Category: Travel News

Just forty minutes’ drive from Cape Town, you will find the scenic, serene town of Paarl.

Peppered with historical monuments and museums, Paarl is a town you can truly get lost within, and enjoy a trip down memory lane. Such history, intertwined with natural beauty and an abundance of vineyards, sets the scene for a relaxing holiday or interesting vacation.

The 12 kilometre stretch of Main Road, presents you with a living tableau of architectural brilliance, showcasing excellent examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture.

But, of course, you wouldn’t just visit Paarl for the buildings. A large variety of vineyards are situated in Paarl, and the Paarl Wine Route is often known as the “Red Route”. With over twenty-five wine cellars within the region, the Paarl Wine Route begs to be explored and enjoyed.

Dorp Street Restaurant Theatre in Paarl is one of oldest supper theatres in South Africa. Offering exquisite entertainment and cuisine, within an intimate and comfortable environment, the Dorp Street Restaurant Theatre is a platform for both established and new performers.

One of Paarl’s most popular tourist spots, Butterfly World, is the largest free-flying park for butterflies in South Africa. If other insects are more your interest, you can also enjoy the Iguana cage, reptile display or the Spider Room.

Aan de Paarlberg Guest House

Located on the rocky slopes of Paarl Mountain, Aan de Paarlberg Guest House is a luxurious and comfortable establishment, that boasts a beautiful garden, waterfall feature and solar heated swimming pool. Aan de Paarlberg prides itself on conforming to the highest international standards, warm hospitality and unbeatable service, truly the Pearl of Paarl.

Grande Roche Hotel

Grande Roche is a five-star hotel in Paarl. Home to the award-winning Bosman’s Restaurant, the hotel is worth a stop in, even if it’s just for lunch. With thirty-five comfortably appointed rooms, including a honeymoon suite and eighteen terrace suites, a stay at Grande Roche will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed.

Go play in Paarl and enjoy all that this quiet, wonderful town has to offer.

Category: Travel News

Bo Kaap is a region of the Western Cape, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, just above the city centre of Cape Town. Also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap is a cultural melting pot, diverse in nature and steeped in history.

Bo Kaap is a festive area, renowned for its cobble-stoned streets and brightly coloured houses. The area is home to a number of mosques, shrines, historical monuments and buildings, and it is here that the first Muslim Mosque was established in South Africa.

Bo Kaap is known by locals for its festivals and market days, which attract shoppers and tourists alike.

The Bo Kaap region boasts gorgeous views of Table Mountain

Another popular attraction to the area is the Bo Kaap Museum. The oldest house in the area, the museum building dates back to the 1760s and showcases the cultural contribution made by early settlers. The museum houses a number of social history collections.

Rouge on Rose is a boutique hotel in the Bo Kaap area. This family-run establishment offers a personal touch and excellent alternative to the larger city hotels. Choose between a deluxe or a self-catering suite, and enjoy beautiful views and loads of comfort. Whether you’re eating in at the bistro, or out at any of the conveniently close restaurants, you’ll be well-fed while staying at Rouge on Rose.

Number 9 Leeuwen Mansions is a self-catering unit that offers comfortable city living, and is available for short or long-term rental. Air-conditioned and able to accommodate two people, Number 9 Leeuwen Mansions has stunning views of Table Mountain, the harbour and the city. You can enjoy these from the large front balcony, whilst relaxing with a sundowner.

Explore and enjoy this vibrant region.

Category: Travel News

Just eighteen kilometres away from metropolitan Cape Town, a scenic drive over Suikerbossie Hill brings you to Llandudno. This private and peaceful cove is nestled in the valley between the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Karbonkelberg Mountain.

Llandudno is a hallowed retreat for the well-heeled of the Western Cape and beyond. Named after Llandudno in Wales, Llandudno in the Western Cape was first inhabited by the Strandlopers (beach walkers) who lived by hunting and gathering food along the coastline and beaches.

Lounge around in Llandudno

Today, Llandudno is a quiet, residential suburb that serves as a tranquil retreat and holiday destination. Visitors to Llandudno come for the peace, quiet and beautiful scenery of the region.

Llandudno prides itself on its quaint nature, and there are no street lights nor retail outlets in the suburb. The unspoiled beach is one the most secluded and beautiful stretches in the Western Cape. There is no nightlife in this elite suburb, unlike Camps Bay. Llandudno is quiet and retains its tranquility with pride. Llandudno’s beach is a firm favourite for family picnics and beach or water sports, like beach volley ball and surfing.

Lounge around in Llandudno

Plantation Beach House is the perfect destination for families looking for an active, quiet beach holiday in Cape Town. Quietly tucked away in a cul-de-sac, Plantation Beach House is situated just a stroll away from the beach, and boasts beautiful ocean and mountain views. This beach house can comfortably accommodate six to eight guests and boasts three dining areas - one inside the house, one on the balcony and another alongside the pool.

