Hi All
Troutbeck has, over the past 50 or 60 years, proudly established itself as the central hub for tourism in the Eastern Highlands – all roads lead to Troutbeck! The main tarred roads taking one there from Harare are all in good nick, making the drive to this destination a whole lot more pleasant than some of our alternatives. I had the pleasure of spending a few nights up at Troutbeck a couple of weeks ago.
Two or three years ago all the bedrooms were completely refurbished with new bathrooms, furniture, linen, and carpeting. Over the past few months, they have now revamped all the public areas. No more TVs; brand new modern furniture; custom made carpeting with prominent Trout logos spaced a metre apart; plus, an array of magnificent original Paintings of the surrounding landscapes by Chadwick.
Walking into the reception brought back memories of my original entrance to this remote retreat some 60 years ago: that feeling of being in a cosy place way up in the Highlands with the photo of Colonel Mcllwaine hanging proudly above a perennial burning fireplace in the reception.
No blaring TV side-tracking your thought processes. I was overcome by a sense of peace throughout my stay
One of the secrets of an upmarket resort is to employ a 5-star chef offering meals to remember. Troutbeck’s chef ticked that box during my stay! Being up in Nyanga one must, of course, savour a fresh Trout fish. I had an excellent evening tasting of filleted Trout cooked to perfection.
I’m generally an early morning person so I was witness to the daybreak experience of walking around the calm lake covered with that fine mist one only sees in the mountains.
African Sun have started introducing many forward-thinking ideas at Troutbeck with the first being to have light mountain type background music They are currently changing many of their food sources to local organic, growing all their own vegetables and breeding bream “for the pot.” Then there is the introduction of things like planting near extinct flowers on the lawns in front of the dining room…. All with the goal of providing their guests with a truly relaxed getaway from the big city.
One novel idea is the addition of the “Hole-in-One” golf “Tee Box” on the front lawn. They have a new green with flag about 100m away just in front of the lake. The idea being that anyone hitting a hole in one has his or her name placed on a planned board in the main lounge.
I could go on but for brevity denies that.
Best for you to book a breakaway trip for you and your family these school holidays. The very inexpensive winter rates last till the end of August. “Let the wind blow high …let the wind blow low”. Ciao Mike G
