Serene country experience
ULTIMATE GETAWAY: CONNECT WITH NATURE AND GET TO REJUVENATE AT FAIRCITY ROONDEVALLEI
The lake will captivate your mind and allow you to feel stress-free during your stay
Although I immediately saw myself getting lost the minute I read that the hotel is at Plot 81, Zeekoegat, in none other than Kameeldrift East, Pretoria, I still told myself that I would GPS myself there until I lost signal and then follow the road signs because I knew Faircity Roondevallei was a place I needed to be for a relaxed and mind-refreshing experience of a lifetime, so I did just that.
Being one of the least patient people I know, I couldn’t wait to get lost, find my way and finally arrive at the hotel, and that is exactly how the train of events went.
But before arriving I had to go along a gravel road that lead to the hotel. For me, that pebbly road which most tend to hate was an indication that I was going to a farway place that could only offer me peace of mind.
Finally I arrived. After driving through the lengthy alleyway from the gate to the reception area, I found the hotel in a space that is surrounded by a nature reserve and a bird sanctuary, offering a relaxed bush setting within easy reach of Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport, complete with thatched roofs for a true African feel.
Soft tones were used to decorate the reception area that alerts a guest that they have entered a place of tranquillity.
Walking on the wooden pathway to my riverside room, my sanctuary for the weekend, I couldn’t help but notice that the hotel is a space that possess a calm country setting, nestled alongside the Pienaars River.
Arriving with my bottle of something distilled, I immediately put my bags down, headed to the sliding door, and opened it to allow myself a rare opportunity to go gaga over the picture-perfect river that was just a few steps away from my room.
After marvelling at the flawless landscape and making a few video calls to loved ones, just so that they could witness the perfection of nature surrounding me, I poured myself a drink.
I then put on some comfy clothes and went outside to be in proximity with nature and experience more intimately the beauty of the river.
If for some reason I had a doubt that God was real, the garden-fresh air, gorgeous big trees, melodic birds, the gentle giant river and, of course, a good drink proved that the man upstairs is indeed omnipresent and is an innovative creator of all things, an artist who knows how to put all beautiful possessions together, crafting a striking picture.
“Thank you, God,” I whispered to myself, sipping my drink. Not minding the cold and taking off my shoes to feel the texture of the fine-looking grass under my feet, I felt in touch with Mother Nature.
Wanting to experience the place in more detail, I went back to my room for a change of clothes and headed to the sauna, where I sat in silence and relaxed like never before, enjoying the sound of silence that dominated the space.
I decided to spend some time in the jacuzzi before dinner, since the weather was not warm enough for a dip in the pool.
Truth be told, the jacuzzi works wonders after some time in a sauna.
The water just agreed with my skin and it felt more like a tender massage than anything else, and I wasn’t complaining.
From the growling in my tummy, I knew it was time for dinner, and what better way to allow people to indulge by offering them a buffet that comprises well-cooked steaks, tender and tasty chicken, lamb, rice and multiple veggies at the Valley Restaurant.
The restaurant is said to originate from the original farmhouse and continues to uphold its rustic appeal and exceptional ambience.
The scrumptious food included both traditional and international cuisine, with fresh breads, yummy desserts and pastries all baked on-site.
Dragging my way out of that restaurant, with a tummy that was beyond filled, I headed straight to my room, took a quick shower and relaxed by the sliding door, observing the beauty of the river at night and listening to the sounds of all the small animals that live there.
I soaked up the splendour of the area during night time and enjoying the comfort of the room that had an electric blanket to kept me warm throughout the night, fresh clean white sheets, enough blankets and an air-conditioner.
After a cup of tea, I headed to bed, closed the mosquito net and called it a night.
From the growling in my tummy, I knew it was time for dinner, and what better way to allow people to indulge than by offering them a buffet that comprises well-cooked steaks, tender and tasty chicken, lamb, rice and multiple veggies at the Valley Restaurant.