Andacasa Villa is an exquisite self-catering villa in Llandudno. Home to sublime style and superior quality accommodation, this villa has five bedrooms and is packed with class. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and the villa has a large pool and pretty koi pond. Wonderful sea views can be enjoyed from the lounge on the upper level and the classical dining room can seat twelve guests. This villa is a great spot for a group getaway.

Luxury at The Beach House in Llandudno

Available for both short and long-term rental, The Beach House in Llandudno has four bedrooms and dining areas both within the house and outside, beneath a wooden shade. A covered barbecue is set into the house, and The Beach House is great for a quiet family getaway. The house manager lives on the premises so is always on hand to assist with your queries and the house is serviced four mornings a week. A small grocery pack can be provided to you upon arrival and a cot is available if required. The Beach House has uninterrupted views over the ocean, and is a truly peaceful escape. Sit back, relax and enjoy quality time with your family at The Beach House.

Take a break and truly relax in Llandudno, a beautiful place with a quiet ambience.

Category: Travel News

If you or a family member are confined to a wheelchair, either permanently or temporarily, it can be concerning and restrictive when booking a holiday.

Luckily, a number of accommodation establishments are aware of this and cater for the disabled, by ensuring that their facilities can be utilized by both the able-bodied and disabled.

Wheelchair friendly holiday establishments

La Fontaine Guest House in Hermanus is a deluxe guest retreat, perfect for a whale watching holiday or relaxing getaway. This guesthouse is steeped in history, as it is situated in one of the oldest buildings in Hermanus. Known for its great whale watching opportunities, La Fontaine Guest House focuses on enabling visitors to relax and rejuvenate their senses in a tranquil environment. At La Fontaine you will find yourself immersed in comfortable luxury and surrounded by the uplifting sounds of waves crashing onto the shore, and whales at play during the whale watching season. La Fontaine is wheelchair friendly.

The Kingfisher Corner is located right on the water’s edge in Sedgefield. The houses are placed high above the Swartvlei Estuary, which is the largest lake in the area. You’d be treated to scenic views and a variety of family activities on offer. With two houses to choose from, one which accommodates four guests, and the other five, Kingfisher Corner is a great spot for a family holiday or group getaway. Both houses are completely wheel chair friendly.

A Tuscan Villa in Fish Hoek, is close to the beach, central Fish Hoek and an array of good quality restaurants. A four-star guest house, this villa boasts six spacious en-suite rooms, all of which have been luxuriously furnished and decorated. The Kalk Bay suite caters for families in particular whilst the ground-floor suite, called Boulders, has been specifically designed to meet the accessibility needs of wheelchair users. This includes special fittings in the bathroom and shower.

Don’t be dissuaded from booking a much-needed holiday just because of concerns about accessibility. Book your holiday and enjoy the comfort and relaxation that these establishments have to offer.

Category: Travel News

When you’re heading away for a well-deserved break, one of your greatest concerns could be about the care of your pet. Many people hire a petsitter, or ask a friend or neighbour to check in on and feed their pet. That might not be optimal for you, though, so it’s great to know that there are a number of establishments in the Western Cape who cater for pet-lovers, and let you bring your beloved pets with you on holiday.

Take your pet on holiday with you

Corgi Cottage is a double-storey character cottage in Waterkant Street, in the Cape Town City Bowl. Offering quiet, comfortable accommodation for two couples, or four people, this homely establishment is just a ten-minute walk from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Fully equipped for guests with pets, Corgi Cottage also boasts two balconies with magnificent views of the docks, Table Bay and the Waterfront.

Driftwood Cabin is a luxurious, two-bedroomed cabin in Suiderstrand. With spectacular sea views and vistas over the adjacent fynbos-rich Agulhas National Park, Driftwood cabin is the ideal place to spend a holiday or a long weekend. Pet-lovers are welcome to bring their pets along, and enjoy long walks along the beach. The area is also a well-known whale watching and fishing spot.

Take your pet on holiday with you

Langebaan is a hallowed retreat for many holidaymakers. The area is renowned for its tranquility, yet is just an hour away from the buzz of central Cape Town. Barry’s Place in Langebaan is a private, self-catering unit located just walking distance from Langebaan’s lagoon. You’re welcome to bring your pet along on holiday whilst you stay at Barry’s Place. This three-bedroom unit can accommodate up to ten people.

Why leave your pets at home when you can take them with you on holiday? Book your space at one of these great pet-friendly establishments.

Category: Travel News

The Helderberg region is one of the Western Cape’s famous wine-producing regions. Taking its name from the imposing Helderberg Mountain, this region is known for its natural beauty and stunning, mountainous backdrop.

