ESCAPE
Slip away from the city to one of these dreamy destinations
BEST FOR URBAN RETREAT
ZENSA LODGE
534 Egret Street, Scarborough
021 780 1166, www.zensalodge.com
With its all-white interiors and close proximity to the beach, it’s a given that you’ll leave this stylish hideaway feeling blissed out. Just six rooms ensure personalised service while still offering enough privacy for undisturbed one-on-one time. Each room is individually decorated, with designer pieces adding some luxe to the look – choose Ikaya 4 for a romantic stay – with both mountain and ocean views, a four-poster bed and large bathroom. You probably won’t want to leave. Children welcome.
Distance 40 minutes from Cape Town CBD
Number of Rooms six
Price from R550 pp sharing
What to do in Scarborough If you’re feeling adventurous, a kite board or surf is a must, if not, a walk on the unspoiled beach.
BEST FOR SAFARI CHIC
ELEPHANT HOUSE
Addo. 042 233 2462, www.elephantlodge.co.za
While wild animals with trunks are not part of the on-site entertainment here, this Eastern Cape retreat borders the famed Addo Elephant Park and is an understandably popular choice for luxury-loving elephant enthusiasts. Situated in a colonially inspired homestead, this elegant lodge is awash with antiques, Persian carpets and safari memorabilia. While the nearby park offers self-drive safaris, the lodge has an in-house field guide and elephant expert on board for their twice-daily game drives to make the experience all the more memorable. Children welcome.
Distance 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth airport
Number of rooms nine
Price from R750 pp
What to do at Elephant House Take a dip in one of two pools, book an in-house massage (high season only) or go on a walking elephant safari in the park.
BEST FOR RURAL ESCAPE
HALFAAMPIESKRAAL GUEST HOUSE
Halfaampieskraal Farm, Bredasdorp
028 452 1744, www.kraal.biz
This guest house is situated in a converted blacksmith forge and schoolroom on a working sheep farm. With limited cellphone reception and no TV, this is as good a place as any to get away. Luxury linen, vintage furnishings, starlit nights and true old-fashioned hospitality make this an unforgettable place to unwind. Superb home-cooked meals, long walks in the wheat fields and lazy afternoons spent by the pool feed the soul too.
Distance 100 minutes from Cape Town
Number of rooms three
Price R500 pp
What to do in Bredasdorp Visit the quaint village of Napier and be sure to pay the seaside village of Arniston a visit.
BEST FOR STYLE IN THE WILD
SAMARA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Graaff-Reinet
049 891 0558, www.samara.co.za
Safari enthusiasts love that they don’t have to trek north for a taste of Africa’s wildlife. This exclusive private game reserve on the Camdeboo Plains is home to more than 60 mammal species, including giraffe, antelope, white rhino and cheetah (reintroduced to the area by Samara after a 125-year absence). Guests are accom-modated in utterly luxurious surrounds and, if travelling in a group, can opt for the privacy of the Karoo Lodge or Manor at Samara sleeping 12 and eight respectively.
Distance 2 1/2-hr drive from Port Elizabeth airport
Number of rooms two plus Karoo Lodge (sleeps 12) and Manor at Samara (sleeps eight)
Price from R1 280 pp
What to do at Samara enjoy game drives, indulge in culinary delights and arrange a massage with an in-house therapist.
Best for Afro chic style
HOUT BAY MANOR
Baviaanskloof, Main Road, Hout Bay
021 790 0116, www.houtbaymanor.co.za
This historical hotel has been part and parcel of the Hout Bay landscape for many years and up until recently was the only hotel here. Having undergone a serious revamp, it is now the suburb’s hippest accommodation option and is dressed to kill in a slew of jewel-like colours, with African-inspired artwork and decor objets to match. Conveniently situated, its size ensures a personalised experience par excellence.
Distance 20 minutes drive from the city
Number of rooms 21
Price From R1 550
What to do in Hout Bay Beach walks and boat cruises, fish and chips sorties.
