What makes a great hotel? Is it the beautiful surroundings, the great service or the delicious food? If it is any of these, then Kievits Kroon can safely boast all of them. It was awarded Best Luxury Country Hotel in Africa by the World Luxury Hotel Awards multiple times, proving that this is not only my opinion. Its many repeat visitors also bear testimony to its widespread appeal.
The Grounds
Situated in the Dinokeng area, just outside Pretoria but seemingly miles away, the Cape Dutch-style country estate is spread out over 16 hectares. You would be forgiven for thinking that you’re in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. It is a perfect hideaway for romantic weekends or a private venue for corporate events.
The Hotel
There are different accommodation options, with varying levels of luxury, located in clusters around the estate. A group of six traditional beehive Zulu huts, offering an African-themed experience, complete the ensemble.
Rooms
We stayed in the Executive rooms which were built in 2010 to accommodate the FIFA World Cup referees. Our room was spacious and inviting, and we could park our car directly outside our sliding doors, which is always convenient. The cotton percale bed linen and pillow menu options ensured a good night’s sleep.
Our bedroom
Kievits Kroon’s indulgent wellness spa has some of the best thermal treatment facilities in Gauteng. You are advised to come thirty minutes before your treatment to take advantage of the complimentary snacks and drinks on offer as well as the thermal facilities. The relaxation room overlooks the indoor heated pool and there are separate jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas and Swiss showers in the females only and the unisex facilities. An instruction card discreetly left in the lockers advises the order in which to use the thermal facilities in order to gain the maximum benefit.
Spa
The spa offers decadent True Romance experiences for couples which changes with the seasons. The attractive winter packages offer a mouth-watering choice of Chocolate and Chocochino, Crème Caramel and Pistachio and Mint treatments and include accommodation and meals. I can safely say that I spent a lot of time at the spa. The therapist and the facilities together worked their magic on me and left me feeling mellow and relaxed.
In keeping with the True Romance theme, which Kievits Kroon exudes, kids under 14 are not allowed at the hotel and the Kingsley restaurant offers oysters at the breakfast buffet. I was not brave enough to weigh myself after my weekend at Kievits Kroon, but had I done so, I would not have been surprised to discover that I had picked up a few kilograms.
If we were not being treated to a buffet fit for a king at Kingsley, then we were being served a six-course gourmet meal in Granita, the signature fine dining restaurant, all tailored to our dietary requirements. Non-residents can also make meal bookings and come to the hotel just to sample the culinary delights.
Picnic on the lawn
The perfectly manicured lawns are ideal for long lazy picnics which is exactly what we took advantage of. The hotel arranged a delectable picnic basket for us together with a picnic blanket and pillows to relax on.
Picnic Basket
We enjoyed crumbed calamari, grilled prawns and sweet chilli mussels along with a host of other goodies. We were joined by two Kroonkiewiets (crowned plovers) - the hotel’s namesake who, it seems, were more interested in our bread than our company.
Picnic Plate
A swimming pool, a vitality pool, lawn croquet and a giant chess board complement the outdoor activities. Or you could just take a walk on the beautiful grounds or relax on the patio and enjoy the serenity and tranquility.
The library lounge was an ideal location to retreat to in the cold evenings. The warm fireplace, hot beverages, latest magazines, newspapers and well-stocked bookshelves made for a comfortable space that we were always reluctant to leave.
Pretty Gardens
We enjoyed our stay …and I can’t wait to return.
For more information visit Kievits Kroon or book here.
2021 Update: The above review was done in 2014. We visited again in 2021. Children are now allowed at the hotel.
We were very impressed with the service from Executive Chef Sivy Marie, who went over and above the call of duty to ensure that our dietary requirements were catered for and provided us with delicious meals at dinner and breakfast. Our waitress was also friendly. And the oysters were great as always.
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.
I'd like to have a quotation of a group of about 20 ppl throwing a farewell party for 3 of our retired colleagues
Hi
Please contact the hotel directly.