Here in South Africa our Summer holiday season is in full swing and the countdown to splendid Christmas entertaining has definitely started. Northern hemisphere menus are made up of all those gorgeous , rich, indulgent delights suited to freezing temperatures and time spent in doors. But under hot African skies we take a different view… [Read More]
Enoch Banda our Duty Manager at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, has been part of our team for 5 years and is a crucial cog in our well oiled management machine. We caught up with Enoch to find out more about his role and experiences. To become a hotel Duty Manager, it is necessary to know… [Read More]
Stefan de Weerd, who has a Diploma in Tourism Management from the Vaal University of technology is one of our rangers and has eight years of ranging experience. He has spent the past two years at Morukuru Family Madikwe Game Reserve and describes living and working in the bush as a “dream job.” Many have… [Read More]
The other day our team sat down to browse through some of the amazing photographs we have amassed at Morukuru Family. Those snaps guests have so generously shared with us. Pictures taken by professional photographers visiting our properties and images captured by our staff. We quickly noticed a strong, common thread. So many of the… [Read More]
Taking an environmentally friendly position is very much part of global consciousness and intriguingly there is an exclusive, 5 star Villa at the bottom of Africa playing its part in supporting this essential philosophy. Selecting a holiday destination “off-the-grid” usually means trekking to a geographically remote area with your insect spray, anti-malaria medication and other… [Read More]
November 7 is International Merlot Day which is indeed a cause for celebration in itself. Although here at Morukuru Family, we never feel we need need an extra special occasion to open a bottle of wine and simply embrace the saying that life is too short to drink bad wine! Ed Zeeman owner, a dedicated… [Read More]
A visit to Morukuru Family in the Madikwe is an opportunity of a lifetime and the signature bush breakfast is a highlight for many guests. As Winston Churchill said: “Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.” And planning for a bush breakfast is just the start of the fun. Eating outdoors surrounded by… [Read More]
After the long dry winter months in Johannesburg and Pretoria, locals desperately crave the arrival of the summer rains, bringing great relief to parched gardens and souls alike. Nothing announces the onset of summer in Johannesburg quite like the first dramatic thunderstorms and the anticipation that the Jacaranda’s will soon be in bloom. Traditionally the… [Read More]
Johannesburg Restaurant Week 2017 is in full swing, running until 5th November and AtholPlace Hotel and Villa are on the list of participating establishments. This year sees Restaurant Week celebrating their five year anniversary which is a triumph in itself , as is the inventive menu created by Executive Chef, Willie Malherbe. We caught with… [Read More]
Spring in the Southern hemisphere officially falls between the beginning of September until the end of November, mirroring the Northern hemisphere Autumn, and is always welcomed at Ocean House with a real sense of perpetual astonishment Now is a time when De Hoop Nature Reserve reveals its secrets of true abundance. Sitting Bull, one of… [Read More]
Lemon Pavlova with a Triple Berry Curd Served with a berry coulis, almond flavoured cream and caramel popcorn Serves 4-6 Ingredients for Lemon Pavlova 3 egg whites (40g an egg white) 190g Castor sugar 1 ¼ teaspoon corn starch ½ a lemon’s zest 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Method Preheat oven to 180°C and line… [Read More]
Meet Chef Sikelela Ntintili 1. When did you realise you have a passion for food & cooking? I used to cook with my mother and grandmother, especially on Sundays when we all came together. When I was 10 years old I realised that this is my passion. 2. Did you have training in Culinary arts?… [Read More]
Meet Chef Hope 1. What is a piece of practical advice regarding ingredients or cooking that you were given by a mentor and still use in the kitchen today? Don’t Forget the Old School Cooking “Wherever you go or whenever you try new things” by Marcia Esobeka. I’m still using Italian methods of cooking that… [Read More]
Executive Chef, Willie Malherbe 1. What do you love most about AtholPlace Restaurant? I personally enjoy the team that we work with – they have a great energy and constantly strive to better the product that we offer. For example, in the kitchen we have guys that started as scullers, but because of a willingness… [Read More]
José Carvalho 1. Where did you train and in what did you specialize? I’ve trained at FBI School of Pastry in Randburg and got an Advance Diploma in pastry. 2. What do you prefer to cook? Savoury or sweet and why? Even though I’ve specialised in Pastry, I like cooking savoury because it gives me… [Read More]
Esmaralda Leonard 1. Who inspired you to become a chef and why? I grew up on a farm where most of my family stayed on. My Family are all foodies and if my mom did not teach me how to cook something in her kitchen I went across to my grandmother’s kitchen. If no one… [Read More]
Asion Mathebula 1. Did you get your culinary talent from someone in the family? No, my culinary talent was awakened by Robert Bowman & Shon Monroo, who then also trained me what I know today. 2. Do you still see yourself as an active chef in 10 years? Yes of course! As we all know,… [Read More]
