Publications
Partners
When its the middle of July and it has been raining for a week straight and your washing has been hanging inside for four days and still isn’t dry and you haven’t seen your friends in weeks because Capetonians are chronically allergic to leaving their homes during winter, there’s only one thing to do - get away for a night or two.
Thankfully, we are spoiled for choice out here in the Western Cape and within three hours you could be far away from your damp washing and cuddled up somewhere wonderful, in front of the fire with a glass of red wine.
Here are a few choice weekend escapes in the Western Cape.
Escape Into Nature: Orange Kloof Tented Camp
(Natalie Roos, Tails of a Mermaid)
Despite my gloomy monologue above, there are some gloriously sunny days in the middle of the Cape winter, which are just perfect for a little hike in the mountains. Take full advantage of a mid-winter sun-fest and start your hike at Silvermine, ending at the Orange Kloof Tented Camp in Constantia Neck. It’s an easy one-day hike, which will get your heart pumping and endorphins rushing.
Orange Kloof is a SANParks camp and is immaculately kept, with permanent safari tents, a big, fully equipped kitchen and an outside fire pit. Have someone drop off loads of blankets, a few packets of wood and a couple of bottles of sherry and you’ve got yourself a great, affordable night away.
Contact: www.sanparks.org
Escape to Somewhere Romantic: Schoone Oord Country House
Schoone Oord is the perfect place to escape to for a weekend huddled up with your loved one. This beautifully restored old Victorian in Swellendam just exudes old-timey romance. The air of relaxed, unpretentious luxury is just what you’re looking for in romantic hideaway.
Their warm, comfortable bar is where you’ll have your evening nightcap in front of the fire, after a delicious dinner in the Conservatory Restaurant, which serves warm hearty food in an intimate setting.
The rooms come with antique wardrobes, extra-length beds, fireplaces, deep Victorian baths and all the romance you could ask for. Winter rates are especially great, starting at R1 275 per room. Valid from May-September 2015.
Contact: www.schooneoordt.co.za or 028 514 1248
Escape with Friends: Akasha Mountain Retreat
(Natalie Roos, Tails of a Mermaid)
Akasha Mountain Retreat is situated in the Langeberg Mountains, just outside of Heidelberg (about 3.5 hours from Cape Town). This Cape/Moroccan style lodge sleeps eight, with three bedrooms in the main house and a cottage that sleeps two a few steps away.
The house is decorated in beautiful Moroccan style. Luxurious rooms are adorned with colourful stained glass windows, beautiful crystals and other small Moroccan touches everywhere you look. Jaw-dropping views, an indoor fireplace, outdoor braai, fully equipped kitchen and did I mention epic views will keep you busy indoors if the rain is bucketing down outside. It’s the perfect place for a weekend of board games, naps and reading in front of the fire.
Contact: www.akasharetreat.co.za or 082 090 1741
Escape to the Winelands: Laborie Wine Farm
(Natalie Roos, Tails of a Mermaid)
Laborie Wine Farm in Paarl is one of my favourite undiscovered gems. Not yet as famous as its neighbours Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, the Paarl wine region has a lot to offer the weary traveller, including the glorious Laborie.
The tasting room, restaurant, bar and plush rooms offer more than enough to keep you occupied if the weather happens to be dreary and their winter special is an absolute winner! Proof that being in Cape Town in winter could easily turn into a series of weekends away without breaking the budget.
This amazing winter special includes the following:
Two nights luxury accommodation, Two beer tastings at the festive Bar di Bar, Two chocolate and wine pairings at Taste, Three tapas per person and a bottle of Laborie wine at Taste (lunch or dinner), Two main meals at Harvest restaurant (lunch or dinner), All for just R1 990 per couple! Valid May - August 2015
Contact: www.laboriewines.co.za or 021 807 3390
Escape to Somewhere Fancy: The Mount Nelson Hotel
The Mount Nelson in all her beautiful pink glory is a Cape Town institution. Rolling green lawns, a plush tea room which serves a generous High Tea, stunning bar and fabulous restaurant keeps The Nellie at the top of the list for international travellers (including the likes of Taylor Swift) every year.
Winter is the ideal time for locals to take advantage of the quieter season and this fantastic winter specials. For instance the the Epicure includes accommodation in one of The Mount Nelson’s luxurious rooms, a Five-course meal at the exclusive Chef’s Table (subject to availability) or a spectacular dinner at Planet Restaurant to the value of R595 per person, Breakfast included, R3 450 per room.
Contact: www.belmond.com/mount-nelson-hotel-cape-town or 021 483 1000
Escape to Somewhere Luxurious: Twelve Apostles Hotel
(Natalie Roos, Tails of a Mermaid)
The iconic Twelve Apostles Hotel hugs the picturesque coastline between Cape Town and Hout Bay, with uninterrupted ocean views, a seriously luxurious spa, exceptional restaurant and gloriously luxe rooms.
This is close to the city if you’re interested in shopping or dining out, but there are more than enough reasons to stay indoors for the duration of your stay. In fact, the Azure restaurant serves some of the best food in Cape Town. Relax and soak up the subtle African style and not-so-subtle luxury as you watch the rain speckle the Atlantic.
One of their winter special options includes: Detox & Delight, A detoxifying 60-minute traditional Rasul experience, A spa lunch including snacks from the Health Bar, Accommodation in one of The Twelve Apostles’ sumptuous rooms, Full English breakfast with freshly harvested oysters and sparkling wine, from R1 630 per person sharing per night
But there really is more to take advantage of this winter, so visit their website for full details.
Contact: www.12apostleshotel.com or 021 437 9000
