What a stunning place (when you find it as it's a bit out of the way although that's a bonus really). A golf course where the "Beware of crocs and hippos" signs on the golf course were actually serious. Loads of hippos in the lakes, several crocs, giraffes, warthogs and monkeys etc seen on he course.

The hotel was quiet when we were there but the staff were just so lovely. Nothing was too much trouble and they even sang "Happy Birthday" to me at my table. Food superb and decor stunning in all the public areas. A real genius designed this place.

A new General Manager went out of his way to be helpful at every stage and the ranger on site was always happy to discuss the wildlife and arrange some great trips for us (Kruger safari and Olifants river boat safari)

The course was not in manicured condition but that didn't worry us as the greens were good and the wildlife on view just added to the great experience.

My wife adored the spa too.

Definitely recommended and will go back later this year. I did see the comment about the almost empty pro shop which was correct when we were there and was surprising as the sales potential of logo shirts etc is huge.

We are two of the lucky few to have experienced the lifestyle getaway of Phalaborwa, the gateway to the Kruger National Park, which is just a short drive from this wonderful hotel...We enjoyed a truly wonderful south african welcome,upon our arrival, and our stay was that of pure enjoyment and relaxation, just to lie by the pool and the staff always willing to offer you service from the bar etc, all the staff were friendly and management could not do enough to be of assistance when we needed anything either...This is the ideal place to stay when in Phalaborwa and i would stay there again and not think to look elswhere.

Hans Merensky estate has been built on grand scale, and the number of hotel rooms continues to expand. However, having been there several times, I note that many areas of the construction have not progressed much in several years - for example there is supposed to be a gym and a big outdoor swimming pool but both have been in disrepair for many years.
The golf course is excellent, and the estate is a spectacular experience (one can go looking at game including giraffes, impala, hippo and crocodile from your golf buggy around the golf course).
However, it appears that they are not getting enough business, and therefore quality of various facilities varies a lot, and maintenance is not always prompt. Service can also be quite mixed.
Go, but with low-ish expectations, and enjoy it as a rustic bush experience with touches of grandeur.

It's like a ghost town. No one was staying there. There were cob webs everywhere. The heat in our room didn't work. We didn't even want the room to be cleaned for fear that we would be robbed. Nobody was friendly or helpful. The internet was down for the entire stay. The pro shop was completely empty. There is nothing to eat on the menu. There is no safe in the room. There is no spa at all! The pool was very dirty, like a sandy bottom almost. It's not the luxury resort we were sold. It's terrible and unsafe. This is the first time I've ever felt the urge to write a review because it was so awful.