Meet our butler, Admire Question 1: For how long have you been a Butler? 1 ½ Years Question 2: What do you enjoy most about your Job? Having a one-on-one experience with the guests during service and activities. It helps me to learn about other countries and cultures. Question 3: Do you have a favourite… [Read More]
Joyce Mmutlane 1.Being a chef for a while, when it comes to skipping steps in the making of something, what would you say is your favourite “short cut”? To make sauces without using a proper homemade stock. I normally use wine, water, onions, herbs or any strong flavoured ingredients and reduce it down to the… [Read More]
Starter Single malt cured Salmon with beetroot carpaccio, apple slaw, lime leaf sorbet and rye crisp Slow roasted pork belly, lemon and oregano seared scallop, pink peppercorn and pear Lightly spiced carrot soup with cucumber yoghurt Chicken and shallot cannelloni, pumpkin puree, shaved asparagus, thyme jus Main course Pesto rubbed line fish with wild mushroom… [Read More]
6 Questions with Tracker Godfrey Senokwane Question 1. – What made you decide to become a Tracker? Before I became a tracker I was working in the maintenance department, but I enjoyed being out in the bush more, and I like to show people what happens in the bush and how animals and people can… [Read More]
Dreaming of a Holiday Wonder? South Africa is the place to be. A land of Spirit & Love. A land of Wildlife & History. A land of sky high Services & smiling Faces. A land of Activity & Relaxation. South Africa has many, many Faces. An unique Quality. Something that one cannot find everywhere. While planning… [Read More]
We are proud to be nominated as a finalist of 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards and we would really appreciate your support to help us win! Vote between 1 July and 5 August 2016! Please cast your valuable vote for ATHOLPLACE HOTEL & VILLA in the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards. Click the vote button below and… [Read More]
SPOTTING THE STARS OF THE OCEAN The Best Whale Watching WHALES ARE COMING! We all know what a BucketList is. No explanation necessary. But every single BucketList is different. Only it seems, that some longing experiences do return regularly on the individual lists. Shall we mention a couple? What about: Safari in South Africa, Sky Diving… [Read More]
SPOIL MOM, With a special 3 course lunch and decadent high tea dessert table, at the AtholPlace Oasis. A decadent 3 course Lunch with canapés on arrival and a complimentary glass of bubbly for the amazing mothers! Followed by an excellent starter, and fantastic main course, closed of by a delicious high tea dessert spread. While mom enjoys… [Read More]
How to become a ranger? How do they know so much? Do they survive the bush when they get stuck? ASK THE MORUKURU FAMILY RANGERS! When visiting Africa, you see them. You get to know them while enjoying the luxuries of a Bush or Coast Lodge, and they are fascinating. The African Rangers. The men with… [Read More]
AtholPlace Restaurant, happily invites you for EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH PRE- BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL / BOOK NOW / EAT@ATHOLPLACE.COM / +27 11 783 7553 AtholPlace Restaurant Awarded Best Restaurant of Johannesburg AtholPlace Restaurant is the hidden gem of the beautiful boutique styled AtholPlace Hotel & Villa. And has grown into the best restaurant in Johannesburg. Situated in… [Read More]
Small intro on the text Game Changers Morukuru Ocean House By Design Anthology Read more on Game Changers – by Kee Fong “It’s privileged setting, and the challenge for Dutch owners Ed & Anka Zeeman and Johannesburg-based architect Nick Plewman was to “create” a luxury beach house that shows the utmost respect to the environment, say… [Read More]
Explore the biggest concentration of wildlife at De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa. A sanctuary for the biggest animals on the planet and the smallest. From the amazing Whale Nursery in the bay to the exciting Fynbos inhabitants landwards. A beautiful extensive (protected) area where you are going to participate in a fantastic coastal performance, feel… [Read More]
Best Chef of the Bush We have a lovely recipe for you, created and prepared by our amazing Chef Esmaralda. Welcome to our Morukuru Culinary Treasury Chef Esmaralda presents to you: BUNNY CHOW (Bread filled with a curry) – A Traditional South African Dish Ingredients & Recipe Buy mini rolls or make own bread rolls that… [Read More]
WATERHOLES FOR WILDLIFE The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation was able, thanks to her wonderful members and their support, to make a donation of R100 000 for the re-development of 2 important waterholes within South Africa’s most wonderful reserve, the Madikwe Game Reserve. When the Board of the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation visited Madikwe on “World Rhino Day”,… [Read More]
SWISS Magazine Ten times a year, their travel journalists publish exciting reports and inspiring city portraits. And when flying with Swiss, you are welcome to take your copy with you after landing. Always nice to have while travelling. The Swiss Magazine journalist Patricia Engelhorn and photographer Stefan Bohrer, stayed at the wonderful AtholPlace Hotel & Villa… [Read More]
Looking forward to a lovely evening with the love of your life? AtholPlace Hotel & Villa & Restaurant has planned a Special Valentine’s Soiree. For lovers who love food, good ambiance and EACH OTHER!! Just imagine a very special & romantic dinner in the #awardedrestaurant AtholPlace Restaurant; enjoying #culinaryexplosions created with love and devotion by… [Read More]
We were in this months Käfer Die Zeitung, a German magazine based in Munich. Lovely story and information on the fantastic coastal experience, Morukuru Ocean House. German version Käfer Die Zeitung on Morukuru Ocean House ENG translation : Käfer Die Zeitung on Morukuru Ocean House Unique- a very familiar and like used term. If the question remains open… [Read More]
