Sometimes the best way to reset is to leave the city behind and let the countryside slow you down. There's a particular kind of relief that sets in the moment the traffic gives way to rolling hills. The pace becomes gentler, your shoulders loosen, and you surrender to the tranquillity. Although you're still in the same province, Johannesburg feels worlds away.
Mount Grace Hotel & Spa Aerial View (cc Southern Sun)
Mount Grace Hotel & Spa has long been one of our favourite weekend getaways and we love returning there for some much-needed rest and relaxation. The hotel has a spectacular natural setting on a hillside in the Magaliesberg, one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth – older than both the Himalayas and the Alps.
Reception Area
Established in the 1930s, it was one of South Africa's first country hotels. Over the decades, it has evolved into a coveted retreat, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with contemporary comforts while preserving the qualities that first drew visitors to the region: privacy, nature and timeless elegance.
We arrived on a Friday afternoon, and after a warm welcome, a friendly staff member transported us to one of the newly renovated Garden Suites in a golf cart. The hotel’s 121 rooms and suites are grouped in clusters across sprawling gardens with manicured lawns. Some open onto gardens while others look out over the valley. Dassies (rock hyraxes), monkeys and mongooses remind you that you are in nature.
Our Garden Suite
Spacious and elegantly designed, our suite featured a plush king-size bed, a separate lounge area, a walk-in closet and a dining space with a kitchenette, which included a coffee machine and mini fridge. A welcome platter of treats and chilled drinks awaited us.
Welcome Treats
The en-suite bathroom had a deep soaking bath, a separate walk-in shower, soft bathrobes and comfortable slippers.
The highlight, however, was our private heated plunge pool. It was winter and we loved soaking in the hot water while overlooking the valley.
Our private plunge pool
The popular, award-winning spa is a destination in its own right. Many people make the one-hour drive from Johannesburg simply to enjoy the facilities and indulge in a spa treatment. However, I highly recommend combining it with an overnight stay for the full Mount Grace experience. Perched on a hilltop, the spa has a flotation pool, a steam room, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a reflexology walkway winding through the garden. I booked the day before and was fortunate to secure one of the last two available appointments. After an uphill hike in the surrounding mountains, a therapeutic massage was just what I needed to soothe my aching muscles.
The Spa
Food is taken just as seriously, and we were privileged to be among the first to experience the new menu at Twist Restaurant. We dined on Scampi Fromage, Calamari with Roasted Peppers, Fritto Misto and Country Trout, followed by Tiramisu and Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Breakfast was equally impressive with a huge buffet spread.
Some of the food we enjoyed
Other facilities at the estate include a fitness centre, tennis courts, a mountain bike club and hiking trails. You could easily spend a few days here without getting in a car, but if you do want to venture out, there are several attractions nearby.
Children are welcome at Mount Grace with family rooms, a kids’ club and a dedicated pool. We previously stayed there with our children and they loved it.
More than nine decades after first opening its doors, Mount Grace Hotel & Spa remains one of the most sought-after luxury country getaways near Johannesburg. Its historic legacy, beautiful countryside setting and exceptional spa continue to make it a wonderful destination for anyone seeking rest, relaxation and a chance to reconnect with nature. If the goal is to disappear for a few days without going very far, this is where to do it.
For more information, visit Mount Grace Hotel & Spa or book here.
See a recap of our stay here:
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Mount Grace looks like the perfect countryside escape! I love the idea of relaxing in a private heated plunge pool after a day of hiking in the Magaliesberg, followed by a massage at the award-winning spa. It sounds like the ideal weekend getaway to recharge.
Sara, you knew no luxury guide is complete without food images. Thanks for providing me with a tiny getaway by reading about your experience. So serene!
I love a good spa weekend! This hotel looks amazing. You were lucky to have a private plunge pool. I bet the wild life was adorable.