Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa, Phalaborwa, Limpopo

Situated on the border of the world renowned Kruger National Park, the Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa offers a unique blend of golf and game to both local and international visitors, offering luxury accommodation, sports, conference facilities and a world famous golf course that is home to a wide variety of game and over 200 species of birds. Air-conditioned and secluded en-suite accommodation is offered in the form of thatched chalets situated along the golf course and hotel rooms in the garden.

Visitors to Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa can choose to stay in a chalet overlooking the golf course or in superior rooms closer to the hotel itself. The hotel comprises of 143 rooms in total (combination of hotel rooms, chalets, self-catering, and two Junior Suite). Self-catering family chalets offer the additional facility of a lounge, kitchen, and dining area.

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For weddings with a difference, there is the perfect venue, whether it is a romantic setting in one of our gorgeous green gardens, or for a bit of a more adventurous scene, there is a luxurious bush setting by the banks of the Oliphant’s River. Wedding venues can seat between 100 and 250 wedding guests.

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Designed by Bob Grimsdell, Hans Merensky Golf Course provides a truly unique golfing experience with a range of challenging holes. Having hosted many high-profile professional and amateur tournaments, the course is of widely acknowledged quality. The course is lined with bushveld forming a beautiful backdrop to the holes, and gives the impression that the course is far older than its 30 years.

Bushman Sands Hotel, Golf Estate and Spa

Bushman Sands Golf Course is conveniently situated near Shamwari Game Reserve and Addo Elephant National Park just 80 kilometres from Port Elizabeth. Designed by South African golfing legend, Gary Player, the 18-hole championship course lies on the banks of the Bushman's and New Year's Rivers.

Characterised by undulating fairways and pot bunkers, this challenging but friendly Links course has some unique features. The first stroke is played over an active railway line. A double green is shared by the second and fifth holes, crossing the Bushman’s River and New Year’s River on several holes.

The final hole finishes with a drive over a small cemetery in the centre of the fairway. Bushman Sands facilities include a halfway house, pro-shop and gents and ladies locker rooms with showers and steam rooms.

This stunning property has had new life breathed into it with the rescue work done by River Hotels Team. The tar road is complete all the way from Port Elizabeth. So now the 100 kilometer trip is easy and without any stoppages or stone chips. The golf course is certainly in a fine condition.

Bushman Sands is a multi-faceted experience offering something for everyone. The 4-star hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury. The Gary Player designed Golf Course is perfect for the keen golfer. There are thrilling adventure options and prospects of viewing Big Game.

Those wanting relaxation, pampering and peace will find alternatives at the spa, at the poolside, or even on a tranquil sunset boat cruise. The Hotel comprises of 39 bedrooms around a pool area overlooking the Bushman Sands Golf Course. At the Bunkers Restaurant, cuisine is traditionally South African with influences of Xhosa, English and Cape Malay. Hearty Breakfasts, a la carte lunches and evening dinners are served here, while a cigar and good single malt can be enjoyed on the outside patio.

Our Spa is located in the Leisure Centre, the three treatment rooms - each with its own shower and air-conditioning and a small but fully-equipped gymnasium offer guests the ideal opportunity to truly relax and be pampered. The 18-hole championship course follows the banks of the Bushmans and New Year’s Rivers, resembling the games earliest links courses in Scotland with undulating fairways and pot bunkers. Situated on nearly 4000 hectares of former farmland, Bushman Sands game reserve offers malaria free sightings of animal species. Rewarding for families and satisfying for visitors interested in the turbulent and fascinating history of the area, Bushman Sands has won wide acclaim as a forerunner of sustainable ecological and community tourism.

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Abloom Bush Lodge and Spa Retreat, Cullinan, Gauteng

In the beauty of an undiscovered bush valley you can find the 5 star equivalent Abloom Bush Lodge & Spa Retreat. Just outside of the world famous but small historical town of Cullinan, 30 min east of Pretoria, Carmen and Lowie run their unique and exclusive boutique hotel.