Best for lazy, hazy days
WHALER’S WAY
Churchhaven, West Coast National Park, 021 790 2928, www.perfecthideaways.co.za
A hidden idyll on the Cape West Coast, Churchhaven was once a private farm and now consists of just a few properties. Whaler’s Way is charming and rustic with picture-perfect views of the lagoon’s turquoise waters and creature comforts galore. Antique linen, comfy couches, scrubbed wooden tables and giant hearths for late-night games ensure a quintessential coastal experience.
Distance Two hours drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Three (one en suite)
Price From R1 800/night
What to do in Churchhaven Go beachcombing, enjoy sundowners and stargazing.
Best for country hospitality
BARTHOLOMEUS KLIP
Between Wellington and Riebeek Valley, 022 448 1820, www.bartholomeusklip.co.za
This restored Victorian farmhouse comes complete with wraparound balcony over-looking rolling lawns and a farm dam pool. Days are spent soaking up the silence while there is a dam for canoeing and nature trails for explorers. The mouth-watering country cuisine is included in the rate and there is also a cottage for holidays en famille.
Distance One hour from Cape Town
Number of rooms Five
Price From R1 610 (Wild Olive House R935/adult, R468/child)
What to do in Riebeek Valley Wine tasting and olive sampling are a must.
Best for mountain highs
WATERFALL FARM
R303 Citrusdal, 021 790 2928, www.perfecthideaways.co.za
Indulge all those escaping-from-the-world-to-farm-life fantasies at this beautiful bolthole in the heart of the Cederberg. Waterfall Farm is a working organic citrus farm that also happens to play host to a series of magnificent waterfalls and rock pools as well as two houses – perfect for en masse getaways and ideal if you’ve got kids. Spend your days swimming in the rock pools, picnicking on the property and playing games on the grassy lawns. A place where four days away feels like a week.
Distance Two hours drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Four in the main house and three in the cottage
Price R1 300 (main house), R800 (cottage)
What to do in the Cederberg Pick oranges for early morning OJ, mountain walks and river swims.
Best for stylish seaside getaways
HARBOUR HOUSE HOTEL
22 Marine Drive, Hermanus, 028 312 1799, www.harbourhouse-hermanus.co.za
This new self-catering boutique hotel set-up is situated next door to the historical homestead and guest house Harbour House (also available to rent) and offers luxury accommodation just a stone’s throw from the quaint old harbour and the happenings of Hermanus. A contemporary rendition of the sister property, each room is individually decorated, with local artworks as well as a balcony with sea views out to Walker Bay.
Distance An hour and a half from Cape Town
Number of rooms 18
Price From R750
What to do in Hermanus Indulge in seafood feasts, long walks and afternoon snoozes.
BEST FOR GOURMET GETAWAYS
THE COTTAGE @ LE QUARTIER FRANÇAIS
Franschhoek, 021 876 2151
www.lequartier.co.za
16 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
Le Quartier’s award-winning and luxury offerings span the original 15-roomed Le Quartier Français: the luxe surrounds of The Four Quarters (complete with Plasma screens, iPod docking station and contemporary elegant decor) and most recently The Cottage, whose name belies the enormous attention to detail and slick service at every turn. Situated in a beautifully decorated two-bedroomed home across the road from Le Quartier, it’s perfectly placed to stroll out the door and across the street to take a seat in the celebrated Tasting Room restaurant.
Distance 45 minutes from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Two, en suite
Price R5 200 per night
What to do in Franschhoek Aside from exploring the slew of epicurean delights in the valley, the natural surrounds are beautiful.
BEST FOR TRANQUILITY
SUGARBIRD MANOR
Stellenbosch, 021 865 2313
www.sugarbirdmanor.co.za
Protea Heights, Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
You’ll forget the buzz of the city the moment you enter your tranquil room at this Stellenbosch estate, situated on a working fynbos farm given to the World Wildlife Fund in 1975. Drink in the picture-perfect valley views from the comfort of your plush surrounds, arrange an in-room massage to get you into the laid-back swing of things, or if you’re feeling energetic choose from three picturesque hikes that leave from the manor (the Vintner’s route is only three kilometres, taking you through three wine estates for tastings).
