Weekend Getaways
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Written by Rupert
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Friday, 14 November 2008 |
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Paradise captured in a garden of Olives
Here we go, Cape Chatters – another Robertson area getaway! Somehow we seem to default to Robertson and its surrounds with embarrassing regularity, but on consideration, this isn’t a bad thing. Not only is Roberson situated at the heart of the longest wine route in the world (Route 62) but we’re sure you’ll agree it’s also a stunningly beautiful area. And this is precisely why Gina and Fernand Van Wassenhove, owners of Olive Garden Country Lodge, ended up retiring there with their two sons.
Having discovered South Africa some years ago, and drawn to the extraordinary soulfulness and tranquility of our natural heritage, they bought a farmhouse and its accompanying land – just a few old olive trees and some rundown laborer’s cottages back then. Gina’s entrepreneurial gusto (she just doesn’t sit still) inspired her to renovate the cottages into guest accommodation and to farm olives! The dream seemed a simple enough one to fulfill, but there were plenty of challenges (builders holidays - ALL year round in Robertson). Thank heaven they persevered, because Olive Garden Country Lodge is a Getaway gem and they have nurtured an award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil too!
The tastefully decorated cottages perch on a hillside, below the Kranskop Mountain, and dotted in between are wild olive trees. There’s a jet Jacuzzi in the garden, which we promptly got into on arrival. (If, like me, you don’t have a Jacuzzi at home, you’ll know the novelty never wears off!) There is a fabulous deck area for sipping your sundowners and admiring the view, or if you prefer, you can sip bubbly on your own stoep. Fernand cooked up a storm, and his talents and flare aren’t only evident in the food department, but also in nature. The pathways surrounding the cottages are punctuated with beautiful features like the occasional Buddha statue, and a hammock chill out space… all wonderfully conducive to that getaway feeling!
As most of you Cape Chatter’s already know, there’s plenty to do in Robertson! We cycled, visited some wonderful wine farms, including Viljoensdrif, where you can do the ferry trip on the Breede River, and we even mustered up the energy to bundu bash up the mountain behind the lodge for spectacular views. All in all, this “eden” is a garden worth escaping to!
Espresso-sized summary of Olive Garden Country Lodge:
Enjoy: Dinner and breakfast from the Fusion kitchen with menus inspired by Belgian, Italian, Indian and African cuisine; The Lodge’s own two-hour hiking trail up to the famous Kranskop; Play Petanque on the Lodge’s professional drive and relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi and have fun in the pool. Ideal for small group getaways – you could do a beautiful braai evening on the deck!
To make a booking contact Gina on 023 6262028 or email info@olivegardencountrylodge.com or visit www.olivegardencountrylodge.com
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Written by Rupert
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Tuesday, 28 October 2008 |
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Bloomin’ luxury at Bartholomeus Klip
Team member Margolite can’t rave enough about this pleasure spot near Wellington. With every getaway need answered in the most wonderfully indulgent and gorgeous way possible, she can only lament the necessity of applying a little post getaway self-discipline to shed the evidence of the very generous hospitality she and hubby Brian, received!
“If you want to be pampered and spoilt to a degree you cannot imagine, go to Bartholmeus Klip”, says Margolite. This working farm and nature reserve getaway is an easy scenic drive from CT. Close to Bo Hermon, the nearest small town, we realized the farm was nestled at the foot of the spectacular Elandskloof Mountains – the very same snow-capped mountains we’d been seeing en route.
Greeted on arrival by the friendliest smiles I’d ever encountered, we were ushered into the homestead and served their famous High Tea – a scrumptious array of savories and cakes – a lovely introduction to two days of pampering, top-notch hospitality and idyllic tranquility. A walk was needed and we set about exploring. The wooden deckhouse looks out over the dam, where Brian the Fisherman tested his skills. There’s plenty to do! Cycling, exploring the farm or reserve, canoeing or windsurfing on the dam, swimming in the saltwater pool or just chilling and soaking up the beautiful surrounds! With game drives twice a day, you have ample opportunity to discover the unique blend of agriculture and conservation.