Abloom offers only 4 luxurious suites, build as romantic standalone thatched chalets. All suites are eco-friendly and magnificently designed, build and decorated by Lowie himself and you will be short of eyes to absorb all the creative, stylish and elegant details he has given the lodge. A sense of peace and tranquillity greets you on arrival as the dedicated owners, their 5 dogs and 6 horses welcome you with their gracious hospitality to a luxurious but relaxed and informal farm.

Abloom is centrally located between OR Tambo International Airport of Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park.

Accommodation

All four suites are luxurious, beautifully decorated and tranquil and offer 100% privacy, a hot plunge pool (heated to 36 degrees), outside shower with warm and cold water and outside fire place / bbq on the secluded outside deck.

The elegant standalone chalets all have a small but fully equipped kitchen, fire place, lounge suite, DStv, flat screen TV, romantic candle lit bath, double shower and his and her basin. The extra length king size bed is made with the freshest white linen, old fashioned home washed and sun dried, offers a variety of pillows and is decorated with fresh flowers and bush leaves upon arrival!

Abloom offers a choice between three Executive Suites - sleeping two and one Presidential Suite - sleeping two. The Presidential Suite is more luxurious, has a larger deck and the superior view.

Dining

Abloom does not have a restaurant but does offer exquisite meals for the connoisseurs! Dining at Abloom is a spectacular experience. Lowie serves his three course gourmet meals in your suite where the table has been set under the breath taking African star lit sky. All meals are prepared with the freshest local products which inspire Lowie to design and prepare a unique set menu that may differ daily, al subject to the available ingredients and Lowie’s creative mood!

Wellness

Carmen runs their award winning, exclusive wellness centre, where truly unique treatments and romantic full day spa packages are on the menu. All treatments are done in-suite on your private deck with stunning views of the bush. An experience you will not want to miss. Carmen mixes her own massage oils and uses the beautiful world renowned products of Theravine, a 100% South African eco-friendly product. Pre-booking is advised.

Eco-friendly

Abloom looks after the planet. All products used in the suites and the spa are produced in South Africa and are eco-friendly. The spa doesn’t use disposables and our water is of a good quality so we invite you to drink directly from the tap instead of the bottle! In our kitchen we pride ourselves to use as much organic ingredients as possible. When building our suites we used local and recycled materials, eco-friendly cement, rocks from the farm en local builders. We save up to 10% electricity by using laptops instead of desktops and our dream is to one day go off the grid completely!

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:

• Walking with lions

• Horseback safari

• Self-drive safari

• Visit to the picturesque town of Cullinan

• Cullinan mine tour

• Italian Prisoners of War graves

• Township tour

• Hot air ballooning

THINGS TO DO IN WITHIN 1.5 HOURS DRIVE:

• Constitution Hill (internationally awarded)

• Cradle of Mankind (World Heritage site):

• Maropeng

• Caves

• Visit Pretoria

• Visit Johannesburg

Cullinan

In 1902, Sir Thomas Cullinan found a diamond pipe, and by 1904 semidetached houses were built for mine workers. The town was therefore named after Sir Cullinan. On 25 June 1905, the small town made its way into history with the discovery of the legendary Cullinan Diamond. Frederick Wells, who worked for the Premier Diamond Mining Company as a surface manager, made the magnificent find that has remained the biggest diamond ever found in the world.

The Cullinan Diamond weighed 621.2 grams (or 3 106 carats) and was approximately 10 centimetres in length. The Transvaal government bought the diamond and gave it to King Edward VII, as a birthday gift. In 1908, the diamond was cut in half and the biggest piece can still be viewed today, as it is set in a sceptre that forms part of the Crown Jewels of Britain.

