For the past few months, we have all been staring into screens and travelling between the fridge and the couch. It is time to have your mind blown by the incredible experience that is Qambathi Mountain Lodge. In just over five hours drive from Johannesburg, you enter the majestic Drakensberg area of the Kamberg Valley.

South Africa is beautiful, this valley will take your breath away. Sure we cannot fly to the Alps now, but you don’t need to. The Drakensberg is everything we need right now. AHHHHHH inspiring views, and nature showing off its beauty. You can breathe.

Quambathi is a small boutique hotel, five rooms exclusively, only adults allowed, run by a dynamic yet relaxed young couple Stephen and Nadia. Both had high-flying financial jobs in London and started feeling that “Sunday evening knot in the stomach” due to work stress was not worth it. They bought the lodge from the internet, without visiting first, packed up and is now running one of SA’s most special spots.

The interior of the lodge is white boho chic, comfortable and whilst stylishly relaxed. Wifi and TV is allocated to one area only, as this is a place for romantic relaxation. Stephen and Nadia host early evening to drinks to chat about the area and activities. In the past most of the guests were European, coming to the area for the breathtaking walking trails which the Drakensberg is famous for. There are mini trails on the property from twenty minutes to three hours long.

Horses and Zebra graze side-by-side in front of the room patio. Horse trail riding is also available.

A huge surprise is walking a few minutes from the hotel and entering an enchanting forest which I can only describe in the cliche of “magical”. It looks like a scene from movie. A stream, ferns of every kind, it really is like entering another world. I have seen a few places on my travels, but this forest ranks very high in the list of most magical spaces I have been.

Qambathi offers guided hikes up the reserve, or a picnic in the mountains. There is also the Kamberg Rock Art Centre to view ancient San Bushmen cave paintings. Golf and trout fishing can also be organised.

At night, expect a five course meal of hearty food and a great selection of wines. In summer, stargaze from the pool deck, in winter play some backgammon at the fire. Breakfast is healthy and freshly wholesome.