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Swartberg Hotel, Prince Albert

Traditional style in the Victorian gem of Prince Albert

The Swartberg Hotel has been operating for 150 years, is a national monument and has been fully refurbished and updated.  This is a great country hotel offering  accommodation in reasonably sized en suite rooms with air conditioning and many with beautiful antique furniture complimenting the beautiful wood floors. The restaurant is well regarded locally and in the warm summer evenings a cool beer on the stoep dripping with colourful bougainvillea is a must.

About the Location

Prince Albert is the town where time has stopped. Established in the Victorian era, the area specialises in rearing Karoo Lamb (also a local delicacy), citrus fruit and olives. The town boasts an excellent, small, leather shop and an outlet, which specialises in hand made rugs and other woollen items all made in Prince Albert. You are close to the spectacular Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort Pass.


Queen’s Hotel, Oudtshoorn

Queen’s Hotel, Oudtshoorn

Traditional South African Country Hotel with a regal history

A delightful oasis set in the centre of hot, dusty Oudtshoorn. This is a timeless, if slightly impersonal, hotel frequented in 1947 by the British Royal Family on their trip to the, then, Union of South Africa. The hotel has  undergone extensive renovation and the 40 rooms are clean cut with extensive use of cooling white most with en suite bathrooms. The lounge and dining room are beautifully decorated and the reception area with its black and white floor tiles and rich yellowwood staircase is a local landmark. There is a small pool in a very private garden.

About the Location

This is a good base from which to explore the sights of the region including Ostrich leather workshops and retail outlets, Cango Wildlife Ranch where you can stroke Cheetah (5 minutes drive), Ostrich show farms (a number within 10 minutes’ drive), The Cango Caves (20 minutes’ drive and the Swartberg Pass (45 minutes away).


Altes Landhaus, Schoemanshoek, Nr. Oudtshoorn

Altes Landhaus is an oasis in the Little Karoo set among lush gardens

Altes Landhaus is a hundred year old farmhouse that was originally built as a rectory for the local church. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is set among the grandeur of the Swartberg Mountains as a backcloth. In season (normally October / November) the soft lilac blooms of the Jacaranda trees add a distinctly exotic touch. This is a small, exclusive hotel with seven suites and two double rooms. The owners provide every luxury and the rooms are air-conditioned. Dinner can be provided on request.

 

About Altes Landhaus’ Location

This is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and Little Karoo region. This is the centre of the once booming Ostrich industry producing feathers and leather for the fashion industry. At the turn of the 1900s, vast fortunes were made supplying the fashion houses in Paris, London and New York. Wealthy farmers built grand houses known as Ostrich Palaces. A number of these still exist and remain Ostrich farms that you can visit and learn about these fascinating creatures. You can buy Ostrich products such as belts, purses, shoes and handbags. You will be paying a fraction of the price you will pay in Europe or North America. From Altes Landhaus  it is a short drive to the world renowned  Cango Caves. Here you can experience the main cave system with relative ease but for the fit, there is also an extended trip which will introduce you to more challenging caving – not for the faint-hearted or those who suffer from claustrophobia! While you are here, you should drive the spectacular Swartberg Pass. This is a gravel pass with sweeping views over the little Karoo in one direction and the great Karoo in the other. At the other side of the pass you can visit charming Prince Albert which seems to be caught in a Victorian time warp. It is also the centre of South Africa’s olive industry and you will also be able to indulge your taste buds in some excellent restaurants. Be sure to try the Karoo lamb!

You can also visit South Africa’s Port capital of Calitzdorp where there are a number of wineries where you can taste the product.

 

The Cascades, Sun City

The Cascades, Sun City

The Cascades is a lower cost alternative to The Palace of the Lost City for people wanting to stay at Sun City. This is a good and affordable option for families with good sized international style accommodation.

About the Location

You have access to all the facilities of Sun City including the casino, championship golf course and the Valley of the Waves pool complete with phenomenal wave machine. You are also on the edge of the Pilanesberg National Park and the hotel can arrange guided safaris in this fascinating location.


The Fairlawns, Morningside, Johannesburg

Stunning luxurious Boutique hotel in a leafy suburb of Johannesburg

Fairlawns is an exceptionally luxurious boutique hotel set in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district of Sandton. The emphasis is, however, on tranquillity and gracious living. All 19 suites are very spacious and fully equipped to the highest standards. There is a huge gym equipped to international standards and a large outdoor pool.

About the Location

Temporary membership is arranged for the nearby golf courses, tennis and squash courts. The bar with its renowned wine list complements the a la carte restaurant.  the financial district of Sandton is close by (10 minute drive) complete with its extensive mall and great restaurants. For clients looking for something a little different in Johannesburg this is one of the best small hotels we have discovered.


Coral Tree Cottages

Coral Tree Cottages, Nr. Plettenberg Bay

Coral Tree Cottages is one of our favourite locations for families

Coral Tree Cottages have 3 single bedroom cottages and 3 double bedroom cottages. Each cottage is brick built and thatched. Each cottage has a lounge and dining area, fully equipped kitchen and well-maintained and decorated bathroom. The decoration is classic and the cottages are maintained to a  high standard. One of the two bedroom cottages has the benefit of its own swimming pool. All the cottages have a private garden area with braai (barbecue) facilities. The cottages are conveniently situated close to the main N2 road. As you drive down the gravel drive you enter a different world with exotic trees and plants in the beautifully landscaped grounds. Because of the way the cottages are located, the impression is that you are  miles from civilisation. There is also a communal pool set in the gardens and, thoughtfully, there is a children’s play area next to the owner’s cottage. However, this is not just for children and families as the one-bedroom cottages are also ideal for couples looking for a quiet and inexpensive retreat with some wonderful nature walks into the surrounding Harkerville Forest.

