Pampering personified

10 June 2008 - 02:00
By unknown

Zenoyise Madikwa

Zenoyise Madikwa

You find very few things in life that are better advertised, but Kievits Kroon Country Estate and Spa was more than what I had expected or even hoped for.

Prior to coming to Kievits Kroon, my partner and I had read and heard about the estate, which stated this same feeling. I didn't expect to be so quickly disarmed.

I must admit that I went to Kievits with a tiny chip on my shoulder. The advert rated the estate as one of the best in South Africa. Being from Eastern Cape, I was looking for tangible proof. I now echo those exact sentiments. Kievits Kroon is better than it is advertised.

Nestled in the tranquil Kameeldrift Valley, 15 minutes from Pretoria and 40 minutes from Johannesburg, the four-star country estate is a den for romance, a gem for a honeymoon, anniversary, or that needed vacation.

It is the kind of place that prods the stiffest of lovers to sing a love song. Kievits Kroon offers 99 luxurious rooms that you can choose from to cater for every possible need. Suite 98 is especially memorable for me. Your's truly and partner were booked in this VIP suite.

With the emphasis on relaxation and privacy, the thatched suite is a stand-alone that is beautifully designed, evoking a country manor. It has both rustic and modern charm, silk drapes, perfect lighting and fanciful touches like a 17th century Dutch house.

The interior evokes fairytale flair. The room dripped opulence and was furnished with pieces that made for a home-away-from-home feel.

Attached to the suite is a handsome patio, where one can sit and gaze at the beautifully manicured garden and listen to sweet chirping sounds of birds that fly past.

We felt like royalty because of the warmth this romantic estate offers. It was more like we were staying with friends in a really cool house than at a hotel.

The staff at the estate are very warm, from the gardener up to the manager. Everyone is, however, disappointed that they hardly ever have black guests to pamper. And they do go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome.

Kievits Kroon is a distinctive hotel that offers more amenities, service and style and provides a richer and more sensual experience than traditional hotels.

Spa treatment anyone? The True Romance half-day spa package added sensual satisfaction to our stay. Oh, what an experience!

With direct views over the sprawling lawns of the estate, rolling on to the hills beyond, the spa is ideally located for total relaxation.

You'll find a sparkling pool, frothing jacuzzis and a wet area that includes showers, foot baths, saunas, Swiss showers, steam rooms and cold plunge pools.

We had lunch at Granita Restaurant, and dinner at Kingsley's Restaurant where we were treated to a variety of colonial and traditional African dishes. Kievits Kroon's obvious natural beauty is offset by its state-of-the-art facilities, making it an ideal location for conferences.

The conference centre comprises several luxurious rooms of various sizes. De Kasteel Banqueting Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests for product launches or functions.