Our family was recently invited to visit the brand new Dragonview Lodge, which is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in the Drakensberg.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed a few trips to the Drakensberg, but never on this level – it was grand in every way! I was impressed by the comfort and privacy of this beautiful gem in Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Cathkin Park. Besides the fact that it’s built on a world heritage site, it is also the first environmentally-friendly hotel in the Drakensberg, that operates off-grid, by making use of solar power and borehole water.
The travel:
The drive to Dragonview Lodge was just over 4 and a half hours from Johannesburg. We headed out around 5 am, while the kids were still drowsy. They slept halfway through the trip, which made our drive so much easier. They still got to do plenty of nagging in between experiencing the beautiful scenery and mountains as we entered the Berg.
Our arrival:
Having looked at photographs before our trip, I knew I was going to be arriving at a beautiful hotel. When I showed them to my sister, she immediately made a booking enquiry to join us for the weekend.
The entrance is uniquely decorated, with a mix of modern, yet warm homely decor. By now, I don’t have to tell you I love all things modern! I was immediately drawn to the open-plan dining area, just before I saw the captivating rock pool, which is positioned thoughtfully, between the majestic mountains.
I enjoyed the exclusivity of staying at the hotel, since it only has 8 suites, with a choice between a family room or executive room. Each suite has WiFi access, satellite TV, a safe, a desk/dressing table and leads onto a private deck with glorious views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Breakfast is included in your overnight stay.
The family rooms:
The theme of exquisite interiors is carried into the rooms. The family rooms feature a king-sized bed downstairs and twin single beds and couch upstairs, making it possible to accommodate a family of four or two couples holidaying together.
If you have another child under the age of 12, they can be accommodated on the couch. In fact, that’s where Khumo chose to sleep. On both nights, she slept in until 8 am which never happens at home.
The Executive Suites:
These suites feature a king-sized four-poster bed downstairs and an intimate private lounge upstairs – giving you the option to relax and dine privately with the room service menu if you wish to do so.
What you should know: all the suites have showers (no baths) and stairs. At first, Kgosi was fascinated with the stairs and kept trying to go up, but after a while, he went about his business normally, so that didn’t stress us out too much.
Children’s room and entertainment:
So I have three children between the ages of 1 – 11 years of age, which always makes entertaining tricky. However, I was fully covered. The hotel has a beautiful and spacious children’s playroom that Khumo was captivated by. She did crafts, played with the toys, and watched a movie. Zethu, the child-minder, was so warm and entertaining that Khumo still talks about her and sings some of the songs they made up together.
I appreciated the fact that it’s right next to the dining area so that we were close to the children. I also noted the safety doors before the stairs leading to the swimming pools – with a toddler I’m always scoping for stuff like that.
Lesedi enjoyed swimming and exploring with the friends he made. In between, they spent time in the games room, playing foosball and games on the PlayStation.
I have to tell you about the Dragonland playground – I’m pretty sure it could be an award-winning playground. It’s a natural play space with options for stimulating and engaging play for children of all ages. It’s well-thought-out with everything from climbing walls, beams, slides, tunnels, a trampoline, and even a retro car. The kids enjoyed making mud pies and playing hide-and-seek in this spacious setting.
It was such a treat to spot Zebras from next door while we were out there! The children’s entertainment made my first trip with all three kids such a breeze.
Relaxation and dining options:
We were blessed with great weather, especially on Saturday. We took full advantage and spent the majority of the day relaxing in and around the rock pool. They have a shallow pool for the kids as well as a deeper rim-flow pool. The view is breathtaking and our waiters brought our food and drinks outside for us to enjoy.
The hotel has two lounges, a bar area, and an onsite restaurant with a deck. This area can be enjoyed through all weather conditions because they have a lovely fireplace to warm up the common area on chilly nights.
This girl loves her food, so I appreciated Chef Daniel’s fine skills. The menu had a variety of options ranging from starters to dessert. The children’s menu has extensive breakfast, lunch/dinner, and dessert options. I would highly recommend the milkshakes! They had a high-chair available for Kgosi to enjoy his meals next to us.
The Dragonview Lodge has an on-site spa for treatments. If you happen to be one of those people who need to release endorphins, the gym will put a smile on your face. In addition to this, they have an on-site indoor heated pool and walking trails leading to the dam or river.
Although there is plenty to see and do in the area, driving out or leaving the hotel didn’t cross my mind. I had everything I needed right there.
Day trips and private functions.
I have to mention that Dragonview Lodge is also for day visitors, to enjoy a hearty meal and swim. Dragonview Bistro is open every day from 7 am to 10 pm for guests and day visitors. It can also be booked for your private events.
The service, beauty, and personal touches were the golden thread throughout the weekend. The children and I truly felt a sense of belonging and royalty. I know it will remain one of those holidays that we talk about for years to come. I can’t wait to go back with my hubby!
For booking, enquiries, and prices, visit the Dragonview Lodge website. Also, follow their Instagram Page and Facebook page for the latest updates and specials.
