It had been a while since my wife and I last visited Misty Hills and with their current renovations and revamp complete we decided to visit again.
Misty Hills is about 20 minutes from Johannesburg and only 15min from Lanseria airport making it an ideal venue for local and out of town guests.
Situated close to the Swartkop Mountains it borders the Kromdraai valley – a World Heritage site also known as The Cradle of Humankind.
The Junior suite that we stayed in on this visit was part of the recently built upgraded accommodation in the new section of the property and surrounded by water features and natural vegetation.
The addition of the new suites has increased the accommodation to 215 units including the quirky stone-built thatched rooms on the old side of the property.
For those guests who want a ‘home-away-from-home’, try either the Royal or Presidential suites, each have enclosed walled-in gardens and plunge pools, offering total privacy, luxury and exclusivity.
Although Misty Hills is predominantly a conference venue, delegates and guests often use it as a base while visiting some of the many tourist attractions in the area.
Our suite was spacious and included a veranda, which offered us the most spectacular view of the Johannesburg skyline.
The bathroom had a shower and a Jacuzzi bath that had been filled with rose petals before our arrival…a very romantic touch.
The main living area of the suite had a really comfortable bed as well as a seating area and a desk that I am sure business delegates will find useful.
We discovered a mini fridge (empty) just before we left. This ‘perk’ is very useful, even just for keeping water cold!
Another plus for visitors to Misty Hills is the fact that the entire property has free Wi-Fi capabilities. I certainly wish that more South African properties would start offering this facility to their guests!
On a stroll around the new part of the property I was surprised to find a brand new leisure area that consists of two swimming pools, a private lounge and the ubiquitous games room.
There is also a gym, which had free weights, a multi station machine and a treadmill.
If only hotels would put signage up in their gyms as to how the multi station machines operate! I enjoy working out but I find that I end up on a treadmill, as I cannot figure these machines out.
To keep the children occupied (and away from the adults) there is Peregrine Castle which has a slide and secret rooms to keep the youngsters busy.
I really enjoyed walking around the property, as there is an abundance of water features and indigenous vegetation to soothe and rejuvenate a tired body and mind.
And if a walk won’t do the trick, then try the health spa that offers a wide variety of massage treatments.
Another new feature since our last visit is the new entrance and reception area.
Huge hand-made doors lead into a lounge, which flows into the new light and welcoming reception area.
I did recognise some of the décor as being from the old bar but it adds to the ambience and does make for interesting conversation.
No visit to Misty Hills would be complete without a visit to the Carnivore Restaurant.
Billed as Africa’s “Greatest Eating Experience”, this restaurant, like its namesake in Nairobi, offers selection of charcoal grilled game and domestic meats, skewered onto Masai swords and cooked over an open fire.
Another area of interest in the new orchid house that we discovered when we took the old route from the car park to where the reception used to be!
The property is full of the most wonderful metal and wooden sculptures all done by local artists.
There is the most wonderful private dining area at new Gin Box pub, with some really interesting pots on the wall as display items.
Take a moment to read the ‘back story’ to the pub that can be found outside the front door.
On the morning of our departure we enjoyed breakfast in the re-vamped Summerhouse Restaurant. The staff was attentive without intruding and the breakfast would have kept us there till lunch had we not had to return home.
One of the new areas that we did not get to see interior of was the Exhibition Centre that was opened in March 2010.
According to management this used to be the old workshop and is spacious enough to host small to medium size events.
It is situated outside the new entrance and opposite the Pelindaba, the largest conference venue on the property, making it the perfect addition to any conference.
If you are planning a romantic getaway, or a corporate event Misty Hills will certainly help fit the bill.
My wife and I certainly enjoyed our short stay there and returned home refreshed and ready to face ‘city’ life again.
Contact details:
Tel: +2711 950 6000 or 0861 732 237
Email: sales@rali.co.za
