We get so caught up in our professional lives and city traffic that we rarely set aside time to appreciate each other, or to simply be. Come the weekend, a long drive to the countryside or coast leaves little energy for closeness. Sometimes we just need a place that’s near enough to be able to decide on a whim, “Honey, let’s hit the road!”
This is why TravelGround handpicked some great places to stay in and around Gauteng where the two of you can have a private Jacuzzi all to yourselves. So toss a few necessities in a weekend bag and head to one of these romantic retreats!
Autumn Dreams
Dinokeng
The Dinokeng Game Reserve is just a stone’s throw from Pretoria, yet immerses you in the bush where you’ll hear the jackals howl at night. Here you’ll find Autumn Dreams, an amazing 6-sleeper villa with wildlife freely roaming the surroundings. The house opens onto a garden with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a Jacuzzi.
Lookout Safari Lodge
Dinokeng
Lookout Safari Lodge, also nestled within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, offers a unique bushveld experience with a choice of self-catering and tented chalets. Each unit has a braai area and a private Jacuzzi. Here you can enjoy a viewing deck that overlooks the bush and the dam. There is also a fire pit next to the swimming pool.
Stornoway Lodge
Lanseria
Stornoway Lodge’s unique accommodation options range from a farmhouse and tents to luxury suites ─ you can even sleep in renovated silos. No less than four units have their own Jacuzzis. It has a tranquil location next to a dam with canoes at your disposal, yet the lodge is only five minutes from Lanseria International Airport.
Windsong Living
Krugersdorp
Book a spectacular stay in a lush, green environment at the foot of a mountain and forget all about your office worries. Windsong Living is ideal for a small group of friends and your pets are welcome too! When you’re not chilling in the Jacuzzi or having some laughs around the fire, you can visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and the Cradle of Humankind which is located close by.
Forum Homini Boutique Hotel
Cradle of Humankind
The 5-star acclaimed Forum Homini Boutique Hotel is on a private game estate in the archaeologically treasured area known as the Cradle of Humankind, less than an hour’s drive from both Pretoria and Johannesburg. The fascinating history of mankind is incorporated into the interior of these cave-like units, two of which boast their own Jacuzzis.
Magubela farm lodge
Bronkhorstspruit
Shake off the year’s stress in the scenic hills and valleys of the Wilge River at Magubela farm lodge ─ a well-equipped house that can accommodate ten guests. Take some stunning photos at the 1.2-metre rock pool with a waterfall and colour-changing lights, spend lazy afternoons on the hammock and end the day off by snuggling up in front of the wood-burning fireplace.
The Residence
Johannesburg
The upmarket The Residence, a 5-star hotel, offers a tennis court and luxury suites with underfloor heating and Nespresso machines. Four of these units have private Jacuzzis. The Pool Villa even has its own heated plunge pool! So what are you waiting for? This is the perfect spot for you to lounge your cares away!
Map’s View Guesthouse
Johannesburg
You’ll feel so close to nature at this four-sleeper self-catering house with its panoramic views of the Kliprivierberg Nature Reserve that you’ll hardly know you’re in Johannesburg. The Jacuzzi and pool make Map’s View Guesthouse an ideal retreat for any time of year.
Mountain Canadian Log Home
Close to Hartbeespoort
Mountain Canadian Log Home is situated on a farm nestled in the mountains, just five kilometres outside of Kalkheuwel, and overlooks the Lion and Safari Park which is close to Hartbeespoort. It has room for six guests and on the top level you can snuggle up in the cosy reading nook. Outside is a large covered patio with a Jacuzzi and a built-in braai, and the garden features stairs that lead down to an outdoor braai space under the trees with a pizza oven.
Graceland Conference and Lifestyle Centre
Pretoria
Graceland Conference and Lifestyle Centre is less than an hour from Johannesburg and at this oasis, you can finally let your hair down and put your feet up! Book one of the luxury rooms and enjoy 10.9 hectares of lush gardens and pamper yourself and your loved ones with the beauty and health therapies available. Unwinding in the Jacuzzi, swimming some laps in the Olympic-size swimming pool and simply indulging in the cuisine served at the on-site restaurant will make this a rejuvenating weekend escape.
Aloe Rock Cabin
Rustenburg
Aloe Rock Cabin is located on a game farm, just forty kilometres from Rustenburg ─ here lies your opportunity to enjoy a private and peaceful stay in an enchanting stone cabin located on an eighty-metre-high cliff. Immerse yourself in nature in the rock pool, Jacuzzi, or outdoor shower to ensure the city’s stress is yesterday’s worries. Game drives are available upon request!
So, let these Jacuzzis be a source of inspiration for you to chuck all the planning, schedules and obligations out the door for a weekend and go wherever the wind blows you!
Feature image: Lookout Safari Lodge, TravelGround
This blog was originally written by Adriëtte le Roux and was revised by Natasha Labuschagne in August 2024.
