On the first of January, our little family headed off to Magaliesburg. Most accommodation there was fully booked by the time we had started looking for something, which is how we ended up booking at La Provence D’Afrique. And I’m so happy that we did. It is very beautiful, very unique, and the service is top-notch. The hospitality shown by Jeremiah (manager/host), Tembani, Innocent, and the rest of the staff is truly commendable and much appreciated. These guys are some of the most hardworking, helpful, and efficient people we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Accommodation at La Provence D’Afrique
We were supposed to have stayed in one of their double storey thatched cottages, seeing as we had a little person with us. After walking up the tiny stairs of the too-steep-for-my-liking staircase, we knew it wouldn’t work for me us, and made the move to La Provence with zero hassle. The room we chose was La Papilon (“that’s butterfly in French, mommy” – Zee). The room is pretty and cozy, and my only complaint would be that the water in the bathroom is crazy unpredictable – one second you’re waiting for it to warm up, the next you’re suffering burns to your skin as it suddenly fires up. It’s so hard to say anything negative about the place though, when there are so many more positives to it.
La Provence is built inside the old stone studio of artist and sculptor Charles Gotthard. We absolutely loved the concept of pretty, cozy rooms situated on either side of a French street café. On one end of the street cafe is a little French courtyard, which is what you see when you enter the building, and on the other end, three leather couches next to a fireplace – so cozy!
The Food
We ate dinner at La Provence the one night, and it was lovely. Jeremiah brought us our freshly prepared and delicious dinner, in a picnic basket (how charming?). Oh, and we ate at the street café – it’s not just there to look cute and French, you actually eat dinner there, with French music playing softly in the background.
Breakfast by the river each morning was also a highlight of our stay. It’s such a change from what we all do everyday, and that in itself is refreshing. And the food was YUM too. 🙂
The Forest Spa
Speaking of highlights, La Provence has the cutest spa, built on a wooden deck, and the therapists, Gloria and Sina may just have magic in their hands. There are two treatment rooms in the Zen Forest Spa, and they offer a full body massage, back, neck, and shoulder massage, Indian head massage, and foot massage. Husband and I chose the hot stone full body massages, and I’m pretty certain I’ve never had a better massage – like, I’d take a drive there for the day, just for that massage! And, as I posted on Instagram, Sina even gave Zee her first not-too-hot stone full body massage – so cute!
La Provence D’Afrique was the perfect place for the restful break we needed. It’s so close to Joburg, you could even drive through on a Saturday for a picnic by the river – they arrange a cheese and wine picnic basket for you.
If we do return for a stay, I’d love to book La Petit – this is the first room when you enter La Provence. It was, unfortunately for us, already booked when we got there. It has so much light, and is very spacious, and we loved the look of it.
Our two new friends, Sahara and Sasha, either walked us to breakfast each morning, or met us there. They’re such gorgeous doggies, and Zee couldn’t get enough of them.
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What happened to Charles and Margerite?
They weren’t around. We only spoke to them on the phone when we got there.
That looks like a lovely place for a getaway. I really like the idea of dining outdoors and Zee getting her first stone massage must have made her feel so grown up!
BTW, I was brought up in SA until I was 9 and would love to bring BattleKid at some stage. Thanks for linking up for the first #wanderlustkids xx hope to read more from you next month!
Oh yes, she felt like quite the little lady, having her own massage and all. 🙂
What a small world this is! I’m sure Battlekid will have an amazing time here, if you do bring him one day.
I love the concept of this linky, so I’d love to join in every month. ❤️
I had to go back up to make sure I didn’t miss you saying you flew to France and this was indeed local! lol. Looks like so much fun…and I would not mind a relaxing not-too-hot-hot-stone-massage right about now.
#LekkerLinky
Haha! It’s such a great place! And I could do with a hot stone massage now too!! ?
Oh it looks lovely and tranquil there.#lekkerlinky
It’s lovely and peaceful ?
Oh my how lovely Charlene and it’s just down the road from us. Love the decor and all that beautiful nature. I think the hubby and I need to sneak awy one of these weekends and go spoil ourselves.
#LekkerLinky
Wow this place looks amazing ! And so close to home for us as well. I love the rustic look
#lekkerlinky
I love that it’s so close by! It really is a beautiful place!
Looks so romantic! Sounds like you had a lovely time, it seems very peaceful. #lekkerlinky
It’s very peaceful, it really is a lovely place! ?
Oh my word! This place looks amazing!!! NEED TO VISIT! Ditto with Cherralle the rustic look…
#lekkerlinky
It is amazing! Such a calm, different vibe. You’d love it. ?
This place looks amazing! Love the pic of Zee getting her massage! I love following her in your stories. She is destined for great things! Definitely needs to be added to a places of Must see in SA. Such a unique rustic feel to it!
#lekkerlinky
Ahh thank you so much! She’s my amazing little person. ❤️
Great review! Love the concept! Would be super keen to visit somewhere like this!
#lekkerlinky
Thank you my friend! I’m sure you’d love it. ?
Great photos! That full body massage has me sold!
#lekkerlinky
Thank you! ?
I love the French Provincial look and the food looks delicious! #lekkerlinky
It’s a stunning place, and the food was really yum! ?