Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Quirky, unusual and interesting places to stay in the Western Cape
Off-the-beaten-track lodgings, from an eco-friendly guest house to a tipi
Last Update: 8 March 2021
Experience a getaway with a difference with these out-of-the-ordinary places to stay – from an eco-friendly guest house and a sleepover on a train to wigwam glamping and places that offer rustic treehouses, wood-fired hot tubs and waterbeds.
ONE OF THE ONLY FAMILY FRIENDLY STAYS IN HERMANUS
With loads of activities, restaurants and experiences on its doorstep – plus one of the best views of Walker Bay the town has to offer – the Windsor Hotel is the perfect base camp for travellers who want to explore all that Hermanus has to offer. The hotel’s rooms are very comfortable. In addition, it’s one of the only family-friendly stays in the town, and offers interconnecting rooms for adults and children to share. During the winter whale season, it’s usual for guests to spot southern right whales from the bedroom windows.
The most unique thing about the establishment: The hotel is brimming with history. It was built in 1896. The hotel’s site was considered to be perfect thanks to the ocean air’s healing properties.
Top tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s special discounted rate of R600 per person sharing in a sea-facing room, which includes breakfast and a free stay for one child under the age of 12 (on till end August 2021) at Windsor Hotel
49 Marine Drive| +27 (0)28 312 3727| info@windsorhotel.co.za| https://www.windsorhotel.co.za
PLAY AND WORK AT CASA LABIA IN MUIZENBERG
The authentic Italian aesthetic and rich heritage, its big green lawn and the backdrop of the sea makes the Casa Labia the perfect escape from bustling city life. Originally home to Count and Countess Natale Labia, the Casa Labia, which was restored by the family and opened to the public in 2010, has become synonymous with Italian luxury and style. You can now book a stay-cation there and get quick access to the beach and nearby cafés and restaurants. Not that you need to – its own restaurant offers an exceptional menu and an excellent wine and gin list. Plus now you can also work remotely at the Casa Labia.
Rates: From R2 560 per night.
192 Main road, Muizenberg| +27(0)21 824 1781 |casalabia@ideascartel.com|http://www.casalabia.com
A GETAWAY PERFECT FOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD
Cartel House Hotel in Cape Town's bustling CBD offers six spacious, open-plan suites, each of which comes with panoramic views of the Bo-Kaap, Signal Hill and city. It also has office space and entertainment options. This contemporary, upmarket hotel is built for the rising breed of digital nomads looking to visit different destinations, working while they go. It's part of the Ideas Cartel group, which has three sites, which means you can pick between 33 suites across Loop Street, Sand Hill Road and Main Road, in Muizenberg. If you’re looking for the best option for work-life and to access city nightlife, Cartel House Hotel is where you want to be.
Rates: R1 491 - R2 256
113 Loop Street Cape Town | +27(0)21 824 1781 | info@ideascartel.com | ideascartel.com/cartel-hotels
BOOK AN URBAN ESCAPE AT THE OLD FOUNDRY
The advantage of booking into a hotel in Cape Town is that, although it might be an urban escape, there’s such easy access to a host of outdoor treasures: the beaches, Table Mountain, a range of nearby hikes. For keen golfers, there's the added benefit of a golf simulator, as well as a professional golfer who can give lessons. And the fact that the city is the centre of a rich culinary and wine scene, and full arts and culture offering, means it's a destination that gives visitors plenty of entertainment choices. With rooms that are luxurious, spacious, peaceful and also allow self-sufficiency in the form of a small kitchen, all your needs will be met at the Old Foundry Hotel.
Rates: From R2 686.50pp
1 Sand Hill Road, Cape Town, Greenpoint|+27 (0)21 824 1781 |theoldfoundry@ideascartel.com | https://www.ideascartel.com/thefoundry
AN ECO-FRIENDLY GUEST HOUSE
Nestled in the Botrivier Valley between two streams and surrounded by apple and wine farms, Underhill Eco Farm is a green oasis that is dedicated to sustainable living through upcycling, recycling, and solar power. Oak trees and sod roofs provide shade and coolness in summer, and black wattle creates warmth for your fire in winter. Every cottage is nestled in the farm and invisible from one another, yet each has its own unique view. The 250 olive trees, fruit orchid and vegetable garden help supply produce to guests and the local community. Everything you see was created with resources made on the farm or built using materials that would have otherwise been thrown away by others.