Distance 40 minutes from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Eight
Price R600 – R895 (high season), R425 – R695 (low season) pp per night
What to do in the Devon Valley Get out into nature and marvel at the beautiful flora, listen to birdsong and forget about all your worries.
BEST FOR COOL BLUE VIEWS
LANGEBAAN HOUSEBOATS
021 689 9718
www.houseboating.co.za
West Coast National Park, Langebaan Lagoon, Kraalbaai
Feel your stress float away when boarding either of the two house boats moored in the tranquil turquoise waters of Kraalbaai, a tiny bay in the Langebaan Lagoon. Choose from the small and intimate Larus or the larger Nirvana which has an impressive deck, making it perfect for en-masse waterside entertaining, lolling about and suntanning. Both are well equipped and have braai facilities.
Distance 120 km from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Three cabins (Larus), 9 cabins (Nirvana)
Price from R300 pp per day
What to do in the Langebaan Lagoon You’re in a pristine national park but with access to the houseboats by small boat only , you’re forced to sleep, eat and do as little as possible – heaven!
BEST FOR STYLISH SEASIDE LIVING
THE LOOKOUT VILLA @ THE PLETTENBERG
044 533 2030
www.collectionmcgrath.com
Lookout Rocks, Plettenberg Bay
Tapping into an international trend where hotels include private villas with their accommodation offerings, the three-suite Lookout Villa @ The Plettenberg lets you while away the days knowing that everything from your gourmet alfresco meal to the making of your bed will be taken care of. Luxuries abound – a pool and sun deck, living room with flat screen TVs, DVDs and room service that’s always just a convenient call away.
Distance Five hours from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Three
Price R14 300 (high season), R10 450 (low season)
What to do in Plett Drinks at the hotel’s newly refurbished Sand at The Plettenberg, sushi at the town’s latest hot spot, Fushi, and spa treatments at the hotel’s Carchele Beauty Spa.
BEST FOR CONTEMPORARY SEASIDE BREAKS
BISHOP’S VIEW
Kalk Bay, 021 701 5140
www.capevillarental.co.za
Upper Quarterdeck Road, Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay is better known for its quaint fishermen’s cottages but this architect-designed private villa combines a quiet village experience with a chic contemporary one. Modern furniture rubs shoulders with African finds while a private pool and steam room ensure downtime is time well spent. Though difficult, tear yourself away for a wander among the bric-a-brac and vintage stores, a jaunt to the harbour and of course a visit to nearby Olympia Cafe.
Distance 30 minutes from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Four en suite
Price Daily rates from R2 000
What to do in Kalk Bay Vintage shopping, cafe hopping, warm ocean swims, theatre
BEST FOR ROMANCE
AUBERGE CLERMONT
Franschhoek, 021 876 3700
www.clermont.co.za
Robertsvlei Road, Franschhoek
Ah, Franschhoek, land of picture-perfect rural scenes, place of gourmet extravagances and site of romantic rendezvous aplenty. Indulge in a weekend getaway where privacy is paramount and Provençal style permeates each luxurious suite. Chill out at the pool, spend time traipsing through the neighbouring vineyards, venture to a restaurant or two or bunker down in the comfort of your pretty suite and revel in your hidden-from-the-world experience.
Distance 45 minutes from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Six rooms in the guest house and a self-catering villa with two rooms and a private pool
Price From R1 000 per night including breakfast
What to do in Franschhoek Eat, drink and be merry
BEST FOR UNWINDING
DIE LAAITJIE COTTAGES
Robertson, 023 626 4035
Situated on a 330 ha working farm, this rustic retreat is utterly remote. Surrounded by oak trees, the four little self-catering cottages are decorated mainly in white, each with its own stoep, indoor fireplace and outside braai area (barbecue). Dinner and breakfast can be arranged on request.
