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Escape the city with these unique weekend getaways
From a cosy log cabin to a caravan park with a difference
Last updated: 6 June 2023
Now that travelling for leisure purposes is allowed, we’ve found some unique places around Cape Town that’ll help you relieve some of that lockdown tension and return feeling refreshed. From Stellenbosch to Robertson, there’s something to suit the type of weekend away you need, whether you’re looking to go on a mini trip with mom, a self-care adventure, a romantic escape or a family-bonding trip. Plus, each establishment is following strict Covid-19 protocols to ensure the safety of its guests.
COSY UP IN A COTTAGE WITH A JACUZZI
On the road to the famous Baths Hot Springs in the Cederberg, you’ll find a secret valley with mountains and small forests, just minutes away from Citrusdal. Cederkloof Botanical Retreat has 10 self-catering cottages, cascading down the kloof and almost completely hidden from the gravel road. The rustic cottages each have a long veranda with a heated electric jacuzzi. Enjoy early morning hikes, swimming in the heated pool and starry nights with your special someone.
Rates: From R750pp per night
Travel time from the CBD: 2 hours 5 minutes
R303 | Regional Road | Citrusdal | 083 285 6766 | @cederkloof | Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
HAVE THE VINEYARDS ALL TO YOURSELVES AT GABRIËLSKLOOF
At Gabriëlskloof’s Landscape Cottage you’ll have the entire farm, the rolling vineyard views and peace and quiet to yourself. This 3-bedroom home can easily fit 6 guests, but is also perfect for a romantic weekend away. Plus, thanks to camera traps set up around the vineyards, there’s evidence that some unlikely and rare wildlife lives in the vicinity, from porcupines and duikers to an elusive leopard and her cub at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate.
Rates: R4 500 per night
Travel time from the CBD: 1 hour 20 minutes
BOOK A ROOM AT THE HYATT REGENCY
The Hyatt Regency Cape Town opened late last year and is a prime setting for an urban romantic caper. It’s set in historic Bo-Kaap, which is brimful of culture and also allows walking access to the bustling city centre. The Hyatt Regency’s rooms are spacious, stylishly dressed in soft tones, have huge beds with gorgeous linen, and all have views that make the perfect backdrop for romancing the love of your life. 126 Cape Kitchen & Café is the hotel’s restaurant, which has an innovative menu created by Keith Frisley, former executive chef of The Four Seasons in Johannesburg (the kitchen is halaal, by the way). The hotel also has a first-floor pool, with secluded outdoor nooks ideal for whisperings of sweet somethings. Go on, make a weekend of it at Hyatt Regency Cape Town.
Rates: From R1 244 per room
Travel time from the CBD: It’s in the centre of town
126 Buitengracht Street (corner Buitengracht and Wale streets) | Cape Town | 087 109 1234 | hyatt.com
COSY UP AT THE OLD FOUNDRY HOTEL
You and your loved one can have the best of both worlds in a space that oozes old-world charm. The Old Foundry Hotel offers a private, intimate space with easy access to a wealth of outdoor sites: the beaches, Table Mountain, a range of nearby hikes. Plus, the city is the centre of a rich culinary, wine, arts and culture scene, giving visitors plenty of entertainment options. The rooms are luxurious, spacious and peaceful and have a small kitchen, so you can also cater for yourselves at the Old Foundry Hotel.
Rates: From R2 686.50pp
Travel time from the CBD: the hotel is in the CBD
TAKE YOUR LOVED AWAY TO AN URBAN ESCAPE
Cartel House Hotel in Cape Town's bustling CBD offers six spacious, open-plan suites, each of which comes with panoramic views of the Bo-Kaap, Signal Hill and city. The rooms have rich, bold, padded velvet doors and an intimate space leading to an outdoor balcony, patio furniture and plants. You'll feel luxurious and comfortable in the upmarket boutique space that is Cartel House Hotel on Loop.
Rates: R1 491 - R2 256 per night
Travel time from CBD: The hotel is in Cape Town's bustling CBD
TAP INTO ITALIAN ROMANCE AT CASA LABIA
The shush of the waves, big green lawn, and authentic Italian aesthetic and rich heritage makes the Casa Labia, in Muizenberg, the ultimate dreamy romantic escape. Originally home to Count and Countess Natale Labia, the Casa Labia, which was restored by the family and opened to the public in 2010, is now also offering two suites of luxury accommodation. You can now stay there for a stay-cation and get quick access to the beach and nearby cafés and restaurants. Its own restaurant offers exceptional food, not to mention wine and gin list. Plus you can also now work remotely at the Casa Labia.
Rates: From R2 560 per night.
