Shangri-la Country Hotel & Spa - Nestled in the picturesque Waterberg mountain range approximately 70 minutes from Pretoria lies Modimolle (previously named Nylstroom), a bustling bushveld town. Named after the Sotho for the God(s) have eaten Modimolle and the surrounding Waterberg area boast plentiful free roaming game, birdlife and beautiful indigenous trees and plants.
A characteristic feature here is the impressive Kranskop Mountain, a natural beacon rising above the surrounding landscape. It lies next to the N1 Highway that runs between Pretoria and Polokwane en route to the Kruger National Park.
Nature and adventure enthusiasts need not travel far from home to experience a host of outdoor activities such as hiking, game viewing and abseiling. The Waterberg’s numerous activities, coupled with its mild year-round weather and warm dry winters have boosted its popularity among people looking to escape the city for a few days.
Here, in the heart of Bushveld country on a 32-hectare farm 14 kilometres from Modimolle, lies a little piece of paradise. Shangri-La Country Hotel, hidden in a tranquil tropical setting, reflects the elegant allure of yesteryear.
Named after the mythical earthly paradise (described in British author James Hiltons 1933 novel Lost Horizon), the term Shangri-La has become synonymous with any permanently happy paradise land isolated from the outside world.
Guests wanting to escape the madness of modern life soon realise why the name is so fitting. Lush tropical gardens, a trickling waterfall and leafy stone pathways blend with luxurious pampering in 49 en-suite rooms to offer a delightful sense of tranquility.
In the open veld bordering this tranquil country hideaway hotel, wild monkeys and baboons play in the trees, while laid-back resident ducks and tame cats amble around.
For couples, friends, families and small groups that enjoy peaceful natural surroundings, finding your own piece of paradise at Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa is just an hours drive from Gauteng.
Accommodation at Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa:
Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa boasts a pleasing variety of accommodation from standard rooms and thatched rondavels, to spacious family rooms, executive rooms and the Executive Room with Jacuzzi for romantic couples. Guests may select from the following types of accommodation:
Basic Rooms
The entry level Basic Rooms have a double bed with crisp white Percale linen. The rooms also feature a bathroom with shower, TV with select DSTV channels, air-conditioning and coffee making facilities.
These hotel rooms or thatched rondavels have double beds with crisp white Percale linen. The rooms also feature a bathroom with bath or shower, TV with select DSTV channels, air-conditioning and coffee making facilities. Twin bed options are subject to availability.
Standard Family RoomsShangri-La’s standard family rooms offer a king/double bed with white Percale linen in main room and a single bed in the inter-leading room. The spacious units have their own bathroom with bath or shower, air-conditioning, TV with select DSTV channels and coffee making facilities.
Executive Rooms / RondavelsSituated between the lush vegetation, these tastefully decorated country-style rooms and thatched rondavels feature a spacious bedroom with double/king bed, white Percale linen and bathroom with bath/shower. Each air-conditioned executive room has a TV with select DSTV channels, air-conditioning and coffee making facilities.
Executive Family RoomsSleeping 4 guests, the Executive Family Rooms consists of two private bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom with shower, white Percale linen, air-con, TV with select DSTV channels and coffee making facilities. Each Executive Family Room has one king bed in the main bedroom and two twins in the second bedroom. The interleading bedrooms each also have their own entrance. The rooms lead out onto a patio.
Family Suite with BalconySleeping 4 guests, the Family Suite with Balcony consists of two private bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom with shower, white Percale linen, air-con, TV with select DSTV channels and coffee making facilities. The main bedroom leads out onto a balcony and has a king sized bed, while a double bed features in the second bedroom. This roomtype is located on the first floor and is accessible by stairs only. A private door separates this suite from other rooms in the same block. The rooms are not interleading but access to both is via the lockable hallway door. It is suitable for four adults or parents with teenagers.
Other in-room amenities that enhance all Shangri-Las 49 air-conditioned rooms with their different antique styles include a writing desk and stationary, Room Service, Laundry service, daily housekeeping service, television with select DSTV Channels, wake up call service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a Safe (selected rooms only).
Dining
Shangri-La offers a variety of options for guests that enjoy delicious cuisine and fine beverages. Outside guests are also welcome to enjoy meals at Shangri-La, provided they make a booking beforehand.
Take a game viewing drive at one of the local reserves and experience unspoilt Africa in an open vehicle through grasslands, rocky ravines and beautiful mountains.
Let us pack you a picnic basket to visit Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve at the foot of the scenic Waterberg Mountains approximately 90 minutes drive away.
Meet and interact with orphaned and injured wild animals at Sondela Wildlife Centre, open at specific times throughout the week. Pre-booking is essential.
Experience an eco-drive, cultural tour and braai under African stars south of Bela Bela with Kwalata Culture and Wildlife Tours. They also offer various adventure teambuilding excursions.
Take a walking tour at Bambelela Wildlife Care Farm. During these two-hour guided wildlife walks, you’ll learn more about indigenous vervet monkeys.
Watch crocodiles feeding at the Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm.
Savour an unforgettable nature experience at the De Wildt Shingwedzi Cheetah & Wildlife Breeding Project. The centre offers two-hour tours where visitors get the opportunity to see and learn more about cheetah, wild dogs, caracal, serval, African wildcat and vultures.
Have a thrilling hands-on interaction with elephants. The Adventures with Elephants educational facility is located on a beautiful 300-hectare wildlife reserve 35 kilometres from Bela Bela off the R516. The Hensman family runs the facility, having trained more than 60 elephants since 1988. Learn more about these gentle giants from their friendly experienced handlers as you greet, touch and feed them. You can also go on a Starlight elephant-back safari or even swim with these delightful creatures that enjoy interacting with humans.
