City life is always in motion – getting 10 things done all over town and still finding the time to relax is hard for everyone who chooses concrete over country greens. If Pretoria is your jungle, we know exactly where you should go to escape.

Castello di Monte is a gorgeous guesthouse hidden in the lush green hills of Waterkloof Ridge – an Italian beauty that overlooks Eastern Tshwane’s green belt and famed country club. It is a classically Tuscan-style property, designed by master builder Rudan Maritz as a private home. It boasts romantic sculpted gardens, spectacular views, fragrant lavender hedges, luxurious rooms and beautiful water features. After it was completed in 2004, Tilla and Pieter van Zyl bought Castello and transformed it into a tranquil guesthouse that now celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The charming escape is a favourite among diplomats, business travellers, and leisure vacationers alike, but you don’t even have to pack a bag to experience the care and attention to detail that marks the Castello di Monte. With a 24-hour reservation, Castello’s private dining is planned in detail to suit your exact needs, from an intimate dinner for two, to celebrations for up to 35 guests. Executive chef Louis Vermaak and team will make your cuisine dreams come true, and pair them with the best wines available, including La Motte Sauvignon Blanc and Buitenverwachting Meifort.

Castello bears more than old world charm – guests can expect free WiFi, secure parking, and fine-dining with delicious breakfasts and dinners available on request.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Castello di Monte is offering special bed and breakfast packages until mid-December, ranging from R2 050 per couple per night (normal rate R2 850) in the Classic or Terrace Rooms to R2 550 per couple per night (normally R3 300) for the Honeymoon Suite. Single rates for Classic or Terrace Rooms are R1 485 per person per night, including breakfast.

Call the guesthouse for further special packages available until 12 December 2014, subject to availability and 24-hour reservations in advance, comprising the Romanza as well as the Corporate Packages.

 

For more information call or or mail  or visit Castello di Monte.

Words: Modupe Oloruntoba
Images: Castello Di Monte