After travelling so much in the past 18 months since I quit my job, I’ve become rather lackadaisical about it all. I pack at the last-minute, catch the very last train to the airport I possibly can, don’t panic when I’ve left something behind, and only worry about the fine details about a trip when it comes down to the wire.

This obviously also upsets my friends when I’m travelling with them, mostly because I’ll leave everything to last, not be concerned about missing a flight (because I’ve learnt there are others) and not be as fastidious about planning trips as I used to.

Rereading my invite to stay at De Hoek Country Hotel in Magaliesberg last weekend, I had the stark realisation that there was space for a partner, an hour before I was meant to leave, and of course, I have no partner. It’s the literal worst for me. I get to do all these amazing things, and I also choose to do a lot of amazing things, and it’s quite dull sometimes to not be able to share it with somebody. Sometimes you just want to turn to somebody and see how they’re appreciating what you’re seeing too, you know?

So I did what any self-respecting girl would do in that exact situation: I called my mother and asked her to be my date.

This also completely threw her off because basically I was saying: “Pack a bag, we’re going to a hotel for the night.” (As a side note, my mom is an amazing human being, but she doesn’t handle last-minute plans very well) (love you mom).

Arriving at De Hoek, the size of the estate is the first thing that grabs your attention. These very regal country houses are clustered together in a large open area, once you’ve crossed over a not-quite-rickety-but-not-quite-solid wooden bridge. The beautiful gardens show the care taken in all aspects at this boutique hotel.

Our room, in the New Quarter, was wonderfully roomy, including a Nespresso machine and this cute little teddy on the bed. The bathroom was absolutely massive too; you’ll just have to believe me though because I don’t have great photos of it. Each room in the New Quarter leads out to the lawn outside with views over the surrounding farms and mountain ranges.

After we had checked in, afternoon tea complete with a chocolate fountain, marshmallows and fresh fruit was served. This was such a great little welcome surprise! Hanging out in the lounge by the fireplace was an ideal way to finish off the afternoon!

Besides the awesome room and afternoon tea, what De Hoek is really known for is its incredible restaurants. We ate both dinner and breakfast at The Conservatory, which is the fine dining option at De Hoek. Dinner was an epilogue put on by chef Michael Holenstein that combined traditional meals with quirky flavours. The seafood risotto was out-of-this-world, while the brandy pudding topped with ice-cream was the perfect end to the meal.

While I adore dinner (and all other meals really), I have such a thing for a great breakfast and De Hoek seemed like the nirvana of all the breakfasts ever. To show our eagerness, Mom and I were the first there and got to watch the spread getting laid out. The cheeses, fruits, pastries and cold meats were exquisitely presented, while the warm breakfast served alongside had the best soft-poached eggs I think I’ve ever had.

If you’re keen to experience the relaxed opulence of De Hoek, the hotel is currently running some really great fully inclusive specials and has some summer offers coming up too. View the De Hoek Special Offers here.

My stay at De Hoek was courtesy of the hotel. As with all my posts, editorial controls remains with me.