WORDS: Jason Whitehouse

Although I live in Cape Town, a beautiful part of the world that’s spoilt for choice in terms of where to go and things to do, truly breaking away from the busy life I lead is easier said than done.

However, it’s amazing what the 3-hour drive to the Cederberg to stay at Bushmans Kloof does to slowly disengage me from the reality that is my mobile phone. And even though I’m up at 2am during our stay to finish off some work, something I regularly do while I’m at home, this morning hits different.

My lighting comes from the night sky and there is no need for background music as the natural setting is buzzing with wildlife and nature. There are buck lying on the grass outside my room and, after stepping out into the crisp clear air for a minute, I cannot help but be totally inspired by the sheer volume and clarity of stars.

For the first time in years, I finally feel that rare sense of peace that I’ve needed for a long time. The sense of peace that we all crave. An escape, a respite, an inspired encounter, something that lifts the spirits and rejuvenates the soul.

It takes a special kind of setting to achieve this sense of tranquility – Bushmans Kloof is it.

Inspired setting

We arrived to a high tea spread that rivalled that of any other five-star destination I’ve visited – and with that, the switch turned off, a sense of peace set in, and permission to enjoy the moment was released.

Built into the natural habitat and incredible mountainous landscape on rocky outcrops alongside a running stream, Bushmans Kloof is a unique and truly special luxury destination. Our room sits at the top of a terraced set of grass patches cultivated in between the surrounding rocks. The view looks far onto the horizon, with the jagged rocky outcrops of the Cederburg mountains stretching far into the distance.

This is an inspired setting as it is one of the top rock art sites in Africa with San paintings going as far as 10 000 years back. As a South African, I feel a sense of pride as we explore the surrounding terrain with a touring French family on one of our outrides. Black Wildebeest, zebra, springbok, ostriches, caracal and even leopard all roam free on this 7500-hectare property. Aside from the outride, there’s plenty to do – my partner and I spend time canoeing on the lake and hiking on one of the many amazing trails to experience the rock art that dates so far back. It’s amazing to be in this setting that was inhabited thousands of years ago by the San – just how they lived off this land provides a lesson on just how resourceful we can be as a human race.

An oasis of luxury

There is a spa on site and this oasis of luxury has a range of rooms catering for couples and families, or even the single entrepreneur looking for a break away to draw on the inspired setting – what Bill Gates would call a ‘think week’.

Dinner was certainly very special: sous vide beef rib, Josper-cooked variations on other main meals, roasted cauliflowers, bacon wrapped asparagus and slightly sweet locally made bread to go with our red lentil soup starter. Absolutely everything is six-star – something only a special crew and committed staff complement could pull off this far out of town.

This morning, after having had a bath in a turned down luxury suite, and sleeping soundly on memory foam pillows, surrounded by authentic artwork, I wake up the most refreshed I’ve been in many months. This inspired setting is recharging my proverbial battery, and all I can say is that I’m grateful to be here, right now, in this very moment.

The nuts and bolts

Bushmans Kloof is situated at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, 270km from Cape Town, and is the ideal wilderness getaway to escape, restore and relax. Malaria and predator free, the reserve is a natural playground for those who want to reconnect with themselves and the essence of life, with wide, open plains, mystical rock formations, crystal clear waterfalls, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Guests can discover the wonders of nature, choose from a vast range of outdoor activities, or do absolutely nothing but inhale the beauty, and succumb to the peace, quiet and tranquility.

Bushmans Kloof’s main accommodation is based at the elegant Homestead, which is seated in a majestic garden setting overlooking rock pools, towering cliff s and rock formations, with pebbled pathways leading to the 17 individually decorated rooms and suites.
Inspired by the healing essence of Africa, The Spa at Bushmans Kloof reflects the very latest advances in global spa and wellness trends. Designed in natural muted tones of whites, creams, beiges, stones and marble, it exudes a calming, light and spiritual ambience, where guests can succumb to the tranquil world of pampering.