Distance A two-hour drive from Cape Town along the N1 north, then the R60 Worcester/Robertson.
Number of rooms Four rooms in the main house, one in the small cottage, two in each of the other three cottages.
Price R150 pp
What to do in Robertson
Wine tasting, explore historical sites, swimming, nature walks and hiking trails, horseriding.
BEST FOR FAMILY
KORO LODGE
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, Cederberg. 021 685 2598
An old farmhouse on the reserve has been converted into a luxury private villa two kilometres from the main lodge, with accommodation for up to eight people and practical living space for family stays. ‘Koro’ is the San word for ‘open vistas’, which is exactly what you’ll see while wallowing in your private pool.
Number of rooms Three
Price R11 500 per night until end August (maximum four adults and four children), all inclusive
What to do in the Cederberg
View over 130 rock art sites in the reserve; game drives, nature walks, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, treasure hunts and other children’s activities, are available.
SOUTH WINDS
Simon’s Town, 074 203 4151
A luxury Cape-Cod villa perched on Simon’s Town’s rocky peninsula in the Castle Rock Marine Reserve. Though the house is just five kilometres from Simon’s Town proper, you’ll feel totally secluded. The house is modern with nautical touches, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open on to a sun deck. But if the sun decides to stay behind the clouds, there’s also a fireplace.
Distance 30 minutes from Cape Town city centre
Number of rooms Three
Price R1 500 per night for the house (minimum two-night stay)
What to do in the area
Explore rock pools, go diving, hiking, birdwatching, whale watching, explore the town’s historic buildings galleries and museums, drive 3 km to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, golf, swimming at Fish Hoek beach.
BEST FOR MODERN RETREAT
GONG BEACH VILLA
Contact Allure Collection 021 422 0862
A contemporary Javanese-inspired beach villa with floor-to-ceiling glass walls upstairs, which fold away for sunny days at the pool. Downstairs invites lounging, complete with fireplace and a 20-seater teak table if you’re in the mood for entertaining.
Distance One hour from Cape Town. Take the R27, then the R315 to Yzerfontein
Number of rooms Three
Price From R1 250 per villa per day
What to do in Yzerfontein
Boat trips around Dasser Island, whale watching, wine tasting in the Swartland, hiking, swimming, kite surfing, birdwatching
BEST FOR GOURMET EXTRAVAGANCES
GRANDE ROCHE
Paarl, 021 863 5100
www.granderoche.co.za
Plantasie Street, Paarl
You may find it difficult to tear yourself away from the comfiest beds imaginable, vineyard views and complimentary fine wines in your room, but trust us, the cuisine at this Relais & Chateaux hotel is worth it. Award-winning chef Frank Zlomke and his team at Bosman’s produce some of the finest food in the Cape and once you’ve experienced the Flavours of the Cape menu along with award-winning wines from the region, you’ll find yourself booking your next visit pronto.
Distance 30 minutes from Cape Town
Number of Rooms 29 – from standard rooms to a honeymoon suite
Price From R1 800 per suite per night including breakfast
What to do in Paarl Wine tours, shopping, a visit to the Taal Monument
BEST FOR SEASIDE NOSTALGIA
WHALEHOUSE
Simon’s Town, Carien Botha 083 453 6418
345 Main Road, Simon’s Town
Enter a world where traffic, loud music and cellphones have no part to play. Once the home of well-known Cape Town decorator Salomé Gunter, this charming guest house bears her unmistakeable French Provençal signature – from the faded furniture in the palest ice-cream shades to the floor-to-ceiling sash windows and old-fashioned bathroom fittings, this is a space with an undeniably laid-back air that demands afternoon snoozes, late lie-ins and lazy strolls to nearby Boulders Beach for a dip with the penguins.
