Sometimes, what you want from a getaway is simple: somewhere beautiful, time to yourself and no pressure to fill every hour. Whether you’re planning a longer holiday or a short break, having space to slow down can be the biggest draw.
On a recent press trip to Mount Grace Hotel & Spa in the Magaliesberg, I found a setting that lends itself to exactly that. The surroundings were beautiful and serene, and the service was a highlight of my stay. With newly refurbished rooms, gardens to spend time in and a spa worth making time for, Mount Grace offers an inviting escape for anyone looking for rest and a change of scenery.
A Fresh Look That Takes Its Cue From Nature
Mount Grace has completed a refurbishment covering all 121 rooms, reception, the lounge, Rambling Vine restaurant and the 1852 Heritage Bar. The design draws on the landscape outside, with earthy tones, sage accents, natural wood textures and panelled cream walls. It’s a restrained approach that suits a hotel where the surroundings are a big part of the attraction.
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Rooms are spread across freestanding buildings in the gardens, giving the property a different feel from a hotel arranged around corridors and lifts. For those planning a more private escape, 26 suites have their own heated pools. That connection to the outdoors runs through the property. Set across 17 hectares, with gardens and ponds, Mount Grace offers space to spend part of the day outside without needing to turn it into an activity.
Make Time for the Spa
If relaxation is the reason you’re booking, the spa is a good place to start. Mount Grace has 20 treatment rooms, with a choice between the main spa building and the Bush Spa, where private thatched treatment rooms sit in the gardens. The latter brings the outdoor setting into the experience and offers an option for couples spending time away together.
Facilities include a flotation pool, jacuzzi, rim pool, rock pool and steam rooms. You could build a visit around a treatment and leave room either side of it to enjoy the facilities, rather than squeezing the appointment between other plans. Confirm access and treatment availability when booking. You can also visit for the day, making the spa an option if an overnight stay isn’t on the cards. Pair it with seasonal high tea and you have a reason to leave town without packing for a weekend.
Give Yourself Permission To Do Less
For me, the appeal of Mount Grace is how well it lends itself to switching off. The serene setting and excellent service were among the things I appreciated most during my visit. It’s somewhere to consider when you want a break that doesn’t come with a long list of things to see and do. Spend time in the gardens, put your phone away for a while or sit down to a meal without rushing through it.
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A weekend away won’t resolve everything waiting at home or at work. But making room for rest has value in itself. You don’t have to return with a personal best, a new skill or an itinerary’s worth of photographs to justify taking a break. Here, reconnecting with nature can be as straightforward as spending more of your day outdoors.
The Food Is Part of the Escape
While the setting and spa give you reasons to slow down, the refreshed food offering gives you another reason to stay. Executive Chef Pieter Malan returned to Mount Grace in March 2026, having first worked at the hotel as a student. His menus draw on local produce, foraged ingredients and traditional South African cooking, with preserving and fermenting helping the kitchen work across the seasons.
At Rambling Vine, the seven-course tasting menu explores that approach through dishes that change according to availability. Examples include sorghum prepared as a risotto with braised oxtail, locally sourced tilapia and a bread service featuring favourites such as amagwinya and mosbolletjies. Members of the culinary team present the dishes at the table, explaining the ingredients and preparation.
For something more casual, the 1852 Heritage Bar serves hearty dishes, while the Garden Menu offers all-day dining on the lawns, stoep and decks overlooking the Magaliesberg.
A Place To Slow Down
I enjoyed my time at Mount Grace, and the combination of beautiful surroundings and attentive service is what would draw me back. The refurbishment adds to its appeal, while the gardens, spa and dining give you plenty of reasons to settle in. Whether you’re visiting the Magaliesberg as part of a longer trip or choosing somewhere to take a breather, Mount Grace is worth considering. Book a treatment, make an evening of dinner and leave some time unplanned. You don’t need to fill every hour for a stay to feel worthwhile.
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Mount Grace Hotel & Spa is on Old Rustenburg Road, Mogale City. For reservations, visit Southern Sun’s website.
