a bike (bring your own or hire one), fish for trout, swim, hike, bowl, relax in the spa… There are 59 chalets on the property and each chalet has a view. A daily cleaning service is included in the rate. If self-catering is not your thing, have breakfast, lunch, dinner or a light meal at the 29 Degrees South restaurant. Facilities: Chalets have a washing machine, microwave, TV, Wi-Fi, fireplace, spa bath and private braai facilities (one bundle of firewood supplied per day). Rates: One-bedroom chalet (sleeps up to four people) from R1 490 per night; two-bedroom chalet (up to six people) from R1 820; three-bedroom chalet (up to six people) from R2 150; four-bedroom chalet (up to eight people) from R2 610. Enquire about special offers when you book. Niggles? You either like staying in a resort or you don’t. Your call. How to get there? From the N3, take exit 152 to Hidcote (north of Mooi River). Drive about 4,5 km and turn right at the brown sign. Contact: 033 263 2758; midlandssaddle.co.za