Amongst the attractions in Cullinan, visitors will still be able to see the semidetached houses built in 1904, visit the graves of the Italian POW's who perished here during the Second World War or admire the beautiful stone church that was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. One of the most popular activities in town is the tour of the Cullinan Diamond Mine. They are still the leaders in producing some of the best quality gems in the world, and together with a surface tour, visitors will be able to see the mine shaft, the diamond and replica display room, underground tunnel models and the hoist room. After exploring how these precious stones are mined, visitors are invited to the Cullinan Diamond Mine Market, where they can see diamonds being cut and are able to purchase diamonds and jewelery.

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Askari Game Lodge, Doornhoek, Gauteng

Situated on the Plumari Private Game Reserve in the Magaliesberg, just over an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Askari Game Lodge offers guests a memorable Big 5 wildlife experience within a malaria free environment.

Plumari Africa Game Reserve is set within a pristine wilderness area of over 4000 hectares with natural African bushveld and an abundance of flora, fauna, birdlife and wildlife. Two game drives, each approximately 2 to 2,5 hours in duration, are scheduled daily. Elephant Experiences include bush walks and interaction with our elephants, which include a 'touch and feed' experience.

Previously known as Plumari Game Lodge, the lodge will be trading as Askari Game Lodge from January 2010. The name change coincides with a number of exciting expansions which will be taking place at the lodge over the next few months. With immediate effect the room capacity will be increased, while retaining the current nostalgic look and feel of the lodge.

Accommodation

The main lodge overlooks the Elephant Dam and invites guests to take a step back in time while admiring South African décor pieces dating back to the 1800’s. Slipper baths, a coal stove, wash stands, luggage chests, antique Oregon cupboards and tables are subtly placed within the luxury four-star surrounding, to emphasize the captivating history of the Magaliesberg area.

Askari Lodge has one of the largest private collections of ox wagons, carts and other animal drawn vehicles from the period 1800 to 1900. A variety of stone and iron-age arte facts, items from the Boer War and San Bushmen rock carvings tell the history of the area, which is also known for the nearby Battle of Nooitgedacht. Examples are available in the museum and guided bush walks take guests through areas where many stone carvings can be found.

Askari Lodge caters for romantic getaways, conferences, teambuilding initiatives, training courses and weddings. Nature lovers and birding enthusiasts will find the experience most rewarding, while stressed city dwellers will leave feeling rejuvenated and well-rested.

Weddings

Ever been blessed by an elephant? Enjoy wedding celebrations with a difference at Askari Lodge in Magaliesberg. Just over an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Askari Lodge offers wedding parties a memorable Big 5 wildlife experience where Africa meets Antique Dutch, in an area steeped with history.

All wedding reception venues are within a short stroll from the 120-seater chapel. The Lapa, overlooking the Elephant Dam, accommodates small groups of up to 40. Set on pure river sand under a giant thatch roof structure, the Lapa with its central roaring fireplace, affords astonishing night sky views as well as a view over the Plumari Private Game Reserve.

Akira Wedding venue is situated in the new Day Visitors Centre. Accommodating up to 120 guests, it has a beautiful deck with views over the Magaliesberg mountain range and is abundant with African symbology, rich earthy colours and unique African décor focal points. The upstairs wedding venue opens up onto the Azima Restaurant, viewing deck and Enzi Bar, ideal for pre-wedding drinks or entertainment.

Conferences

The brand new Day Visitors Center, which houses four of the six conference venues, is abundant with African symbology, rich earthy colours and unique African décor focal points. This brand new addition to Askari Lodge is ideal for groups between 20 and 150 delegates. The upstairs conference venue opens up onto the Azima Restaurant, viewing deck and Enzi Bar, while the ground floor venues have a breath-taking view over the Magaliesberg mountain range.

The circular Lapa with roaring fireplace in the middle, is set on pure river sand under a giant thatch roof structure and accommodates up to 40 people . It is ideal for 'outdoor' meetings and conferences which call for a ‘bosberaad’ feel. Overlooking the elephant dam, this venue is open-sided with drop down canvas, ensuring your privacy, while affording an expansive view over the Game Reserve.

