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Welcome to the Western Cape, a land where adventure whispers in the wind and luxury hides in the most unexpected corners. This is a story about more than just places to stay; it’s about unique and quirky stays in the Western Cape that stitch together the rich tapestry of this stunning South African province. From the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch to the ancient, mystical landscapes of Cederberg, every location we’re about to explore offers its own special kind of magic.
Imagine waking up to the gentle caress of a morning at The Flower Farm, or basking in the golden glow of a Tulbagh sunset at the Sunset Dome. These aren’t just overnight stops; they’re chapters in an unforgettable journey. Each of these handpicked spots, be it the architectural wonder of The Silo Hotel or the rustic charm of Teniqua Treetops, serves up a slice of the Western Cape that you probably never knew existed.
So, pack your bags and bring your sense of wonder, because we’re about to embark on a journey through a region where every stay tells a story, every room holds a secret, and every view is a masterpiece. Whether you’re a traveler seeking solitude in nature or a city dweller looking for an urban escape, these 10 unique stays are more than just accommodations – they’re invitations to experience the diverse and breathtaking beauty of the Western Cape. Let’s discover these hidden gems, each one waiting to offer you a warm South African welcome and an experience you’ll treasure forever.
1. The Flower Farm, Stellenbosch
Picture: Facebook / @Location Station
At The Flower Farm in Stellenbosch, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cape Winelands. This modern farmhouse provides an idyllic retreat with stunning views of the Stellenbosch mountains. The design of the home allows for a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, with large windows and sliding glass doors that showcase the surrounding landscape.
Inside, the décor features a collection of vibrant textiles and artworks from around the world, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open-plan kitchen and living area open up to a verandah that leads to a verdant vegetable garden, providing a sense of tranquility and connection to the land.
Upon arrival, you’ll be personally greeted and made to feel at home, ready to enjoy the peace of the farm or explore the local area. Stellenbosch, with its rich history and culinary scene, is just a short drive away. For those interested in gourmet experiences, the town boasts the renowned restaurant Foliage, recognized as one of the “World’s 50 Best.”
The Flower Farm strikes a balance between the comfort of modern living and the rustic charm of the countryside, offering a unique stay in the heart of South Africa’s wine region.
Contact: AirBNB
2. The Sunset Dome, Tulbagh
Picture: AirBNB
Tucked away on a sprawling 270-hectare farm in the heart of the South African Winelands, The Sunset Dome in Tulbagh is a private haven perfect for couples seeking a quiet escape. This unique geodome offers an intimate connection with nature, complemented by the comforts of modern amenities.
With a panoramic view of the Witzenberg mountain range, the dome is an ideal setting for a tranquil retreat. As evening falls, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the outdoor bath, savoring the serene views and the spectacle of the night sky. The deck, positioned right by the water, provides the perfect spot to unwind and watch the colors of the sunset dance across the sky.
Inside, the dome is cozy and well-equipped, featuring a kitchen with a fridge, gas stove, and all the necessary cooking implements. Fresh mountain water and an array of fruit and herbs from the garden are at your disposal, ensuring a refreshing and self-sufficient stay.
For those eager to explore, the property offers plenty of activities. You can indulge in a refreshing swim in the dam, find a peaceful spot under a tree, or venture out on the nearby hiking and cycling trails. And for the oenophiles, the Tulbagh wine route is just a stone’s throw away, promising some of the best local vintages.
The Sunset Dome is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a space where you can press pause on life’s busyness and savor the simplicity and beauty of the natural surroundings.
Contact: AirBNB
Also read: 10 Places to Visit in Tulbagh
3. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederburg
Kagga Kamma.
Set within the stark beauty of the Cederberg Mountains, Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is a striking example of how modern comforts can blend seamlessly with the rugged wilderness. The reserve, a peaceful retreat from the city’s rush, is situated 122 km from Ceres and offers a chance to unwind amidst the ancient rock formations.
Here, you can stay in one of 10 cave-like suites, meticulously crafted to complement the natural sandstone. Alternatively, choose one of 5 spacious thatched huts that offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each air-conditioned unit provides a cozy seating area and the essentials for a comfortable stay, including tea-and-coffee-making facilities.
The on-site restaurant serves up South African cuisine paired with a selection of wines from the renowned Cape Winelands. For a truly memorable experience, you can dine under the stars at the open-air boma, weather permitting. A pub and lounge area with satellite TV offers a spot to relax in the evenings.
A range of spa treatments and massages are available for those seeking extra relaxation, while the more adventurous can enjoy hiking and nature drives. The reserve’s knowledgeable guides offer tours that provide insight into the local flora and fauna.
Kagga Kamma is known for its unique and restful environment. The swimming pool is a refreshing oasis in the summer, and the lack of big five distractions means you can focus on the smaller, yet equally fascinating, aspects of the natural world.
