Johannesburg - I’m one of those people who never travels during the December holidays. I don’t enjoy driving long distances on busy roads and I don’t like crowded places.
If you feel the same way and want a romantic destination, De Hoek, a five-star country hotel in Magaliesberg, is the perfect spot for you.
At the Magalies River, with mature trees and delightful bird life, this 22-year-old boutique hotel has charm in abundance.
Driving down a gravel road towards the main building, my wife and I were not sure what to expect.
The building reminded me of Buckingham Palace. It has a strong presence.
De Hoek means around the corner and at just 45km from Joburg and Pretoria, it is in their back yards. But once I set foot on the green lawns, it felt like I was far from the city hustle and bustle.
I’ve heard of people being treated like royalty; here I experienced it. You know you are going to be treated well when there’s a Nespresso machine in your room.
The waiters are orderly, friendly and professional. One called Richard made our stay memorable. He went beyond the call of duty to make us feel at home.
De Hoek has a “no kids under the age of 12” policy. At first my wife and I were disappointed because we wanted to take our two-year-old daughter with us, but after experiencing this lovers’ paradise, I suggest they change their policy to “no kids of any age allowed” – because the place is designed for lovers only.
It is the sound of birds whistling in the early hours of the morning, the adorable sunrises and sunsets, the food and, most importantly the excellent service you will remember forever.
We chose to laze around and enjoy being treated like royalty; so for the entire weekend we never left the hotel. But there are many activities in the Magaliesberg to complete the enjoyable experience – helicopter rides, a two-hour body massage or a visit to the elephant sanctuary.
One activity we never got to experience, but which I think would be the cherry on top, would be to enjoy breathtaking views from a hot air balloon – though it costs R3 560 each for the privilege.
If you don’t want to venture far from Gauteng, take a short left and enjoy a romantic, peaceful time out under the glorious sunrises and sunsets of the Magaliesberg.
After all, die plek is net om die hoek (this place is just around the corner).
#ILoveLocalTravel
Paballo Thekiso, Sunday Tribune