GREEN in the city
Eco-chic at its finest ... The Peech Hotel’s a gem
For a staycation for yourself, or a recommendation for a visiting friend or work colleague, we don’t think you’re going to find anywhere in Joburg quite like
The Peech Hotel. It’s slap bang in the middle of cosmopolitan Melrose, but set on an acre of beautiful gardens, it really is surprisingly peaceful and quiet … all green lawns and lush shrubs and oversized elephant ears.
And green is a theme that runs through the hotel … from the carbon-neutral environment, with water heating generated via solar energy to rain and grey water from the baths and showers used in the gardens. We adore the new rooms ... clean, contemporary, modern … with grids which will become living walls once the jasmine that’s been planted grows a little more. It’s eco-chic at its finest ... all gleaming oak floors, massive walk-in raindance showers, and spacious, peaceful, private patios … perfect for coffee before breakfast, a quiet afternoon tea or a glass of red before bed. For families, there’s a two bedroom villa … about as luxurious as you could wish for.
You could, if you fancied (oh, we do), spend a few hours around one of the two pools before exploring the area (and owner James’ wife, Vicky, who’s the hotel sales and marketing spokesperson, has a list of unusual recommendations she shares with visitors … lesser-known tours and interesting hot-spots).
A recent addition to the hotel is the new Basalt restaurant ... already talked about as the place to dine. Head Chef Freddie Dias (with kitchen time spent in some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as at Luke Dale Roberts’ The Pot Luck Club) has developed an incredible menu … you haven’t lived until you’ve had his Ten-A-Day Risotto. It’s open to the public (top tip … book well in advance), while the original hotel Garden Restaurant is reserved for staying guests only (and the menu here’s no less impressive … the bone marrow and parsley fries side is worth booking in for the night!).
There’s a good feel about The Peech. There are hidden nooks and crannies for those wanting a little alone time, a central communal table in the dining room for single guests wanting company and conversation over a meal, the hotel is Fair Trade Tourism Certified, the staff hugely proud ambassadors, and a percentage of your room bill is given to charity (the hotel supports Little Eden home for children with severe intellectual disabilities). Originally a family home, it’s retained that feel … really lovely, and hugely recommended.
Rates are from around R3250 a room, a night, children are welcome. 61 North Road, Melrose, Joburg. Details: 011-537-9797 or reservations@thepeech.co.za