Distance 40 minutes from Cape Town
Number of Rooms Three en suite
Price R1 000 for the house per night
What to do in Simon’s Town Museum hopping, lazy lunching, ocean gazing, vintage shopping
BEST FOR OLD COUNTRY
GIFHUISIE
Riebeek-Kasteel
This freestanding cottage is co-run by Cafe Felix and the Old Oak Manor. The delightful cottage sports a subdued colour scheme, wooden floors and a river-reed ceiling to add to the sense of tradition without trading in on cosiness.
Distance _ A one-hour drive from Cape Town off the R46_
Number of rooms One
Price R300 pp with breakfast
What to do in Riebeek-Kasteel
Visit art galleries, taste the local wines and olives
BEST FOR LUXURY CAMPING
BUTTONQUAIL NATURE RESERVE
Elgin, 021 855 0946
There are mountains, apples and a river, and that’s about it. Once you discover this privately owned tented camp in Elgin, you’ll realise that’s all you need. Camping and winter don’t usually go together, but here the tents are insulated and kitted out so generously that this scarcely resembles camping. And yes, there’s hot water.
Distance Less than an hour’s drive off the N2 from Cape Town
Number of tents Six en suite, each sleeps two adults and two children
Price From R450 pp sharing (R100 – R200 for children)
What to do in Elgin
Fly-fishing, guided trails and hikes, quad biking, astronomy lessons (seasonal), wine tasting, apple museum
BEST FOR OLD COUNTRY
THE MARINE HOTEL
Marine Drive, Hermanus. 028 313 1000
www.marine-hermanus.co.za
Set on a spectacular stretch of beachfront property, this is the perfect place to watch the famous Hermanus whales from the comfort of your room. Plush, old world and gracious, this one has just the right mix of glam and grand.
Distance A one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms 43
Price Singles from R1 800 per room, doubles from R3 000 per room. Rates include breakfast
What to do in Hermanus
Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hamilton Russell/Bouchard Finlayson wine tasting, shark-cage diving in Gansbaai, kayaking, river cruises on The African Queen
OLD OAK MANOR
Riebeek-Kasteel, 022 448 1170
This Cape Dutch homestead surrounded by trees has all the elements of tradition – river-reed ceilings, wooden floors and a farmhouse kitchen – with the right amount of quirk, thanks to the hand of expert interior designer Salome Gunter.
Distance One hour from Cape Town off the R46
Number of rooms Four
Price R300 pp with breakfast
What to do in Riebeek-Kasteel
Visit art galleries, taste the local wines and olives, go fly-fishing or horseriding
BEST FOR FRANCOPHILES
KLEIN GENOT WINE & COUNTRY ESTATE
Green Valley Road, Franschhoek. 021 876 2738
www.kleingenot.com
Organic foods, a bit of time in the spa and a lot of natural beauty should have you rested and restored after a short while here. Frenchinspired accommodation and a good-sized property (with a lake too) make this a great choice for unwinding.
Distance A one-hour drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Six
Price Singles R1 941 per room, doubles R2 488 per room. Rates include breakfast, high tea, soft drinks and beer
What to do in Franschhoek
Wine tasting, horseriding, fly-fishing, mountain biking, eating out
Best for indulgence
BIRKENHEAD HOUSE
119 Eleventh Street, Hermanus. 028 314 8000
www.birkenheadhouse.com
Perched on rocks overlooking Walker Bay, Birkenhead House is a location in a million and has a gorgeous interior too (of the beautiful linen, fluffy towels, huge beds, deep couches, art collections and chandeliers sort). The perfect place for honeymoon-like luxury and pampering.
Distance An hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms 11
Price Fully inclusive between R3 800 and R5 950
What to do in Hermanus
Whale-watching, walks on the beach, swimming, aeroplane flips, diving, spa
BIRKENHEAD VILLA
Hermanus, 015 793 0150
When the beach is on your doorstep, the mountains embrace you from behind and your view of Walker Bay (and its southern right whales) is mesmerically panoramic, you’d think twice about moving off the sun deck. But the interior has equal allure, with its deep white couches and comfy-chic decor.