Travel time from CBD: 30 minutes
ROMANTIC ROOMS FOR TWO, WITH OCEAN VIEWS FOREVER
Overlooking the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, this luxury guest house is the ultimate escape for couples in need of relaxation, adventure and romance. Romans Villa is central enough to take advantage of Gansbaai activities such as shark-cage diving, fat biking, hiking and whale spotting, and it’s worth heading out of the estate for a day trip. However, with a private beach on its doorstep, a luxury spa close by, as well as a gym and dining options on the premises, plus the welcoming hosts, you might never want to leave Romans Villa Guest House.
Rates: From R3 000 per night for any of the standard suites, to R3 850 for the master suite (max 2 adults), includes breakfast.
Travel time from CBD: 2 hours, 28 minutes (189.9 km)
340 Oystercatcher Road, Romansbaai Beach & Fynbos Estate,Gansbaai | +27 (0)21 408 7500 | info@romansvilla.com | romansvilla.com
WAKE UP TO A DAWN CHORUS
Summers are made for sitting back on the verandah overlooking the swimming pool while savouring the beauty Hermitage Valley, and the cosy open fireplace in each suite is just what you need for those wintry nights. Arumvale Country House in Swellendam has views of the Langeberg Mountains and surrounding farmlands, and the gardens are home to 76 species of wild birds. The staff thoroughly disinfects accommodation between each stay, so you can rest assured that the suites are clean and safe.
Rates: From R550pp (for 2 persons sharing)
Travel time from CBD: 2 hours, 36 minutes (221 km)
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Bethel Street, Hermitage Valley, Swellendam | +27 (0)28 5143545 | george@arumvale.com | www.arumvale.com
A QUIRKY TRAILER STAYOVER
Situated on the slopes of the Elgin Valley, this caravan park slash designer farm lodge has a collection of vintage Airstream Trailer suites, each designed by a Capetonian artist. Old Mac Daddy’s trailers have uniquely themed bedrooms and contemporary living spaces. There are also glamping-style tented options and self-catering units. The lodge has open spaces, mountain paths, a lakeside beach and plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family - from nature walks to mountain biking.
Rates: From R250 per night for the trailer suites to R3,995 for the tented camp (fits up to 8 people)
Travel time from CBD: 1 hour (83.4 km)
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Elgin Valley Road, Elgin | +27 (021) 844 0241 | reservations@oldmacdaddy.co.za | oldmacdaddy.co.za
GLAMPING, VIEWS AND LAZY AFTERNOONS
Social distancing is easy out in nature, so a glamping getaway has to be on your list. You’ll get all the comforts of home at any of the 11 beautiful locations in South Africa. If you want romance, the camp at Pat Busch is especially charming. The views from the deck are achingly beautiful: the 10 private tents are surrounded by verdant mountain ranges and lush hiking trails criss-cross the 200-hectare property. Another romantic favourite is AfriCamps at Doolhof Wine Estate in Wellington where the beautiful views create the perfect romantic setting. Romance will blossom on a boutique glamping trip with AfriCamps.
Rates: From R1,190 per night
11 locations | +27 (0)21 300 5694 | hello@africamps.com | www.africamps.com
CRASHING WAVES AND MOUNTAIN MAGIC
Romance surrounds you at this Bakoven boutique that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean while the Twelve Apostles stretches out behind it. Set in a luxurious 4,000㎡ garden, among giant milkwoods and koi ponds, this family-run guesthouse offers the best of both worlds – walking distance to the famous Camps Bay beach and restaurants, but far enough away to lap up the peace and tranquillity of the salty seaside. To allow for some social distancing during lockdown, they’re only open on a self-catering basis. Plus, there’s luxury accommodation featuring works from local artists and several accommodation specials at Ocean View House.
Rates: From R1,900 per night
Travel time from CBD: 15 minutes
33 Victoria Road | Bakoven | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 1982 | info@oceanview-house.com | oceanview-house.com
PRETEND THIS ESTATE IS YOUR HOME FOR THE WEEKEND
Tucked away between shrubbery, vineyards and trees, Jordan’s luxury suites are spacious, modern and luxurious. Beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton and there's an enclosed fireplace that'll keep rooms cosy all night. Breakfast is served at The Bakery and the restaurant is open for lunch from Friday to Sunday at Jordan Wine Estate.
Rates: From R2400 per suite per night
Travel time from CBD: 1 hour (50km)
Stellenbosch Kloof Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 881 3048 | accommodation@jordanwines.com | www.jordanwines.com
LIVE THE RUSTIC FARM LIFE FOR A WEEKEND
Experience the simple, peaceful life in the Overberg on this working wheat and sheep farm in Caledon. The Grootvlei Cottage (which sleeps four) is a luxurious renovated farm cottage with a cosy fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen for homemade dinners, and the farm has activities like bird watching, hiking and fishing. You may even spot some blesbok nearby. Peace and quiet is guaranteed at the secluded cottage, which is 3km from Caledon and a 30-minute drive from charming towns Hermanus, Botrivier and Greyton.
