The Vineyard Hotel is one of the original Cape Town hotels and offers a delightful alternative to staying in the city centre. (Cape Town is a city of several discrete areas each with their own attractions and so the city centre is not necessarily where you want to be). This vibrant hotel lies in 6 acres of garden with rolling lawns and established trees has an excellent location in the leafy Newlands area only 15 mins from the city centre & V&A Waterfront yet closer to Kirstenbosch gardens and wine estates of Constantia. The hotel terrace and gardens, complete with trails along its river frontage, have glorious views over the forested slopes of Table Mountain.
The 200 year old Vineyard Hotel oozes with history with many original letters and paintings of its first owner, Lady Anne Barnard, on display in the public areas. However why we like the four star Vineyard Hotel so much is the seamless combination of an established hotel, which runs like a well-oiled machine - with new contemporary styling - in the bedrooms and in the two restaurants. The original foyer leads into the conservatory restaurant, the Square, for breakfast, lunch and relaxed evening dining with a focus on sushi and Asian dishes. Beyond the conservatory are the various sitting rooms and bar with French doors opening onto the expansive terrace overlooking the gardens and Table mountain - also the venue for alfresco breakfasts and lunches. The Vineyard Hotel also has Myoga Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Cape Town, renowned for its contemporary fusion style of cooking with a superb tasting menu on offer.
It is filled with works by leading South African artists and offers a choice of either Mountain facing or Courtyard facing rooms (standard or deluxe rooms with a terrace), or the contemporary and luxurious River Suites. All offering dressing gowns, tea & coffee facilities, minibar on request, satellite television, telephone, international computer connections and sockets, 24 hour room service as well as glamorous modern marble bathrooms with separate shower. Families are welcome at the Vineyard Hotel with one extra child being able to share with parents and a small number of inter-leading rooms.
At the south end of the Vineyard gardens is a large outdoor swimming pool. Adjoining the pool area is the hotel's well-equipped fitness centre, indoor heated pool, healthy eating restaurant as well as the superb Angsana spa. Its full range of treatments is very popular with hotel guests and locals alike so we strongly recommend that booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
4 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, Dutch, English, French, German
No. Rooms: 211
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Wine
Cederberg Ridge is a luxurious wilderness lodge offering delicious food, hospitality and adventure. The lodge overlooks the panorama of the Cederberg Mountains with its unique raw, rugged beauty. But this stylish ‘away-from-it-all’ retreat is within easy reach of Cape Town and the Winelands (2½ hours scenic drive) and only 5km from Clanwilliam.
It offers the authentic ambience of a modern African farmhouse with much use of wood, natural materials and earthy tones. Yet the striking steel windows bring a contemporary touch.
There are 9 spacious rooms and suites, each with air-conditioning, full bathroom, and private terrace. Add in the restaurant with a view, large swimming pool, and indigenous gardens flowing into the veld, and you’ll find that Cederberg Ridge offers tranquillity and style in the midst of wilderness.
Witness the natural beauty and hidden gems of the Cederberg through various excursions on offer – both for the active and the more laid-back. Take in the mountain views while walking or mountain biking. Learn about the rock art, history and rural culture. Explore the Cederberg, visit a rooibos tea farm or enjoy lunch at an alfresco beach restaurant on the West Coast. In summer, boating on the dam is perfect for the hot sunny days.
Back at the lodge, you can relax around the pool, have a pampering spa treatment, or enjoy story-telling at the fire-pit whilst gazing at the stars.
3 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wine
Schoone Oordt Country House is a charming country hotel in Swellendam South Africa, possibly the best of Swellendam accommodation, with 10 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory restaurant, a sparkling saltwater pool and a passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment. The emphasis here is on unpretentious, unaffected luxury, elegance, quality and acute attention to detail.
There is something quite magical about this striking Victorian Manor House. She has been lovingly restored over many years by Richard and Alison Walker and is passionately run by Sonette and Wander (pronounced V-un-derr) Bester. As a result, she has been instilled with charm and grace and she adores welcoming guests. Her extensive grounds house two standard and six luxury rooms, a quaint, private family cottage and a romantic and secluded honeymoon suite set in abundant gardens and sheltered by aged oak trees. Each luxury accommodation has conceded to every modern convenience whilst unique, restored (mostly by Richard) antiques, retain the Victorian feel of the Manor House and a bygone era. The Manor House itself boasts the most exquisite light and airy conservatory, which Richard built in true English style, a cosy fire-lit bar and lounge, an intimate dining room and a typical country kitchen. The warmth of the original wooden floors, ceilings and doors coupled with many quirky antique pieces creates a wonderful welcoming ambience and guests are encouraged to ‘kuier’* here.
