It’s nearly Easter, which means a long weekend, which means getting out of the city. But finding a weekend escape can be overwhelming, with so many options. Not to worry, the Western Cape is a treasure trove of hidden gems, whether you are a couple, a family, or have pets. We’ve sought out some of the best spots near Cape Town.
1. Summerhill Guest Farm, Worcester (pet-friendly)
Picture: Summerhill Guest Farm
Located outside of Worcester, Summerhill is just a short drive from town but far enough to take in Breede Valley’s Brandwacht mountains with easy access to the valley’s Winelands. Even though it’s only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, you’ll leave the city behind you. They offer single, double, family, and pet-free units. Their affordable rates mean that you don’t have to compromise on comfort for a family holiday that’s easy on the pocket.
Rates: From R775 per person sharing.
Visit their website here.
2. The Habit Guesthouse, Worcester
If you still want to stay in the Breede Valley. but prefer something in town, The Habit Guesthouse is situated in the centre of Worcester. The town is often an overlooked destination, but you’ll find that there’s plenty going on. Even though your accommodation will be part of the historic walking route of the town. The Habit offers guesthouse options with bed and breakfast or self-catering garden cottages.
Rates: From R725 per person sharing.
Visit their website here.
READ: Worcester: the hidden valley of plenty
3. De Wilge, Nuy Valley
Picture: De Wilge
The Nuy Valley is a charming piece of paradise, with bougainvillaea spilling over the roadside buildings, endless vineyards and olive groves, and the Hex River Mountains in the distance. The surrounding olive and wine farms are not all this little valley boast – Saggy Stone Brewery is just a stone’s throw away, and Six Dogs Gin Distillery is just a short drive as well. With the option of en-suite manor house rooms, the self-catering cottages offer extra privacy with a wood-fired hot tub overlooking the Hex River Mountains.
READ: 6 places near Cape Town with wood-fired hot tubs
Rates: From R1,850 per unit per night for 2 persons.
Visit their website here.
4. Bergsicht, Tulbagh
Picture: Bergsicht
Onto one of the Cape’s other but just as beautiful valleys, Tulbagh also boasts incredible wine and a quaint historic town, all on nature’s doorstep. The surrounding mountains have relatively moderate hikes to waterfalls (visit the Waterval Nature Reserve during your stay). Wineries are also situated within a 10km radius of the town, meaning you can go wine tasting on a bicycle if you feel energetic. Bergsicht has seven self-catering cottages with private hot tubs on the stoep.
Rates: From R1,500 per unit per night for 2 persons.
Visit their website here.
5. Ebonymoon, Porterville
Picture: Ebonymoon
On the other side of the Groot Winterhoek peaks lies the town of Porterville, stooped at the bottom of the mountains. Ebonymoon is more than just a country-style residence, but also doubles up as an art studio, combining platteland hospitality with creative expression. There are several classes on offer to tap into your creative side, ranging from jewellery making, cooking, water painting and ceramics. When it comes to the accommodation, rooms are stylishly decorated.
Rates: From R750 per double room.
Visit their website here.
6. Chartwell House, Velddrif
Picture: Chartwell House
Velddrif is arguably the lifeblood of the West Coast. It has a beautiful charm and this rustic veneer that just pulls you in. This can usually be attributed to your hosts in town and Chartwell House is no exception. Centrally located in Port Owen, each en-suite room has a private entrance with an outside area, and the breakfasts are absolutely scrumptious.
Rates: From R1,075 per double room.
Visit their website here.
READ: Getting intimate with Velddrif, the capital of the West Coast
7. Rhus Cottage, Stanford
Picture: Rhus Cottage
This heritage-listed garden cottage is named after the 100-year-old rhus tree in the garden. The tranquillity of Stanford will give you the chance to properly put your feet up. You can unwind in the garden, take leisurely strolls through town, or take a kayak down the river and view the region’s bountiful birdlife.
Rates: From R1,680 for two persons.
To make a booking, click here.
READ: Stanford – the quintessential weekend guide
8. The Station, Calitzdorp
Picture: The Station
For those who want something different, a glamping experience in an old train station makes for a more unconventional weekend away. Situated in Calitzdorp, South Africa’s port capital, The Station is within walking distance from the award-winning wine farm, De Krans and the town centre. You can spend a night in the old tickets office, ideal for a family of four.
Rates: Tented units start at R500 for two people. Ticket Office starts at R660 for two people.
To make a booking, click here.
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