There is nothing more I love than getting away from the city for a little break, but of course, with a full time job it is not always possible. Leave days are always scarce and there always seems to be some crisis when I am away from work in the week. Luckily I recently found a great option for a weekend getaway that’s so close to home, that it takes just over an hour to get there(sometimes with traffic it takes me longer to get to work!). Whispering Pines is a lovely country estate that’s located in Magaliesburg, and a perfect place to go to if you are looking for some tranquilly and peace from the busy every-day city life.
The girls and I were treated to a 2-night stay at Whispering Pines and I loved it. Firstly, it will not break the budget- a night for two people starts at R1200, which includes a delicious breakfast! Speaking of breakfast, you can chose to have it in the restaurant or have it served into the rooms like we did. There is nothing better on a chilly winter morning than sipping hot coffee and munching on a hot English breakfast while admiring the peaceful scenery. The breakfast was a real treat!
We each stayed in our own cottages, but of course, the room easily houses two people- mine even had a walk-in closet! There’s a great little fireplace that the staff put on for you in the winter times, DSTV and a couch for you to chill out on and a great little balcony where I sat reading a book. It does get a little chilly in the winter times, but luckily, the aircon and the electric blanket kept me warm and toasty for the weekend.
So what is there to do at Whispering Pines? Since the estates slogan is “Tranquilly Found”, you can do just that by treating yourself to a divine spa treatment at their newly opened spa. I had the hot some massage which was so good that I skipped a visit to my physio for the following month because my tension was gone. They offer a variety of treatments, which include manicures, pedicures, facials, and relaxation treatments. You can then chill outside on the deck while sipping fresh juice, or reading a book (which is what I did).
You can have an awesome afternoon picnic that the lovely staff set up for you anywhere you want on the grounds (or even on your balcony). We had a lovely late afternoon picnic set up outside, complete with wine, desserts and funny conversations. Taking time out of our busy schedules to just enjoy the outdoors while eating yummy treats was the perfect Saturday afternoon.
If you love good food then you will also love the restaurant at Whispering Pines, which serves delicious diners and lunches. The 3-course meal that we had both nights is simply divine, and we had the scrumptious potato and leak soup on both nights because it was so good! I also tried the melanzane (delicious) and the lamb chops, and on both nights, I went for the cherry filled pancakes, which would rival even my mom’s cooking. We warmed up with a glass of gluhwein, but the restaurants serves a variety of any other cocktails or beverages you had in mind- even coffee in a cone!
Whispering Pines is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a quiet weekend away but the estate also serves as a great background for any conferences, birthday parties and anniversary celebrations. It has a hill top house that sleeps 11 people, which would be perfect for a girlfriends retreat! However you can also venture a little bit out of the estate on explore what the quaint town of Magaliesburg and what it has to offer. You can visit the Cradle of Human Kind, check out the Sterkfontein caves or even going on a Hot Air Balloon experience to see the city from up top.
I would recommend a visit to Whispering Pines to anyone looking for a great weekend retreat that will not break the budget! They are currently giving away a weekend stay on their Instagram so make sure to check it out on @whisperingpinesmagaliesburg
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