From rugged mountain tops, descending into the valleys where the vineyards lay, the region moves to the coastline, where the warm waters sweep up on to the white and sandy beaches.

Relax in the Helderberg region

Home to both the Helderberg and Stellenbosch wine routes, the Helderberg is also known for its most popular areas, including Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West and Strand. Just forty-five minutes away from Cape Town, the Helderberg area is a place to relax, unwind and enjoy life’s finest pleasures.

Gordon’s Bay is a a well-known surfing and watersports spot, whilst the beaches in the region are renowned swimming spot, including Strand’s fabulous Bikini Beach. Gordon’s Bay is a harbour town, so whilst relaxing you can also enjoy watching boats and yachts as they arrive. Somerset West comes alive over the festive season, with a decorative display of Christmas lights along Main Road.

Enjoy beautiful views in the Helderberg region

One of the region’s jewels is the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Overlooking False Bay, the Helderberg Nature Reserve offers picnic spots, hiking trails and a variety of wildlife. You’ll find the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West.

Relax in a gorgeous setting, in the Helderberg. Book your holiday breakaway today.

Category: Travel News

With the winter school holidays around the corner, now would be a good time into booking a family getaway. Let the kids relax with a break from homework, and take some time off to reflect over the first half of this year. Enjoy a few weeks away with your family and unwind with some quality family time.

A variety of establishments across the Western Cape are running some spectacular specials just perfect for that fun family vacation.

Head off to the Western Cape for the school holidays

Hill House is the ideal base for a luxurious family holiday. Book before 13 July 2011, and enjoy this splendid four-bedroom house for just R2600 per night. Hill House can accommodate up to eight guests and boasts magnificent mountain and city views. Located at the top of Tamboerskloof, Hill House is just a few minutes away from Camps Bay. Spacious and comfortable, Hill House makes for a great, private spot to unwind with the family.

The view from Hill House

Villa Sunshine in Bantry Bay offers bed and breakfast accommodation and is located just under Lions Head. Conveniently close to the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Villa Sunshine is also within walking distance of the gorgeous Clifton beach. Book before the end of June, and enjoy rooms priced at just R550, R690 or R800 per night. The Villa’s seven individually decorated suites overlook the Atlantic Seaboard and are all fully equipped. The Villa happily caters for families, and children above the age of 6. You are able to add another bed to your room for an additional cost.

Villa Sunshine

Soho on Strand is a lovely 3-bedroom apartment in De Waterkant, in the Cape Town CBD. If you’re looking for a more urban family holiday, with easy access to shops and other aspects of urban life, this apartment would suit your needs, and your pocket, perfectly. Take advantage of the special running until July, and enjoy this open-plan apartment, complete with two spacious balconies.

GlenLin Self Catering Accommodation is located in Glencairn, along the False Bay coast. If you book for your winter holiday now, you could score a ten percent discount or enjoy three nights’ stay whilst paying for just two. This spacious and modern upper floor apartment overlooks Glencairn Vlei. This apartment can accommodate up to five guests, in two large bedrooms.

Kick back and enjoy some quality family time. Book your winter family vacation today!

Category: Travel News

Whilst winter is making her way through our country, it’s time for you to start thinking about how to spend your winter holidays. If you’re planning a romantic trip for two, there are a number of great specials running at various establishments across the Western Cape.

For a truly luxurious holiday, you could spend some quality time with your partner at White Lion Lodge. White Lion Lodge is situated along the Klein Kalkoenshoek River at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Just three hours’ drive from Cape Town, this wildlife reserve is the closest free-roaming Big 5 reserve to Cape Town. Sanbona is also home to the only free self-sustaining White Lions in the world, alongwith the Big 5 and the endangered riverine rabbit. White Lion Lodge offers world-class, exceptional personal service, coupled with fantastic cuisine. This unique wilderness hideaway offers four individual stilted glass and thatch suites, each with a spacious bedroom, dressing room, full bathroom and outdoor shower. To complete that romantic atmosphere, each suite is equipped with a fireplace. Book before 15 June, and enjoy a glorious private suite for R3500 per night, per couple.

Romantic Winter Getaways

Villa Victoria Guesthouse is another option for a wintry romantic holiday. This lovely Cape Victorian guesthouse is located in a tranquil setting, surrounded by a beautiful rose garden, with abundant birdlife. Homely yet luxuriously decorated and furnished, Villa Victoria prides itself on providing exquisite service, in an affordable manner. With beautiful views, you could wile away the winter days in comfort and enjoy a thirty percent discount, with a minimum stay of two nights, if you book before 20 July 2011.

