Fodor's Expert Review Goblin's Cove
Off R96, Bekker School Rd., Magaliesberg, North-West, 1991, South Africa
You can find this delightful little restaurant and hotel, the creation of sculptor Charles Gotthard, amid trees next to a river. It's made up like a fantasy fairy world, with three stories of little rooms, winding passageways, and stairs leading to colorful private alcoves and balconies. The restaurant has tasty, creative cuisine, such as South African sushi (made with springbok carpaccio), Thai chicken salad, and lime-marinated chicken breasts. A set menu ($$$) is offered on Sunday and holidays; menus change with the seasons. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and bookings are essential. A small shop sells dream catchers, small fairy statues, and the like, and the Gobble D'Gook coffee shop serves homemade cakes on weekends and holidays. There are three B&B units in a restored vintage train car.
PROS
- An unusual and memorable getaway
- beautiful location
- easy access from Johannesburg
CONS
- Visitors might find it a bit twee
- the hotel is at least an hour's drive from Johannesburg
- the hotel is at least an hour's drive from Johannesburg
QUICK FACTS
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: No overnights Sun.–Thurs., Free breakfast