Meals are made with love and served with true Schoone Oordt flair and style. The freshest best quality produce from small local suppliers is sourced as organically and ethically as possible, as well as fresh herbs and occasional veggies from the garden. Breakfasts are traditionally a gourmet affair and our little country hotel has developed quite a reputation for them. Complimentary afternoon tea with home-baked savoury and sweet goodies is served overlooking the garden on sunny summer afternoons. In winter, complimentary snack platters and a warming welcome drink are offered on arrival. Intimate, delicious dinners are served in The Conservatory Restaurant where guests can enjoy a carefully prepared, sophisticated South African menu with wines sourced (by Sonette) from the celebrated verdant regions surrounding Swellendam; Robertson and Hermanus. Talented Chef Wander is well on his way to building The Conservatory Restaurant into one of the finest of Swellendam Restaurants.
Schoone Oordt Country House has been created with a vision for Swellendam weddings and special occasions. Choose from the intimate and private boardroom with views of the mountains, the sun-drenched conservatory overlooking the grounds or the cosy, slightly more formal dining room in the grand old house. She is truly an extraordinary venue for an exclusive occasion filled with laughter and love... The Swellendam area offers guests an abundance of activities.
Hiking, horse-trails, bike-trails, watersports as well as visits to the nearby Nature Reserves are a must. A trip to the De Hoop Nature Reserve for seasonal whale watching cannot be missed, a short journey over the Tradouw’s Pass to quadbike in Barrydale as well as a day trip wine-tasting in the Robertson Wine Valley. Along with a nine-hole golf course, quaint coffee shops, the renowned Drostdy museum, berry & lavender-picking, good restaurants and a feast of art, Swellendam spoils its visitors for choice. Schoone Oordt Country House is a gracious old dame with heart and soul and she invites you to visit... soon... * Lovely Afrikaans word for visiting, drinking, eating, chatting, gossiping and enjoying time with people you love.
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
5 Star
Country House
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Perched above the charming town of Sedgefield along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, Fynbos on Sea is an eco-paradise offering breathtaking views of unspoiled beaches, majestic mountains, tranquil lagoons, and a vibrant fynbos wonderland.
Nestled high on the dunes, our lodge features nine beautifully appointed rooms and a private, self-contained cottage, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Enveloped by a pristine 600-hectare fynbos reserve, the estate is home to an array of plains game, including eland, zebra, bushbuck, and waterbuck.
Sedgefield, symbolized by the tortoise, embraces the art of ‘slow travel,’ inviting guests to explore scenic nature trails, relax with binoculars in hand, or simply soak in the beauty of the ever-changing landscape. Enjoy a picnic or sip sundowners while taking in the breathtaking views of Gerickes Point.
Beyond the lodge, discover fossil dunes, secluded beaches, and the serene waters of the Swartvlei and Sedgefield lagoons. Snorkel in vibrant rock pools, visit a nearby protea farm, or experience the thrill of paragliding. Whether watching the sun rise over the ocean or set behind the hills, every moment at Fynbos on Sea is truly unforgettable.
.jpg)
.jpg)
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife, Wine
Simbavati River Lodge is an intimate and friendly camp built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. The Timbavati is part of the Greater Kruger Park. Shaded by age old Jackalberry and Weeping Boerbean Trees, Simbavati River Lodge comprises three thatched chalets, each with two bedrooms, and four luxury tented rooms all with en-suite facilities. Tents and chalets are comfortably furnished with eco friendly air conditioning or fans. Each has a well appointed en suite bathroom with indoor bath and outdoor shower (or outdoor bath and indoor shower in the case of two tents).
The lodge also offers a spacious lounge, bar, dining area on the deck and an expansive deck with breathtaking views over the river. There's also a small plunge pool for relaxing during the heat of the day. Brunch is served outside on the wooden deck and combine African and Western cuisine (with exciting new tastes for the more adventurous as well as more conventional options.) High tea is served just before the afternoon game drive whilst dinner is a festive event served around the campfire in the open-air boma, or on the deck overlooking the river.
Simbavati River Lodge offers game drives in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when the animals are most active. Game drives are conducted by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in open 4x4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities. You traverse over 12,000 hectares of the finest big game country, with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo thriving alongside giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regularly sighted on night drives. Bird watching is wonderful, with various eagles, owls, francolins, kingfishers, rollers and weavers among the over 300 recorded species.
Simbavati River Lodge is a child-friendly safari camp with three family chalets available, each with two bedrooms sharing one bathroom. One of the family chalets can take three children sharing with two parents whilst the other chalets can accommodate two children. Typically children 6 years and over can join their parents on game drives. However families with younger children can request a private landrover and guide (at an additional cost).
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
