I

have been told, “That you do not need magic to disappear, just a destination!”  Meikles is one such destination that continues to push the luxurious and stylish boundaries in Harare. My love affair with Meikles is not something new to those that follow my blog. Earlier this year, I shared my top 5 must dos at Harare’s most iconic hotel (available here). One of the most captivating attributes of the hotel is that each visit offers something new, and memorable. With summer having returned to Zimbabwe’s Capital, I spoilt myself to a summer getaway at the stylish Meikles Club at the 100 year old hotel.

Official Meikles Hotel video

Meikles Hotel features over 300 rooms in its two majestic wings that being the North and South Wing of the prestigious hotel. The North wing of the hotel recently underwent a 2 year refurbishment that cost a total of $9 million. The newly refurbished North Wing opened in 2013 and had been on my must visit list for some time. The exclusive Meikles Club  is located in the North Wing of the hotel an includes , a private lounge , kitchen and chef as well as a state of the art boardroom …oh and a butler service. What more could you need whether on business or to relax maybe even both. October was the ideal time for some R & R as purple takes over the city with the fully blossomed Jacarandas famously known for this time of year. What a charming and appropriate location for my summer getaway in the city!

With my weekend bags packed (as lightly as possibly only 2 bags  …reasonable for a fashionista) and sunnies ready. I arrived at the Meikles, and right from the moment I drove into their parking. The attention and service commences, with concierge arriving to assist me. After a quick check in and walk to my room by the friendly, Simba who has been with the hotel for over 22 years. You immediately realise that there is some special about this hotel, from the staff to its history.  Meikles’s pedigree and wealth adds to its 5 star status, the only in the city might I add.

Meikles hotel lobby

The corridors of the North Wing are fresh and detailed beautifully with décor done by Cape Town-based interior design company Weixelbaumer Design.  Modern, African and lush! Something you cannot miss is the attention to the detail throughout the hotel’s from lamps, chandeliers to artwork and even the fabric on the curtains. Everything is well detailed and as they say, “Greatness is in the details”.

Stunning decor 

After settling in my beautiful room (facing the park of course) overlooking the majestic October Jacarandas. Simba showed me around the exclusive and stylish Meikles Club particularly the Club lounge which is peaceful and ideal to unwind or have an intimate meeting. The exclusive lounge also boasts a private boardroom which is convenient for for business trips. All this overlooking the breath-taking Harare skyline. Additionally, Meikles Club guests at the end of the day receive a snack platter of treats delivered to you which includes an array or treats such  as, samosas, vegetarian and meat platters.  Meikles Club guests are also treated to a complimentary drink everyday between 530-630 !

A moment in the Meikles Club 

Breakfast at the Meikles Club is undeniably the best way to start your morning.  The Meikles Club’s breakfast spread is beyond mouth-watering and the options will certainly leave you wanting to try a little bit of everything. From succulent fruit, tasty muesli to freshly baked pastries the choices are endless. Oh and that does not include the breakfast mains specially prepared for Meikles Club guests in the private kitchen. A range of options from fish dishes to full English breakfast options. Being a self-confessed Salmon appreciator, I opted for the salmon and egg benedict dish. One word, divine!

A beautiful spread at the Meikles Club lounge

Peaceful and stylish surroundings

After some breakfast indulgence and one very large cappuccino,a view of the city is a wonderful way to recover before tackling the day’s activities. On this trip, I was keen to view emphasis on view, their gym for guests and it proved to be a fitness bunny’s haven or at least I think so. Located on the second floor overlooking the park, the gym has a variety of fitness equipment whether you are hoping to do cardio or strengthening.  I should hope that by my next trip, I will be utilising the gym more for my abs of steel and arm strengthening …yassss

Gym located on the second floor for guests over looking the park

While I did not spend much time in the gym, the pool deck however is my favourite spot when holidaying at the Meikles. Sun basking on the open roof pool deck with a conveniently situated bar sipping on summer cocktails,sounds pretty heavenly to me. To add to this, stunning views of Harare’s CBD.

Pool deck  

The pool deck is also home to the hotel’s spa which includes massage rooms and a sauna. When you are a Meikles Club guest one of their complimentary services is a back and neck massage. Pampering at the Spa helped with some much needed tension releasing and relaxing.  The spa area is also set to go under some refurbishing in the near future, something I am beyond eager for because if anyone loves spas, it is me!

Ready for some R & R

For your meals, the Pavilion Bistro, The Explorer’s Bar and La Fontaine offer a good balance ranging from fine dining to casual meals.  During my stay, I also had a moment to wedding crash an intimate sunset wedding taking place on the hotel’s garden located on the Pavilion. The hotel is not just perfect for a business or holiday getaways but also for functions.

Wedding decor!

Explorer’s bar 

After the sun sets, the Can Can bar is the perfect spot at the Meikles to unwind and sip on a fine beverage and if you want more exclusivity, Meikles Club guests have their private space in the Meikles Club Lounge. With balcony views overlooking Zimbabwe’s largest city, the hotel’s location is certainly what draws me to this gem.

Taking in the Meikles Gardens

My summer weekend city getaway was certainly every bit of luxurious  filled with tranquillity and pampering.From my relaxing pool deck massage, exclusive service and treats in the Meikles Club to fine dining, Meikles offers a memorable five star experience in the heart of Harare unlike any other hotel in Harare.  A true escape in the bustling city, a luxurious destination for the traveller looking for extra service and stylish facilities. The Meikles Club in particular is simply a must for a VIP stay!

Weekend highlights video