Fantastic Holiday time at De Hoop Nature Reserve Out and about within an Ocean Setting. Perfect idea! Just waking up in the morning, looking at the amazing view from your bedroom at the Morukuru Ocean House, and decide to go out for a picnic. Perfect idea, and all will be arranged. Flexibility is one of our… [Read More]
AtholPlace Celebrity in our garden Since the fascinating re-upgrade of the AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, all developed under the caring eyes of the owner the Morukuru Family, it seems that a celebrity has arisen. Every single guest, enjoying quality time at AtholPlace shared pictures of their experiences with us, and 1 item seems to return… [Read More]
AtholPlace Villa Your Private City Villa in Johannesburg When travelling with your family to Johannesburg, South Africa why not consider booking a private villa instead of a few hotelrooms? You don’t have to spend your city stay in a hotel, but rather stay in a stylish, luxurious and exclusive space of your own. AtholPlace… [Read More]
Simple joys, little pleasures, laughter and smiles in big measures. Friends, family, togetherness, love…. the choicest blessings from above. Peace, prosperity and happiness too…. All these and more are our wishes for you! We wish you all a happy holiday season! Our Sincere thanks for your friendship & support throughout the past year, we look… [Read More]
The Vienna Deluxe Magazine, a member of Publishing Group Deluxe, is Vienna’s only high-gloss, luxury magazine with trilingual reporting in German, English and Russian. Our recipe of success is devoted to presenting topics such as Fashion & Lifestyle, Beauty & Trends, Gourmet & Travel and Art & Design to a group of discerning readers. Vienna… [Read More]
Morukuru Family Hide Experience This is something which can be mentioned on the bucket list. Sleeping in the bush. Not in a sleeping bag, no light and ice cold feet. But in a perfect safe & comfortable place where you can become one with the South African Bush. Morukuru Family Hide The Morukuru Family Hide is built… [Read More]
NEW! BITES! BEACH FOOD! Food Stall brought to you by the Morukuru Family We are proud to introduce Koppie Alleen Bites A Food Stall, surrounded by the dunes of Koppie Alleen in De Hoop Nature Reserve South Africa. We are proud to provide you with BITES, while enjoying the fantastic coastal environment at De Hoop. We… [Read More]
Lounging in Luxury Lodges Amazing article in NoordHollands Dagblad From spotting whales, to seeing the big 5 with your own eyes. Drinking champagne in the bush. Enjoying a warm outdoor bath under the stars. This is South Africa, welcome to the Morukuru Family. An amazing holiday destination, with Luxury Lodges owned by an amazing Dutch… [Read More]
Morukuru Freedom Concept The Morukuru Freedom Concept has been designed by the Morukuru Family, to celebrate the Pure Feeling of freedom during your Holiday. Consisting of, spending quality time with your family and/or friends without maintaining any schedules or time tables. The Morukuru Freedom Concept provides you with the gift of doing “whatever you want,… [Read More]
AtholPlace Restaurant Best Restaurant of Johannesburg! We are extremely proud & happy to announce that AtholPlace Restaurant has been chosen as the best restaurant in Johannesburg. During Restaurant Week South Africa 2015, guests got the chance to review each of their visit & experience, which they all have done with great enthusiasm. One thing was… [Read More]
Safari Picture We were Lucky to see this relaxed young male leopard (Sampson), that gave us the ultimate leopard sighting as he hoisted this Kudu calf into a Marula tree! Rugged ranger, Andrew, was quick to get this perfect shot! Despite being the smallest of the big cats, the illusive leopard is on everyone’s wildlife… [Read More]
Zomato Best Dish Award 2015 What’s the best dish served during Restaurant Week South Africa 2015? #Hashtag From all dishes that have been submitted with the hashtag #ZomatoBestDish, 10 finalists have been selected. The picture with the most likes on Monday 9 November 9AM wins the Zomato Best Dish Award 2015…so let’s start voting by… [Read More]
Explore Johannesburg with the Kids Visiting Johannesburg, enjoying a nice city break with the kids is a big party. AtholPlace Hotel & Villa looks after all your wishes and can assist you in getting the know the amazing city. Children of all ages are welcome at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa. Our Deluxe Suites are interleading, which… [Read More]
Morukuru Ocean House, De Hoop Nature Reserve Overlooking the Ocean, surrounded by amazing fynbos and the best coastlines. This is a beach experience one will never forget. Being part of all the wonders of the coast and staying at the best luxury accommodation one can wish for. Maintaining the same concept as our fantastic Bush… [Read More]
Amazing Coast Experience at De Hoop Nature Reserve As we slowing start approaching the end of the whale season, guests at Morukuru Ocean House are making the most of their trip with helicopter flights proving to be the best way to observe these incredible creatures before they head home. De Hoop Nature Reserve is a… [Read More]
Johannesburg Staying at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, will give you the opportunity, to visit the amazing city Johannesburg. At this moment of the year, the city offers us, great spectacular sights as the Jacaranda Trees are in bloom (during late spring October-November). These trees, show their fantastic purple colours and make Johannesburg look absolutely… [Read More]