Giveaway to Dragonview Lodge
I’m running a giveaway for a 2-night stay in a family suite.
Enter by following Dragonview Lodge on Instagram and/or Facebook and leaving a comment on this blog post with your favourite feature about Dragonview Lodge or doing the same on my competition post on Instagram and Facebook .
Make sure that you are following both Dragonview Lodge (@dragonviewlodge) and me (@modernzulumom) on IG and/or Facebook.
Terms and conditions:
- Prize includes bed and breakfast for 2 adults, 2 children (3rd child if they are under 12 years of age).
- The prize will be redeemed in 2021 and the booking is subject to availability.
- Transport to and from the lodge will be for your own account and is not included in this prize.
- Extra meals, including lunch, dinner and drinks will be for your own account. We will not be held responsible for any additional costs associated with the prize.
- The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes.
- Prize is only open to South African residents
- Myself and Dragonview Lodge accept no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of entering this giveaway or accepting the prize.
- One winner will be chosen by means of a random draw of entries received in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
- Winner uses and accepts prizes at their own risk.
- The closing date of the giveaway is 11 December 2020. Entries received outside this time period will not be considered.
Credit: the professional images in this post were captured by Long Exposure Photography. Find them on Instagram
Hope you enjoyed the review!
Love,
Modern Zulu Mom
61 Comments
I totally love how Dragonview offered fun for the whole family. But the rock pool has to be the my favourite. My little family would really treasure this place.
We would definitely enjoy the rock pool 🏊♀️!
The rim flow pool has definitely caught my attention… The pool itself looks welcoming and the view from the pool is spectacular.
This is such a breathtaking adventure. Your holiday looks like it was majestic. You looked like you were a queen in your castle
Definitely love the rock pool..looks soo relaxing and a breath of fresh air..
What’s there not to love about Dragonview Lodge! But if I had to narrow it down I’d say my favorite features are the views, the rooms, the pool and the kiddies play area ❤️ It has everything to keep the entire family happy and entertained
For me, it would be the views. It would be a time for me to relax. The rest of the family would love the swimming pool, kids would love the play area. It looks like a great place to relax and have fun at the same time
Mmmmh so many to mention but for me it has to be the kiddies area, especially for us parents.. The peace of mind knowing your kids are being taken care of while you unwind, doing adult activities..
The rock pool and the food mentions are what got me sold about Dragonview Lodge. It’s a bonus that there’s a child minder so I can have some ‘me time’ with the bump and everyone will be happy 😂😂 I also hope the slides are big enough for me as well 🤔
Honestly I love everything, if you didn’t say you were at a lodge i would have thought you are at your own beautiful house. It looks so homey, perfect for a family vacay
Thank you for this very detailed review. My family will definitely enjoy these views.
It looks so beautiful, serene and peaceful. I love the beauty of the mountains, lovely rooms and it certainly looks so peaceful which I so desperately need.
Love love love the rock pool, love the views around it, its juwt theeeeee best👌 would love to visit with my little family
It’s the playground for me. Nothing makes a mother smile like seeing how happy their kids are when they’re in their element. Unfortunately due to work both hubby and I haven’t had time to do a family getaway and it’s my little man’s birthday in Jan. We had to cancel his birthday celebration due to Corona and I think this would be an awesome birthday for him. The place is amazing. And that BEDROOM…#GOALS!
I love the rim-flow pool, the kid’s play area and the fact that it is nextvto the dining area. Wait, wait wait….the onsite spa🥺😇💃 the interior is amazing 👏 I just want to wake up there and get inspired while the kids are having fun. That mountain view is breathtaking 😍 stunning hotel, I can feel the tranquility from your post.
When I go on holiday with my kids, I am always anxious and nervous about my Kids’ safety. It’s makes me happy to see how you could still relax while your kids had fun and you could easily see what they were doing. So I am definitely loving the kids play area and how child friendly this hotel is. Thank you so much for sharing this gem with us. I would definitely love to take my kids there someday so fingers crossed.
The view is amazing but I think I love the Dragonland playground. We would just have mini obstacle courses with the kids
Beautiful scenery… pool views 😍! Let’s not forget about the kids play area 😍😍😍
Defiantly the pool view overlooking such a scenery
Love the fact that it’s fun for the whole family, young & old. Not to mention the beautiful scenery, peace and tranquil, the perfect escape for the hustle and bustle or the city.
Wow the hotel looks beautiful, love that it is environmentally- friendly by using solar power and borehole water. The childrens playroom sounds great, we could have some quality time with hubby😊
Defiantly kids area and rock pool scenery
What an absolutely stunning hotel! Love that rock pool with the gorgeous view!
This place looks like such a dream… The scenery is breathtaking and that Dragonland playground would be perfect for my little adventure. The drive there doesn’t seem ad at all plus we love road trips over here.
We would definitely enjoy the rock pool 🏊♀️
I love the pool and the views are breathtakingly beautiful. The fact that its family friendly is a huge bonus.
