It has been four years since we last visited this 5 star property
in the Magaliesberg.
Although there have been some radical new additions,
the main building and bedroom wings have remained the same
A corner of the reception area,
featuring just some of the awards that De Hoek
has won over the years
This is the “New Quarters”,
that was built about 18 months ago.
Aside from rooms for guests, it also houses the Bridge Bistro
as well as function rooms
In total contrast to where we stayed on our last trip.
Modern, bright and it comes with a rubber duck for the bath.
The ubiquitous soft toy we found on the bed
is still one of the “features”.
While we were at the hotel,
this was used as a chapel for a wedding
Looking from the chapel towards the dining room in the main building.
This area can also be used for functions and Sunday lunch.
Not quite time for a swim yet.
However, it is a great place to relax
There are guest rooms upstairs in the main building.
The floor houses a library and a seating area.
There are chairs, tables and snacks all over for guests to enjoy.
This table in the main reception area is used during breakfast.
Tea under the umbrellas on the veranda…
This is how you have a tea party…
A brightly coloured tea set.
My wife, Carolyn, enjoying herself.
Actually she was trying to interact with a small bunny
that was not being cooperative at all.
There was a lack of fauna during our visit,
so I decided to focus on the flora.
Accommodation and relaxation aside,
what guests come here for is the FOOD…
There are numerous areas, both inside and out,
where guests can enjoy their meals.
This intimate table for two was set in the TV room.
Chef Michael Holenstein…
These were our choices from his menu.
Starter: Beef filled phyllo baskets with garlic mayonnaise.
Soup: Prawn & Chili with a prawn dumpling
The soup was followed by a pear sorbet, to cleanse the palate
Mains:
For my wife…Seared Scotch salmon with a roast garlic peppadew and
olive crust.Spinach, mignonettes potatoes in a lemon verbena sauce.
The salmon was served exactly as she had ordered it and she enjoyed every morsel
My choice: Roast rack of lamb, Moroccan spice rub,
aubergine curry with almonds, sweet potato mash and mint jus.
The lamb was superb and the sweet potato mash “moreish” to say the least.
I tend to overeat when it comes to lamb,
however the portion size was perfect and the short walk back to our room
was more that sufficient to aid digestion
Dessert:
Carolyn…Chocolate three ways. Actually only two as the third
option on the plate was a fruit tartlet.
I have to admit that I ate the fruit tartlet, but Carolyn did the chocolate justice.
The other two were, Chocolate Panna Cotta and a Chocolate Marquis.
For me…Creme Brulee, Creme Caramel and a macaroon.
After watching Masterchef Australia and the “Macaroon Tower”
constructed Adriano Zumba, I was keen to see what Michael would serve.
Fortunately, there was only ONE on the plate that the two of us shared.
The other two desserts were what I had expected and did not disappoint
And to round off…a cappuccino each
A wonderful meal that was most enjoyable.
The small but functional bar.
Meet before dinner or enjoy a nightcap afterwards.
A Super Moon…
What a spectacle, without the city lights to spoil its glow
Which came first…
The chicken…or the duck?
A river runs through it…
Actually at the edge of the property,
but technically, guests are able to enjoy it.
To quote from the De Hoek Rates & Information pamphlet :
“De Hoek is the epitome of what an escape to a country house should be.
Excellent food, tranquil and serene surroundings
and it’s close enough to the city to avoid a long drive…”
All images are the copyright property of 
and may not be used without permission
and may not be used without permissionFollow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things has it’s own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
