The Magaliesberg is a strange place. Driving through, you could be forgiven for thinking it dull and boring. The view from the road is bleak; there’s little to relieve the eye in such arid surroundings, with firebreaks seared into the ground and billboards the only visual interest on dusty roads.

Yet, just a few metres off the road, you’ll find secret treasures in valleys you never expected to find: cool forest glades, rock pools, and winding walking trails. I’m constantly being surprised by the wonderful places I find in the Magaliesberg.

The Mount Grace is our latest Magaliesberg find. We’re not the types who really enjoy luxury hotels, being more at ease with campfires and an isolated hut somewhere far from civilisation. Five-star hotels have a nasty habit of apparently offering lots of pampering at a hefty price, when you can’t help thinking that your bedroom at home is more tastefully decorated.

But this hotel was different. The Mount Grace bills itself as a country hotel, which means that they’re really tried to maintain that comfy farmhouse-feel inherent in the old stone buildings, and that it spreads over 10 roomy acres. At just over an hour’s drive from Joburg, it’s also close enough to be accessible, and far enough to feel that you’re getting a decent weekend break.

Originally named The Thatchstone Inn, the farm was apparently one of South Africa’s first country resorts, with reports of the hotel dating back to the early 1900s.

Judging from the parking lot, full even on a Sunday afternoon, a lot of other people love it too. The hotel is a favourite venue for conferences, but, on the leisurely side of things, it’s also become very well known for its spa, which opened in 2002, and is already a firm favourite with the Gauteng spa set.

While you may pay a little more for Mount Grace spa treatments, it was worth it for the luxurious treatment I received during my facial. There’s a shower and steam room in the changerooms, and a relaxation lounge and café where you can sip juice while waiting for your appointment. The design is planned around water: part of the café floor is actually built over a stream, the windows overlook a large rock pool and the boardwalk to the spa treatment rooms follow the course of a tiny stream.

Water also provides one of the spa’s chief attractions: the hydrotherapy gardens. Make sure you remember your swimming costumes (I didn't) so you can take advantage of the outdoor jacuzzi, flotation tank and a series of plunge pools and heated pools which are free for spa guests.

If you’re the active type, you’ll want to pack running shoes, tennis racquets, a mountain bike and sturdy walking shoes, because there are several trails for runners, bikers, and even people who just like an afternoon stroll after lunch. There’s a crocquet lawn too, if you're that way inclined.

If the weather’s bad, you can always spend your time indoors. The hotel offers complimentary afternoon tea, and a comfy lounge and library with CDs and books. I couldn’t help feeling that we didn’t spend nearly enough time at the Magaliesberg, arriving as we did mid-afternoon and checking out early the next morning.

Officially four stars, the Mount Grace website says its star rating is currently under review, and certainly both the service and the ambience is top-notch. The food was good too — I ordered from the buffet and was more than happy with my choices, while my partner proclaimed his á la carte choices exquisite: grilled watermelon and goats cheese salad, and Chinese chicken.

With a dawn departure on the Monday morning we didn't have nearly enought ime to spend in this hidden gem , but we'll be back. And next time, I'll remember my cozzie!

    For more info...
  • For more information on the Mount Grace Hotel & Spa, visit www.mountgrace.co.za or call the hotel on (014) 577 1350.