Stellenbosch – with its wine, vineyards and mountain views – is the ideal place for a good hot tub weekend away. Or week, if you’re lucky enough. These days, platforms like Airbnb lets you find those little cottages on a quiet corner of a working farm, with a hot tub on their doorstep. If romance is what you’re after, these spots are just what the love doctor ordered.
1. Jan Groentjie Cottage
Credit: Matthew Sterne
Yes, it has a beautiful setting (between a dam, vineyards and forest) and a stunning deck and interior, but what really gets me about this place is that your every possible need is looked after. You get the distinct impression that the owners are well travelled as they’ve considered everything.
This is a five-star cottage with an inside fireplace, large outdoor braai, plenty of places outside to have a morning coffee and – of course – a wood-fired hot tub. There are lots of hiking trails and wine farms in the area but you’ll be tempted to spend every minute in the sumptuous luxury of this rather impressive farm stay.
Rates: From R2 100 per night
2. Camissa Cottage
Credit: Camissa
Tucked into the folds of the Banhoek Valley, and surrounded by landscaped orchards and wild fynbos, Camissa Cottage enjoys panoramic views of the majestic Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains. Built of natural materials and poised on the edge of a dam, you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away from civilisation even though in fact you’re only 10 minutes from Stellenbosch. From the cottage, trails will allow you to explore the full extent of the farm and neighbouring wineries.
A hot tub is placed in the stone boma next to the cabin for you to enjoy a warm bath while taking in the view. There are three bedrooms served by two bathrooms all beautifully decorated with the highest quality linen to enhance your stay. There’s a large outdoor braai area surrounded by dry-stone walls next to the cottage.
Rates: From R1 200 per night
Contact them on SafariNow
3. RiverStone Cottage
Credit: Airbnb
RiverStone Cottage lies at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg mountain with panoramic views in all directions. So much so, that you can take in both sunset and sunrise views – either start your day watching the sunrise behind cheeky, pointed Botmanskop or end it relaxing under vast oaks at the river and watching the sunset turn the mountains pink. RiverStone has its own private pool, large braai area and hot tub.
Rates: From R1 500 per night
Contact them on Airbnb
4. Rest at Chabivin
Credit: Rest at Chabivin
Located on a boutique Stellenbosch wine farm and estate, Rest at Chabivin is privately located in between vineyards and a eucalyptus forest. The accommodation features a fully equipped holiday home as well as a studio with a wooden deck and hot tub. There’s a seating area, kitchen, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as an iPad. Guests can relax under the gigantic trees on the sofas or sit along the fire, while looking at the Stellenbosch Mountains.
Rates: From R1 600 per night
Visit their website
5. HoneyOak
Credit: HoneyOak
Nestled between two oak trees on the edge of a vineyard and at the foot of the Simonsberg mountain, HoneyOak Cottage is a cute Instagram-worthy escape. An exquisite garden, cosy firepit, enticing, bubbling Jacuzzi and fresh vegetables to pick for dinner, all add up to a unique experience. The cottage is on a working wine farm and boasts a beautiful labyrinth nearby. A grocery cupboard stocked with both treats and essentials and a bathroom with organic bath products is there for guests.
Rates: From R1 250 per night
Contact them on Airbnb
Be sure to check out The 25 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch.
ALSO READ: Cabin in the woods, anyone? Two cosy farm stays near Cape Town
