So, you’re keen to break away to a beautiful, luxurious destination, but you also want to be kind to the environment? Step right this way. Check out six awesome getaway spots that are all about that sustainable vibe, but with plenty of creature comforts. No composting toilets to be seen anywhere, we promise!
ANGALA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Where? Franschhoek Road, Simondium (between Paarl and Franschhoek)
How far from CPT? Less than an hour (50 minutes)
Price range? From R2,967.50 per person sharing. They are currently running a Support Local special – SA residents get 50% off.
What the vibe? Tranquil to the max.
Angala Boutique Hotel is the word ‘tranquillity’ made manifest. This barefoot 5-star sanctuary seamlessly integrates luxury with nature – from the self-contained eco-pool to the expansive indigenous gardens (maintained with greywater) that wrap around the hotel, nestling it in an exclusive oasis of calm.
The hotel features 11 luxurious rooms that have been designed to be unique and inviting, boasting amenities like outside showers, working fireplaces, private pools and secluded garden access. Guests can also indulge in conscious nourishment at the in-house restaurant, which caters to any and all dietary requests and needs and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
INSIDER TIP: Angala plays host to a variety of retreats throughout the year. So, if mindful reflection, spiritual growth and physical rejuvenation is up your alley, check out their website for details on upcoming encounters.
BOSCHENDAL WINE FARM
Where? Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek (between Stellenbosch and the turnoff to Franschhoek)
How far from CPT? 1 hour
Price range? From R1330 per person sharing (wide range of accommodation options available, from cosy cottages to stylish manor house rooms).
What the vibe? The epitome of relaxed-yet-luxe Winelands wow.
Boschendal is the grownup equivalent of Disney Land in the Winelands. The utter deliciousness of this place is enough to bring a tear to the eye of anyone who likes pretty places, tasty things and cool experiences. Honestly, the estate has enough going for it to make it onto pretty much any travel destination listicle you can imagine.
The reason it’s included here is because the entire farm is managed and run from a sustainability perspective. Every move the owners make is rooted in the notion that they are merely borrowing this astonishing space from the next generation, and that it’s their job as custodians to safeguard its resources and put back as much as they take out. Gotta love.
The estate features a wonderful selection of luxury wine farm accommodation that ranges from the striking Mountain Villa (sleeps 12 guests) to beautifully restored farm cottages in the orchards. With an emphasis on stylish simplicity, a stay here offers a taste of authentic (yet Insta-worthy) farm living with a truly contemporary feel.
The Werf Restaurant showcases super tasty soil-to-fork dining based on local, seasonal and ethically-sourced ingredients, served alongside award-winning Boschendal wines. What’s truly awesome is that much of the fresh produce you’ll find on your plate is sustainably grown on the estate. Also look out for The Deli and the Farm Shop & Butchery for more laid-back fare during your stay.
INSIDER TIP: Have a few youngsters that you want to induct in the ways of sustainability? The Boschendal Tree House team welcomes young people from ages 5 to 14 to the cool facility with its acorn hideouts, platforms, mushroom pods and bicycle pump track. It’s a safe and nurturing space that reveals more about forgotten skills like wild foraging and responsible farming.
COPIA ECO CABINS
Where? Van Der Stel Pass Road, Keisseseskraal Farm, Bot River
How far from CPT? Between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on which route you take.
Price range? R1750 per cabin per night.
What the vibe? All the zen.
Copia Eco Cabins is situated in the beautiful Bot River Valley. The destination features three cabins that were once shipping containers, but have since been converted into decidedly cool-looking, off-the-grid accommodation units that utilise solar power and channel any water used to the surrounding fynbos.
Each self-catering cabin comes stocked with bedding, towels, food-prep essentials and a few basic bits and bobs like plunger coffee, rusks and eggs. Remember to pack your cossie – there are private wood-fired hot tubs on each of the decks, overlooking the pristine scenery (yes, please!). Cell reception is also wonderfully limited, which makes this the ideal spot to relax and recharge with your SO or someone else who appreciates tranquillity.
FARM 215
Where? Hartebeeskloof & Koudeberg, Baardskeerdersbos (near-ish Franskraal)
How far from CPT? 2.5 hours
Price range? From R950 per person sharing.
What the vibe? Off-the-grid fynbos paradise.
Okay, so getting there requires a bit of a trek, but it’s totally worth it. This compelling eco-minded destination offers guesthouse accommodation, as well as a choice of three free-standing gorgeous fynbos suites within walking distance of the main house with stunning views. Granted, the furthest suite requires a bit of a walk, but the surrounding area is so fantastically beautiful that you likely won’t mind it at all.
The best bit is that all of this loveliness is smack bang in the middle of an 800-hectare private nature reserve that serves as pristine sanctuary for literally hundreds of plant species. It’s also a reforestation site. All you can hear out there are the sounds of nature – not a tractor or truck within earshot. And, if hiking is your thing, don’t even think twice; this is where you want to be.
FAZENDA SWELLENDAM
Where? Swellendam
How far from CPT? 2.5h
Price range? From R1150 per person sharing.
What the vibe? As dreamy as it comes.
To get there is quite a long-haul mission, but also 100% worth the effort. Plus, driving through the Overberg is always a treat.
Fazenda is located in the historical hermitage valley just outside Swellendam – superbly fertile land that happened to be one of the first berry-producing areas in SA. The destination offers three luxury mountain-view cottages with breath-taking views and nature right on your doorstep. Their latest addition is The Greenhouse – a glass unit tucked away in a secret forest for a unique and secluded nature experience.
The Greenhouse has a gas hob and geyser, making it very eco-friendly and efficient. Guests can also enjoy seasonal crops from the farm during their stay. These are planted and tended using regenerative agriculture practices such as rotational and companion cropping.
All of the accommodation units at Fazenda were constructed using reclaimed building materials and natural stone found in the river. The proprietors cull alien trees to supply guests with firewood and drinking water comes from a spring on the farm., which is filtered through sand instead of treated with chemicals.
HAESFARM
Where? Stanford, Papiesvlei/Elim Road
How far from CPT? 2h (if you take the most direct route)
Price range? From R1125 per person sharing.
What the vibe? Switch-off central.
HaesFarm is a place with all the room in the world to just breathe and be. Situated on a 40-hectare fynbos farm outside of Stanford, it is the pride and joy of owners Harry and Steyn. Their aim was to go off the grid, be self-sustainable and create an eco-friendly environment with a minimal carbon footprint that also looks amazing. And boy, did they succeed!
Situated against a hill 12km from the nearest seaside village, HaesFarm features a grand total of 2 en-suite guest rooms that overlook the valley and the ocean beyond. This means that there will only ever be 4 guests on site at any given time – perfect if you want perfect privacy and time to drink in the astonishing beauty of the surroundings.
The house is also a showcase of the proprietors’ personal art and furniture, once-off pieces and limited editions. Each piece has a story to tell, and they happily share it with likeminded individuals, who want to experience something a little different and out of the ordinary.
There you have it – six awesomely luxurious getaway destinations near the Mother City where you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your impact on the environment is minimal. These are just a few of the incredible spots hidden away in the nooks and crannies of the Western Cape. Check back soon for more insider insights on where to stay, go and adventure.
