Hotels Archive - Page 7 of 14

Agulhas Country Lodge, Cape Agulhas

Agulhas Country Lodge has one of the most romantic locations at the southern tip of Africa

Agulhas Country Lodge is positioned at the most southerly tip of Africa. The lodge is a beautiful limestone building furnished with antiques and South African art. The building has the air of a remote Scottish castle with original wood fittings rescued from historic properties in The Cape. Sit by a blazing log fire in the winter and read about some of the fascinating shipwrecks that have occurred (and are still occurring) along this notorious stretch of coastline. There are eight, large and sunny rooms and all have balconies and great sea views. Some rooms also have a Jacuzzi. As well as a sumptuous South African breakfast, dinner is included which always promises to be an experience.

About Agulhas Country Lodge’s Location

This is a great area for whale watching in season (June to December). An eco Quad Biking tour of the coastline and nearby nature reserve is an experience to remember in this interesting but often forgotten corner of South Africa. Visit the fascinating lighthouse which was modeled on the ancient Pharos of Alexandria. This is the third oldest lighthouse in South Africa and dates back to 1849. The lighthouse has a restaurant, museum and curio shop. Nearby Struisbaai has wide sandy beaches and old whitewashed fishermen’s cottages. More of these national heritage buildings can be found in Arniston and Waenhuiskrans which are a short drive away. Further inland are some more interestingly rural towns that have been ‘discovered’ by South African artists and entertainers. As this is just a 2 1/2 hour drive from Cape Town, the area is also being discovered by tourists. There is even a local wine route which are the southernmost wineries in Africa. There is also a 9 hole golf course in Bredasdorp which is the southernmost golf course in Africa.

Auberge Burgundy, Hermanus

Auberge Burgundy occupies a great location in the centre of this bustling and trendy seaside town

Auberge Burgundy is four star accommodation at its best set in the centre of Hermanus. The style of the hotel is just as the name suggests with echoes of laid back rural France. The 14 rooms and 5 suites are spacious and very comfortably appointed with soothing light tones to the decor. There is a roof top pool for relaxing when you just want to chill out rather than walk the short distance down to the beach. The poolside is a good option for those clients who enjoy easy pool access. The restaurant opposite used to be a part of the hotel and guests still eat breakfast here and can book for an excellent evening meal.

About Auberge Burgundy’s Location

The bustling town centre is close and sports a number of individual boutiques. Walker Bay is an excellent location to see Southern Right Whales between June and November. Humpback Whales can normally be viewed from August to December. Their presence is greeted by the colourful, and noisy, Hermanus Whale Crier. He pounds the streets of the town to inform the residents of the most recent orcadian residents in the bay! This location has a lot to offer even outside the whale season. There is shark cage diving close by in Gansbaai and Sea Kayaking can be arranged locally. For the super fit, Sandboarding on the dunes at Betty’s Bay (30 minute drive) can be fun! For those who enjoy more passive pursuits, a trip to the local wine route of Hemel-en-Aarde will be rewarding. Two of South Africa’s top wineries, Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson are located in this charming valley just 15 minutes from Hermanus. Township tours, Paragliding, Deep Sea Fishing and Horse Riding are among the many activities available.

Jan Harmsgat Country House, Swellendam

Jan Harmsgat combines out of the way rural charm with beautiful rooms and great cuisine

This is real country living! Set beneath the imposing Langeberg Mountains this property has four large bedrooms mainly set in a thatched converted barn . The property also has a family sized, self catering cottage on a working farm approximately 5 minutes’ drive away, This can be used to accommodate families with children under 12. The rooms are spacious and have a calm, cooling country feel with thatched or cape reed ceilings. Dinner in the main house is a feature of any stay at Jan Harmsgat. The cuisine ranks among the best we have encountered in South Africa, the wine cellar features some of the top South African wines with an emphasis on local wineries and some lesser-known labels, which are excellent.