Distance An hour and a half from Cape Town along the N2, then the R43
Number of rooms Six
Price From R3 800 per room per night all inclusive
What to do in Hermanus
Poke around the shops and markets in town, watch whales from the cliff path; swimming and hiking
PEZULA RESORT HOTEL AND SPA
Lagoonview Drive, Eastern Head, Knysna
044 302 3333
www.pezula.com
Perched atop one of Knysna’s famous heads, overlooking the unspoiled southern Cape coastline, this sparkly spot has a serious celebrity count and other good views. Indulge in five-star service, gourmet cuisine and a world-class spa.
Distance A five-hour drive from Cape Town or two and a half hours from Port Elizabeth
Number of rooms 78 suites
Price Singles from R4 530 and doubles from R4 750 per room
Things to do in the area
Featherbed Nature Reserve, cruise on the lagoon with Spring Tide Charters, whale watching, Knysna Elephant Park, golf
Best for town & country
BEAUCLAIR
1 Coetzenburg Road, Stellenbosch
021 886 7662
www.beauclair.co.za
Built in 1920, the Beauclair manor on the banks of the Eerste River has a blend of history and modernity suited to the ever-expanding yet traditional character of Stellenbosch. Within easy walking distance of the village, the manor is serene and elegant and matches its historic surrounds – Stellenbosch has some of the oldest buildings in the Cape. The decor is updated French, mostly in white and the rooms are generous and very comfortable. Rugby fans will love the statue of Danie Craven outside.
Distance An hour’s drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Seven
Price B&B from R400 – R650 per person sharing (high season)
What to do in Stellenbosch
Tea and cake under the trees at the Waldorf Organic Farmers’ Market on Saturdays
Tea at Oom Samies se Winkel or De Ouwe Werf
Second-hand shopping
Theatre and opera at the nearby Spier Wine Estate
Wine routes
Bloom-gazing at florist Okasie
Campus strolls
BATAVIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
12 Louw Street, Stellenbosch
021 887 2914
www.bataviahouse.co.za
Once an old, abandoned house, Batavia Boutique Hotel is now a luxe spot with a touch of the colonial about it – old Cape furniture, drinks trays and other bygone niceties provide the perfect base from which to explore this genteel town.
Distance A one-hour drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Six
Price Singles from R659 per room, doubles from R458 per person sharing. Rates include breakfast What to do in Stellenbosch
Numerous good art galleries, eating out, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes, performing arts at the nearby Spier Wine Estate
BARNYARDS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Greyton, 028 254 9394
In contrast with the pastoral vibe of the town, this restored 1830s farmhouse is refreshingly modern. Bright scatter cushions and abstract artworks mix with white linen and minimal furniture. The cottages are gorgeous – airy, spacious and light, while the main house (Weltevreden Manor) is a little more old world. This is the type of place you want to visit with a group of friends so you can make the most of the private garden and braai area (accessible from all rooms). Or head to town for the conventional Greyton experience of gravel roads, home-made nibbles and thatched roofs.
Distance 150 km from Cape Town, off the N2
Number of rooms Four cottages (suites) and four en-suite rooms in the main house
Price From R300 pp sharing, with breakfast
What to do in Greyton
Browse the Saturday market and art galleries. There’s also hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching and horseriding
Best for modern country
BLOOMESTATE
276 Voortrek Street, Swellendam
(028) 514 2984
www.bloomestate.com
Bloomestate is a design-friendly getaway with slick rooms and a big rolling plot to play on. Each room opens onto a private patio, there’s a heated pool, jacuzzi and other great relaxation spots in the orchard and out at the pond. Should you need your modcons, they’re equipped with wireless internet, satellite TV, DVD and iPods.