The journey to Kagga Kamma is an adventure in itself, with the last 35 km on a scenic gravel road. While the drive can be bumpy, the destination’s tranquility and the quality of the experience make it well worth the effort. Cape Town is 257 km away, making Kagga Kamma a fantastic option for an escape that feels a world away, yet is still accessible for a long weekend.
Contact: Kagga Kamma
Also read: Game Lodges to Visit around South Africa
4. The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, Cape Town
Picture: Getaway Gallery
The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, a prominent fixture in Cape Town’s city center and a building with over 120 years of history, offers a unique stay with its collection of rooftop Airstream trailers. Each of these vintage trailers provides a distinct experience, with local artists crafting the interior design to reflect the spirit of a South African road trip.
Located along the vibrant Long Street and within a 15-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront, the hotel is an eclectic mix of tradition and contemporary flair. The rooftop’s wooden deck is not only the foundation for the Airstream suites but also serves as a leisure space for all guests, with the Sky Bar offering a selection of drinks against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.
The Grand Daddy is more than just a place to stay; it’s a celebration of Cape Town’s creative soul. The hotel prides itself on promoting local design and delivering exceptional service. The rooftop terrace is a scene of constant activity, from the Sky Bar serving up refreshing beverages to the weekly screenings at The Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema, where guests can enjoy classic films under the stars.
Aside from the trailer park experience, the hotel offers elegant rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. The Daddy Cool Bar and the Sky Bar are perfect spots for enjoying a cocktail or sampling local wines.
The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel stands as a testament to Cape Town’s lively culture and its dedication to providing guests with an experience that’s as unique and vibrant as the city itself.
Contact: granddaddy.co.za
5. Couplespod at Riverstone House Portfolio, Wolseley
Picture: Facebook / @Riverstone House Portfolio
Riverstone’s CouplesPod emerges as a haven of tranquility and luxury, nestled by the farm dam with the Mostertshoek mountain range as its sentinel. This double container conversion offers a unique retreat into nature without skimping on the plush comforts one desires. The expansive patio, complete with a built-in braai, beckons for outdoor feasts, while the wood-burning stove inside ensures cozy ambiances regardless of the season.
The interior, a testament to high-end finishes and thoughtful design, invites romance with its panoramic window benches offering uninterrupted views and a private outdoor bath under the starry sky. The CouplesPod is a statement of indulgence, from the double showers to the intimate dining spaces, both inside at the wooden bar counter and outside under the sheltered patio.
Designed for two, the pod doesn’t just encourage relaxation but insists on it, with no TV to interrupt the serenity but with uncapped wifi to keep you connected. The fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dishwasher and a full Smeg oven, adds to the ease of your stay. Luxuries like a Nespresso machine and Nutribullet are the cherries on top of this sumptuous offering.
Whether you’re lounging on the sun-kissed grass, soaking in the outdoor bath, or cuddling up inside, Riverstone’s CouplesPod is an invitation to unwind, reconnect, and soak in the beauty of the Cape Winelands in an environment that whispers of love and luxury.
Contact: The Riverstone House
6. The Silo Hotel, V&A Waterfront
The Silo Hotel in Cape Town stands as a pinnacle of modern luxury amidst the city’s vibrant life. Transformed from a historic grain silo, its distinctive pillowed glass windows offer expansive views from Table Mountain to the Table Bay harbor, encapsulating the energy of the city below.
Not merely a place to stay, The Silo is an embodiment of artistic expression, housing the expansive Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa within its robust frame. Architect Thomas Heatherwick’s masterful design interweaves historical significance with forward-thinking design, making the hotel a landmark of cultural sophistication.
The hotel interiors present a rich tapestry of style, where antique elegance meets modern comfort. Rooms and suites are lavishly appointed, offering a blend of luxury and homely charm, with many featuring balconies that present serene harbor vistas.
The Silo ensures a memorable experience for every guest, from the welcoming sparkle of complimentary wine to the hearty breakfast spreads. Its rooftop restaurant serves up exquisite dishes against a backdrop of the city skyline, and the outdoor pool area provides a tranquil space to unwind.
Set above the dynamic V&A Waterfront, The Silo offers a tranquil sanctuary from the lively pulse of Cape Town, providing guests with an exclusive vantage point to savor the essence of this captivating city.
Contact: The Silo Hotel
Also read: Some of the city’s best rooftop bars
7. Simbavati Cederberg Ridge, Clanwilliam
Picture: Facebook / @Simbavati Cederberg Ridge
Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge offers a serene getaway with breathtaking views of the Cederberg Mountains. It’s an elegant farm stay with a modern African farmhouse feel, characterized by its high, vaulted ceilings and natural textures. The lodge provides a luxurious yet homely atmosphere with its light-filled spaces, French windows, and inviting outdoor areas.
