Our Thaba Eco Hotel Valentine's Staycation, JHB, South Africa

The Thaba Eco Hotel is situated in the South of Johannesburg, hidden deep in the picturesque nature far away from city life. For Valentine's Day this year we decided to book away for the weekend, to celebrate the month of love but also because we hadn't really been awaywhere since the pandemic hit.

The beautiful Thaba

From the booking to the arrival, to the stay and service, everything was premium, organised and seamless. The beauty of the hotel is certainly matched with its friendly staff and uncompromised service.

Upon booking, we were allocated a Deluxe room, which is normally considered eqiuvalent to a standard double room. As it was Valentine's weekend and we booked the entire package, the hotel upgraded our stay to a Luxury room with a view - which we were able to choose. I documented the entire stay on my YouTube channel where you can watch the three-part series here. All the views and BTS content is on my instagram here.

Our luxury room came with a King size bed, gas heater, and aircon, fully stocked bar and pantry with snacks which was complimentary to us as part of the package as well as a full bathroom with his and her basins, a bath and shower. We also had a balcony with a stunning view of the city far away and a desk and TV.

The room itself was spacious, clean and tidy as well as scenic in its own right. It was also centrally located, so we were able to walk to the Kraal restaurant (where breakfast, dinner and lunch is served) as well as the Sinzinani Spa. We hardly used the porter service, as walking through the location was therapeutic and calming.

The Kraal Restaurant

Offering a set menu for 15+ pax or an À la carte menu for smaller groups, we were offered a two-course menu with drinks and even that was way too much food. The starters set the tone for the mains which set the tone for the dessert - and we continued eating, and did suffer from stomach aches the next day, but it was all worth it.

We ordered the calamari for starters, a 300g rump steak and chicken breasts for our mains washed down with Chardonnay and a Katemab. For dessert, a delectable, and rich Chocolate Torte and a hot drink of our choice. Every single part of each meal was made with attention and cooked to perfection. We could see it and taste it.

To top off the great food, was the friendly staff, nothing was too much for them. We were never left too long without service and our meals and drinks arrived in good time without us waiting too long.

I enjoyed this experience so much, I have already booked them for my parents birthday lunch next week. Cannot wait to go back.

Ebar

This is the very retro, spunky and comfortable bar situated on the Thaba property adjacent to the pool. We visited the bar just before we could leave for the weekend, and stayed way longer than anticipated.

The menu is relatively varied with an extensive choice of cocktails, cidars, beers and Gins.

The vibe, the drinks and the scenery just kept us wanting more. Filled with natural lighting and greenery, comfortable lounge seating and good music, it's the perfect Sunday chill spot.

Sinzinani Spa

Also situated north of the Thaba property close to the conferencing area, is the spa. This almost looks like a makeshift spa upon entry and arrival. The rooms and treatments areas are conducted in steel houses, however, this does not take away from the experience and level of service.

The staff are well organised, Covid protocols were followed strictly and the entire area was beautifully setup, cleaned and also had a view from the public seating area.

Our treatments included a hot oil full body massage and a Swedish-hot stone full body massage. I personally, am a massage addict and go for them quite regularly, so I can identify when the masseuse is good or not. The Sinzinani ladies get a 5-star rating from me. The pressure was perfect, the technique was not too sore but relieved tensions areas and the beginning and ending routines only added to the main massage.

I would drive to the south once a month just to have massages there more often - it's that good.

In conclusion

Experiencing all that Thaba offers in such a short time, still left a feeling in our hearts and memories we will have forever. It's certainly a very special place, no wonder so may choose The Thaba for their weddings and anniversaries.

We will be planning another trip there very soon. I rate The Thaba Eco Hotel an excellent 9/10. The pool area could be better but everything else is nothing short of spectacular.

Until next time...

Peace&love

Prelene

xo