MIDLANDS MAGIC

By Juliet Almendro

Can’t decide on your next vacation destination? Well, it’s time to stop pondering and start planning!

Situated in the majestic Midlands, Brahman Hills is home to stunning views, roaming wildlife, fine dining and cosy, countryside accommodation.

From rustic self-catering cottages, Springholm cottages and B&B rooms, to more stylish hotel rooms, you’ll be sure to enjoy private, intimate lodging and a heavenly night’s sleep. You’ll even have the option of your own personal chef, if you’d prefer to spend the evening curling up in front of the fireplace, relaxing in the bubbling jacuzzi or gazing at the abundant wildlife from the security of your private deck.

Spend a warm, summer’s day on the romantic terrace sipping on a glass of wine from the incredible underground cellar, or make the most of the eatery menu that’s brimming with flavour. Regardless of whether you order from the a la carte offering or the chef’s exclusive set menu, each plate is an exquisite masterpiece of culinary excellence made from ethically and locally sourced ingredients from neighbouring farmlands. Experience a sensory delight by wandering through the tiered terraces of luscious paradisian gardens beautifully decorated with pale pinks, hypnotic purples and sky blues on multilevel flower beds. These stunning gardens are not just for a slow Sunday evening stroll, but also home to Brahman Hills’ kitchen’s organic and homegrown produce, which ensures only the freshest ingredients, while also reducing the destination’s carbon footprint.

With such breathtaking amenities, this magical Midlands haven has attracted more than just those seeking a quiet getaway – whether your company is looking to present its next big idea, or you’re searching for the perfect spot to tie the knot, Brahman Hills has got you covered.

Each venue offering has various setups to suit your needs and personal style. Choose between: the Glass House, Lake House, Valley View Chapel, The Stables, Brahman Cafe, and Skyfall.

The only downside is that you might feel overwhelmed when choosing between such stunning options!

Voted as a top wedding venue, Brahman Hills boasts a stress-free wedding planning process by including a wedding planner to alleviate pressure so that you can completely relax and enjoy your special day without your mind racing through your never-ending task list. And don’t worry - you still hold the reins when choosing how much or how little you’d like to be involved in the process. What more could you want? No need to stress about where you or your lovely bride will get wedding-ready - Brahman Hills provides a completely separate bridal suite with its own bathroom, wardrobe, hair and makeup station, and the option of in-room catering.

Experience a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating pamper like no other at Healing Earth Transformative Wellness by Brahman Hills. This luxurious spa uses multiple award-winning Healing Earth products that are natural, organic and cruelty-free, and have all been carefully and meticulously crafted to ensure a true duality of nature and modern luxury.

With a focus on a complete mind, body and soul reset, this world-class spa encourages you to tune into yourself and your surroundings with a holistic healing session, treat yourself to a relaxing and detoxifying full-body massage, pamper yourself with a facial that’s fully tailored to your skin and includes new LED technology, or immerse yourself in one of their unique packages.

Fully equipped with a sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool, and a cosy couple’s bath with views spanning onto the wildlife, there really is something for everyone.

For more information or reservations, visit www.brahmanhills.co.za.

Celebrate the Age of Restoration with Wellness and Greenpop

We all have a part to play in the protection of our environment. This has come into focus even more with the likes of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and COP26 launching last year.

Greenpop and Wellness Warehouse aim to build on this global green momentum, taking action for the future of our planet.

After our Organisational Development Manager Olivia Badach and National Training Manager Sonja Hindley joined Greenpop’s Eden Festival of Action back in September last year, our partnership has further blossomed with our shared vision of restoring nature and the self. Thanks to readers and customers like you, we’ve planted over 400 trees with Greenpop so far, nearing our initial goal of 500 and shifting the goalpost for the new year. Greenpop was founded in 2010, and has since planted 150 000 trees, including indigenous and fruit trees, at schools and other urban sites, community farms and forests across South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania. More than the number of trees, Greenpop is inspired by the thousands of hands that have planted them, joining their eco education programmes and festivals, and making a commitment to be custodians of our beautiful planet.

If we are committed to restoring nature, we must also commit to restoring ourselves. It’s a symbiotic “relationship, the likes of which abound in nature.

The next Greenpop restoration celebration is Reforest Fest, back for its 10th year at the beautiful Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the Overberg from 1 - 3 April 2022. Reforest Fest is an annual holistic, lifestyle and restoration celebration that brings people together to plant thousands of trees while enjoying a party like no other.

Help restore degraded land; attend workshops, talks, and classes; dance under the stars while listening to local live music and DJs; enjoy delicious food and refreshments provided by Wellness; and immerse yourself in art and theatre; all while having a blast getting active for the environment.

It’s a festival for everyone - a space where families can feel at ease as we provide an array of kids’ activities and child-friendly spaces; where individuals can connect with themselves and nature in the milkwood forest and fynbos trails; and where daydreamers, big thinkers, and earth lovers can unite, creating long-lasting memories and a long-term environmental impact.

Greenpop aims to grow Reforest Fest into a flagship event that attracts a global audience as Africa’s largest citizen-led restoration festival.

Pre-register your interest at www.reforestfest.com to be the first in line to receive more information and gain access to early bird tickets and special offers.

Can’t make it to the festival? You can also support our efforts by selecting the Greenpop donation option at checkout when shopping your favourite Wellness goodies online, or by purchasing Arise Coffee (the coffee that plants trees!) from us in store or online.

Follow Greenpop at facebook.com/Greenpop on Facebook or @greenpopsa on Instagram to keep an eye on their adventures with us and be notified about competitions and giveaways.

natural beauty essentials

 Paraben-free  Sulphate-free  Non-toxic  Cruelty-free  Sustainably sourced  Eco-friendly  Free from synthetic fragrances  Free from chemical UV filters