Johannesburg - I remember 1953 well. It was my first trip across the South African border. As a fresh-faced scout I joined Lincliffpark troop in a visit through Bechuanaland into Rhodesia.
It was a fascinating journey into an Africa still clinging to the previous century of colonisation and one about to undergo dramatic change.
I returned with hepatitis and spent 14 weeks bedridden as Bill Haley launched the rock ’n’ roll revolution and Edmund Hillary became the first person to conquer Mount Everest.
It was also the year Crystal Waters opened its doors in the Magaliesberg near Rustenburg. Today the establishment is known as Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa, and it recently celebrated 21 years under its present ownership.
It is a three-star hotel that has shown a remarkable ability to grow with the years, outshining many of its peers, and I could not resist the temptation of revisiting the mountain resort after an absence of some 20 years.
First impressions are usually lasting ones and my partner and I felt we were in a four-star environment… from the Tudor ambience in the reception, lounges and bar to the comfortable and well-appointed suite we had booked.
Later, speaking to managing director Paul Brunton, he said the hotel was three-star but had been positioned to offer four-star treatment on the one hand and a good, solid family experience at an affordable price on the other.
“We concentrate on conferences during the week (Sparkling Waters is a three-time winner of the Conference Venue of the Year award), and this is assisted by being one of the establishments in the area on the government-approved list.
“But it is family time over the weekends.
“We fiercely defend this by turning down weddings, bachelor parties and other similar functions.
“It is a formula that has worked for us over the years and guests have responded by coming back repeatedly.
“One family booked a room every six weeks for 10 years.”
My visit coincided with the news that the Sparkling Health Spa at the resort recently made finalist status in the World Luxury Spa Awards, an annual contest that attracts thousands of entries.
What makes this achievement so remarkable is that it was the only spa at a three-star property to be nominated.
We wasted no time in making it our first port of call. Lida Engels, the owner, gave us a guided tour of the facility, which is built around a shallow, heated indoor pool.
“We have six rooms and a double hydro bath just for starters,” she said.
“But our reputation and success in the competition rests on our service, which we believe is among the best South African spas have to offer.”
A full body massage eased away the Joburg tension, and to say it was heavenly is an understatement.
It was difficult for me to recognise the resort I had first seen 20 years back. We strolled through the grounds of the 45-hectare property and the various entertainment areas that stretch out from the main blocks comprising 56 en-suite rooms.
Magaliesberg Canopy Tours has a home at the entrance to Sparkling Waters and it is one of the initiatives pioneered by management as a “responsible tourism” project that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits for all.
It is an eco-adventure that takes you on a journey through the ecology and geology of the second-oldest mountain range in the world – estimated to be nearly 2.5 billion years old.
Eleven platforms span the rock faces of the spectacular Ysterhout Kloof. They are joined by 10 cabled slides up to 140m long and in places 30m above the canopy floor. It is a magnificent experience for all – the oldest customer to date is woman of 87.
We wound our way through the children’s “magic land” with a jumping castle and jungle gym, the miniature putt-putt course and the swimming pool to the games room.
Although not my cup of tea, there were enough machines, pool tables and other games to take care of any youngsters from eight to 18 – to say nothing about the adults lining up snooker balls when we had a look around.
Next-door is the Jacuzzi room with two baths and room for 10 people.
We then walked through the outdoor entertainment area, where many are attracted for the lamb-on-a-spit Sunday braai, which has become a tradition.
John, the “braai master”, has been basting lamb at this venue for 19 years. Each Sunday he prepares the fare, bastes the well-secured lamb and watches over it for the five-hour cooking time.
Paul says the area is a great gathering place for families, and he invited us along for about 6pm.
A bonfire had been lit in the middle of the entertainment area and the youngsters were having the time of their lives toasting marshmallows skewered on long sticks under the watchful eyes of mom and dad and the hotel’s outdoor activities manager.
The lure of warmth immediately brought us into the inner circle and the festive atmosphere enveloped us.
Finally, on our departure when we ticked all the boxes, we gave our visit a four-star rating. This included my wife’s comfort in the well-appointed room; the manageable distance from the main Gauteng centres (particularly in the light of petrol price hikes); the slightly warmer climate at this time of the year; and a value-for-money weekend.
If You Go...
Rates range from R550 to R835 per person sharing, for bed and breakfast
Website – www.sparklingwaters.co.za
Location map – http://www.sparklingwaters.co.za/map.htm
(Allow extra travel time on Friday afternoons due to traffic heading west from Joburg and Pretoria) - Saturday Star