I had heard much about the five-star De Hoek Country Hotel before I went there so, needless to say, my expectations were high.
After a beautiful drive through the bucolic Magaliesberg area, we crossed the stone bridge shaded by willow trees, over the Magalies River and into a serene valley. Picturesque buildings stood amid manicured gardens and bushes, with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. A friendly porter welcomed my husband and I , and led us to the reception area.
The beautiful entrance
The foliage-lined steps leading to the main sandstone building teleported me to the English countryside. There was something about it that harkened back to the days of yore, when ladies and gentlemen arrived at banquets in shiny carriages for an evening of fine repast and repose.
Swimming pool
After a quick check-in, we took a leisurely walk to our suite, through the gardens, where we became acquainted with the resident ducks and pampered felines.
New Quarters
We stayed in a deluxe bedroom in the new quarters. It had contemporary interiors, with calm grey walls, white wooden shutters and doors, and dark wooden furniture. A king-sized extra-length bed with Egyptian linen and goose-down duvets, was the main feature of the room. A huge plasma screen television graced the wall and a chrome chandelier dangled in the centre. A cosy little window seat nestled under the bay window shutters, perfectly positioned to relax with a book while enjoying the afternoon sunlight. Words of wisdom from the likes of Albert Einstein and George Bernard Shaw and plates by Carol Boyes graced the walls.
Our bedroom
The spacious bathroom had heated towel rails, a stand-alone bathtub and a huge shower cubicle with a luxurious rain shower. In the foyer, there was a workstation with a Nespresso machine, a mini-bar and a selection of Twinings tea in silk tea bags.
Bathroom
The front door led to a small patio where we could relax and enjoy the sweeping views of the immaculate lawn and the surrounding mountains. At turndown, we were given bespoke De Hoek chocolates.
Our patio
The honey-hued main building is furnished in Oregon pine, mahogany furniture and luxurious fabrics and has the perfect country house ambiance. It houses a cosy lounge with a fireplace, a library with a fine collection of books and the Conservatory Restaurant. Board games are available in the lounge.
The Lounge
Outside, garden pavilions and cast-iron tables and chairs flank the swimming pool area. Croquet, badminton, archery and boules are some of the other activities available.
Garden Pavilion
Hot air balloon rides, game drives in private game reserves, horse-riding and mountain walks can also be arranged. However, we chose to relax in our private sanctuary and enjoy each other's company, a rare treat made possible by a weekend without the kids…until dinner.
The Conservatory
Dinner at The Conservatory was a sumptuous five course feast consisting of canapes, starters, a palate cleansing sorbet, mains and dessert. The acclaimed restaurant at De Hoek is consistently rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in South Africa and has won many accolades. It was easy to see why. Some of the dishes we enjoyed included prawns in chilli tomato sauce, pan-fried monk fish, vegetable springrolls with stir-fried vegetables, and a homemade chocolate marquee. Just recalling the food now makes me salivate. For breakfast, we relished hot Salmon Eggs Benedict along with the cold continental buffet, fresh smoothies and speciality coffees.
Food at De Hoek
Sadly, the time had come to say goodbye to this luxurious retreat. Suffice it to say, my high expectations were exceeded.
View from De Hoek
De Hoek is a delightful fusion of classic country bliss and contemporary luxury, with scenic surroundings and sumptuous cuisine, close to Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is a popular venue for romantic getaways and escapes from the city, corporate functions and conferences, weddings and even just some good R&R. The service is attentive, yet unintrusive. In keeping with the serenity of the sanctuary, only children over the age of 12 years are welcomed.
For more information, visit De Hoek Country Hotel or book here.
Disclosure Level: 7
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
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Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.
This is really amazing and i think its worth the money!
This looks absolutely sublime, I'd love to stay there for a weekend! Putting it onto my future travel list, and informing the husband right now! 😉
What a luxurious location! I love to splurge on 5 star accommodation every once in a while, but I've never stayed in a place as beautiful as this! I think I'd want to take in a hot air balloon ride. It would be the perfect way to really appreciate the beauty of the area.
Wow! This place looks beautiful! The pool and the foliage covered steps are just to die for! What a great place to spend some time relaxing.
I love the foliage-covered steps and those trees at the swimming pool area. No doubt the place is a perfect way for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. Luxury travel is not my style but your photos and description of the place is very tempting.
Interesting. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but the interior (and the food!) more than makes up for it.
On another note, I like your disclosure level rating. Unique!
Love the swimming pool and your patio. The view of the surrounding is beautiful too. But it seems to me that the room's decoration doesn't go along with the location.
This is a really beautiful place. I love the patio garden in the back with the seats and table. A great place to enjoy dinner
Wow this looks and sounds absolutely luxurious! What an amazing experience. It must have been so relaxing. And the food sounds amazing!
Wow, this place looks fantastic!
A little out of my price range no doubt, reminds me of the places my parents would stay at. If they make it to South Africa, I may have to jump in and steer them here. I'd definitely be tucking into the salmon eggs benedict every morning!
Awesome post love that you put a nice photos. I'm a fan of 5 star hotels once in awhile. The photos make your post refreshing!! Glad you enjoyed your stay De Hoek! Hope I can visit too one day!
I want to crawl into that big bed right now! The whole place looks so cozy and inviting-- from the "days of yore" entrance to the plant-covered stairs. And that food -yum! What an relaxing and elegant place to stay.
We have been travelling in and out of South Africa for the last 3.5 months and are LOVING it! There are so many beautiful spots and awesome places to visit. We didn't spend nearly enough time around Jo'Burg but if we head back De Hoek hotel sounds gold!
I think I could live there 😛 Never been in a 5 star hotel, but it looks like it's worth the money!