Take a walk on the wildlife side at the Dinokeng Game Reserve, which boasts abundant bird- and wildlife including zebra, giraffe, white rhino, warthog, black-backed jackal and the elusive African rock python. You can also see numerous buck species, including kudu, blue wildebeest, eland, waterbuck, impala, blesbuck, duiker, nyala and mountain reedbuck.
View beautiful exotic birds, one of South Africa’s largest private primate collections as well as white lions, tigers and cheetahs at Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wildlife Park near Rust de Winter.
Visit the historical summit of Buyskop, situated approximately four kilometres north of Bela Bela. During the Republican days, the site provided fresh horses to travellers and acted as a halfway house for the mail coach that drove between Pretoria and Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg).
Offering charming old-world elegance, cheerful staff and a refreshingly uncommercialised atmosphere, this beautiful 30-year old hotel also boasts its very own spa, a romantic wedding chapel, several conference areas, swimming pool and tennis courts.
On the promenade, guests can find a cosy corner to read a magazine or enjoy freshly brewed filter coffee on the wooden deck under its leafy canopy. Exquisite antiques, chandeliers and oversized paintings adorn the lavish Baroque-themed Heritage Restaurant and lounge areas, while the Moroccan Room transports you to a serene space with eye-catching geometric-patterned tiles, arabesque motifs and rich colours.
Regrettably we have closed our Kids Play Room; we apologize for any inconvenience.
SpaLocated at Shangri-La’s iconic sparkling pool, the Spa forms part of the relaxation area. Elegant simplicity is what guests can expect from the Spa offering two calm treatment rooms – one customized for couples. The services range from a variety of massages and body care treatments. The beautifully soothing surroundings will ensure a deeply enjoyable experience. Note that the jacuzzi is no longer operational and that this area will be upgraded in the near future.
What makes Shangri-La Country Hotel special?Shangri-La does not offer self-catering accommodation and bedrooms therefore do not offer guests the facilities to cook their own food. We do not offer mini bar fridges to store food and food may therefore not be brought onto the property. Due to health & safety regulations, we are furthermore not permitted to store any food brought in by guests in our fridges.
We are a fully licensed premise and consequently guests are not permitted to bring their own beverages or cooler boxes onto the property. Consumption of such beverages are not permitted in any of our public areas and will be confiscated. We implore guests to abide by these rules as a vehicle search will be conducted on arrival at our gate.
Monkey businessMeercats, monkeys and baboons are an integral part of the unique African bush at Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa. As wild primates instinctively fear humans, we do not feed, tease or engage with the animals that call this place home. As a precautionary measure, we request hotel guests to do the same by keeping a respectful distance from them. They are unlikely to get up to any monkey mischief if guests simply remain alert, supervise children when animals are nearby and keep their hotel windows and doors locked when leaving the rooms.
The entry level Basic Rooms have a double bed with crisp white Percale linen. The rooms also feature a bathroom with shower, TV with select DSTV channels, air-conditioning and coffee making facilities.
Executive Family Rooms
Sleeping 4 guests, the Executive Family Rooms consists of two private bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom with shower, white Percale linen, air-con, TV with select DSTV channels and coffee making facilities. Each Executive Family Room has one king bed in the main bedroom and two twins in the second bedroom. The interleading bedrooms each also have their own entrance. The rooms lead out onto a patio.
Family Suite with BalconySleeping 4 guests, the Family Suite with Balcony consists of two private bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom with shower, white Percale linen, air-con, TV with select DSTV channels and coffee making facilities. The main bedroom leads out onto a balcony and has a king sized bed, while a double bed features in the second bedroom. This roomtype is located on the first floor and is accessible by stairs only. A private door separates this suite from other rooms in the same block. The rooms are not interleading but access
Stylish country king / twin bedroom situated between our lush vegetation made up with Percale white linen. Room has a bath or shower with 10 DSTV channels, coffee station and aircon. Two of the rooms are thatched rondavels.
These hotel rooms or thatched rondavels have double beds with crisp white Percale linen. The rooms also feature a bathroom with bath or shower, TV with select DSTV channels, air-conditioning and coffee making facilities. Twin bed options are subject to availability. Six of the roomtypes are thatched rondavels.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation
charges apply, as follows:
• More 8 days prior to arrival: No forfeit - full refund
• 01-07 days prior to check-in date: Forfeit 100% of the
deposit
• Non-arrival or early departure: No refund - the total
booking value is forfeit / payable
From Pretoria
1. Follow the N1 towards Polokwane (Pietersburg)
2. Take the Modimolle (Nylstroom) off ramp at the Kranskop Tollgate, turn left at the T-junction and follow the road towards Modimolle (Nylstroom)
3. Turn left at Eersbewoond and continue for approximately 3km until you find the Shangri-La Country Hotel turn on your right
4. Continue on dirt road for 3 km until you reach Shangri-La Country Hotel.
From Polokwane (Pietersburg)
1. Follow the N1 south towards Pretoria, pass Mokopane (Potgietersrus), Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) and take the Modimolle (Nylstroom) off ramp
2. Continue on this road until you reach the first 4 way traffic light intersection
3. Turn left into Nelson Mandela Drive and continue until you have left the CBD
4. Travel on for approximately 8km until you find the Eersbewoond Road on your right. Turn right at Eersbewoond and continue for approximately 3km, until you find Shangri-La Country Hotel turnoff on your right
5. Continue on dirt road for 3 km until you reach Shangri-La Country Hotel.
