6 Good Reasons To Take A Winter Mini-Break

Cosy accommodation spots from Franschhoek to Knysna

From hidden gems with waterfalls to cosy accommodation with an indoor fireplace and underfloor heating, we’ve gathered together some great spots perfect for a winter stay. Whether you'd like a getaway close to the city or a far-away escape, have a look at these options.

STAY IN A COSY FARM COTTAGE 

Just an hour from Cape Town, Cheverells Farm boasts two charming self-catering farm cottages. Each cottage has a small fireplace and a basket of wood on arrival, as well as electric blankets, heaters and plush blankets. The Farm Shed, Cheverells’ country café, offers hearty soups, roasts and homemade warm puddings. Plus, it runs winter accommodation specials. 

Price: From R1 450 per night

Things to do: Dine at the Cheverells Shed, apple picking (in season), 10 minute drive from Elgin Grabouw Market and wine farms 

5 Highlands Road | 060 861 104 | cheverellsfarm@gmail.com | @cheverellsfarm | Image: Cheverells Farm 

INDOOR FIREPLACES AND HEATED BEDS 

With a 200-year-old Manor House surrounded by trees, rolling lawns, vineyards and rose gardens, Orange Grove Farm is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Choose from six cottages, all with fully equipped kitchens and an undercover braai area. All cottages also have an indoor fireplace and electric blankets on the beds, making it the perfect spot to unwind in winter. Stay warm and get breakfast and dinner delivered, fresh from the kitchen to your cottage.

Price: Winter special from R1500 per night (till end of August)

Things to do: Hiking, birdwatching, rent a mountain bike (or bring your own), enjoy a day of pampering

Orange Grove Farm | Robertson | 023 626 6442 | reservations@ogf1812.co.za

COSY COTTAGES AND A READER DISCOUNT 

In the heart of the Winelands is Klein Welmoed Wine & Olive Estate, a family-friendly hidden gem. Book a stay in one of three cottages, Olive 1, Olive 2, or Barn Place, and get the CapeTownMagazine.com reader special, 15% off. The two-bedroom cottages have a rustic charm, and there's an indoor fireplace you can curl up in front of with a glass of wine. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms with heated towel rails, and outdoor braai facilities with wood supplied. Some have under-floor heating, while others have wall-mounted heating panels. Breakfast is included in the stay.

Price: From R600 p/p for four people sharing

Things to do: Wine tasting (prior arrangement), hiking, biking, see the farm animals, explore the surrounding areas, tour the wine routes, dine at top restaurants 

Winery Road | Stellenbosch | 021 842 0045 | info@kleinwelmoed.co.za

GLAMPING WITH AN OUTDOOR HOT TUB 

A short drive from Gansbaai, in Baardskeerdersbos, you’ll find Kwelanga. This pet-friendly spot only has two units to choose from, a luxury glamping eco tent and a retro caravan, both of which can only accommodate two adults each. Both the tent and caravan have a fridge, gas stove and fire pit, plus it’s fully equipped with cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery. Both units make use of compost toilets that are regularly maintained. The caravan has an electric blanket and open bathroom with a shower inside the caravan. Stay warm and toasty in the hot tub while taking in the unspoilt nature.

Price: R1 300 per night 

Things to do: Play pool at the main house or explore the surrounding areas

34 Olienhout Ave | Baardskeerdersbos | 082 092 5378 | kwelangasunrise@gmail.com

BOOK TWO NIGHTS, STAY FOR THREE 

At Chamonix Wine Farm you can choose from a variety of unique accommodation options and, when you book two nights between Sunday and Thursday, you’ll get a third night for free. Perfect for winter is the Waterfall Lodge, a two-bedroom lodge set against the backdrop of a waterfall that runs beautifully because of the winter rain. Or stay at the Marco Polo Lodge, which has five luxurious rooms and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. The Hadida Lodge, ideal for a romantic getaway, offers beautiful views of the garden and game reserve, or opt for one of two Forest Suites.

Price: From R1 900 per night for two guests (minimum two nights) 

Things to do: Wine tasting, fine dining, game drives

28 Uitkyk Street | Franschhoek | 021 876 8400 | guests@chamonix.co.za

CEDERBERG WITH A WARM FIRE 

Mount Ceder, in the Cederberg, has over ten accommodation options to choose from. The best options for winter are Klipbokkop, Blinkberg, Waboomhoek, Puntjie, Kareeboom, Taaibos, Peperboom and Leeustert. All of these have an indoor fireplace and some even include a jacuzzi. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or a home cooked three-course dinner at the Old Mill House restaurant, or order a braai box that includes everything you need for a lekker braai.

Price: From R551 p/p

Things to do: Guided hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, star gazing

Grootrivier Farm | Cederberg | 023 317 0848 | reservations@mountceder.co.za

BOOK A WHOLE LODGE ON KNYSNA LAGOON

You can take in the view of Knysna Lagoon from any room at Oyster Creek Lodge. This 4-star lodge is self-catering, has five en-suite bedrooms and can sleep up to twelve guests in total – it’s perfect for a big family or a group of friends. There’s a braai area and a large balcony facing the magnificent lagoon. Take advantage of the winter special, which runs till 31 July, 2021.

Price: Midweek, R2 900 per night (whole lodge); weekends R 3 250 per night (whole lodge)

Things to do: Explore Knysna, ride the ferry, watch whales, ride horses, and golf are just some options  

The Point | Knysna | 044 382 0808 | oystercreek@jhgroup.co.za

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MORE THINGS TO DO 

Spend a weekend in the city centre at The Barracks on Bree Street.

Experience all seasons at this sweet apple farm.

Make this eccentric 160-year-old house your next group getaway spot. 

Check out this botanical retreat with hiking trails, jacuzzis, wedding venues.

Here are more getaway ideas close to the city with these accommodation specials

Restaurants are open again, but you might need to be reminded of these new places

Beat the boredom with 7+ things to do this weekend

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