About
Equidistant between Cape Town and the Garden Route towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, this small homestead makes for a heavenly stopover – or “beautiful haven” if you translate the name directly. Boasting a pool, it’s found in quiet Swellendam, the country’s third-oldest settlement, and dates back to 1853 with an appropriately Victorian facade. But a recent refurbishment means it’s as smart as the clipped lawns all around.
Accommodation
The hotel’s ten rooms are found among the lush rose gardens, including a separate Honeymoon Suite and Family Cottage. Two standard rooms offer air-conditioning, underfloor heating in the bathroom, clawfoot bathtubs and a shared veranda, while six Luxury Rooms promise private patios and fireplaces. That Family cottage includes a loft area for children, while the secluded Honeymoon suite has a carved four-poster bed. Each chamber delivers a period feel via restored antiques and wooden floors.
Facilities
The manor house’s Conservatory Restaurant is an open-air space where you can enjoy superior breakfasts, complimentary afternoon teas and South African voorsmakie (a la carte) for dinner. Pan-seared kudu and sweetcorn-and-ginger velouté are often available, along with wines that are sourced from nearby Robertson Valley. There’s also a fire-heated bar, chill-out lounge and convivial kitchen. Wi-fi is available in the main house only. Outside is a large saltwater pool lined with loungers, and then those gardens, fountains and oak trees.
Activities
The homestead’s reception desk can arrange local Swellendam activities, from golf at a nine-hole course above Hermitage Valley to spa sessions. The hotel sits at the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountains, so hiking is also readily available, along with birdwatching, horse-riding and even quad-biking. Further afield are the Robertson Valley Wine Route and whale-watching at Hermanus.
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome. Cots can be provided, along with babysitting at a surcharge.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
