For the ultimate antidote to Joburg's fast pace it's hard to beat the African Pride Irene Country Lodge. Just a 40-minute drive north from central Johannesburg the hotel's sumptuous accommodation is designed for you to enjoy the view of the rolling lawns that end in a lakeside replete with an incredible array of birdlife.The hotel's Camdeboo Spa adds another layer of luxury and relaxtion to your visit, and for golfing fans, the first green is just steps away from the hotel. The buffet breakfast is top-notch and the pastry chef is famed for his excellent croissants. A picnic on the lawn overlooking the lake is a must to complete your romantic getaway.

Situated in the historic village of Irene with its towering oak trees and shaded lanes, the hotel is across the road from the popular Irene Dairy Farm and is a short distance from the Irene Market, held on the second and last Saturday of every month and Jan Smuts House.