About Jan Harmsgat’s Location

You can relax beside the pool soaking up the sun, walk among the fruit orchards which include grapefruit, apples and quince. You can also hike into the Langeberg Mountains. Explore historic Swellendam, just 25 kms away, where you will find some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture, There are interesting museums and a good craft complex in the Old Gaol, which is part of the Old Drosdty museum. Robertson, which is home to some excellent wineries, is just 60 kms along the road. In fact the entire road up to Worcester is dotted with vineyards. Both towns have excellent restaurants. The Bontebok National Park is an easy 15-minute drive and it is one of the most successful conservation stories. The park was established in 1931 to protect the remaining 60 bontebok. There are now well over 2,500 bontebok throughout South Africa. You can take a short drive to Montagu, which has hot springs and dramatic scenery through the Kogman’s Kloof Pass. The southernmost tip of Africa (Cape Agulhas) is an hour’s drive. For those looking for a truly unspoilt wilderness the drive to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The spectacular pristine beach at nearby Witsand will reward you with wonderful sightings of Whales in season (June to December). You will also find examples here of the unique Cape Fynbos vegetation at its best. Rather than just a stopover on your way to the Garden Route, we believe you will be enchanted by a two or three day stay.

Rouxwill Farm, Greyton, Nr. Caledon

A personal favourite in beautiful countryside with wonderful accommodation

For people looking for a country getaway – this is for you. Rouxwil is a working farm with one bedroom, 2 luxury bedrooms with sweeping views over the countryside and 1 garden family unit. The Farmhouse is set in a valley surrounded by fields of wheat, in season, orchards and the natural Cape fynbos. The rooms are beautifully decorated with entrances into the gardens that boast far-reaching views of the mountains. The rooms are complete with original antique furniture collected locally and have exquisite bathrooms completed in the owners’ inimitable style.

About the location

The farm is situated near the little towns of Elgin and Greyton, which are famous for their apple orchards, and Villiersdorp that is well known for its Cape Dutch architecture and fields of lavender. Caledon is not far away with its impressively refurbished Victorian thermal spa. This has been redeveloped into a complete spa centre but retains the original (very) hot baths that are reputed to have healing properties. Franschhoek and the Winelands is a 20-minute drive over the spectacular Franschhoek Pass and Hermanus, which is fabulous for whale watching in season (between June and December), is a short 30 minutes’ drive. The owners live on the farm and here you will experience fine home cooking. This is a quiet, relaxing location but it could also be a good centre for those wanting to hike and explore this beautiful location on foot. 4×4 trips around the property can also be arranged. Rouxwil is only an hour’s drive to Cape Town International Airport along fast roads.

Rothman Manor, Swellendam, Overberg

Rothman Manor is a luxurious, historic gem in South Africa’s third oldest town

Rothman Manor’s 200-year-old thatched Cape Dutch house is set in the centre of historic Swellendam. However, once in the grounds you could be in the middle of the countryside. The 6 suites are beautifully appointed with a perfect blend of European and South African touches. The larger than normal suites comprise comfortable period style beds, beautiful bathrooms and a lounge area. The rooms open onto the fabulous gardens that in season are full of colour. Relaxing by the pool you will be able to look over the rest of the grounds, which the owner has stocked with small buck such as Springbok. This property continues to be a favourite with our clients confirming the owners’ excellent ratings and reviews on Trip Advisor.

About Rothman Manor’s Location

There are several good restaurants in Swellendam and one, The Old Mill, is opposite Rothman Manor. Breakfast is either served in the period dining room panelled in stinkwood or outside on the stoep overlooking the gardens. Swellendam has some great restaurants providing excellent gourmet lunches and dinner. ou can take a short drive to Montagu, which has hot springs and dramatic scenery through the Kogman’s Kloof Pass. The southernmost tip of Africa (Cape Agulhas) is an hour’s drive. For those looking for a truly unspoilt wilderness the drive to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The spectacular pristine beach at nearby Witsand will reward you with wonderful sightings of Whales in season (June to December). You will also find examples here of the unique Cape Fynbos vegetation at its best. Locally, the Bontebok National Park is an easy 10-minute drive and it is one of the most successful conservation stories. The park was established in 1931 to protect the remaining 60 bontebok. There are now well over 2,500 bontebok throughout South Africa. There is an excellent wine trail between Swellendam and nearby Robertson. Rather than just a stopover on your way to the Garden Route, we believe you will be enchanted by a two or three day stay.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Hermanus

A romantic hideaway set in the beautiful fynbos countryside close to the sea

This is a small private nature reserve set in a remarkable location between Walker Bay, for some of the best land based whale watching in the world, and the Overberg Mountains. The accommodation is luxurious and comprise suites and cottages and ideal for a honeymoon ‘away from it all’. The lodge is a popular venue for weddings.

About the Location

The bustling town of Hermanus is fairly close as are the world famous Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson Wineries. Nearby Gansbaai is popular for shark cage diving and you can also arrange boat tours in Walker Bay which is good during the whale season between June and December.

