When you feel you deserve a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can just take a leisurely drive westward and within an hour or so you’ll discover the magic of Magaliesburg.
The small village of Magaliesburg lies at the heart of a beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and indigenous woodland and is home to a variety of birds. But it is not all natural bushland. Here you will find a wealth of hospitality – and if you’re looking for the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend, look no further than De Hoek Country Hotel.
De Hoek Country Hotel is the only five-star country house in the serene Magaliesberg area and is also known as one of the outstanding boutique hotels in South Africa. Its secret appeal might lie in its incomparable location in a lush and fertile valley, within a sprawling farming community, and distinguished by indigenous bush and the small but bountiful Magalies River.
At De Hoek you will not only be spoilt by five-star luxury – there are activities to suit all tastes. Whether you stay here for a romantic getaway, an executive conference, a bespoke wedding or just to unwind in a tranquil setting – you are bound to enjoy warm hospitality and superb cuisine. Different areas of the hotel cater for different occasions: breakfast on the east terrace or out in the gardens under shady bushwillows, karees and wit stinkhouts, a formal lunch or dinner in the dining room with all the French doors open in summer, or a roaring fire in winter.
Since its establishment 22 years ago by the founding owners, Johann Redelinghuys and his wife Emma, together with part-owners Michael and Michelle Holenstein, De Hoek has set the standard for fine dining and premier hospitality services. Recently the Holensteins have sold their share to the Shongwes, Isaac and Khumo. Michael will, however, continue at De Hoek as general manager and executive chef.
De Hoek’s original Lesotho sandstone house was built in 1991 and evokes a special charm and ambience with its grand central mahogany table. The house boasts historic repurposed features such as struts from old Crown Mines headgear and wooden door lintels from Durban Station – to name but a few.
In addition to accommodation, De Hoek offers a variety of event venues that can accommodate up to 80 guests for a private event, a wedding, or a corporate conference. The Point Room in the Stone House is used for private dining for up to 12 guests.
CONFERENCING
De Hoek caters for top executive conferences and meetings where creative thinking takes place and important decisions are made.
Four elegant conference and function rooms are situated in the grounds in the imposing sandstone Stonebridge House. The formal Foundation Room, with elegant interiors, can accommodate up to 60 delegates with various seating arrangements. A service bar leads off the room. Two smaller conference rooms, Cornerstone and Capstone, lead out onto the enclosed veranda, which in turn leads into the lovely Bridge Bistro restaurant, which boasts high ceilings, artwork, and glass doors and windows leading into the gardens.
Twenty-four-hour conference packages are offered to delegates who want superlative cuisine, good wine, excellent accommodation, and service in an elegant and exclusive environment.
Any type of activity could be arranged for team-building. These would typically include hot air ballooning, competitive cooking, Vegas gambling nights, murder mystery dinners, drumming, guest speakers, and conversations with famous South Africans.
DINING
Michael Holenstein and his brigade of chefs at De Hoek are committed to food excellence and create sublime dining experiences every single day, seven days a week.
Every evening, the team offers a different and varied five-course dinner sourced from the best local and international suppliers and freshest seasonal produce available. Creative and unusual flavours are combined to create new food trends, and this is combined with clever interpretations of classic French and Mediterranean dishes. The food is beautifully plated and presented with herbal bouquets picked fresh every morning.
De Hoek has been in the top 100 restaurants in South Africa for many years and has won many food accolades, including American Express Fine Dining.
Interesting and unique wines are sourced all over South Africa, with many visits made to the hotel by the winemakers themselves. Old favourites and new finds appear on their wine lists, which have been voted best new wine list in South Africa by both Diners Club and Diamond on many occasions.
EXPERIENCES
De Hoek Country Hotel offers peace and tranquillity in a lovely setting. Varied packages are available for a group of guests or companies.
Visit www.dehoek.com to enquire about your year-end function, baby shower, honeymoon, engagement party, retirement function, or high tea on a Saturday afternoon, or send an email to reservations@dehoek.com.