9'

Quirky, unusual and interesting places to stay in the Western Cape

Off-the-beaten-track lodgings, from an eco-friendly guest house to Amina

Last updated: 6 June 2023

Experience a getaway with a difference with these out-of-the-ordinary places to stay – from an eco-friendly guest house and a sleepover on a train to wigwam glamping and places that offer rustic treehouses, wood-fired hot tubs and waterbeds.

DINE & STAY IN A GLAMOROUS GRANDE DAME

This 1920s manor was turned into a boutique hotel, and it’s truly grand. The original wooden door of the stately home beckons visitors inside, while a grand chandelier and sweeping staircase directs guests to the 5-star suites upstairs. It also has two restaurants (Palm House and de Tafel) offering and the Açaí Spa. See more about what you can expect at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa.

Rates: From R2 950 per night

10 Oxford Street | Wynberg | Cape Town | @palmhousehotel | Image: Palm House

BOOK OUT A MOUNTAIN RETREAT

Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, near Citrusdal, is the perfect secret spot for a midweek or weekend getaway. Located in a hidden valley, you are transported to a fairytale with small forests, secret bridges that lead to rock arches and magical hiking trails. There are self-catering 10 cottages on site, each with a heated jacuzzi, and a campsite with bell tents and outdoor showers. While there, you can enjoy early morning hikes and swim in a heated pool at the main house.

Rates: From R750pp per night

STAY SOMEWHERE ECCENTRIC AND COLOURFUL

This historic house in Bo-Kaap was rescued and adorned with vintage furniture and colourful walls, and decorated with a personal art collection. Amina Boutique Hotel is filled with eccentric details (like the bright pink “birth canal” or a 5 000-tile fountain made with old teacups and saucers), and even features a continental breakfast with Cape Malay treats. At Amina Boutique Hotel, your stay is an experience, too.

Rates: From R1 000 to R2 200 per night, depending on room and season

16 Whitford Street | Bo-Kaap | 084 418 1879 | @stayatamina | Image: Amina Boutique Hotel

ALL FOOD INCLUDED AT THIS HISTORIC FARMHOUSE

Wide windows and stone fireplaces indicate what this historic farmhouse would have looked like in the nineteenth century. Mardouw Country House has kept some of its historic features and is now a 5 suite luxury farm accommodation.

It comes with all meals cooked by special country style chef Amanda included. There’s also a pool, farm style golf range, and mountain biking and hiking trails, too.

Rates: Depending on season for 5 special suites and including all meals: Around R13 000 per night. Ask if they have any specials for CapeTownMagazine.com readers at present.

R60 | Swellendam | 023 616 2999 | Website | Image: Mardouw Country House

PLAY AND WORK AT CASA LABIA IN MUIZENBERG

The authentic Italian aesthetic and rich heritage, its big green lawn and the backdrop of the sea makes the Casa Labia the perfect escape from bustling city life. Originally home to Count and Countess Natale Labia, the Casa Labia, which was restored by the family and opened to the public in 2010, has become synonymous with Italian luxury and style. You can now book a stay-cation there and get quick access to the beach and nearby cafés and restaurants. Not that you need to – its own restaurant offers an exceptional menu and an excellent wine and gin list. Plus now you can also work remotely at the Casa Labia.

Rates: From R2 560 per night.192 Main road, Muizenberg| +27(0)21 824 1781 |casalabia@ideascartel.com|and www.casalabia.com

BOOK AN URBAN ESCAPE AT THE OLD FOUNDRY

The advantage of booking into a hotel in Cape Town is that, although it might be an urban escape, there’s such easy access to a host of outdoor treasures: the beaches, Table Mountain, a range of nearby hikes. For keen golfers, there's the added benefit of a golf simulator, as well as a professional golfer who can give lessons. And the fact that the city is the centre of a rich culinary and wine scene, and full arts and culture offering, means it's a destination that gives visitors plenty of entertainment choices. With rooms that are luxurious, spacious, peaceful and also allow self-sufficiency in the form of a small kitchen, all your needs will be met at the Old Foundry Hotel.

Rates: From R2 686.50pp

1 Sand Hill Road, Cape Town, Greenpoint|+27 (0)21 824 1781 |theoldfoundry@ideascartel.com | https://www.ideascartel.com/thefoundry

AN ECO-FRIENDLY GUEST HOUSE

Nestled in the Botrivier Valley between two streams and surrounded by apple and wine farms, Underhill Eco Farm is a green oasis that is dedicated to sustainable living through upcycling, recycling, and solar power. Oak trees and sod roofs provide shade and coolness in summer, and black wattle creates warmth for your fire in winter. Every cottage is nestled in the farm and invisible from one another, yet each has its own unique view. The 250 olive trees, fruit orchid and vegetable garden help supply produce to guests and the local community. Everything you see was created with resources made on the farm or built using materials that would have otherwise been thrown away by others.

Rates: From R798 per night

UnderHill Farm, E34 Van Der Stel Pass Road, Vyeboom | +27 0)83 408 1767 | info@underhillfarm.co.za | underhillfarm.co.za

FLOAT ON WATER AND SLEEP LIKE A BABY

Imagine drifting off on an ultra-modern, super king-size heated waterbed imported from afar and waking up feeling like royalty and ready to explore the town of Swellendam. That’s what the restored Cape Dutch masterpiece of De Kloof Luxury Estate offers, along with private jacuzzis, fireplaces, spa, fine dining and more. The honeymoon suite offers a super king-size waterbed and the villa offers three of these heavenly beds. Relax on your sun lounger on the private terrace beneath the vines and enjoy uninterrupted views over the mountain peaks and perhaps play a round of golf.

Rates: From R3,295 per night

8 Weltevrede Street, Swellendam | info@dekloof.co.za | + 27 (0)28 514 1303 | www.dekloof.co.za

SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT A NATURE RESERVE

Drift off beneath a canopy of a million stars and wake up to an unfiltered view of the untouched wilderness of the Cederberg. Explore caves covered in Khoisan paintings, try rock climbing, go for safari drives and enjoy a stargazing experience at the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve. There are other accommodation options if you prefer the comfort of a roof over your head.

Rates: Various

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cedarberg | +27 (0)21 872 4343 | info@kaggakamma.co.za | www.kaggakamma.co.za

GLAMP IN A WIGWAM IN THE WEST COAST WILD

Growing up hearing all the old stories about Native Americans is what inspired Marion Lubitz to bring a tailor-made wigwam to the Farr Out smallholding close to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Fall asleep in a twin-peak wigwam while surrounded by Cape fynbos and the hoots of the owls. The ensuite wigwam features all the bells and whistles including wifi and an octagonal bed with electric blanket. Wake up to explore the thick sand and dunes of the coast in a self-built beach buggy, go dolphin and whale spotting and much more. Book the wood-fired hot tub or the braai area or choose from around 20 restaurants in nearby Paternoster catering to all pockets and tastes.

Rates: From R680 per person sharing

17 Seemeeu Crescent, Paternoster | +27 (0)22 752 2222 | info@farrout.co.za | www.farrout.co.za

A REMOTE GETAWAY IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Escape to a remote cabin in Ceres atop the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, where in winter the cabins and mountains are covered in snow. This translates to the opportunity to partake in snow-related activities such as skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. Other seasonal activities in the area include cherry picking, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking and more. The cabins have no electricity, but are equipped with fireplaces and hot water, creating an authentic snowy experience.