The Marine Hotel, Hermanus

This is luxury accommodation at its finest, equivalent to the top international hotels but distinctly South African. The 46 rooms are beautifully decorated in the unique, luxuriously restful style established by the late Liz McGrath. This is a sister hotel to The Cellars – Hohenort (Cape Town) and The Plettenberg Bay Hotel. These are all top of the range 5 star hotels with a level of service that is second to none.

About the Location

The hotel is situated right on the cliff top overlooking Walker Bay. In fact from the windows of some of the suites you will be able to watch the whales in the bay between June and December.You will also be able to arrange a boat trip to see these magnificent creatures at close hand. There are two top restaurants – one featuring local seafood in a more casual, bistro type setting. If you don’t want to use the sea, which is a short walk down some steps from the grounds, you will be able to swim in the pool located near one of the restaurants. There is a health spa and, as you would expect a very imaginative gift shop.

Rovos Rail (The Pride Of Africa)

A once in a lifetime experience in total luxury

This is true luxury in a grand style harking back to the grace of the age of steam. Although the coaches are vintage, they have been lovingly and lavishly restored providing one of the most luxurious experiences you will find anywhere in the world. You will be hauled by a steam engine for the start and ending of your journey (lack of coaling and watering facilities en route these days prevents more extensive use of these incredible locomotives). Once on board your every need is taken care of. The food is a sumptuous banquet often served stationary in the wilderness viewing the amazing African sunset.

While you are traveling

Excursions are arranged en route to game parks and other features of interest. As you can see from the map the routes over which Rovos Rail travels are extensive harking back to the colonial times when the railways were built as an extension of empire! Now you can relax and view the splendour of Africa unfolding before your eyes as you travel via Victoria Falls to Tanzania. A journey up to Windhoek will take you through the vast desert wilderness of Namibia. But the routes through South Africa to Cape Town, along the Garden Route and through Zululand to Durban are still the most popular and rewarding – especially at the start or finish of your holiday experience. Pretoria to Cape Town takes two gloriously full days and the train stops to allow you an undisturbed night’s rest. As always luxury demands its own price but we feel this compares very favourably with the top hotels anywhere in the world.

Kings Walden Garden Manor, Tzaneen, Limpopo,

A beautiful location set in stunning gardens with sweeping views

This is a small lodge with just 6 rooms all beautifully appointed and with mountain views. The property is especially well known for its gardens planted by the original owners in the 1930s. Fine dining is a key ingredient of your stay and the owners take pride in sourcing fresh produce daily

About the Location

This is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport along excellent roads and just 20 minutes from the bustling town of Tzaneen. This area is often credited with having the best climate in South Africa as it is set high in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains which ensures that this tropical paradise rarely gets unbearably hot or humid. There is much to visit in this locations from The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, White Water Tubing, Quad Bike trails, Abseiling, Climbing wall, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Paintball, Kloofing or Canyoning. You are also close to the legendary ‘Kingdom’ of Mojadi – The Rain Queen. This is supposed to have been the inspiration for Kipling’s novel ‘She’. Close by is an enormous Baobab tree which has been dated as 1,700 years’ old. It is so large and hollow it houses the famous Baobab Tree Bar.

Ants Hill Bush Houses, Waterberg, Limpopo

Ants Hill is a truly different experience where you are able to experience living in your ‘own’ cottage in the African Bush

As well as the main Ants Hill lodge house there are four cottages providing a home from home…in the bush. The cottages are at your complete disposal together with the staff, resident chef and ranger. Guides will also lead you on exhilarating horseback safaris into the reserve. This will provide you with the ability to view rhino, giraffe, zebra, a host of antelope species and baboons. Night drives can be arranged to try to spot some elusive nocturnal species such as aardvark, bush babies and wild cats. The properties can sleep up to ten at Ants Nest and twelve at Ants Hill. The unique accommodation is decorated with extensive use of traditional furnishings at Ants Nest and bright African colours at Ants Hill. Beds are huge and the baths have to be seen to be believed! Both homes have beautiful pools and the one at Ants Hill is spectacularly situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking a gorge.

About Ants Hill’s Location

Ants Hill and Nest are located in the extraordinarily diverse biome of The Waterberg. The reserve is made out of 12 different ecological zones from open grassy plains to thick montane bush to savannah bushveld. Drives into the nearby ‘Big Five’ Waterberg National Park can be arranged. This is a wonderful location and experience for children of all ages and babysitting can be arranged.