The Rock pool and The kids room and play ground are my Favorite spots. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and amazing. #SBWL
Absolutely LOVE the decor and the views.Thanks for a fabulous review-we would love to enjoy some time at Dragon View lodge !!😃🥂
I totally loved this place from the moment you arrived i was glued to your instagram stories,the views are everything😍looks so peaceful, looking forward to winning this giveaway as we won’t be going anyway for the holidays and since lockdown we haven’t been anywhere to refresh, this will be such a great opportunity for us to get some air and bond as a family as you did on that trip❤️
It is definitely the luxurious rooms and view for me while I know how much my daughter will enjoy all the playing space! What a beautiful establishment 🤩
Oh wow. Perfect accommodation for a family vacation. They playroom is a brilliant idea. Can’t believe this place is in Drakensburg. Thank you for the great review.
Wow, your words transported me there. Absolutely love that playground I can already see my 3-year-old exploring and making friends while I convince my hubby to take pics of me with those amazing views in the background. Can’t wait to experience that
What don’t I love? I love how doable it is with kids, a 4 hour drive sounds easy and isn’t too far away from Joburg. I love the entire space and how it has been furnished. I LOVE the pool and the view and last but not least, the kids can’t get bored with all that’s on offer to entertain them. This would be very special for my family and I, we’d have the time of our lives.
I just adooore the huge windows and view of eternity
Ohhhmy goodness!! I looove love the pkay area for the kids ,the pool and the little beautiful kids tv room. I can already picture my adventurous baby gal there. Its beautiful place indeed.
What stunning views! I always struggle to find a place not too far a drive from home but able to also cater for my kid’s entertainment AND a bit of privacy for my husband and I and I think this is it. Will definitely love to visit 🙂
This place caters for thee perfect family getaway. we can get some adult time and the kids will be taken care of. The view is amazing.
Just seeing the view is breathtaking, the view of this year was not clear enough a challenging year it has been and worse my family and I are used to even visiting short left in our beautiful country but this year we couldn’t due to the challenges we came across and closing this year my mom just had to leave this world leaving us a pain that I can’t describe it winning this would be experiencing a beautiful country we live in and embracing the nature
Wow this place is beautiful. I love the view of the mountains and the pool. Absolutely beautiful to just relax and enjoy nature with family.
So perfect for the kids and that pool ❤️😆
Such a useful and beautiful post and blog. The pool, playground and trails would be our favourite-getting out in nature. But hubby will be pleased for the wi-fi for sure.
The views are gorgeous! I can imagine enjoying the pure relaxation in the pool with my little family
Traveling with kids can be so difficult especially if the hotel doesn’t cater for children. That’s what I love the most about the Dragonview Lodge it offers the most beautiful child entertainment i have seen and the fact that there is a child minder is a bonus. Its a win for me and I would love to win this amazing giveaway and treat my family without worrying about the kids
I absolutely love the views as well as the indoor and out door pool , I have such water babies and my kids would loose their minds if they saw this
Wow this place is a gem! The view of the Berg by the pool area is breathtaking! Wowza
I love the children’s playroom and the rock pools!
Love, love, love this place. It’s so beautiful and scenic. I love how wholistic it is, it caters for everyone from the lone traveler to my big beautiful family. There’s something for everyone. Usually beautiful places rarely accommodate families, especially families with small children. I’m so excited to experience this majestic place
Wow, I really enjoyed this post. What stands out for me is the kiddies play areas outside and the room inside. Will definitely enjoy relaxing knowing that the kids are well taken care off, a venue with child minders are a definite yes.
The more I look through @dragonviewlodge’s gallery the more I fall deeper in love with their breathtaking views!
So serene! Their furnishing is sooo opulent, crisp and fresh!
I love that they are 100%family orientated, they accommodate children.
What a beautiful review, which has left me with FOMO. What a much needed holiday🙆🏽♀️😴
Absolutely love all the thought that’s gone into this beautiful venue spot. Tastefully decorated … and those views are just priceless!!! xxx
My favourite feature is the rock pool with the views!!
My favourite feature is the rock pool and stunning views!!
Love love love this review, it has just took me to the lodge lol!!
Love that there’s something for the little ones to do.
I love the amazing kids play area. Will definitely keep my 6 year old and 2 year old busy for a very long timeas you said in your blog post”It’s a natural play space with options for stimulating and engaging play for children of all ages”. 😁😁 The indoor pool is a big plus as my kids love’s swimming and they will be able to do it on the evening also. We as a family of 4 have never gone away together and this will definitely be amazing @modernzulumom the difficult year we have had we could use a break away from reality.
Oh that rock pool! And the fact that it is child-friendly makes it perfect for my little family!
It’s the Rock pool for me♥️.
It’s the Rock pool for me♥️.
It is the kids play and entertainment area for me, also the playground. Holidaying with kids is a mission! Trying to find the perfect balance between kids entertainment and adult entertainment can be a nightmare. But this place seems to have everyone covered. Win or loose, I’m definitely booking this place one day😍
My mon who worked so hard this year would enjoy the views 🥰♥️ Looks so peaceful and so beautiful. Modern finishes definitely a treat ❣️.
*mom