Dossier found a great escape for those trapped in their home offices in Johannesburg, needing a bush experience. Not even an hour’s drive from your Zoom meeting, find yourself surrounded by the peace and tranquility we all need right now. And getting back to nature — with great historical meaning.

The Cradle Boutique Hotel is under new management, who have made thoughtful changes to the decor and food — the only chic bush retreat so close to the city.

The Cradle of Humankind was declared a world Heritage Site in 1999, due to the exceptional fossil records, and paleoanthropological discoveries - a place that enlightens us about millions of years of human evolution.

On this 8000 hectare property, one can have a private guided tour of the world famous fossil sites, Gladysvale and Malapa. Gladysvale is a cave system and Malapa is the site where the Australopithecus sediba, a nearly two-million year old extinct hominin species, closely related to our own, was discovered in 2008, making this area instantly famous globally.

Then spend some time at the natural wetland pool, maybe have a spa treatment.

The restaurant overlooks the bush and views of the Magaliesburg Mountains in the distance. The mood at night is surprisingly vibey on the weekend. Some nights the dinner is served at the boma under the stars around the campfire. I remember when the restaurant was built a few years ago, it was amazing to see this architectural form of glass, steel and stone standing in the veld. Many Joburgers have great memories of time spent on the deck, weddings and birthdays. For me it is so thrilling that the new management has taken this wonderful space to give us a destination venue again.

Remember, the best cycle route in Jozi area, is just outside the entrance.

Also new, a more casual outside dining area, The Pavilion-with a sleek concrete pool bar-open to the public on weekends. Perfect for small functions and weddings.

The hotel has 16 Eco-friendly timber and thatch rooms, raised on stilts, lovely veranda to watch the sun rise and fall. The area is known for its spectacular sunsets. I love the decor elements in the room, mixes of wood and leathers, in modern interesting furnishings-inviting and beautifully simple design. The rooms feel totally private.

There is a tented camp in the White Stinkwood trees. Each tent has a comfortable bed with crisp linen, complete with en-suite bathroom. Relax in the central camp area or have a great meal at the main restaurant.