Rates: From R1,000 per night
Travel time from CBD: 1 hour, 24 minutes (112km)
Grootvlei Guest Farm, Caledon | +27 (0)82 290 4509 | grootvleicaledon@gmail.com
A CABIN FOR STARGAZERS
30 kilometres from Robertson, on the Assegai Rest farm road, is Boskloof Forest Cabin. In delightful isolation in a forested area of trees, this secluded cabin has no cellphone reception and is next to a mountain stream that runs all year around. You’re close to hiking trails, farm stalls and restaurants, and being such a secluded area, it’s the ideal spot for stargazing.
Rates: R800 per night for the first two nights, R200pp thereafter
Travel time from CBD: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Assegai Rest Farm, Robertson | info@klaasvoogds.co.za | www.klaasvoogds.co.za
JACUZZI IN THE MOUNTAINS
Nothing says romance like a jacuzzi in the middle of the mountains. As unrealistic as that might sound, you will find this intimate experience two hours away from Cape Town in the Cederberg. The jacuzzi is on the deck of the Mount Ceder Self Catering Cottages tucked away in the Cederberg mountains. You can also enjoy a walk through the mountains, a swim in the perennial river or witness the spectacular rock art in the area.
Rates: Cottage and houses rates range from R525 – R1,366 per person per night
Travel time from CBD: 2 hours, 2 minutes (177km)
Grootrivier Farm, Breede River | +27 (0)23 004 0848, reservations@mountceder.co.za | www.mountceder.co.za
COSY UP IN A CABIN IN THE MOUNTAINS
Tucked away in one of the most scenic parts of the Boland Winelands, the Log Cabin Lodge in Stellenbosch ticks all the boxes for a romantic getaway – wine, vineyards, dams, an extra length king-sized bed, an indoor fireplace and breathtaking mountain views. The cosy cabin lodge also has braai and swimming facilities for warmer weekends, as well as a restaurant on the premises for a night of dining out (there is physical distancing in dining areas). Food can also be delivered to guest accommodation.
Rates: R560–R974 per night per room according to cabin chosen
Travel time from CBD: 1 hour, 11 minutes (52km)
Louisvale Wine Estate, Stellenbosch | +27 (0)82 521 7035, helene@thelogcabin.co.za | thelogcabin.co.za
SEXY IN THE CITY
The art deco-themed Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence has a stylish rooftop bar and pool overlooking the city centre. The on-site restaurant, The Stratus Room, has an impressive menu. Suites feature Smart TVs for a cosy movie night in your hotel room, mini-bars, Wi-Fi and full kitchens, and finally, a luxury 166m² penthouse for those willing to pull out the stops for a modern inner-city getaway. To ensure your safety, a 20-step hotel safety protocol has been introduced - from air circulation to express check-out. Enjoy one of the most high-end weekends you could ask for at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence.
Rates: From R1,134 per night
Travel time from CBD: The hotel is within the CBD
22 Riebeek Street | Cape Town City Centre | +27 (0)21 467 4000 | info.capetown.residence@radissonblu.com | website
UNWIND IN THE PEACE AND QUIET OF THE WEST COAST
Settled on a hilltop in St Helena, Lazy Daisies is the quintessential getaway when you’re looking for a bit of tranquillity. It’s got three units: the Lazy Daisy is a spacious luxury studio; the Lofty Daisy is a cosy loft upstairs; and the Oopsy Daisy is a spacious loft upstairs. Each unit has a king sized bed, an en-suite bathroom as well as private decks where you can enjoy a braai and sundowners with an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Sea and Cederberg mountains.
Rates: R695 - R795 per night for two adults
Travel time from CBD: 1 hour, 55 minutes (165km)
14 Vasco Da Gama Dr, Britannica Heights, St Helena Bay | +27 (0)82 331 1384 | lazydaisy@mylan.co.za | www.lazydaisies.co.za
HIDEAWAY IN A FOREST TREE HOUSE
Escape reality and find the magic of Teniqua Treetops in Knysna. Picture handcrafted wood interiors, a wooden deck and a tented bedroom in this eco-friendly tree house tucked away in an indigenous forest filled with thousand-year-old trees. The tree houses are set far apart from one another for a private, social-distancing-friendly stay, plus rooms include electric blankets to stay cosy on cooler evenings. The eco-friendly resort harvests rainwater for drinking and actively tries to minimize their energy usage. Rescue horses live their lives out at Teniqua, keeping the grass short without the need for a tractor. You may even spot them trotting around the forest. There are also swimming pools, trampolines and a petting zoo – making for a great stay for kids, or just the kid within.
Rates: From R1,193 per night for two adults
Travel time from CBD: 5 hours, 22 minutes (482km)
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