A historic mining town located in South Africa's eastern Mpumalanga province, Pilgrim's Rest has since become a tourist destination. While the gold mining has ceased--operations were shut down in the 1970s--the town remains largely untouched and just as popular, featuring several luxury hotels. The town has also been designated as a national monument and is being considered as a World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance.
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is a luxury hotel that overlooks the famous town of Pilgrim's Rest in South Africa. The lodge blends native architecture, such as thatched roofwork, with modern facilities such as a golf course and tennis courts to provide patrons with the best of both worlds while visiting. Facility amenities include four pools, one of which is heated, as well as a game room and three eating establishments: a pub, a coffee shop and the Pointers Rest Restaurant, all of which are privately run. Lodge accommodations include a kitchenette area, a fireplace, multiple televisions and patios or porches. Hotel-style suites are also available, as well as townhouse-style apartments. The hotel also features banquet and conference facilities at its clubhouse, as well as an on-site exercise room and sauna. The lodge maintains a game farm, complete with guided nature and hiking trails.
Forever Resorts Mount Sheba facility is located on the eastern outskirts of Pilgrim's Rest. A luxury hotel, it offers a number of suite accommodations, from twin suites with satellite television service and a loft area, to executive suites with a lounge area and mini-bar. Certain rooms can sleep up to six patrons, and cottage rentals are also available. The hotel also offers two conference suites, and can accommodate functions such as weddings. For business-oriented patrons, an on-site business center provides copying and fax services. The site also offers numerous guest activities, ranging from swimming and squash, to hiking and fishing, particularly for trout.
The Royal Hotel Pilgrims Rest is housed in several authentic colonial-style buildings and cottages erected in the heyday of the town's gold mining era. The hotel, which dates back to the late 19th century, boasts a Victorian architectural style and communal fireplace, and luxurious and original furnishings such as brass bed fixtures and claw-style bathtubs in the guest rooms. In all, the hotel offers 50 rooms, six of which are suite accommodations. There are several on-site eating and drinking establishments, including the Church Bar and Diggers Den. The hotel is also handicap accessible and family-friendly, and amenities include satellite television service, Internet service and a babysitting service.
