#HopOnWithTYI: The Gooderson Drakensberg Golf and Spa Resort

#HopOnWithTYI is a youth travel series that aims at discovering the most exciting, rewarding and revolutionary South African activities that best cater to millennials and their quirks. We explore the best that South Africa has to offer and share our insights, ideas and tips with our youth audience (18-25).

#HopOnWithTYI as we take you on the next adventure!

The Gooderson Drakensberg Golf and Spa Resort

There is nothing more overwhelming than being a South African millennial trying to achieve albeit all the obstacles stacked against you. The concrete jungle is unrelenting and the pressures of a career can sometimes overshadow any chances of focusing on you or enjoying the company of a loved one.

Always resolve that there should never be a time when you’ve got nothing to look forward to. Setting goals, planning and saving creates the silver lining and 2018 should be a witness to your strategy.

One of the destinations that should be on your goal list is the Gooderson Golf and Drakensberg Spa Resort. This slice of heaven is poised on a scenic 860 hectare World Heritage site, privy to the secrets of an undisturbed nature.

This is the perfect spot to clear a cluttered mind and to realign your energy and spirit. It is also the perfect spot to ignite a romantic relationship or to sustain it, bond with the family, or simply to spoil yourself.

ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST✅

1. Pack in some snacks- biltong, chips, bottled water, sandwiches, chocolate etc.
2. Remember to carry wet wipes/ toilet paper.
3. Update the car USB with all your favourite music to bop along to.
4. Your suitcase must have comfortable sneakers/ tekkies and a warm jacket.
5. There are incredible photos to be taken, so carry photo shoot ready clothes if you’re an Insta-leb.

Tip: Travelling to the resort requires a good ‘ole fashioned road trip. That means a sturdy, serviced car for the distance and occasional pothole.

THE JOURNEY

As we drove along the winding roads, we had to fully appreciate the inhabitants of this predominantly farming town. A notable memory would be halting abruptly as we stared open-mouthed at the herd of blasé Drakensberger cows convening in the middle of the road. A ‘polite’ shuffling occurred and after fifteen minutes we were on our way.

| Do be pleasant to the cows and farm animals you meet along the way because they’re judging your manners too.|

ARRIVAL

One of my favourite scents would be petrichor, a term coined in 1964 by two Australian scientists studying the smells of wet weather. It’s a mixture of oils emitted by plants, and certain chemicals from actinobacteria, that lead to this smell you get after rain. Petrichor follows you everywhere at the resort. It’s a smell coupled with crisp, clean and healing air.

The Lake at The Gooderson Drakensberg Golf and Spa Resort. Source: TYI

The three-star rated Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort offers spacious and comfortable accommodation. Standard, superior and deluxe rooms; with a number of rooms having undergone an exciting renovation and upgrade. All the rooms have private bathrooms, television, telephones, tea and coffee making facilities and heaters. We suggest that you try the honeymoon suite which has two amazing features: The Master bathroom overlooking the terrace, forestry and mountains and the blood-orange themed TV lounge.

Bundle up with a jacket if you’re heading out in the evening and make your way towards the Bergview Restaurant, a cosy A la Carte facility, for a wholesome meal. Do try out their Bergview Chicken Piccata (Southern fried chicken fillet in a Parmesan crust with french fries and a duo of Garlic and Mushroom sauce) or the Seared Tuna steak (rare yellowfin tuna seasoned with celery, lemon and garlic rub topped with an Asian soy, wasabi and pickled ginger salsa). They aren’t shy to give you your money’s worth of food, so prepare to tuck in. The relaxed ambience lends to the intimate setting and its perfect for a date.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Don’t for a second let the tranquillity of your surroundings fool you. The resort is a playground and if you’ve just as inquisitive and antsy as I am, you’ve got to prep a day ahead.

The swimming pool area at The Gooderson Drakensberg Golf and Spa Resort. Source: TYI

PREP: Sleep properly, eat well, shower, arm yourself with sunblock, pack in snacks and bottled water, and cue ‘Eye of the tiger’. Rub your hands gleefully and charge down the road doing your best Looney Tunes imitation of the Tasmanian devil.

You can either venture into the great outdoors and try hiking, archery, horse riding, the playground, tennis, squash, badminton, volleyball, canoeing, action cricket, swimming pools, boating, croquet, snooker tables, pool tables, zip lines, the rope course…

…dartboards, game room, hippo pass, putt putt, canoeing… or trout fishing… or visit the petting zoo… or you could play a round of golf on the Southern Drakensberg’s only 18 hole golf course or… simply relax beside the swimming pool.

LaVita Spa

After a full day of activity, you need to unwind. Book an appointment at the LaVita spa and let their friendly and trained staff advise you on the most suitable spa packages that will best allow you to destress and recoup.

LaVita staff at the Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Wellness Centre & Spa. Source: TYI

Spa & Hydro Facilities: Couples treatment rooms, single treatment rooms, steam room, Jacuzzi, outdoor poolside treatments, gymnasium and plunge pool.

Operational Hours: 9 am – 10 pm, (7 Day Spa service)

A trip to the Gooderson Drakensberg Golf and Spa Resort will always be memorable and it’s a worthwhile South African destination to place on your bucket list.