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