Jan/Feb/Mar 2025 Newsletter: Exciting Highlights, Upcoming Events, Specials & More

Message From the General Manager

Our 85th Festive Season was truly a joyous occasion! From the magical Carols by Candlelight and traditional Christmas dinner with musician Chris Jensen to a lively New Year’s Eve party featuring music by Matt Gardiner, it was heart-warming to see so many familiar faces returning and to welcome new guests into the Cathedral Peak family. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful guests and devoted staff for making this season so memorable.

We are especially grateful to everyone who supported our Pack for a Purpose initiative by donating much-needed supplies. These contributions will soon be distributed to our local community, bringing hope and joy to those in need. 

As we begin 2025, we’re excited to share more wonderful events, highlights and special offers with you. Be sure to keep an eye out for our mailers, WhatsApp group messages and social media platforms for all the updates. 

On behalf of the van der Riet family and entire Cathedral Peak Hotel team, I wish you a happy and healthy New Year, filled with adventure, joy and treasured memories! 

Bruce Botes

Highlights

85 Years of Legacy: An Interview with William van der Riet

In celebration of Cathedral Peak Hotel’s 85th birthday last December, we spoke with William van der Riet, the current owner and son of founder Albert van der Riet. He shares valuable lessons learned from his father, his proudest achievements, and his vision for the hotel’s future, including exciting developments on the horizon. 

Exciting Upgrades & Refurbs Completed in 2024 

We’re always working to enhance your experience, and 2024 brought about some exciting updates. 

Enjoy upgraded dining room chairs and curtains and brighter conference spaces with new windows. We’ve added reusable jugs in guest rooms, and our standard rooms in the long block now feature beautifully re-varnished oak furniture. Plus, with our new Battery Converter System, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted comfort even during power fluctuations.  

This year we hope to continue with more improvements as and when the budget allows. 

Shortlisted for the 2024 GuestRevu GREAT Awards 

We are ecstatic to announce that Cathedral Peak Hotel has been shortlisted for the 2024 GuestRevu GREAT Awards celebrating the GREATest hotels and guesthouses from around the world! 

These awards are unique in that they are solely determined by guest feedback received through Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews, making the results truly reflective of exceptional service. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our wonderful guests for sharing your experiences, and to our dedicated staff for consistently delivering excellence in service and guest satisfaction. 

Finalists will be announced at the end of January. 

Upcoming Events

Commemoration of the Battle of Spion Kop  

The Battle of Spion Kop, fought nearly 125 years ago, will be commemorated on 24th January 2025. This battle took place just over an hour’s drive from our hotel and was a critical event with lasting global implications. Despite British victory in the Second Boer War, the battle resulted in heavy British losses and a temporary setback. Three future leaders—Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mohandas Gandhi—were present, each going on to play pivotal roles in the 20th century.

While the eventual outcome of the war seemed inevitable, its early stages were marked by uncertainty and left deep scars on South African society. As we reflect on this anniversary, it is important to remember how these events shaped not only local history but also global politics. 

We’re sharing the Love this February with a Photo Competition!  

Stand a chance to win a weekend getaway for two at our breathtaking resort and create memories that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned to our social media for all the details on how to enter.  

The competition starts 5th February and ends 28th February 2025, so start preparing your favourite and most memorable Cathedral Peak photos now! 

Get ready to go green—St. Paddy’s Day is nearly here, and so is our exciting Voucher Sale! 

 This March, we’re feeling lucky—and so should you! Grab one of our amazing vouchers and enjoy the perks. Keep an eye out for our St. Patrick’s Day mailer or check our social media for all the details on how and when you can grab our Stay for 5, Pay for 3, or Stay for 3, Pay for 2 vouchers! 

Join Us for An Egg-Citing Easter Weekend!   

Celebrate Easter in style with activities for all ages! From a thrilling Easter Egg hunt for the little ones and fun-filled games for the whole family to enjoying Hot Cross Buns on the terrace and a traditional Easter Sunday service in our picturesque stone-and-thatch chapel, there’s something magical for everyone. 

Accommodation for the long weekend (18 – 21 April) is filling up fast, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. A minimum 3-night stay applies.

SUMMERTIME

There’s nothing quite like summer in the Drakensberg! Enjoy gorgeous sunrises that light up the mountains, clear blue skies, lush landscapes, flowing rivers with cascading waterfalls, an abundance of birdlife and wildlife, spectacular afternoon thundershowers and beautiful sunsets. 

Make the most of the summer months with our two special offers.  

Summer Special: Valid from the 1st to 31st Jan ’25 – 20% discount off rack rates for adults and teens, and a 50% off for kids 12 and under.  

Last Days of Summer Special: Valid from the 1st to 28th Feb ’25 – 25% off rack rates for adults, teens and kids.  

T’s   and C’s apply.

CONFERENCING IN THE MOUNTAINS 

Host your next conference amidst the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains. Our fully equipped venues, luxurious accommodation and outstanding service provide everything you need for a seamless and impactful event. 

Enhance your team’s experience with exciting on-site activities, including free unlimited golf, a R100 discount on a quad bike ride, guided walks, and tailored team-building opportunities. 

Let the beauty of nature and our exceptional facilities create the perfect environment for your team to connect, strategize, and thrive from just R2395 per person per night, inclusive of all meals. 

THE ULTIMATE WEDDING EXPERIENCE

Begin your forever beneath the watchful gaze of the Drakensberg mountains, where love feels as timeless as the peaks themselves.  

 Our fantastic wedding special gives parties of 30 or more in 15+ double rooms a 15% discount on accommodation plus complimentary use of the chapel and one of our elegant reception venues, inclusive of all crockery, cutlery and linen, as well as waiting and bartending staff. 

 Let the mountains witness your vows and let Cathedral Peak Hotel bring your dream wedding to life. 