Royal treatment

Experience the magic of the Magaliesberg from the decadent vantage point of

De Hoek Country Hotel

There’s a reason why a crown motif adorns the De Hoek Country Hotel’s

logo, and is repeated in beautiful metal artworks scattered around the gardens: if you don’t feel like royalty at the start of your stay, you certainly will when you check out.

Nestled just outside the quaint town of Magaliesberg, De Hoek is conveniently less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg – just enough time to let the lush green countryside and rolling hills of the Magaliesberg replace the gradually

fading Joburg skyline and stir up a real sense of holiday spirit.

There are plenty of distractions en route to De Hoek, what with the impossibly diverse Magalies Meander serving up some of the best adventure activities and

arts and crafts in the area. But don’t linger too long, because the understated elegance and tranquillity of De Hoek is best savoured at leisure.

How green was my valley

Ivy-lined stairs, flowery pathways and a light, expansive reception area give a fine first impression of the venue. A closer inspection of the magnificent space is even more rewarding, revealing hand-cut stone walls (quarried and brought

up from Lesotho) and magnificent wooden beams, rails and lintels (salvaged from the demolition sites of various historic properties in Johannesburg, and even the old Durban station).

The suites are as tastefully decorated as the main house, exuding a comforting sort of old school charm. Each boasts a huge, airy bathroom with a beautifully big tub, and generous windows that open out onto a breathtaking view of the

greenery all around. Artfully situated so that you’ll feel delightfully like you have the entire estate to yourself, De Hoek’s plush suites can’t help but encourage guests to wander as many of the leafy pathways criss-crossing the estate as possible.

Some lead to secluded benches and romantic walks along the river bend, while others open out onto a beautiful communal courtyard (where high tea is

served) and a shady, secluded swimming pool. For the adventurous and energetic, De Hoek offers a myriad of outdoor activities, from truly five-star offerings such as gliding, horse riding and hot-air ballooning (launched from De Hoek’s grounds) to good, clean fun in the form of archery, badminton, lawn croquet and boules.

Peace and satisfaction

For the stressed-out city slicker, however, an afternoon nap is an equally appealing activity. Sink into your king-sized bed and let De Hoek’s

soothing “background music” of chirping birds and a dreamy forest of trees whispering sweet nothings to each other soothe you to sleep.

When your hearty appetite finally decides to wake you, rest assured that chef and managing director Michael Holenstein and his team are on hand satisfy every culinary whim. In my case, this took the scrumptious shape of a crisp and refreshing pear consommé with prawn tortellini, followed by a succulent pan-fried salmon and completed with a coconut sorbet palette cleanser and a trio of delicate crème brûlées (chocolate, orange and traditional). It came as no surprise to learn that De Hoek has been voted amongst the

top 100 restaurants in South Africa for 10 years.

There’s even a well-used helipad on the property, offering guests the option of flying in for one of De Hoek’s famous gourmet Sunday lunches (open to non-residents). Which proves that just as De Hoek is willing to go the distance

for even the most bespoke and exclusive requests, so too are its guests and loyal patrons.

Country living has never been classier, and at just 50kms from Sandton, it’s never been closer either.

With thanks to:

● De Hoek Country Hotel: dehoek.com, reservations@dehoek.com

+27 (0)14 577 9600

● Magalies Meander: magaliesmeander.co.za, info@magaliesmeander.co.za

* This article was first published in the March issue of Sandton magazine.