Fordoun Hotel And Spa, Nottingham Road
About the Hotel
Fordoun Hotel and Spa is an award-winning five-star luxury boutique hotel nestled in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, near Nottingham Road. Originally a dairy farm acquired by the Bates family in the late 1940s, the hotel preserves its historical charm while offering modern amenities. The property features a renowned spa known for its African-inspired treatments and a fine dining restaurant, Skye Bistro, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Guests enjoy proximity to various outdoor activities and the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains.
Location
Located approximately 60 kilometers from Pietermaritzburg, Fordoun Hotel is easily accessible via the N3 Highway from both Durban and Johannesburg. The hotel sits on lush farmland with breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains, offering guests the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Local attractions include the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, several golf courses, and various cultural experiences in the surrounding area.
Rooms
Fordoun Hotel comprises 22 individually styled luxurious rooms, categorized into Luxury, Deluxe Dam Facing, and Superior Mountain View rooms. Each room features underfloor heating, en-suite bathrooms with a bath and shower, and modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV and coffee-making facilities. The newly added self-catering farm village offers 11 fully equipped cottages, ideal for families. Cottages include a kitchen, seating area, and private outdoor space with views of the surrounding landscape.
Eat & Drink
Skye Bistro serves a diverse menu focused on fresh, local produce and comforting favorites, from hearty curries to signature dishes like crispy pork bites. The restaurant's ambiance reflects a bygone era, with a cozy setting further enhanced by log-burning fires in winter. Open daily to both guests and visitors, it offers farm-style breakfasts, lighter lunch options, and sumptuous dinners, accommodating various dietary preferences.
Leisure & Business
Fordoun Hotel provides a range of leisure activities, including a world-class spa offering a variety of holistic treatments and facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy room, and fitness center. The venue caters to corporate events with meeting facilities equipped with modern audiovisual technology. Outdoor pursuits in the area include golf, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing, ensuring a well-rounded experience for business and leisure travelers alike.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
What our guests says about facilities
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Free parking
- Safe deposit box
- Concierge desk
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Currency exchange
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Tennis court
- Golf course
- Table tennis
- Yoga class
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Board games
- Children's menu
- Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
- Indoor swimming pool
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Leisure/ TV room
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Turkish bath
- Steam room
- Jacuzzi
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Waxing
- Body scrub
- Facial
- Treatment room
- Body wraps
- Massage
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Dressing area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Bedroom
- Electric blankets
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
I had a wonderful stay at the hotel, which provided a peaceful atmosphere and lovely views, especially from the outdoor shower. The spacious cottage was beautifully furnished, but the cleanliness could have been improved. While the dining experience was top-notch with delicious meals, the service was efficient but a little noisy. Overall, it’s a great place for a relaxing getaway, but could use some attention to cleanliness.
This hotel is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil and beautiful location away from the hustle and bustle. The rooms are charming and comfortable, providing a real sense of homeliness. The dining experience was exceptional, especially with the personalized attention from the staff. However, the spa treatments were so good that I wished I could have stayed longer to try even more. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but worth every mile for the peaceful retreat it offers.
I had an amazing experience at Fordoun, where the tranquility of the surroundings truly enhances the stay. The luxurious amenities and the spa services were a highlight, but unfortunately, my room had issues with cleanliness that left much to be desired. The dining was also not up to par, which was disappointing given the overall high expectations. Still, I felt very well taken care of by the attentive staff throughout my visit.
My stay was quite delightful, filled with fabulous experiences and a stunning atmosphere. The room was beautifully decorated, and the spa amenities, like the steam baths and flotation pool, were heavenly. However, I found some inconsistencies in the dining and spa services, which could use improvement, especially considering the price we paid. Overall, it was a relaxing getaway, but some aspects didn't meet my expectations.