The spa

Askari Spa at Askari Game Lodge reflects the environment that surrounds it – African veldt and wildlife rise up to meet the African sky and majestic Magaliesberg mountain range. This Big 5 Game lodge is scenically set between Hekpoort and Magalieburg and pays tribute to South Africa’s rich archeological and cultural history within a malaria-free environment.

Located in the heart of the lodge, the spa complex boasts with an individual treatment room, a couples room with a double outdoor shower and a couples hydrotherapy bath, separate mens and ladies change rooms each with a unique steam room which opens into one. The entire spa opens up on outdoor relaxation areas and private gardens.

Numerous pathways throughout the beautiful surrounding gardens allow for leisurely walks pre- and post-treatment. The spa also incorporates a pedicure and manicure lounge, juice bar, swimming pool with day beds and a retail area.

Our core philosophy of natural health is based on nurture, inspiration and the use of mother Earth's ingredients, to provide you with the most invigorating treatments imaginable. For centuries, African women have utilized natural herbal concoctions, creams and oils to enhance natural beauty and to maintain health. Found on our reserve the Wild Olive Tree, Artemisia Afra (Wormwood) and Aloe Vera have been well known for centuries for its healing properties. We now combine both ancient and contemporary techniques in a natural manner, designed to bring balance and harmony to cater to the needs of every Individual.

Soothe away the stress of modern life and dissolve impurities, under the gentle fingers of our therapists. The benefits to body and spirit will be truly rewarding.

Attractions & activities

For those that wish to stimulate their minds, stroll through our history museum viewing historic memorabilia from stone age tools and thousand year old San bushman carvings found on the Reserve to viewing one of the largest private collections of ox wagons and carts in South Africa.

For those that wish to stimulate their bodies, we offer hiking or a session with our beauty/ relaxation consultant. If more exercise or adrenaline is required, in close proximity is clay pigeon shooting, archery, paint-balling, horse-riding, fishing and hot-air ballooning. Or, just be captivated by the game drives or elephant experience (learn about, touch, feed and even ride).

Your hosts will be delighted to cater to your every need. If you require information or assistance with tours, transport, outings or just general help please let us know. Also note we are in a Malaria-free area and don't worry when to come, the weather is perfect all year round.

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Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort

Escape to a rejuvenating oasis at Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort, situated on the road between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg on the Battlefields Route.  Set on 800 hectares of KwaZulu-Natal bushveld, the Resort has access to approximately four kilometres of the Bivane River flowing through the property. Famous for its serene location and the natural healing properties of the hot pools: at a source temperature of 37°C, the pools discovered in 1880, provide a constant supply of beneficial waters for guests and are well known for their anti-oxidant action. Claims made by Alkaline Springs, in Europe, is that the South African Medicinal Springs are superior in mineral content, temperature and other essential factors.

Although the main attraction on the Resort is of course the hot mineral pools, another popular attraction is the great 110m long super tube.  For the active there is quad bike trails, squash, tennis, hiking, birding trails, mountain bike trails and fishing. Indoor, relax with some snooker or table tennis.

Highlights in the hotel include an airy dining room and terrace with lovely views of the garden and pool areas, among others. Buffet breakfasts and dinners or a’ la carte dinners are on offer. Light meals are available from The Bistro, including snack platters, tea and scones, whilst the Raptors Restaurant bar is open from 10am until late which is a welcoming respite where guests can enjoy having drinks and socialising. The Boulders Bar alongside the heated pools also offers another venue to meet up.

The accommodation throughout the Resort is tastefully decorated and each room has tea/coffee making facilities and TV, offering 11 Hotel Bouquet DSTV channels.  Set amongst giant Cambrian granite boulders that are millions of years old, and with abundant birdlife, the Resort is also an idyllic and beautiful setting for wedding receptions and conferences. Three well-equipped conference rooms, which can accommodate between 10 – 120 delegates, are available.

The Wellness Centre & Beauty Spa are also popular attractions on the Resort and offer guests revitalising and pampering massages and treatments to indulge in.

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