Byrne Valley’s timeless, solid citizen oozes old-world charm and grows on you like a favourite jacket.
The history of the Byrne Valley community is, essentially, one of perseverance, determination and a love for Kwazulu-Natal.
European settlers were placed here, near Richmond, by the British colonial government during the early to mid-1800s. They had no amenities, roads or shelter.
They endured the rigours of African bush life though, and established the town of Richmond. In time, a little beyond into the mountains, the hamlet of Byrne arose.
The full history of the area is known as the Byrne Valley. However, it goes back even further, with many local stories replete with legend and fact stretching back many centuries.
A bit of history
Nestled in the valley is an establishment which has also survived the tests of time. The Oaks Hotel has offered comfort, food and shelter to travellers, for more than 120 years.
Now, for those used to this century’s pre-cast, tidy, influencer styles, this hotel will hold no charms. It is an old colonial building which has had bits added on throughout the years of its existence.
This is not a slickly designed and constructed modern Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
There is, most astonishingly for millennials, no reliable internet service.
What there is, however, is discreet, friendly service.
You will also discover tranquillity and peace.
In spades.
A Spacious Place
There are lots of lounges with large, comfy couches and sunny spots where one can read, play games (remember those?) chill or chat.
The pace is relaxed. Soon after your arrival, you will find that the modern world recedes ever further away as you adjust to your new surroundings.
The lack of intrusion, or if you need an activity, the outdoor chess, putt-putt, table tennis, billiards, swimming or long country walks in the mountain air will soon have you hungry.
And this is where one of the most welcome aspects of the hotel will reveal itself.
The dining-room.
Yet again, do not expect pre-packaged, designer-style titbits and fluff. You will struggle to find a foreign language description of any of the menu offerings.
You will not have to use a magnifying glass to see the food on the plate nor will you have to remove a forest of unpronounceable foliage or other garnish to find it.
In fact, I strongly suspect that, if you were to attempt to utter words like “ju” or or ask for something to be “drizzled”, you might be escorted off the premises.
And all to the good I say!
Comfort Food
There is no pretentiousness as the stock in trade here is good, old-fashioned comfort-food, prepared from the freshest of ingredients – many from the gardens or the local area – served by a team of staff that is as patient as it is efficient.
You have two options regarding your meal planning – a-la-carte or a set menu.
Whichever you choose, just ensure you bring enough tummy space! Portions are generous, but not overbearing. The flavours are clean, well-chosen and harmonised throughout any meal you may choose.
Delivery of the orders of our large party was always well-synchronised to ensure everyone was served at the same time. Many much-lauded city eateries cannot manage this simple skill.
Naturally, the well-stocked bar of the hotel, The Acorn Arms, will ensure your favourite tipple is available to accompany your meal.
Aside from breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is also morning and afternoon tea. This is served on the patio beside the bar with a view of the mountains.
Attractions at the Oaks Hotel
Aside from eating, drinking and exploring, what else is there to do at The Oaks Hotel?
Not much else really. You can spend time listening to the birds and mountain sounds. And that is exactly the attraction. You will arrive as a city slicker, frazzled and stressed.
As time passes you will find yourself unwinding, not even looking at your phone or worrying about e-mails.
Oh, of course! There is a spa as well. So, if you are into manicures or massage, these can be arranged via the front desk with service providers from the nearby village.
On occasion, special interest clubs hold theme weekends at the hotel. During our visit, there was a Star Wars-themed event. You could, if you wish, watch every one of the films in the series, take part in costumed cosplay activities or pit your skills in light-sabre duels.
Comfort and Luxury
However, if that was not your thing, it was not an issue, and you would hardly have noticed it was on. We did meet some interesting beings in the bar on Saturday night though, but they seemed friendly enough and spoke earthling languages!
Sleep was always easy for all members of our party for, while the rooms – yet again – are not hyper modern or slick and stylish, they are comfortable, large and the beds are really comfy.
We all left refreshed, relaxed and in a far better state of mind than we arrived.
In the staff and local residents we met in the restaurant and bar, or who arrived on Saturday afternoon and Sunday – simply enjoying the facilities – we felt we had made many new friends.
Our stay was a throwback to, and a reminder of, an earlier, simpler, friendlier, unpretentious time where the people with whom you share days were more important than electronic gadgets, click-bait applications and the rush of the world outside Byrne Valley.
Worthwhile KZN spot to visit
As the hotel carries a patina redolent of its history and is perhaps too earthy in finish and lacks some apparent “must-have” services and facilities when compared to younger rivals, it probably will never win any fancy awards when evaluated against the modern world’s competition.
Notwithstanding, it won the hearts of our party for offering a relaxing space to unwind, great-tasting wholesome food and discreet, yet practised service. Add-in an unbeatable setting at an incredible value and it earns its place on our list of very worthwhile KZN spots to go.
Each member of the party, from city-slicker up-country 30-somethings to a great-grandmother of 80, loved their time at The Oaks and vowed that they would be back at the earliest opportunity.
And you cannot have a better endorsement than that!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE OAKS HOTEL AT:
