Category: Bantry Bay, Travel News

Bantry Bay prides itself on its upmarket and laidback lifestyle. Bantry Bay was previously known as Botany Bay, because a Botanical Garden was planted in the region, to cultivate plants for medicinal uses. Situated on the slopes of Lion’s Head and overlooking a rocky coastline, Bantry Bay is also home to a unique beach called Saunder’s Rock, which has a tidal pool for safe bathing.

Exclusive and quiet, Bantry Bay was home to Sir John Ellerman, an English entrepreneur. His home has been converted into the award-winning Ellerman House, now a boutique hotel.

Accommodation resorts and establishments in the Bantry Bay region are all exquisite and take great pride in their decor and highest levels of hospitality. Peppered with villas, hotels and apartments, Bantry Bay boasts gorgeous ocean views and a surprisingly wind-free environment.

Just under two kilometres away from the renowned Clifton 4th Beach, and ten kilometres away from glorious Llandudno, Bantry Bay is a haven for the upmarket traveller, keen on a little luxurious break-away. Camps Bay is also not far from Bantry Bay, and avid shoppers can easily travel to Cavendish Square, Cape Quarter and Canal Walk.

For those keen on cuisine, Salt Restaurant and Bar at the Ambassador Hotel promises an all-round sensory experience, designed to heighten the enjoyment of the fine delicacies on offer, with beautiful views and impeccable service. The Islands Restaurant at the President Hotel is a relaxed yet professional bar and eatery, perfect for a sundowner or two.

Treat yourself to a little bliss in Bantry Bay.

Category: Travel News

The Western Cape has a diverse and wide range of accommodation establishments geared towards game viewing and game drives.

Sunset from Sanbona

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the first Big Five Reserve in the Western Cape. Home to approximately 600 species of plants, Sanbona is the pride of the Klein Karoo, and boasts an abundance of small and large game. Tilney Manor, once a thriving fruit farm dating back to 1898 has six luxuriously appointed rooms. Comfortable lounges with fireplaces for winter nights, private verandas, romantic freestanding baths and carefully sheltered outdoor showers are just a few of the pleasures that guests can enjoy. More modern comforts include air-conditioning, satellite television, private bars and tea and coffee making facilities. Dwyka Tented Lodge, once the range of ancient Khoisan hunter-gatherers dramatically situated in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine and surrounded by awe-inspiring rock formations. These luxurious and secluded tents exude an atmosphere of pioneering adventure in this vast landscape. Gondwana Lodge offers endless views over the plains of Bellair Dam and onto Anysberg Mountains. Children of all ages will be entertained with its exciting “Kids on Safari” program. The fully equipped Spa offers guests the opportunity to recover from the rigors of the outside world and restore their sense of inner harmony. Cape Georgian decor draws on the natural colours of the surrounding stone and vegetation, with subtle touches of San culture influencing the design throughout the guest rooms and conference facility. A variety of activities are available to guests who are accompanied by highly skilled guides. Guiding encompasses game drives to view the Big 5 and a variety of antelope, archaeological discussions, birding, walks to the rock art, visits to the dam and presentations on the varied plant species. Visits to the raptor rehabilitation and breeding centre can also be included in the birding experience. Trout Fishing, stargazing and Quad Biking is also available.

White Lion Lodge

White Lion Lodge, in the Klein Karoo, is situated along the Klein Kalkoenshoek River on the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, and the Warmwaterberg Mountains. The privately owned White Lion Lodge offers world-class accommodation, with exceptional personal service and mouth-watering cuisine. The unique Lodge offers four individual stilted glass and thatch Suites. Each has a spacious bedroom, a dressing room, a full bathroom and an own outdoor shower. Each suite is equipped with a fireplace, satellite television, under floor heating, air-conditioning, mini bar fridge, tea and coffee making facility. Panoramic views over the riverbed can be enjoyed from the private wooden veranda. The bathroom offers twin hand basins, a spacious bath, separate rain dance shower, toilet and bidet. The bedrooms are decorated with hand made bed linen, custom made fabrics and furniture which blend in with the nature and environment.

View from Slanghoek Game Lodge

Slanghoek Game Lodge is found in the quiet Breede Valley region of the Western Cape. The farm has a natural waterfall and wild proteas on various mountains and is a nature lover’s dream. The farm is home to Springbuck, Gemsbuck, Klipspringer, Vaal Rhebuck, Duiker and Leopard. The endangered Reverine rabbit and three breeding pairs of Black Eagles are also resident on the farm. The self catering accommodation consists of a main lodge built from stone and thatch, sleeping 12, which consists of a loft with 6 beds and 3 double rooms, 2 with en-suite bathrooms. Each chalet sleeps six and consists of 2 double en-suite rooms and a sleeper couch. 4×4 trails, game viewing, walking, hiking and birding trails abound.

Unlock the magic of wildlife in the Western Cape!

Category: Travel News

Fishing is an age-old tradition and hobby, nowadays indulged in for sporting and commercial purposes too. A fishing holiday with friends or family is a sure-fire way to unwind and enjoy the scenery around you.

The Western Cape is a prime fishing location, with numerous fishing villages, like Hout Bay, forming an integral part of the region’s charm.

Mardouw Country House

Mardouw Country House in Swellendam is a luxurious guesthouse, perfect for a family fishing holiday. Warm, inviting and luxurious, Mardouw Country House unites a blend of modern pieces and exotic furnishings, to give guests a truly comfortable and elegant home away from home. Exclusive facilities, a variety of activities and, of course, sterling hospitality all make for a brilliant holiday.  Mountain cycling routes, a golfing range and several walking trails are just some of the amenities at Mardouw. Excellent bass fishing opportunities await for the fisherman in your family, in the well-stocked dams. Mardouw can accommodate up to ten guests and a tour coach can be arranged to take you sightseeing around the Overberg or whale-watching in Hermanus.

Fishing at La Ferme

La Ferme in Franschhoek is a collection of self-catering cottages, right near the water’s edge. A little more rustic, but surrounded by beautiful scenery, La Ferme’s cottages can accommodate four or six guests each. With four dams, vineyards and fruit trees, La Ferme is an excellent retreat. With an abundance of activities, including horse riding, fly fishing and walking trails, La Ferme is also closely situated to 4×4 trails and the wine tasting regions of Stellenbosch and Paarl. Fishing equipment can be hired at a nominal fee, so you have no excuse not to take in the gorgeous surrounds whilst casting a line.

Serenity by the waterside awaits so, book your fishing holiday today.

Category: Travel News

Horse Riding is one of the greatest relaxation sports there is. Whilst horse riding can be a competitive sport, or used in work, holiday makers are far more keen on enjoying a gentle horse ride through beautiful scenery and surroundings.

The Western Cape is home to a wide variety of accommodation establishments with horse riding facilities, horses and guides.

Cargoes - Noordhoek

Cargoes is a house for all seasons, with lots of space for a holiday with the whole family or group of friends. Cargoes is a spacious and comfortable home nestled in the Noordhoek mountainside and boasts spectacular views of Chapman’s Peak and the famous Noordhoek beach. The house can accommodate up to eight guests in two double bedrooms (with ensuites) and two twins. The living room, with its cosy fireplace, opens on to a gorgeous balcony, and the family sunroom leads to a lovely fynbos garden with shady lapa and outdoor braai. Noordhoek, at the heart of the Cape Peninsula, offers something for everyone: surfing, hiking, horse riding and mountain biking for the sports-minded; craft stalls and galleries for art fans; rich and varied birdlife and the Table Mountain National Park for nature enthusiasts; vineyards and restaurants for wine lovers and gourmets; and cinemas, playgrounds and traditional seaside fun for families. Cargoes is ideally situated to enjoy all these things, but if your dream holiday consists of just soaking up the sun and enjoying the views then its tranquil and relaxing environment will make Cargoes your perfect holiday home-from-home.

Oak Tree Corner - Greyton

Oak Tree Corner is located in a quiet corner of Greyton. This spacious, three-bedroomed cottage offers two full bathrooms, a large lounge and dining room area and a sheltered patio with a large private garden. Oaktree Corner has great mountain views, a swimming pool and an outside braai. Garden birds visit the leiwater pond in the early morning and late afternoon, and the night sky abounds with stars on clear evenings. Greyton is situated just over 100 kilometres from central Cape Town, and can be reached from the main airport in just over an hour. The village offers many craft shops, art galleries and excellent restaurants. The Riviersonderend Mountains are renowned for its walking trails, which range from one-hour circular routes to the popular Greyton to McGregor hike.  Bicycles are available for hire, horse riding is offered and musical events take place regularly. Birding and stargazing are favourite activities amongst locals and visitors.

Gaikou Lodge in Swellendam is a luxurious and upmarket country lodge.  Set in a beautiful river valley, Gaikou Lodge has been created by the Verder family of Mardouw Country House fame. The luxury units with their great feeling of space will invite you to relax to the cooling sound of bird song and running water. From your private veranda you will have breathtaking views of the mountains, river and forest. Tranquillity and fresh air in an artfully landscaped setting will ensure that you will want to linger. Visitors can enjoy hiking and walking trails on foot or on horseback at Marloth Nature Reserve, which adjoins Gaikou. There are two attractive dams at Gaikou; the lower pond stocked with fish and surrounded by indigenous flora. Visitors will be able to indulge in lure or fly fishing a pace away from their villas, and there is a river trail on the property. The nearby 9-hole golf course, Drostdy Museum, historic church and Bontebok National Park are all easily accessible.

Get set and go horse riding in the Western Cape!

Category: Travel News

The Western Cape is a true haven for the shopaholic. With nearly 200 malls and shopping centres listed across the region, the Western Cape has everything to satisfy your shopping desires.

Whilst central Cape Town is synonymous with cosmopolitan malls and entertainment venues, the other regions of the Western Cape are also popular for their off-beat shopping experiences on offer. The Southern and Northern Suburbs of Cape Town are also home to popular shopping malls, and the False Bay region offers a unique, old-world craft-oriented retail experience.

View from Panorama Accommodation

Panorama Accommodation is situated in a quiet area with two units which are fully equipped for self catering or breakfast as per request. Each unit can accommodate two people, and includes a built-in safe, separate alarm, pool, barbeque and entertainment area. Located close to many major shopping centres, Panorama Accommodation is just a short drive away from Tyger Valley, Canal Walk, Cavendish Square and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Crystal Towers Residences

Crystal Towers Residences is situated in the heart of Century City. The living space extends way beyond the boundaries of the designer, self-catering apartment and incorporates the excellent range of facilities available at Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa - opening up a world of five-star privilege and possibility. Located directly opposite Canal Walk, Crystal Towers lets you relax in complete style, after an exhausting day of shopping.

Lavender Villa

Lavender Villa is a charming seaside holiday home with 5 bedrooms, pool, beautiful private garden and sea views, elegantly furnished in Provencal style, and situated in the heart of Noordhoek Village. Conveniently close to Cape Town’s major tourist attractions, and the Noordhoek Farm Village, Lavender Villa can accommodate up to ten guests, and is the perfect getaway destination, but still close enough to the shopping experiences the more metropolitan areas of the Western Cape have to offer.

Get set and go shopping in the Western Cape!

Category: Travel News

Cape Town is renowned for its notorious nightlife and buzzing fiesta of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and pubs. With its wide variety of entertainment options, no party-goer will ever be at a loss for things to do.

Ranging from the stylish to the more relaxed, venues cater for every taste, with culinary options galore, and all-night dance floors abounding.

61 on Camps Bay

61 on Camps Bay is a luxury 6-bedroom guest house ideally positioned opposite the steps leading to the picturesque Bali Beach. The house is also located within walking distance of the famous Camps Bay beach known for its trendy restaurants, sidewalk cafés and sunset strip of cocktail bars, and a few minutes drive from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

123 St Martini Gardens

123 St Martini Gardens is a newly renovated, one-bedroom apartment with large private garden terrace. Just a five minute walk away from the pumping streets of Long and Kloof, 123 St Martini Gardens overlooks a gorgeous courtyard garden and is located next to a 4-star Hotel and Spa. Modern and stylish, 123 St Martini Gardens is the perfect place to plan your party nights.

217 Mutual Heights

217 Mutual Heights is a trendy, up market, spacious and fully equipped loft apartment with air conditioning and secure parking, situated in the pulsating cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town within walking distance of most attractions and amenities in the City Bowl of Cape Town.

Harbour View Icon

Harbour View Icon in central Cape Town is a contemporary, luxuriously stylish and spacious one-bedroom apartment in central Cape Town. Enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town Harbour from the Juliette balcony high above the city. Harbour View Icon is optimally located in heart of central Cape Town’s Foreshore area, close to the sea. The building is contemporary with a relaxing sun deck and pool area, as well as a fully equipped gym. Within the building, there is a food market offering local fresh produce, a trendy coffee shop, hairdresser/beauty salon and an ATM. The location is convenient for travel to most attractions in the city and surrounds. Nearby you can find restaurants, night life, shopping and all Cape Towns major attractions.

Get your dancing shoes on and party up a storm in the Western Cape!

Category: Travel News

Whale watching is a well-known tourist attraction in the Western Cape. During the winter months of May to November, whales make the coastal bays of the Western Cape their home. They visit and frolick in the warmer waters, which serve as a playground for these whales.

More importantly though, whales mate, calve and nurture their young during these months, and enjoy the quiet family time, whilst offering keen visitors and tourists a once in a lifetime experience of seeing these gentle giants at play.

Fernkloof Lodge

Fernkloof Lodge is located in Hermanus, a town world-renowned for being a popular whale watching spot. Comfort, beauty and warm hospitality await you, at this elegant home, nestled between the majestic Hermanus mountains and a world-class Golf Course. Fernkloof Lodge is an artistically and uniquely decorated home. Each room is beautifully appointed with an eclectic combination of old and new touches and original South African artworks.

Up Yonder

Up Yonder, in Fish Hoek, is a cosy little cottage which was, for many years, the highest house against the slopes of Elsie’s Peak mountain, overlooking Fish Hoek bay. It still is one of the highest houses and the truly spectacular views extend from the village of Fish Hoek, virtually the full extent of the Fish Hoek beach and all the way across and over False Bay towards Strand and Gordon’s Bay. Perfect for whale-spotting, Up Yonder can accommodate up to six guests on a self-catering basis.

Eden Beach Bungalow

Eden Beach Bungalow can be found just a stone’s throw from the famous Boulders Beach. A historic, luxurious and secure beach bungalow with modern amenities, Eden Beach is still within walking distance of all amenities, shops and restaurants. View penguins, whales, seals, seagulls and the activities of the Navy from the lounge double doors which open on to an uninterrupted 180 degree view of False Bay.

Villa Paradisio

Villa Paradisio can also be found in the charming little town of Hermanus. Villa Paradisio is a unique, character Victorian house with beautiful tranquil garden, large pool, boule court, barbeque facilities and warmest South African hospitality. With five luxury private suites, two of which are family suites, and each is individually decorated with stylish comfort. All bedrooms are en-suite and offer Satellite TV, private fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, a  private safe, beautiful percale linen and all other up-market amenities.

Whale watching  is an experience the entire family can enjoy so, book your place now and enjoy these magnificient wonders of the ocean!

Category: Travel News

The Western Cape is globally renowned for it’s gorgeous scenery and of course, vineyards. The Western Cape is a wonderland for wine tasting.

Establishments and resorts across the region pride themselves on their wine farms and vineyards so, why not meander through and explore the fruits of the vine in the Western Cape?

House Cherry

House Cherry is a fully furnished, self-catering establishment located in the village of Hout Bay.  House Cherry sits above the world famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, tucked in to the mountainside overlooking the bay. Enjoy a fabulous position looking down at the white sandy beach of Hout Bay while relaxing in your private bath or on the wide terrace in the heated pool. Listen to the surf crash upon the beach and watch whales loll in the waves while in the privacy of your en-suite, self catered suite. Stroll in the beautiful Zen-like gardens and watch the fishing boats or just relax with a vintage red chosen from the private wine cellar. Wine tasting from the well stocked cellar is available upon request. As an added offering, if you’re feeling a bit stressed by it all, book a massage and a detox treatment or individual health sauna to soothe and refresh your body.

Oak Cottage

Oak Cottage is an historic Cape Dutch one-bedroom cottage, beautifully restored and tastefully decorated and furnished by the current owners, located in the Winelands. Oak Cottage is located in a private estate in the middle of the village and nearby some awesome vineyards. It has a double bedroom with large en-suite bathroom, and an open plan, fully equipped kitchen. The cottage also has a very comfortable living room with patio doors opening onto a verandah with breathtaking views of a private garden. A patio overlooks a stream. Oak Cottage is within about a 5 minute walk of the main High Street where you can eat and browse among the many Franschhoek restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries. This one-bedroom cottage is close to the highly regarded Le Bon Vivant restaurant and the beautiful wine estate, Dieu Donne.

Galileo Farm

Galileo Farm is set in the famous Overberg region.  The farm is circled by fruit trees, dams, vineyards, and roses. Wander through pin oak lined avenues, explore the orchards, or just simply relax. Surrounding the farm are several golf courses, a variety of wine farms, restaurants and of course the big blue sea. Other activities available nearby are horse riding, kloofing, quad biking, hiking, water sports and fishing charters.  Coots Cottage is an open plan chalet overlooking the main dam. This self-catering cottage accommodates two adults with room for two children in the loft. Fish Eagle Lodge is situated on the top slope of the farm with spectacular views over the Elgin Valley. There are two separate bedrooms, both en-suite sleeping four adults.

What better way to explore the Western Cape than exploring the abundance of wine farms, and indulge your palette with the glorious wine that is produced in this beautiful region?

Category: Noordhoek, Travel News

Wow, it has been a week of getting things ready for the World Cup and we are certainly excitable about this one!

June is going to be a month of mayhem and fun and for a while now we have been planning a way to get the best out of what is going to be happening from the 11th June to the 11th July.

Dan and Tony of “Me and Mr Brown” fame have fortunately for us agreed to make The Toad their home for the entire month of the World Cup – awesome. They will be rocking the days away EVERYDAY, so if you ever wondered what a month long music and soccer fest would be like now is your time to find out!

Dan will also be doing a “soccer chat studio” where he will be sharing his thoughts with all and sundry on what is happening and when the time is right he will jump into song making sure the theme is continuous FUN at The Toad!

So if you are looking for some entertainment and a venue to watch all the soccer action then look no further and come down and enjoy the fun at a place where it is all about “where people want to be”.

A number of establishments have decided to go the Corporate route, we have gone the complete opposite – Always OPEN, for your Entertainment.

We look forward to sharing some lifetime experiences with you all at The Toad this Soccer World Cup. Now is the time, tomorrow is too late!

The Team at The Toad

The Toad - Reservations: 021 7892973 and Fax: 021 7892974

Proud to be associated with The Noordhoek Farm Village and all its offerings

Category: Travel News

A beach holiday is a sure-fire way to relax and unwind. With the gorgeous sands to dig your toes in to, sunshine on your back and inviting seas to frolick in, why not indulge yourself in a little of nature’s gorgeous ocean-side wonders?

The Western Cape is renowned for its beautiful beaches and many holiday resorts pride themselves on their proximity to the Cape’s beaches.

The Beach House

The Beach House in Pringle Bay is a modern, five-bedroom beachfront property situated on the dunes.  Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, along the spectacular Clarence Drive will get you to the Beach House, which boasts awesome sea and mountain views. Perfect for sunset cocktails, the house has two decks.  This holiday home can accommodate up to nine people, and offers two double bedrooms and a study/bedroom upstairs.  Downstairs has two large rooms. The Living area has a large dining table, a lounge area, and an open plan kitchen. You can bring your pet along with you to this divine little house for a holiday.

The view from Dolphin Beach Apartments

Apartment CG08 at Dolphin Beach is a spacious apartment in upmarket beachfront complex in Bloubergrandt. Perfect for a cosmopolitan yet relaxed self-catering getaway, the apartment consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two verandas. The main bedroom has a King size extra length bed with en-suite bathroom including separate shower, electronic safe and a veranda overlooking the bird sanctuary. The second bedroom has two single beds and separate bathroom as well as a veranda overlooking the bird sanctuary. Just a fifty metre walk to the beach, Dolphin Beach is also conveniently located close to Ratanga Junction and Century City.

A view of Kalk Bay from Pres de La Mer

Pres de la Mer is a gorgeous self-catering apartment, situated in quaint Kalk Bay. Enjoy the feeling of staying “pres de la mer” (close to the sea) with all the modern comforts and eclectic charm that this affordable and incredibly comfortable apartment offers. A large open-plan lounge and dining room, with fully equipped kitchen, two large double bedrooms, both with secluded patios, and a light and spacious bathroom, await you. A short distance from the train station and main roads, Pre de la Mer is also close to the Dalebrook tidal pool.

Waves Edge Penthouse

Waves Edge Penthouse is a luxury holiday apartment in Big Bay, complete with magnificent panoramic sea views overlooking Table Bay, Robben Island and Melkbos. Stylish and modern, Waves Edge Penthouse is fully equipped and secure. Able to accommodate four guests, the main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, whilst the second bedroom is furnished with two single beds. The large balcony, with fireplace, overlooks Table Bay, and the apartment is just a two minute walk away from Big Bay beach, and the Eden on the Bay promenade.

Pack your sunhat and explore the beaches of the Western Cape!