Pleasant Places Guesthouse Review: A Peaceful Escape in the Midlands Meander

I recently visited Pleasant Places, a charming country guesthouse tucked away in the heart of the Midlands Meander. Overlooking the Lions River and surrounded by rolling farmland and forest views, it’s the kind of place that immediately invites you to slow down and breathe a little deeper.

I’ll admit, at first, I was curious about the name. But after spending some time wandering around the property, it quickly made sense. There are many “pleasant places” to be found here.

My first morning began with the most delicious breakfast, prepared by the resident chef. What could have been a simple English breakfast was transformed into a beautifully presented, textured dish featuring the most flavourful bacon I’ve ever tasted and a thick slice of freshly baked bread. Breakfast was served on a deck overlooking surrounding farms and greenery. That deck? A very pleasant place.

Because the guesthouse hosts a limited number of guests, the experience feels intimate and thoughtfully curated. This allows the chef to be creative and offer a more tailored dining experience,  something that truly stood out to me.

Soon after breakfast, I enjoyed a deeply relaxing outdoor massage, set beneath a large tree overlooking the lake, another undeniably pleasant place. This experience is available on request and needs to be booked in advance, but it’s well worth it. Not far from the lake, a gentle waterfall completes the tranquil setting.

At lunchtime, Pleasant Places celebrated their 100th Mbali Swing photoshoot with a mouthwatering lunch paired with a wine tasting featuring HER Wines -  a truly pleasant surprise (yes, the pun is very much intended).

The Mbali Swing is another highlight of the property and has drawn women from far and wide. The experience is booked in advance and includes a beautifully draped dress in a colour of your choice, along with a professional photographer who guides you through poses. It’s joyful, empowering, and incredibly special.

The property is dotted with beautiful gardens, more pleasant places featuring a variety of plants, including my favourites: hydrangeas. For those who enjoy being outdoors, there are also hiking opportunities on the property, making it easy to connect with nature at your own pace.

The room I stayed in was perfectly suited to my visit. A balance of getting some work done while still allowing space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. And the bed? Exceptionally comfortable (something I care deeply about).

What truly elevates the experience at Pleasant Places is the people. The team lives by the guesthouse’s slogan: “Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family.” They are warm, professional, and genuinely attentive. By the second day, they remembered my food preferences, the time I preferred breakfast, and even my drinking water temperature. These are small details that made a big difference.

My highlights include the outstanding service, the welcoming atmosphere created by the owners themselves, the comfortable bed, the thoughtfully curated food experiences, the gardens, the views, and the sense of peace that lingers long after you leave.

Would I go back? I’m already thinking about when.