Apr/May/Jun newsletter - Cathedral Peak Hotel

Message From the General Manager

Autumn has fallen and the Drakensberg couldn’t be looking more beautiful. The weather has started to cool, making this the perfect time of year to hike, with the summer thunderstorms having abated and the days still long enough to enjoy many hours in the mountains.

Our annual Cathedral Golf Club Championships was held over the weekend of 16th March and what a success it was. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to our Club Chairman, Matthew Mayo, and all the players that took part – we look forward to welcoming you back next year!

The recent school holiday, including the Easter Weekend, was a busy time for us. We had a jam-packed entertainment programme for all ages. Plus, our traditional Easter egg hunt, hot cross buns and Easter chapel service were enjoyed by all. It was such a pleasure to see the hotel filled with so many families treating themselves to an unrivalled mountain getaway.

For 85 years and counting, families and individuals have been enjoying the ultimate Drakensberg experience that we continuously strive to deliver. Make sure to check out our website and social media pages for the incredible specials we have on offer over the next few months.

Bruce Botes

Our Drive for Greener Energy Continues

We are excited to announce the next phase in our quest to increase our use of clean energy. In addition to our hydro-electric and solar photovoltaic plants, we are currently in the process of installing a battery converter system.  

During loadshedding, our hotel will be powered by a 645kVA Converter and a 1MWh Li-Iron Phosphate Battery. The 400kWs of hydro turbine power and 270kWs of solar power will be used as renewable sources of energy to charge the battery.

This new system will asisst us in reducing emissions into the atmosphere and ensuring greener power going forward. 

Cathedral Peak Hotel’s golf course ranked 7th in South Africa

We are honoured to have been ranked 7th out of 25 of South Africa’s best 9-hole courses by Stuart McClean, the editor of Golf Digest magazine. He described our golf course as one of the most scenic inland venues, with a well-designed layout offering diverse elevation levels and fun tee shots.

Celebrate Mother’s & Father’s Day at our hotel

Treat mom to a mountain retreat this Mother’s Day weekend from 10th to 12th May ’24 and get an incredible 20% discount off rack rates with our Autumn Special, plus a 20% discount off a 60- or 90-minute aromatherapy or hot stone massage.

Whisk dad away for an epic adventure this Father’s Day long weekend from 14th to 17th Jun ‘24 and receive a free round of 9-hole walking golf. Limited spaces are available, so book now to secure your spot!

We are so privileged to have such a wonderful team that works together to provide our guests with the ultimate Drakensberg experience!

Meet our brilliant Network Manager, Hamish Mather, who has worked in the IT industry for 20 years. He is from the Eastern Cape and loves problem-solving as well as working on hardware and software. He believes our greatest strength is our location and staff.

Our friendly Shop Assistant, Michelle Mather, has spent most of her life in the hospitality industry. She loves meeting people from all corners of the globe and believes our greatest strength is our family-oriented atmosphere.

Cathedral Peak Hotel & our guests give back

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests for their generous contributions of toys and stationery for the Pack for a Purpose drive. The recent drop-off event took place at Mhlwazini High School and the children were overjoyed to receive these much–needed items. We will be most grateful if you, our guests, continue to be part of our community outreach initiatives.

Our hotel has a strong history of supporting local suppliers in and around KZN, and our proud partnerships continue to contribute to our ability to deliver a Drakensberg experience like no other!

From farm to table, we proudly source our fruit and veggies from Hillbillies in the Champagne Valley. Visit Berg Air Lifestyle Centre should you wish to purchase some of their locally farmed produce to enjoy at home.

Howick-based Country Bounty is our esteemed supplier of the jams, chutneys, jellies, sauces and marmalades you’ll find on our buffet tables. A variety of their goods, including gift packs, are available for purchase at our TryMe Store.

Experience Indezi River Creamery’s unique dairy products, all of which are made in the KZN Midlands using only the freshest milk. At breakfast, choose from a selection of creamy yoghurts, or indulge in our extensive cheese platter at dinner.

Cross these experiences off your bucket list in 2024

The Cathedral 4 Challenge

Test yourself with the Cathedral 4 Challenge, a fantastic achievement for hikers of any level. These four trails range from easy strolls to vigorous hikes, and can be completed in any order over any period of time. Register with reception and complete all the hikes, and you’ll receive a medal and certificate to commemorate your achievement.

Horseback riding in the Drakensberg

There’s no better way to discover the Drakensberg than on horseback. Take in our incredible landscape, wildlife and mountains without having to watch where you’re putting your feet. Different routes are available for riders of various levels, as well as pony rides for your little ones.

Explore our biking trails

Whether you’re a seasoned biking enthusiast or casual rider, our 14.8km of mountain biking trails promise an exhilarating experience for all. Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, towards the Cathedral Peak Park gate, lies Mike’s Pass. This 22km return route has recently reopened and awaits your exploration.

Albert’s father, Philip, passed away in 1942 and his mother, Frieda, in 1957, resulting in Albert acquiring the hotel for himself. The business continued to flourish in the years ahead and he was instrumental in this achievement.

On 28 November 1987, Albert passed away at the age of 85 years. At the time of his passing, the hotel was hosting a party to celebrate the opening of the new wing housing the conference centre, shop, reception, lounge and a bar named after Albert himself. The staff and guests rose in silence to respect the “father of the hotel” when the news was announced – and then the show went on, as Albert would have wished.

Albert’s wife, Doreen, continued living at the hotel, supervising the gardens, arranging flowers and cutting the cake on Christmas. Her contribution to the hotel was profound, and her family and friends mourned her death in 1993.

ESCAPE TO THE DRAKENSBERG AT

DISCOUNTED RATES

Autumn Special

20% off rack rates for adults and teens | 50% off rack rates for kids 12 and under

Discounted rates start from just R1595 per adult, R1115 per teen (13-16) and R430 (8-12) / R330 (4-7) per child, inclusive of all meals.

Valid 1st to 31st May ‘24 for new bookings only. Min 2-night stay. Rates exclude levies. T’s & C’s apply.

Seniors Special

30% discount off rack rates for all guests aged 60 and above

Discounted rates start from R1340 per person per night (single or sharing) in a Standard Room, inclusive of all meals, tea, coffee and bakes twice daily, as well as a full entertainment programme.

Valid from 1st to 31st May ’24 for new bookings only. No minimum night stay – applicable for Sunday to Thursday nights only. Rates exclude levies. T’s & C’s apply.