Lythwood Lodge, KwaZulu Natal Midlands

Last week was a beautiful travel-filled week for the Hubs and I. On the Wednesday public holiday, we headed off to the stunning KwaZulu Natal midlands (aka heaven on earth) for a bit of meandering, followed by a night at Lythwood Lodge.

Lythwood Lodge, a gorgeous 4-star country hotel situated in Lidgetton along the Midlands Meander, has always been a venue I’d heard of, but one I’d never personally visited. The beautiful manor house that we see today was built during the mid-1940s by a combination of local Dutch builders and Italian builders from prisoner of war camps in Pietermaritzburg, although the estate did exist before this.

What we loved about the venue was the mix of old and new that has been done so well. You can see original aspects of the estate such as the stunning manor house, chandeliers and the wrought iron gate that now leads down to the Avellini tent – a beautiful glass enclosure with a breathtaking view, perfect for wedding ceremonies.

LYTHWOOD LODGE — Looking back up from the Avellini Tent (the sides run with water and are lit up at night)

The Khaya centre is the most perfect venue for your wedding reception too, as it is a fantastic size and just beautiful, with glass opening up onto the same beautiful view of the rolling midlands fields.

On arrival we browsed the grounds for some time, before checking in, where we were greeted by the lovely Thandi with a huge smile and a refreshing rock shandy. After dropping our bags off in our room, we settled on the front patio with a gin and tonic and just soaked up the fresh country air. Absolute bliss!

I actually took a stroll around the bottom of the grounds and was greeted with some sheep, some cows and the most beautiful view of the area as the sun started it’s descent. Hubs and I ordered a bottle of red wine to share (it had gotten a little too nippy to carry on with the gin), had a glass together and took the rest to our room, to relax before our 7pm dinner.

When it comes to accommodation, I must say that Lythwood Lodge has plenty on offer, from family cottages, meadow rooms, lodge rooms, veranda rooms and an EXQUISITE honeymoon suite that we had the pleasure of staying in. I cannot think of any room better for a bride getting ready on her special day! A cosy lounge set up with a fireplace, double sinks and a long section of table in front of a mirror for hair and makeup, as well as a beautiful patio with outdoor furniture set up in a private garden would make for lovely photos. Plus, the enormous bath tub and soft king size bed add the ultimate romance for your wedding night (or the nights after if you decide to stay on – and I strongly encourage you do!).

Also – the double entry shower with massive glass doors has definitely provided Hubs and I with bathroom inspiration for our new home!

In true country style, Lythwood Lodge offers fabulous dining too, with their award-winning restaurant. Three courses of delicious and hearty food, along with a sorbet palate-cleanser were all we needed, especially considering the fact that we were sitting right by a crackling log fire.

If you’re looking for a spot for a nightcap after your meal, the bar is rich and warm, with a large variety of drink options, including some imported Scotches. Fun fact – the bar was used as John Cleese’s office in the first Spud movie!

The fresh air, cosy room and soft sheets meant we had some of the best sleep we’d had in weeks. We woke up early enough that we could tuck into our tea tray in the room – the hot chocolate and delicious homemade crunchies were just what we needed before we began the day.

If dinner was anything to go by, we were in for a treat with breakfast – and it did NOT disappoint. Warm pastries and muffins, fresh yoghurt, granola and fruit, a standard fry-up with the tastiest spicy lamb sausage, and hot coffee.

Planning on staying on a few days, and looking for some activities? Lythwood Lodge is close to golf courses, hiking and mountain bike trails, fishing and some truly wonderful little stores (pop into Piggly Wiggly for shopping, Chocolate Heaven for the best Belgian chocolate and Caversham Mill for a drink by the waterfall there).

Lythwood Lodge has some fabulous specials on for conferences in 2019 (check them out HERE), and if you’re a bride planning her wedding, give them a visit. They also have some great promotions, including a cruise to Mozambique that’s included in your wedding package (check it out HERE).