Dreamscape Apartment can be found in the Mutual Heights Building, right in the heart of Cape Town. With floor to ceiling windows, providing beautiful views of Table Mountain, Dreamscape is the perfect choice for an urban exploration winter holiday. From here, you can sample all of Cape Town’s wonders and lifestyle, in stylish comfort. With a loft-level bedroom and contemporary, yet classy furnishings, Dreamscape lets you relax in a modern environment, whilst enjoying the convenience of being close to all the excitement of the Mother City. Book before 22 June 2011 to reap the benefits of Dreamscape’s winter special.

Romantic Winter Getaways

Emro House is a luxury, self-catering apartment in Camps Bay.  Emro House is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. An elegant studio apartment, Emro House boasts a modern kitchen and large private terrace. Enjoy this comfortable spot for just R350 per person, per night, with a minimum of two nights’ stay.

Spoil yourself, and your loved one, with a winter holiday getaway in the Western Cape.

Category: Travel News

If you’re heading out for a winter holiday, the Western Cape is an excellent place to head towards. With crisp winter air, beautiful scenery and a warm fireplace at your guesthouse or hotel, the Western Cape is the perfect place to snuggle up and enjoy the colder months. Numerous establishments across the province are running fantastic specials, which will keep you warm as you explore the Western Cape in winter.

3Flavours Guest House in Pringle Bay is running a spectacular special, whereby guests pay just R350 per night, per person sharing, for two nights or more, in one of their great Comfort Rooms. Each room has an amazing view of fynbos, mountains and the ocean. 3Flavours is a luxurious guesthouse is situated at the foot of the Hangklip Mountains, on the R44/Clarence Drive, just halfway between Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. This special includes a scrumptious breakfast.

Cape Stay Winter Specials - 14 York Mews

14 York Mews is an elegant, two-bedroomed apartment with patio in Green Point, Cape Town. Conveniently located to all amenities, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, this spacious and beautifully decorated apartment is an excellent base from which to explore all the wonders of the Mother City. You can book your holiday at this fabulous self-catering apartment and take advantage of this great special, valid until the end of September. If you stay for four nights, you only pay for three, or pay for five nights and stay for seven. If you’re looking for a longer stay, feel free to stay for ten nights and only pay for seven.

Cape Stay Winter Specials - The Bayleaf

The Bayleaf is a gorgeous villa, located in the popular and elite area of Camps Bay. The Bayleaf’s rooms can be rented individually or you can rent the entire villa for a fantastic family holiday. Book before 13 July, and you’ll pay just R300 per person sharing, per night, for two nights or more; or enjoy the entire villa for just R3000 per night. Each bedroom at The Bayleaf is en-suite and the house is filled with character, including wooden floors and all the modern conveniences you require for your winter holiday.

Dolphin Inn Guest House, in Blaauwberg, is a well-established, owner-managed establishment, operating since 1995. Close to a variety of restaurants, shops and kitesurfing schools, Dolphin Inn is only 160 metres away from Blouberg beach. Book your space at the guest house before 22 June, and enjoy fantastic hospitality for just R275 per person, per night, including a full breakfast. Dolphin Inn offers 8 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, a guest lounge and beautiful courtyard with a swimming pool and braai area.

Warm up with these great specials, and enjoy your winter holiday.

Category: Travel News

Planning to celebrate your special day in Cape Town? If you are, then you’re clearly destined for a beautiful ceremony and celebration of love. With a backdrop of abundant, beautiful scenery and the amazing wine and cuisine produced in the Western Cape, you’re making an excellent choice.

Cape Town is an easy city to fall in love with, and an even better spot to celebrate love in. You could be exchanging your vows beneath the mountain or surrounded by gorgeous vineyards in the Winelands.

Of course, it’s not just the natural beauty of the Cape that you will fall in love with. The Western Cape is renowned for its cuisine and fresh produce, which means your wedding banquet would be beautifully tailored to your heart’s content, and filled with fantastic food.

Cape Town Weddings

When getting married in Cape Town, you have a variety of options available to you when choosing a wedding venue. You could opt for a beach wedding, at any of the beautiful spots along the coastline. If a more upmarket celebration is your preference, Cape Town’s abundance of hotels and guesthouses would leave you battling to decide between them. The majority of hotels, guesthouses and resorts are fully equipped to make your special day absolutely magical.

Heading a little more inland, you could choose to have your wedding at any of the wine estates in the region. Not only are they known for producing some of the world’s top quality wines but, they’re also ready to host your special day.

Cape Town Weddings

Your wedding photographs will hold the memories you will treasure for a lifetime. You will be spoilt for choice when trying to find the backdrop for these precious pictures. Moreover, Cape Town’s photographic community is quite large, and has produced numerous award-winning photographers so, you’ll be in good hands when selecting a photographer.

And, of course, the honeymoon. Why not take that sacred holiday with your new partner in Cape Town? There’s a million and one things to do and memories to create in the beautiful Mother City.