Surrounding Cape Town are the Winelands, with their towering indigo mountains and picturesque vineyards centred around the valleys of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek.Usually based around gracious, historical mansions with their distinctive Cape Dutch gabled architecture, these estates have some of the finest bistros and restaurants. A wine tasting tour with lunch or dinner, or even staying one or two nights, can be very rewarding.
Of the quaint villages, which nestle along the rugged coastline of Cape Overberg, Hermanus, a traditional fishing port, has some of the best land based whale watching in the world between June and November.
Further north lie the Cedarberg Mountains, an area of wind sculptured rock and Bushman paintings. However, it is the beauty of Citrusdaal, with its fruit trees blossoming in Spring, and Namaqualand, with its carpets of dazzling flowers in August, that are truly memorable.
Discover a special corner of the world where lush green gardens will lull you into a state of bliss.
The upmarket Auberge Burgundy, offering luxurious accommodation and fine cuisine, is set in the historical heart of Hermanus, the hub of the famous Whale Route and has spectacular views of the Walker Bay.
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse - a historic wheat and sheep farm, today combined with thousands of hectares of private nature reserve.
Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers' paradise of Walker Bay, is the regal Birkenhead House.
For lovers of style, modern design, beautiful surroundings and the finer things in life: Bloom Estate will be your retreat of choice!
Situated in an unexplored valley near the small town of Stanford, just beyond Hermanus within two hours drive from Cape Town, is Blue Gum Country Estate.
Situated between the rugged foothills of the Cederberg mountains and the plains of the Great Karoo in the Western Cape.
Where luxury and peace are to be found in a sweeping river valley, where the views encompass a wetland, winding river and distant mountains and where the call of the Fish Eagle will forever remind you of the vast skies of Africa.
The Franschhoek Country House is an exclusive boutique hotel, situated in the charming winelands town of Franschhoek.
Grande Provence Estate wears her 300-year history with dignity.
The Grande Roche of Paarl has become a legend on the local hospitality scene for having won such a formidable array of awards and culinary accolades since it's opening in January 1992.
Lies 160 kms from Cape Town in the hills above Walker Bay with breathtaking views over the sea to the Cape of Good Hope in the distance.
Hog Hollow is a 4-star lodge set on the edge of an indigenous forest in a private nature reserve
Cordial hospitality is what you will experience during your stay at Hout Bay Manor, which is renowned as one of Cape Town's most graceful landmarks.
A find of rare distinction, Hunter's defines the benchmarks for sumptuous country living, impeccable service and acclaimed gourmet cuisine.
A peaceful corner of the Franschhoek Valley is home to Klein Genot Wine and Country Estate, where Feng Shui philosophy meets farm style hospitality.
Six luxury rooms in a beautifully converted stable block or a honeymoon cottage on a traditional country winery
Kurland is undisputedly the most desirable address on the Garden Route. Kurland is a gem, a secluded hideaway that will provide the most discerning guest with the absolute freedom of space and luxurious comforts to truly indulge their senses.
The tranquil vine yards and majestic mountains of the Franschhoek Valley, paint the stunning backdrop to the secluded retreat of La Residence.
Ranking amongst the most prestigious establishments of its kind, the 300 year old Lanzerac Manor & Winery is set on one of South Africa's most resplendent wine estates on the picturesque hinterland of Stellenbosch.
A place of outstanding natural beauty, poised above a private trout dam that reflects majestic mountains and landscaped grounds.
A little French, a little foreign, a little style called Cape Provencal. Le Quartier Francais is a splash of style in the heart of historic Franschhoek.
Maanschijnkop Luxury Country House is situated on a rolling estate at the foot of the Maanskynkop Mountain, 4 kms outside of Hermanus, the estate runs from the entrance on Stanford Main Road down to the lagoon.
Mardouw Country House is a magnificent Cape Georgian house set in the lush wineland area between Swellendam and Ashton, on Route 60.
Mont Rochelle is in one of the most unique and beautiful settings in South Africa, surrounded by the estate vineyards high on a mountain overlooking the beautiful Franschhoek Valley.
Ocean Eleven is a Cape Cod Colonial style guesthouse situated on the famous cliffs of Hermanus with breathtaking views.
Soaring above the glittering Knysna lagoon and offering breathtaking mountain and ocean views, Pezula enjoys a setting that has to be seen to be believed.
Phantom Forest Lodge, discreetly designed with ragged thatch and wood shingle, to blend in under the canopy of mature forest trees.
Plettenberg Park's Lake House is situated within the most exclusive private nature reserve in the Cape and is set high on the majestic cliffs of this dramatically beautiful coastline.
Walking, swimming, mountain biking, wine tasting, golf, horse riding and
bird watching at the foothills of the Drakenstein Mountains in the Eastern Cape Wine Lands.
At the foot of the Warmwaterberg, in the heart of the Little Karoo, between Montagu and Barrydale on the famous Route 62, the vision of the San is becoming a reality.
Southern Cross is a Colonial style home with direct access to the dunes and Robberg beach.
The splendid, five star Steenberg Country Hotel graces the Cape's oldest wine farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley.
Located above the rugged cliffs overlooking the waters of Walker Bay, The Marine is a premier whale-watching location for the southern right whale.
The Plettenberg, a 5 star Relais & Chateaux Hotel built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas of the sea, mountains and miles of golden sand in one of the most spectacular resorts in Africa - Plettenberg Bay.
Arriving at the Porte Cochere, along the cobbled approach road, one follows the boardwalk past the fountain, across the reflection pond and into the Lodge foyer with it's magnificent polished blackwood columns.