Many lovely touches make you feel special and spoilt: A silver tray with sherry and nut clusters at your bedside, beds made slumber-ready with flowers and inspirational notes on the pillows, pre-dinner drinks served in front of a crackling open fire… At our candlelit table in the conservatory, the homestead’s highly acclaimed and sumptuous cuisine was served. Brian gave up at desert, but I was determined not to miss out on anything! With extremely full tummies and drooping eyes we headed for “Bedfordshire”, and discovered two hot water bottles warming our bed… what luxury! A late breakfast in the sun-filled conservatory was accompanied by chatting weaverbirds busy building their nests in the trees right outside.
After an exhilarating bike ride around Bartholomeus Klip’s lovely farm, it was time to head home. Body, mind and spirit restored, we were ready to hit big city life again. (Sigh…
Espresso-sized summary of Bartholomeus Klip:
A romantic Victorian farm and private nature reserve getaway with a separate self-catering house and pool available for families or groups of friends. The Deckhouse, situated at the edge of a lake-sized farm dam, offers trout fishing, windsurfing and canoeing and is ideal for intimate weddings and conferences. We provide mountain bikes for cycling and there are plenty of wonderful routes to choose for walking. The game drives are a highlight and the reserve is teeming with game and many other animals and birds species. Also discover our conservation initiatives and projects.
To make a booking and for more information, call 022 448 1820 or email info@bartholomeusklip.co.za or visit the website at www.bartholomeusklip.com
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Last Updated ( Friday, 14 November 2008 )
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Written by Alice
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Wednesday, 19 September 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 2,5 hrs
Kate’s freshly-caught family fun in Arniston
We were thrilled to find Arniston unchanged since our last visit. A “True-South” destination, Arniston is a little, historic fishing village offering unspoilt seaside action and relaxation. After a pleasant drive through the Overberg, we reached Arniston and made our way to Pirate’s Landing, accommodation we found online. Pictures of Pirate’s Landing showed views we found irresistible. Pirate’s Landing is one of 41 self-catering spots under the Arniston-Etna banner, so you’re sure to find the spot to suit your tastes and budget. Our spot has stunning views over the harbour, and the lounge (with fireplace) leads onto a stoep, where you could easily spend the rest of your weekend! With four bedrooms downstairs and a large TV room upstairs (with dormitory style beds) our two families were easily and luxuriously accommodated.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 July 2008 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Sunday, 02 September 2007 |
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Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 2 hr drive
Draaihoek – another ‘hoek’ to make a turn at 
My boyfriend loves surfing and I love getting away, and so, we picked Elandsbay as our getaway spot for the weekend. Elandsbay is a small coastal town with a Hotel, a camping site and a café. A bit of web crawling helped me to find the perfect accommodation spot close by. Draaihoek is only 30 minutes from Elandsbay and I was enticed by its proximity to the sea, fireplaces in the bedrooms and the all day restaurant – no self-catering for us this time. (Yippee!) It was raining when we arrived, so after unpacking, we headed to the restaurant for a warming glass of port and a chat to Marietjie, who runs Draaihoek. The open fire matched her warm welcome. There’s a TV for rugby fanatics, but we were soon coaxed outdoors and discovered a walkway, which leads to a private beach.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 03 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Tuesday, 31 July 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 1,5 hour drive
Making memories at Protea Farm, Montague
 Protea Farm offers a farm-style family getaway on the slopes of the stunning Koo Valley. Protea farm has four rustic self-catering cottages (No TV!) to choose from, all perfectly positioned for panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of untouched natural surroundings, spiced with adventure and fun for everyone.
