BY Motlatsi Kekana
As the end of the year approaches, our minds and bodies have slowed down and we are desperate for an energy boost to see us through the end. Luckily, we discovered a charming little retreat nestled in the Waterberg Mountains near Modimolle, in Limpopo. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is only a short two-hour drive from Pretoria, and proved to be the perfect place for us to recharge and rejuvenate.
Driving there
Leeuwenhof Country Lodge & Garden Spa is located a short drive away from Gauteng Province. On a Friday afternoon, my best friend and I embarked on a 155km journey with Whitney Houston’s Greatest Hits album for company. If you are familiar with the N1 North, you will know what to expect. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as chaotic as we had anticipated. Though there were trucks here and there, nothing as chaotic as we had grown accustomed to when it comes to the N1 AKA Bo Mma route. The route to Modimolle is still in good condition, with potholes but nothing too hectic. However, it is worth noting that there is a 3km gravel road that leads to the Leeuwenhof property, which may be uncomfortable to drive on in a smaller car or a sedan.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max was our getaway car. It made the six-minute drive bearable, absorbing the road imperfections like a pro. A few months ago, I didn’t have the best experience with the Chery on launch. Fortunately, it redeemed itself in Limpopo and made up for the Durban drama. The seven-seater large SUV allowed us to pack everything we needed, and much more. The drive was overall pretty smooth. We didn’t experience any errors or glitches from the Chery. We welcomed its fuel efficiency gracefully. It’s worth noting that the purple body colour made it a head-turner!
Set the scene
We arrived at Leeuwenhof just after 6 pm and were greeted by a stunning white Cape Colonial building that was surrounded by lush trees and a large strawberry field. The building’s wooden finishes and shady porches emanated warmth, making us feel instantly welcomed. Each room at Leeuwenhof felt like home, from the reception area to the dining space and the porches that had comfortable seating areas, all overlooking the green garden and swimming pool.
Leeuwenhof takes relaxation seriously. The chalets are a short walk from the reception area, which is the only place where you can get phone reception. However, stepping away from there means you can fully immerse yourself in the surroundings and enjoy the company of your loved ones without any distractions. At first, we were apprehensive about being out of range, but my bestie and I soon realised how much we enjoyed ourselves and each other’s company with only our cameras working on our phones.
The rooms
The large chalets are divided into four main areas, with one area being an undercover parking that helps keep the car cool from the scorching heat of Limpopo. The chalets consist of a living area, a bedroom with an attached ensuite with a bathtub and shower with two sinks, and a patio with a seating area and jacuzzi. The bedrooms are individually decorated, giving a homely feel to the accommodation. The property has over 10 chalets that include breakfast and dinner with the room, along with 4 other tent accommodations that cater to those who love camping. For instance, the Kudu Bush camp can accommodate over 6 guests for self-catering.
Food and drinks
Breakfast and dinner are served at the dining area, also continuing the home-away-from-home. We enjoyed the warm and welcoming atmosphere of our getaway. The hearty English breakfasts in the mornings were a highlight, as were the delectable dinners. The staff goes beyond their call of duty to make sure you are fed or have something to nibble on before the main meals. Leeuwenhof also prides itself on their delicious, iced tea which we are told is made from freshly picked strawberries from their farm. They have a bar with a selection of local and imported wine which we got to enjoy in the jacuzzi after our much-needed massages. You are also allowed to bring your favourite drinks.
Activities available
Leeuwenhof is the perfect hideaway for both relaxation enthusiasts and adventure seekers. They offer a variety of activities that can cater to the needs of everyone, including romantic options like strawberry picking, picnics, and jet ski and tube rides. These activities can help rekindle a fading spark or kickstart a new one.
One of the highlights of Leeuwenhof is its lovely spa. The manager recommended the back, neck, and head massage, which left me feeling incredibly relaxed. The spa facilities include a sauna, jacuzzi, and floatation pool.
Overall, our stay at Leeuwenhof was quite pleasant. It was just what the doctor ordered to reconnect, reset, and regain the balance needed to navigate the jungle that is city life.
Rates start from R1,995 per night.