The lodge boasts 11 spacious rooms and suites, a restaurant with stunning views, a large swimming pool, and beautifully integrated indigenous gardens. Each space is designed to offer guests an intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can indulge in activities such as guided walking trails, mountain biking, rock art excursions, and rooibos farm tours, all set against the backdrop of the expansive farm and nature reserve. The lodge also offers unique experiences like sunset boat cruises, West Coast excursions, and spring flower tours.
The lodge is a foodie’s delight, offering farm-to-table dining experiences. For relaxation, there are spa treatments available, and for those interested in astronomy, the clear night skies provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing.
Cederberg Ridge is a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and tranquility, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. Whether it’s through exploring the landscape or simply relaxing in the luxurious setting, the lodge offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Contact: simbavati.com
8. Teniqua Treetops, Sedgefield
Picture: Facebook / @Teniqua Treetops
Nestled against a canvas of rugged mountains and verdant forest, Uitsig Stone Cottage stands as a testament to the beauty of the southern Cederberg. Facing east, it gazes upon the lofty heights of Middelberg Peak, while to the north, the distinct Sneeuberg pinnacle sketches the horizon.
Crafted with a rustic elegance, the cottage’s interior is a harmony of wood and antique furnishings, its bathroom a symphony of rock with vistas that steal one’s breath. It is an abode that resonates with the spirit of the land, perched in the high fynbos veld, offering a verandah adorned with chairs and a Weber for the quintessential South African braai, and an outdoor bath, ensconced amongst the stones, providing warmth under the open sky.
The cottage itself is a cozy sanctuary, boasting quality 3/4 day-beds and a welcoming fireplace, complete with a separate kitchen and a gas-powered shower. Solar panels gift it with gentle power, ensuring a stay that touches the earth lightly.
The land around is a hiker’s paradise, with trails leading to a thatched picnic deck by the fountain, about a forty-minute walk away. For those seeking more adventurous heights, the peak behind the cottage offers a challenging climb, rewarding with a panoramic 360-degree view.
Contact: teniquatreetops.co.za
Also read: Dreamy treehouses for a faraway break
9. Uitsig High Mountain Stone Cottage, Citrusdal
Tucked away amidst the grandeur of the southern Cederberg, Uitsig Stone Cottage stands as a testament to rustic elegance, a sanctuary cradled by weathered rocks that whisper tales of the ancient earth. Gazing eastward, the cottage salutes the towering heights of Middelberg Peak, while to the north, the regal Sneeuberg unfurls in the distance.
Crafted with a reverence for its surroundings, the cottage boasts interiors swathed in rich, warm wood, and adorned with a curated selection of rustic antiques, each piece with a story to tell. The bathroom, embraced by stone, offers vistas so vast and arresting, they command a moment of awe with every glance.
This secluded abode, the third to grace the farm, nestles within the unspoiled fynbos of the high mountain veld, its verandah a throne from which to preside over the stillness, its Weber braai an altar for feasts under the stars. An outdoor bath, set amidst the rocks, marries the primal essence of nature with the comforting embrace of warm waters.
Two plush day-beds promise restful repose, complemented by the hearth’s gentle glow. A kitchen apart and a shower space complete this haven of solitude, all powered by the sun’s silent energy, with the comforts of modernity sustained by gas.
The farm itself perches atop Middelberg Pass, a mere half-hour’s drive from the town of Citrusdal. The southern Cederberg offers a landscape as majestic as its central counterpart, its verdant winter cloak and elevated breezes a refuge from the heat. Yet, this is a separate realm, not a vantage point for the central Cederberg’s known trails—it stands alone, requiring passage back to the N7 for those who wish to traverse the full expanse of this ancient mountain range.
Contact: AirBNB
10. Copia Eco Cabins, Bot River
Picture: Facebook / @Copia Eco Cabins
Nestled in the serene embrace of the Bot River valley, Copia Cabins offers an escape to a world where the boundaries between modern luxury and raw nature blur. The handcrafted eco-friendly cabins, constructed from upcycled shipping containers, provide a unique and intimate retreat perfect for a romantic weekend.
Imagine soaking in a wood-fired hot tub, a fine glass of wine in hand, as you drink in the expansive views of undulating hills and clear skies. The interiors of Copia Cabin boast a contemporary design with a nod to minimalism, adorned with soft lighting that accentuates the meticulous attention to detail. It’s a space that feels both expansive and intimate, ensuring that the busyness of the world fades away.
Celebrating an anniversary or planning a romantic break becomes an experience to cherish at Copia. With every essential comfort thoughtfully provided, from the crisp bed linens to the locally-sourced coffee and fresh eggs, your stay is as effortless as it is enchanting.
Although remote in feel, the cabins are a stone’s throw away from local gems like the Beaumont Wine Farm. Here, a short drive ensures a day spent indulging in the best the valley has to offer, from exquisite meals to the finest wines.
Contact: copiaecocabins.co.za
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ALSO READ: Quirky small stays in the Western Cape
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Courtesy : https://www.getaway.co.za/travel/travel-ideas/unique-and-quirky-stays-in-the-western-cape/