During the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, long before the official on-field battles for the Cup began, two prominent teams were engaged in another sort of battle. Mexico and Portugal were both fighting for the privilege of staying at Thaba Eco Hotel (previously known as Thaba Ya Batswana Eco Hotel and Spa). And they were only two of the teams that were keen on staying there. This, I guess, is a testament to the hotels appeal. Mexico won. Now I got the opportunity to see what the fuss was about.
Rooms - Back
Thaba Eco Hotel was awarded the accolade of Best 4- Star Hotel in Gauteng at the Lilizela Tourism Awards several times. A hidden treasure and a quick escape from the chaos that is Johannesburg, the hotel is situated in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, one of the best places to hike in Joburg.
Rooms
The hotel's design, has been influenced by the Tswana settlement ruins dating back 300 to 600 years, which are scattered throughout the property.
Bushveld Suites
There are two types of rooms: the Kraal Kamers and the Bushveld Suites. The Kraal Kamers are uniquely designed units with their own patios. Internally they are spacious open-plan bedrooms with a lounge area. The rooms are decorated in elegant dark wood and dark leather.
I loved the size of the bathroom. It was bigger than my bedroom at home and had heated towel rails and a jet bath. A skylight in the dome of the rondawel illuminated the bathroom during the day. The Bushveld suites are luxurious rooms with floor to ceiling windows boasting spectacular views of the nature reserve. A complimentary mini-bar, generous complimentary snacks and free wi-fi access give added value to the units.
Bedroom
Thaba Eco Hotel is an eco-friendly venue. According to Malcolm, the environmental manager, hotel rooms have been designed to minimise environmental impact and everything that can be recycled is recycled, including left-over food. The hotel also has an organic vegetable garden that supplies its restaurant.
Guided nature walks and eco-drives can be booked to introduce one to the fauna, flora, archaeology, and history of the area. There are many species of plains game in the area. Malcolm took us on an eco-walk while explaining the hotel’s green policy to us. The hotel was also awarded the status of being a Fair Trade Tourism Business at the Lilizela Tourism Awards. Other activities include guided bird-watching, mountain biking and swimming.
Swimming Pool
The Kraal Kombuis restaurant packed us a lovely gourmet picnic basket, tailored to our dietary requirements. My kids were happy to get their own basket. One of the golf carts on call took us to a beautiful picnic spot, high up on a hill, where we feasted on crayfish, mussel and oyster pies, vegetarian wraps and Ferrero Rochers, as the sun was going down. Sunday morning breakfast at the restaurant was a lively affair with many visitors coming to the hotel just for breakfast, a veritable feast. The Olive Tree Coffee shop adjoins the restaurant and the garden play area, with the rabbit hutch kept the kids entertained.
Picnic Baskets
Crayfish
Thaba Eco Hotel is a popular venue for conferences, wedding, team-building events. The team from the popular Afrikaans soapie, 7de Laan had a function there and the pictures are displayed on the restaurant walls alongside those of Mexico’s World Cup team. So, if you’re looking for something to do over a weekend, or need a quick escape from Johannesburg without actually leaving the city, go to Thaba Eco Hotel. Have breakfast there, go for a nature walk, then wind down at the spa. And if you can spend the night, then all the better. I can safely say that my expectations were exceeded.
For more information, visit Thaba Ya Batswana or book here.
Coffee shop
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.
Hi I would like to have my graduation at your resort in December, please furnish me with all the necessary details. I would like to use the spa as well.
Hi
Please contact the hotel directly.
Hi dear i want to bring my husband for a pic Inc, I need prices and how mush is spar
Hi Nothenba, You can click on this link to book https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/thaba-ya-batswana.en.html?aid=918165&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2 or contact reservations@thabahotel.co.za
Please advise if you do lunch or dinner services for day visitors
Good day, I am looking for a venue to spend a weekend with a friend from London. It will be a celebration of our friendship of almost 60 years. I would like to know prices and spa treatments available? Price include meals? Thanks
Hi Edith. Please contact the hotel directly or see some other great options here: https://inafricaandbeyond.com/holidays-in-south-africa/
We really had a nice time here!!!
It's a lovely place for a getaway!
I would like to visit your hotel, is there perhaps anything one should know before
Hi
No, just book beforehand. You can book here. https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/thaba-ya-batswana.en.html?aid=918165&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
This is my first time visit at here and i am truly happy
to read so much in one place.
I would like for a weekend and a spa treatment on a Saturday. How much will it cost
Please see accommodation prices here: http://tidd.ly/ce70b7
Good day
Yesterday I spent my birthday at this amazing breathtaking place, I went for a spa at Sinzinani and walked up the forest watching the beautiful nature and then later I went to have my brunch at The Kraal restaurant, I was served by a very welcoming and friendly waiter called Talent. The food was amazing. I am definitely coming back to enjoy more.
Lucky you. It's a beautiful, relaxing place. Next time you should stay over. 🙂
Could you please send me a quote for two couple to book for January
Hi. Please book here
Could you please send me a quote for two couples on the 25th of October 2019 to 27 October 2019
Dear Nomcebo, Please book here: http://tidd.ly/ce70b7
beautiful
Thank you so much Anifa 🙂
I needed to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved it. I have you bookmarked to have a look at
new stuff you post.
I want to book for 4 people for 3 days
Hi Thembi
Please contact the hotel directly on 011 9590777 or info@thabahotel.co.za.