Rates: From R798 per night
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UnderHill Farm, E34 Van Der Stel Pass Road, Vyeboom | +27 0)83 408 1767 | info@underhillfarm.co.za | underhillfarm.co.za
A NIGHT AMONG THE BIG 5
Go on a sunset safari, a full day safari by horseback, quad bikes or 4x4, or experience African wildlife from a helicopter with the “fly in safari”. Aquila Private Game Reserve, situated in the historic town of Touws River, is home to the Big 5 – elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard - which roam freely on the reserve. If you’re staying over, the four-star cottages are built largely from rock, thatch and wood to blend with the environment and offer comforts like roaring log fires, alfresco rock showers and wooden viewing decks. Then there’s the Aquila Lodge, which has 22 rooms facing the reserve and the mountains and another 22 rooms facing away from the reserve.
Rates: From R2,130 per person sharing
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Aquila Reservations, Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 430 7260 | res@aquilasafari.com | aquilasafari.com
THE ULTIMATE GLAMPING EXPERIENCE
Escape the hustle of the city and go glamping (with all the comforts of home). Pick your boutique camp in any of 11 beautiful locations in South Africa, including the Winelands, Kwa-Zulu Natal, The Garden Route, and two camps near Kruger National Park. Expect stunning views from the deck of Pat Busch in Robertson, with its lush hiking trails, streams, dams, and fynbos. The experience is made unique because of the authentic local activities provided. Take in an ostrich or meerkat tour in Oudtshoorn, see how cows are milked in Wilderness, or experience life on a wine farm in Wellington. Many of the camps have wood-fired hot tubs and make for a sweet retreat for couples and group getaways. Discover each of the 11 fantastic AfriCamps dotted around South Africa.
Rates: From R1,190 a night
SEASIDE MEETS GARDEN LUXURY UNDER THE 12 APOSTLES
You don’t get more unusual than a Bakoven boutique that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles, and is set in a luxurious 4,000㎡ garden, among giant milkwoods and koi ponds. This family-run guesthouse offers the best of both worlds – walking distance to the famous Camps Bay beach and restaurants, but far enough away to lap up the peace and tranquillity of the salty seaside at Ocean View House.
Rates: From R1,900 per night
BEHIND JEWEL-COLOURED, VELVET PADDED DOORS
Travellers who book at Cartel House Hotels can rub shoulders with business founders and creative agencies. The rooms are plush from the entrance and at the epicentre of the city. Cartel House Hotel bookings also hold the key into the Cartel Members Club. It’s free access to the Inner City co-working spaces across three locations and private spaces like a spectacular 360-view rooftop pool on the 11th floor, and the bedecked lounges. Read more about Cartel House Hotel and get access to all on the Cartel App.
Rates: R1,800 per person
GET STOKED FOR YOUR WOOD-FIRED HOT TUB IN TULBAGH
Enjoy the majestic views of the Winterhoek and Witzenberg mountain ranges from a private wood-fired hot tub in winter or a refreshing plunge pool in summer. Choose from seven beautiful self-catering cottages spread over two locations in Tulbagh, boasting private outdoor hot tubs, plunge pools, indoor fireplaces, braai facilities and more. Let Bergsicht Farm & Town Cottages stoke your getaway, whether it’s romantic or otherwise.
Rates: From R840 per person
BATH AMONG THE TREES AT A RUSTIC TREEHOUSE
The small town of Greyton in the Overberg area is ideal for relaxing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the spaciousness and stillness of nature. Anna’s Country Accommodation offers three self-catering cottages and a treehouse specially built to include the old oak branches throughout the interior. Nestled high up amongst the old oaks, the rustic and romantic treehouse offers a hot alfresco shower with beautiful mountain views and a free-standing bath among the branches of the trees.
Rates: Cottages: R400 per person, treehouse: R700 per person
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1 Market Street, Greyton | +27 (0)84 764 6012 | info@annasplace.co.za | greyton-accommodation.com
CAMP IN A CAVE, WATCH THE STARS, SWIM IN A DAM
A private nature reserve perched atop the mountains in Aurora, boasting spectacular views of St. Helena Bay, DanielsHoogte is a hidden gem, a mere 90-minute drive from Cape Town. The reserve offers fauna and flora ranging from endangered and endemic Protea species to klipspringer, duiker, lynx, aardwolf, porcupine, and 85 species of birds. Intrepid explorers can pitch a tent in a natural cave, accessible by road and equipped with a braai area and ablution block with solar-heated running water. Alternatively, stay in one of the self-catering cottages. Take advantage of the hiking trails and cool off in one of the dams.
