Critchley Hackle  

Perched in the Mpumalanga Highlands, about 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, Critchley Hackle sits in the walkable town center of Dullstroom. Close to Wild About Whiskey and the Dullstroom Nature Reserve, this family-friendly hideout is ideal for outdoorsy downtime and short escapes.

An Old Transvaal vibe—red tin roof and sandstone walls—meets cozy country luxe. The property has a small lake stocked with rainbow trout (bring a rod or borrow one), 22 individually decorated rooms with fireplaces, Select Comfort beds, private furnished patios, air conditioning, satellite TV and deep soaking tubs.

Soak in the outdoor pool, wander the gardens and take a terrace view of the highlands. There’s a poolside bar, a picnic and barbecue area, a library, concierge services and babysitting (surcharge). Free parking and an area shuttle (surcharge) keep logistics simple, and you’ll wake up to crisp highland mornings.

Event-ready with a conference center and meeting room, plus a business center and dry cleaning/laundry. Complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet and free valet parking keep meetings smooth.

The on-site restaurant and bar serve garden-view meals and poolside drinks, with room service during limited hours. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7–10 AM for a fee, and the kitchen can cook or package your trout catch for dinner or to take home.