About Coral Tree Cottages’ Location

Plettenberg Bay with its three beautiful beaches and excellent shopping is only 7 minutes drive away. Knysna is a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction and close by is the Knysna Elephant Park where you can get very close to their three charming elephants. A little further and at The Crags there are a number of animal parks. Here you can get close to indigenous small cats, monkeys, birds, elephants and even snakes. Adventure Land is a part of Coral Tree and your children will enjoy the extensive water park. There are numerous water slides, tubing and swimming pools to keep you occupied for many hours.


Singing Kettle, Plettenberg Bay

Singing Kettle, Plettenberg Bay

Great beach side location overlooking the Indian Ocean

A great option for families seeking a property right by a beach, and couples who are looking for a romantic location. You can lie in bed and listen to the sound of the Indian Ocean and in season (June to December) the haunting cries of the whales that come into the bay to mate and calve. The property has 6 beautiful rooms, tastefully decorated in light colours that compliment the bright light that is a feature of an ocean side location. The rooms are located on the first floor of the building that boasts one of the renowned restaurants in the Plettenberg Bay area. Although strictly speaking this is a self-catering establishment, the owner provides basic essentials such as tea & coffee, milk, yoghourt and granola for breakfast.

About the Location

Plettenberg Bay with its bustling centre and more glorious beaches is a 10-minute drive away. The local beaches are excellent for walking although the tides on Kettle Beach do not make it suitable for swimming. A short walk along the beach, however, will take you to Arch Rock, which as its name implies is a natural arch. Through this there is a lagoon that is good for swimming. Sitting, having lunch at the restaurant is where we have had our most frequent sightings of huge schools of dolphins that come to frolic in the surf. This is a really idyllic location and perfect for an active family.


River Club, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

The River Club has to be one of the best locations for a family holiday but it is ideal for couples as well

River Club is a development of similar properties situated just a 10 minutes walk from Plettenberg Bay’s beautiful Central Beach. Here we feature Primrose Cottage which is a pretty bungalow in traditional South African colonial design.  There are 3 double bedrooms, with one en-suite and a family bathroom. The cottage has a large living area with a wood burning stove for chilly winter evenings and a great kitchen. Facilities include television, DVD player, Hi Fi radio and CD player, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and microwave. A barbecue (braai) completes the specification. The local butcher will amaze you with the quality and price of the meat prepared specially for a traditional  braai. In addition to Primrose Cottage there are a number of other similar properties, some larger, to rent in the same development.

About The River Club’s Location

The complex has a pool, tennis and squash courts. It is situated close to the Piesang River that has an abundance of birdlife. You may also see the occasional otter. The centre of Plett is close, 5 minutes’ drive, and here you will find plenty of shops for all your needs. There is also a mall for some of South Africa’s leading chain stores. The spectacular Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve has some wonderful coastal walks. Although the properties are self catering, there are so many great restaurants locally it is possible to eat out for all your meals.


Laird’s Lodge

Laird’s Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

Quiet location and comfortable accommodation in the Heart of The Garden Route

This is a small luxuriously appointed country lodge set in the Harkerville Forest that lies between the N2 highway and the spectacular coastline close to Plettenberg Bay. There are 16 beautifully appointed rooms and a level of privacy that gives Laird’s Lodge  an excellent reputation for people looking to ‘get away from it all’. The gardens are a veritable botanists dream and provide a calm oasis to chill out and relax – maybe savouring a drink beside the pool. Laird’s Lodge is particularly renowned for its fine restaurant.

About the Location

The Lodge is situated on the edge of the forest around 10 minutes’ drive to the centre pf Plettenberg Bay and its fine beaches. You are also only 15 minutes away from bustling Knysna and around 20 minutes from the animal parks in The Crags.  The lodge is at the centre of the Garden Route Wine Trail with its 17 wineries – many offering fine cuisine with your wine tasting.


Milkwood Manor, Plettenberg Bay

A true beachfront hotel in the heart of the Garden Route

Milkwood Manor must have one of the best locations on The Garden Route. It is adjacent to Lookout Beach, which is one of the three main beaches in Plettenberg Bay. The 11 bedrooms are beautifully appointed,  stylishly decorated and are a reasonable size. Many have balconies with views over the tidal lagoon. If the beach isn’t enough then you can relax with a drink beside the pool or on the terrace overlooking the lagoon.

About the Location

This location is an ornithologist’s dream with a wonderful range of bird species right outside your bedroom window. The hotel has a Thai restaurant, open from October to April, reflecting the owner’s part Asiatic origins. If you need alternative cuisine then the Lookout Deck is just across the car park. This is a renowned local haunt where you can order excellent seafood and grills overlooking the Indian Ocean. The centre of Plettenberg Bay is a short drive away and, for the energetic, you can walk into the centre.