Camping rates: From R800 per night (for 2 people)
AN ECO-FRIENDLY, OFF-THE-GRID TIPI GETAWAY
After buying a farm at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains in Robertson, owners Jackie and Andre started their business by renovating the farmhouse. With limited funds, they got creative with their own home and that’s what planted the seed for the tipi villages at Assegai Rest Farm in the Klaasvoogds Valley. They designed and built tipis that allow guests to have a self-catering pet-friendly getaway with a lighter footprint on mother earth. The tipis offer braai areas, solar power, outdoor and indoor hot water showers, battery-powered cooler boxes and even indoor fireplaces (firepots) to heat up the space on winter nights.
Rates: From R680 per person sharing
360-DEGREE LAGOON VIEWS FROM A HOUSEBOAT
As you rise to the sun dawning over the tranquil water, it’s easy to forget that land is only a couple of minutes’ boat ride away. Your houseboat stay takes you right to the centre of the Kraalbaai Lagoon’s buzzing ecosystem in the West Coast National Park. Make yourself at home on the water aboard one of the self-catering anchored Kraalbaai Luxury Houseboats with braai facilities, fresh hot and cold running water, solar power and more. Bird watching from the deck is mesmerising and you’ll notice plenty of fish and water creatures. Other activities include sunbathing, swimming, massages, beach walks, hiking, kayaking, supping and permit fishing; locals say red bait and fishing at night is the way to go.
Rates: From R2,600 per boat per night
AN AFFORDABLE STAY ON A TRAIN ONLY 30 METRES FROM THE SEA
Locals know it as "The Train" and it’s parked at the Blue Flag Santos Beach in Mossel Bay in the heart of the Western Cape’s Garden Route. The Santos Express features two vintage wooden coaches that were built in 1919 and 1921, then transported by boat from England to SA where they served a luxury rail company until 2013. Still boasting authentic woodwork and attention to detail, they were renovated into the Royal Suites, all with private sea-view decks and en suite facilities. There is also a honeymoon caboose, comfy private compartments with shared ablution facilities, a 16-bed dorm room, a restaurant, bar and warm and friendly atmosphere.
Rates: R195–R1,200
FLOAT ON WATER AND SLEEP LIKE A BABY
Imagine drifting off on an ultra-modern, super king-size heated waterbed imported from afar and waking up feeling like royalty and ready to explore the town of Swellendam. That’s what the restored Cape Dutch masterpiece of De Kloof Luxury Estate offers, along with private jacuzzis, fireplaces, spa, fine dining and more. The honeymoon suite offers a super king-size waterbed and the villa offers three of these heavenly beds. Relax on your sun lounger on the private terrace beneath the vines and enjoy uninterrupted views over the mountain peaks and perhaps play a round of golf.
Rates: From R3,295 per night
SLEEP ON TABLE MOUNTAIN
There are several accommodation options in Table Mountain National Park, which covers a large portion of the peninsula. The choices span from tented to more sophisticated cottages suited to parties of various sizes with a range of amenities. The accommodations are constantly changing as refurbishment occurs on an ongoing basis. It’s best to book in advance for this affordable opportunity to sleep over and explore the wilds of our city. You can book via their comprehensive online booking system.
Rates: R620–R5,065 per night
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT A NATURE RESERVE
Drift off beneath a canopy of a million stars and wake up to an unfiltered view of the untouched wilderness of the Cederberg. Explore caves covered in Khoisan paintings, try rock climbing, go for safari drives and enjoy a stargazing experience at the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve. There are other accommodation options if you prefer the comfort of a roof over your head.
Rates: Various
GLAMP IN A WIGWAM IN THE WEST COAST WILD
Growing up hearing all the old stories about Native Americans is what inspired Marion Lubitz to bring a tailor-made wigwam to the Farr Out smallholding close to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Fall asleep in a twin-peak wigwam while surrounded by Cape fynbos and the hoots of the owls. The ensuite wigwam features all the bells and whistles including wifi and an octagonal bed with electric blanket. Wake up to explore the thick sand and dunes of the coast in a self-built beach buggy, go dolphin and whale spotting and much more. Book the wood-fired hot tub or the braai area or choose from around 20 restaurants in nearby Paternoster catering to all pockets and tastes.
Rates: From R680 per person sharing
A REMOTE GETAWAY IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS
Escape to a remote cabin in Ceres atop the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, where in winter the cabins and mountains are covered in snow. This translates to the opportunity to partake in snow-related activities such as skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. Other seasonal activities in the area include cherry picking, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking and more. The cabins have no electricity, but are equipped with fireplaces and hot water, creating an authentic snowy experience.
Rates: Various
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