Nature spiced with adventure
Getting closer to Protea Farm, we were treated to ever more breathtaking views, and it also got colder, but as we reached what would be our home for the weekend, we saw the setting sun filtering through trees and reflected on the water of the dams. There were wreaths of mist on the water, adding to the magical atmosphere. Our delightful cabin was perched on a pond full of waterblommetjies – and frogs serenaded us to sleep that night. The cabin was very well equipped.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Saturday, 30 June 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 2,5 hours
A leap to freedom at Frog Mountain
 Frog Mountain is a getaway offered by the Kilpin family on their farm in the Langeberg mountains outside Swellendam. It’s a “get-away" in the truest sense of the term. The Kilpin’s have four traditionally built, thatched self-catering rondavels as accommodation. Each rondavel is very elegantly furnished and fitted out with everything you need for comfort and convenience. The rondavels are named after the trees found on the farm: Waterberry, Candlewood, Bamboo and Willow, a charming way to make one feel part of the farm-style lifestyle. But the Kilpin’s hospitality doesn’t end there. A welcoming tray of refreshments and home-made rusks – and even farm eggs, await your arrival. A lovely homey touch for the travel weary, and a great way to recharge for a variety of great getaway activities in the area.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Thursday, 31 May 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 3 hrs
Find cultural and natural splendour at Mount Ceder
 Mount Ceder is a spectacular mountain retreat from which to explore the glories of nature – and a haven of hospitality. There are nine cottages at Mount Ceder suited to groups of between 4 and 8 guests, all fully-equipped to ensure maximum comfort and situated in splendid natural settings. The Mount Ceder experience also includes opportunities to hike, swim, visit rock art sites and fossil beds on horseback, do 4 x4 trails – or simply the chance to relax and enjoy the rejuvinating effects of being surrounded by nature. We arrived in mid February and our travelling companions were concerned about it being uncomfortably hot, but it wasn’t, it was perfect.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Monday, 30 April 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 2 hrs
Op ‘n Koppie in De Hoop
 Here’s an unexpected getaway challenge – getting out of town! We got stuck in the Friday afternoon crawl out of CT over Sir Lowry’s Pass. Doesn’t anybody work on a Friday afternoon anymore? The De Hoop Nature Reserve has long been on our “gotta go” list, and getting there is so worth the tedious (and tiring) traffic hurdle. Fifty km’s outside Bredasdorp, on the Southern Cape coast between Arniston and Witsand, is the De Hoop Nature Reserve and adjacent marine reserve. This 36 000 hectare sanctuary is breath-taking in it’s diversity. From a large landlocked vlei, to plains covered with fynbos and riverine bush, limestone hills and sand dunes to the Potberg mountain range, the reserve is home to 1 500 plant species, 86 different types of mammal, including the occasional leopard and more than 250 bird species.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Saturday, 31 March 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 30 minute drive
Up a tree, R&R and B&B in Stellenbosch
 Having recently been on a number of ‘roughing it’ camping trips, it was time to indulge in a more luxurious option, preferably somewhere near the Spier Wine Estate, so that one night (at least) could be spent dining and star-gazing in the tree-tops at Moyo. Somewhere unique, tranquil and restorative completed the getaway checklist. A friend suggested ‘Onze Rust’, a B&B guest house dating back to the 1700s. Close to Spier (Yay!) it checked out on all the other getaway criteria too! ‘Onze Rust’ (Our Rest) farmstead, with a lush indigenous garden and captivating natural dam, offers accommodation in a lovingly restored Victorian house surrounded by old oaks and a spacious Country house. Both have unobstructed farmstead vistas, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. A mix of ‘olde worlde’ charm and modern comfort and extremely hospitable owners, Ester and Neville, completed the picture.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Wednesday, 28 February 2007 |
 Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 7hr drive
For an island in the stream – get to the Point!
Twenty kilometers from Keimos, in the Northern Cape, is a region known as the Green Kalahari. Here, Johans and Marthie Thirion have a grape farm (nope, not wine) on an island in the Orange River. ‘Die Punt’ Camping & Caravan Park is situated at the base of the triangular-shaped island with the Orange River flowing freely on either side and the vineyards at the apex. The campsite has 13 sites with electricity, excellent braai facilities and hot water ablutions. When the thermometer pushes 35 degrees, you’ll long for lush green grass and plenty of shady trees – which Die Punt has in abundance. Plus the fresh waters of the river to cool off in! More ideally suited for a camping holiday to escape the seaside crowds than a quick getaway from Cape Town, Die Punt is a children’s paradise, and has a play park with roundabouts, swings and a slide, safe swimming and an exciting water-slide straight into the river!
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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Written by Cape Chat
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Wednesday, 31 January 2007 |
 Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 1,5 hour drive
A getaway to do ‘olive’-r again!
A good friend planned a weekend getaway for twelve and booked us three cottages at Wild Olive Farm in Tulbagh. What a wonderful getaway – the cottages are perched on a hill with views of the large dam and the beautiful Tulbagh valley. The cottages are well equipped for a self-catering getaway. The surrounding Witzenburg mountains are spectacular and you really feel you are away from it all. Some of us explored the farm, (electing to do a morning run – ok, fast walk) and came across an owl, a tortoise, red locusts and blue cranes. The owners recommend visiting Twee Jonge Gezellen, the local wine farm. It’s well worth a visit. The estate has been in the family since 1710 and is the second oldest family-owned wine estate in South Africa.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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