Aha, for starters the majestic Irene Country Lodge subtly located in the Centurion suburbs a stone-throw away from the Capital City of the country Pretoria, lies this 13 year’s old establishment.
You see, Irene Lodge might not be too much different from your typical establishment; however, the only difference is what it offers to its guests.
In my first stanza I referred to the ‘countryside’. It has those features and the minute you drive into the lodge you could be mistaken for being outside the hustling and bustling of City life, stru!
Topping it all, is the serendipity and lush which comes with the typical countryside. To add cherry on top of the icy cake it boasts lakesides, Golf Course, Camdeboo Spa and dairy farm which yours truly visited alas a lone figure.
The Spa treatment and its receptive staff deserved my hard earned tip. Before we could indulge in the body and foot massage we were given all necessary information, and yes with a broad smile which almost brought knuckles to my knees.
Zodwa and colleague made sure they left an indelible mark on us, and they did that in grandeur!
Thanks to its spacious hectares, the lodge’s 74 rooms are elegantly designed with African Mahogany wood furniture complimented by rich textured fabrics in earthy tones creating a warm ambience, reminiscent of the comforts of an old countryside manor but reflecting a unique South African flavour.
Although, we did not use much of the service at our disposal due to other commitments that has to do with covering the Gauteng Sport Awards, Irene Lodge offers 24-hour room service, 24 hour gym, complimentary wireless internet access, mini bar and 16 hour restaurant service, amongst others.
For ardent travelers it is 25min from OR Tambo International Airport and 35 from Johannesburg which make it the most convenient to locate. We did that, and OILA…
Food lovers will have much to appreciate at Irene Country Lodge’s two restaurants, The Meadow Green and Camdeboo. The team offers a selection of fine cuisine with buffet and a la carte options to delight the palette.
Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will enjoy the menu range. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at the gazebo or Lakeside Lounge, watching the sunset over the lake lending a tranquil touch to the already magical surroundings.
Irene Lodge which is owned and managed by parent company African Pride Hotels, has gone all the way to secure the services of internationally renowned and award winner Chef Ryan Houston, who has been appointed the executive chef at the lodge. The latter grew up in Magalieberg, having learnt the ropes from his food critic father.
As a cliché goes ’when the bug has bitten there’s no turning back’, Houston joined Mount Grace Country Lodge in Magaliesberg as junior chef, and grew up the ranks.
His credentials include being with Bakubung next to Pilanesberg and Avianto lodges, respectively.
Food presentation is as important as the taste, according Houston.
“Food communicates. Your guests should feast with their eyes and through the aroma of the food they want to eat and complete this wonderful sensory journey.”
The Irene Market situated on the serene and leafy grounds of the Smuts House Museum is also another popular attraction. With more than 300 stalls, the market is a gathering of artists and patrons; crafters and collectors; home industries and connoisseurs from far and wide.
It’s held every second and last Saturday of the month.
Thinking of walking down the aisle, overlooking one of Gauteng’s most beautiful lakes and set in a lush meadow, with old world rustic charm, it offers the perfect setting for a romantic evening wedding or an afternoon garden wedding, depending on what the bride recommends.
The dreamy bridal suite for the newlyweds offers the cherry on the cake to Irene’s wedding package. Here we go…
Any other reason, why you shouldn’t be packing your bags for the lodge, remains a conscience you’ll have deal with.
To wrap up our stay, the luxurious room which we got to “indulge in” unforgivably so, is so spacious it could accommodate the whole Bokke squad and the refreshing and lively bathroom –hopefully some hotels would take a leaf from them- were some of the finer points which distinguishes Irene Lodge from its competitors.
Amen!
For further information visit: www.irenecountrylodge.co.za
Irene has made a call, heed the calling…