Distance Two hours from Cape Town
Number of rooms Seven
Prices B&B R840 (low season) and R1 150 (high season) per room per night sharing
What to do in Swellendam
Dine at several good restaurants, get your history at The Drostdy Museum – Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa. For active sorts there are three Nature Reserves: De Hoop, Bontebok and Marloth, wine routes in the Robertson Valley
Best for Trysts
THE GRAND CAFE AND ROOMS
27 Main Road Plettenburg Bay_
(044) 533 3301
www.thegrand.co.za
A bit of well-executed Boho chic that has many a decor mag darting out there for photo ops. The Grand Cafe is witty, comfortable, clever and fun to be in. Think washed walls, red sofas, worn Persian rugs, opera, a big wooden stoep with views over the bay and old cabinets topped with towering cakes. Basically a restaurant with great rooms, the fresh, unfussy food cooked with brilliant ingredients means you don’t have to go anywhere.
Distance Six hours from Cape Town
Number of rooms Eight
Price B&B from R1 100 per room
What to do in Plett
Walking on the Robberg Peninsula, whale and dolphin watching from the stoep, polo, shopping, sport, beaching, pillow talk
Best for retreating
FARM 215 NATURE-RETREAT AND FYNBOS RESERVE
Hartebees Kloof, 028 388 0920
Perched on a hill in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, lies a timber-framed piece of heaven. Set in 800 ha of aromatic fynbos, the interior is minimalist and spacious, echoing its vast surroundings. There’s no TV, but an avalanche of books in its place for quiet afternoons spent in a leather recliner. Farm 215 will make you feel like you have all the time in the world.
Distance A two-hour drive from Cape Town between Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas
Number of rooms Eight, divided over six separate units: three Fynbos Suites (freestanding units 75m apart), two rooms in the Old Homestead, and three in the renovated 19th-century farmhouse
Price R550 – R940 pp sharing, with breakfast
What to do in the surrounding area
Drive 20 minutes to Stanfield for a meal (guests are served meals at Farm 215 if they wish, or there is a self-catering option), go horseriding, hiking
swimming or whale watching.
KLEINEFONTEIN
Puntjie, Vermaaklikheid
021 794 7661
www.cpprop.com
This magnificent Cape Dutch house was built by the Mayor of Swellendam in 1789 as a hunting lodge and was later used by Lord Charles Somerset. The colonial interior is magnificent and the view over the extensive lawns and giant Canary palms, over the river towards the nature reserve and mountains, is beautiful. Private river frontage and no electricity means there’s very little to disturb the general reverie.
Distance Four hours drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms The house sleeps 10 (three doubles, the rest twins) with two family bathrooms and an outdoor shower.
Price Between R2 500 and R6 000 for the house (serviced)
What to do at Kleinefontein
Read, make large meals, stargaze, visit Blombos Caves (where the earliest evidence of rock art was found), birding, wildlife spotting, fishing, safe swimming in the river
KWANDWE ECCA LODGE
Off the R67 to Fort Beaufort, outside Grahamstown
Reservations made through CC Africa 011 809 4300
www.ccafrica.com
Conservation Corporation is world renowned for its beautiful lodges and exclusive service (they have recently ventured into India). Stylish suites with private plunge pools overlook valleys and densely vegetated hillsides. Game includes the Big Five, some unusual nocturnal animals and the less common black wildebeest.
Distance An eight-hour drive from Cape Town, or one and a half hours from Port Elizabeth airport Number of rooms Six
Price R2 605 – R5 315 all inclusive
Things to do in the area
Game drives, guided river walks, canoeing, rhino tracking, fishing
SAFARI DESTINATIONS
AQUILA SAFARI
Take the R46 off the N1, near Touws River/Worcester
021 421 4998
www.aquilasafari.com
Set against rugged mountain terrain, the thatched cottages, conference centre and cigar bar are all built using natural materials found on the reserve. Combine this with rustic decor and handcrafted furniture and you’ll be transported to a sleeping-under-the-stars experience, but with all the comfort that four-poster beds and percale linen allow.
Distance Under two hours’ drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Five premier luxury chalets and 33 semi-detached luxury chalets. Conference facility for 40 – 60 delegates
Price R3 040 pp for premier luxury chalets, R1 990 pp for luxury chalets. Children 11 years and younger pay half price, children under three stay for free. Price includes accommodation, meals and two games drives.
SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Off Route 62 between Montagu and Barrydale. 028 572 1365
www.sanbona.com
Set among beautiful undulating hills, Sanbona is what they call a diamond in the rough. River reed ceilings and earthy colours complement the natural surroundings. Wake up to the pastel hues of the serene landscape, viewed from the comfort of your bed. Private terraces, spacious interiors, old-school fireplaces and a sparkling pool are all on offer.
Distance A three-hour drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Six luxurious rooms in Tilney Manor and four spacious suites in Khanni Lodge Price From R2 750. Prices include all meals and local beverages, accommodation, a guided walk to see San rock art and two games drives (children under seven may not go on the game drive). A conference facility for 12 delegates is available.
BOTLIERSKOP PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Take the 401 off the N2, near Mossel Bay/George. 044 696 6055
www.botlierskop.co.za
This is camping for luxe lovers – think four-poster beds swathed seductively with mosquito nets and colonial-style decor. The selling point is the secluded nature of each suite and the private jetty overlooking a river full of fish. Activities include luxury 4x4 game drives and informative bush walks, quad biking, elephant rides, horseback safaris and helicopter trips. Day-tripping is also an option.
Distance 3½ hours from Cape Town or 25 minutes from the closest airport
Number of rooms 19 secluded tented suites
Price Luxury tented suite: R 1 490 – R 2 300 pp sharing per day. Deluxe luxury tented suite:
R1 800 – R2 700 pp sharing per day. No children under the age of six. Children six to 12 pay half price. For the day trips all ages are welcome. Prices include accommodation, snacks on arrival, game drives, an informative nature walk, lion viewing, breakfasts and dinners.
KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
011 809 4300
www.kwandwereserve.co.za
The reception building is a Frontier War-era fortified homestead which acts as a reminder of the contested Fish River border between the Xhosa inhabitants, Dutch farmers and the 1820 English Settlers. So there’s a whole lot of history here. But that’s not to say the facilities are archaic. On the contrary, furnished in the Frontier Settler style and integrating local African culture with colonial history, the thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors that fold back to expose magical wilderness vistas. With private plunge pools, large fireplaces and elegant chandeliers, Kwandwe is sophisticated but serene.
Distance Seven hours’ drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Nine suites in the Great Fish River Lodge along the banks of the Fish River (no children under 12)
Price R2 605 – R5 315 pp per night sharing. Single room rates available on request. Prices include accommodation, meals and local beverages, two scheduled game drives daily, interpretive nature walks daily with experienced tracker, laundry and valet service, emergency medical evacuation insurance.
CLARA ANNA FONTEIN PRIVATE GAME RESERVE AND COUNTRY LODGE
021 975 7017
www.claraannafontein.com
Clara Anna Fontein is a little slice of heaven not too far off the beaten track. Enveloped by a poplar forest, you can opt for privacy in the sparsely situated tents, or enjoy idle pleasures in communal spaces – chat until late around the campfire or lounge with a book on the coffee deck.
Distance 20 minutes from central Cape Town
Number of rooms 14 luxury tents and five luxury rooms (all en suite)
Price R370 pp per night. Only groups of 12 or more may stay in the luxury tents. Price includes breakfast.
INVERDOORN GAME RESERVE
Take R46 towards Sutherland from the R43 (off the N1)
023 316 1264
www.inverdoorn.com
Austere, refined spaces are livened up with cerise lampshades and citrus-coloured walls. This peaceful oasis infuses a traditional game lodge experience with more urban fancies. Sip cocktails while viewing local game, including white rhino, zebra and cheetahs.
Distance Two hours’ drive from Cape Town
Number of rooms Two restored guest houses with eight rooms and seven luxury en-suite chalets. Conference facilities are available.
Price From R1 210 pp per night for luxury chalets and from R1 100 for guest houses.
Safaris are available for day visits at R480 for two-and-a-half hours and R595 with lunch included. Prices are halved for kids aged three to 10. Included in the price is accommodation, meals and game drives.