Fine Dining Archives - Page 4 of 7

Jan Harmsgat Country House, Swellendam

Jan Harmsgat combines out of the way rural charm with beautiful rooms and great cuisine

This is real country living! Set beneath the imposing Langeberg Mountains this property has four large bedrooms mainly set in a thatched converted barn . The property also has a family sized, self catering cottage on a working farm approximately 5 minutes’ drive away, This can be used to accommodate families with children under 12. The rooms are spacious and have a calm, cooling country feel with thatched or cape reed ceilings. Dinner in the main house is a feature of any stay at Jan Harmsgat. The cuisine ranks among the best we have encountered in South Africa, the wine cellar features some of the top South African wines with an emphasis on local wineries and some lesser-known labels, which are excellent.

About Jan Harmsgat’s Location

You can relax beside the pool soaking up the sun, walk among the fruit orchards which include grapefruit, apples and quince. You can also hike into the Langeberg Mountains. Explore historic Swellendam, just 25 kms away, where you will find some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture, There are interesting museums and a good craft complex in the Old Gaol, which is part of the Old Drosdty museum. Robertson, which is home to some excellent wineries, is just 60 kms along the road. In fact the entire road up to Worcester is dotted with vineyards. Both towns have excellent restaurants. The Bontebok National Park is an easy 15-minute drive and it is one of the most successful conservation stories. The park was established in 1931 to protect the remaining 60 bontebok. There are now well over 2,500 bontebok throughout South Africa. You can take a short drive to Montagu, which has hot springs and dramatic scenery through the Kogman’s Kloof Pass. The southernmost tip of Africa (Cape Agulhas) is an hour’s drive. For those looking for a truly unspoilt wilderness the drive to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The spectacular pristine beach at nearby Witsand will reward you with wonderful sightings of Whales in season (June to December). You will also find examples here of the unique Cape Fynbos vegetation at its best. Rather than just a stopover on your way to the Garden Route, we believe you will be enchanted by a two or three day stay.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Hermanus

A romantic hideaway set in the beautiful fynbos countryside close to the sea

This is a small private nature reserve set in a remarkable location between Walker Bay, for some of the best land based whale watching in the world, and the Overberg Mountains. The accommodation is luxurious and comprise suites and cottages and ideal for a honeymoon ‘away from it all’. The lodge is a popular venue for weddings.

About the Location

The bustling town of Hermanus is fairly close as are the world famous Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson Wineries. Nearby Gansbaai is popular for shark cage diving and you can also arrange boat tours in Walker Bay which is good during the whale season between June and December.

The Marine Hotel, Hermanus

This is luxury accommodation at its finest, equivalent to the top international hotels but distinctly South African. The 46 rooms are beautifully decorated in the unique, luxuriously restful style established by the late Liz McGrath. This is a sister hotel to The Cellars – Hohenort (Cape Town) and The Plettenberg Bay Hotel. These are all top of the range 5 star hotels with a level of service that is second to none.

About the Location

The hotel is situated right on the cliff top overlooking Walker Bay. In fact from the windows of some of the suites you will be able to watch the whales in the bay between June and December.You will also be able to arrange a boat trip to see these magnificent creatures at close hand. There are two top restaurants – one featuring local seafood in a more casual, bistro type setting. If you don’t want to use the sea, which is a short walk down some steps from the grounds, you will be able to swim in the pool located near one of the restaurants. There is a health spa and, as you would expect a very imaginative gift shop.

Rovos Rail (The Pride Of Africa)

A once in a lifetime experience in total luxury

This is true luxury in a grand style harking back to the grace of the age of steam. Although the coaches are vintage, they have been lovingly and lavishly restored providing one of the most luxurious experiences you will find anywhere in the world. You will be hauled by a steam engine for the start and ending of your journey (lack of coaling and watering facilities en route these days prevents more extensive use of these incredible locomotives). Once on board your every need is taken care of. The food is a sumptuous banquet often served stationary in the wilderness viewing the amazing African sunset.

While you are traveling

Excursions are arranged en route to game parks and other features of interest. As you can see from the map the routes over which Rovos Rail travels are extensive harking back to the colonial times when the railways were built as an extension of empire! Now you can relax and view the splendour of Africa unfolding before your eyes as you travel via Victoria Falls to Tanzania. A journey up to Windhoek will take you through the vast desert wilderness of Namibia. But the routes through South Africa to Cape Town, along the Garden Route and through Zululand to Durban are still the most popular and rewarding – especially at the start or finish of your holiday experience. Pretoria to Cape Town takes two gloriously full days and the train stops to allow you an undisturbed night’s rest. As always luxury demands its own price but we feel this compares very favourably with the top hotels anywhere in the world.

Kings Walden Garden Manor, Tzaneen, Limpopo,

A beautiful location set in stunning gardens with sweeping views

This is a small lodge with just 6 rooms all beautifully appointed and with mountain views. The property is especially well known for its gardens planted by the original owners in the 1930s. Fine dining is a key ingredient of your stay and the owners take pride in sourcing fresh produce daily

About the Location

This is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport along excellent roads and just 20 minutes from the bustling town of Tzaneen. This area is often credited with having the best climate in South Africa as it is set high in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains which ensures that this tropical paradise rarely gets unbearably hot or humid. There is much to visit in this locations from The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, White Water Tubing, Quad Bike trails, Abseiling, Climbing wall, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Paintball, Kloofing or Canyoning. You are also close to the legendary ‘Kingdom’ of Mojadi – The Rain Queen. This is supposed to have been the inspiration for Kipling’s novel ‘She’. Close by is an enormous Baobab tree which has been dated as 1,700 years’ old. It is so large and hollow it houses the famous Baobab Tree Bar.

Three Trees at Spionkop

A stunning lodge in an historic location (non malarial)

Originally established to commemorate the location of one of the bitter struggles in the Boer War between the largest empire the world has known and one of the smallest nations at that time. Accommodation is in 6 exquisite twin bedded cottages overlooking the battlefield of Spioenkop. Winston Churchill took a very active part in the ultimately vain and costly attempt to capture the hill from the Boer commandos. There is a standalone two bedroom house named Churchills which is perfect for families. There is also a family suite. This is an all inclusive property and the dining room in located in the main house.

About the Location

The property is situated on a nature reserve so you may notice a rhino or giraffe wandering past you cottage. The lodge can arrange full day battlefield tours, game walks and rhino tracking, horse riding as well as mountain biking and hiking. For those who prefer less strenuous activities, there is a beautiful pool with sweeping views over the nature reserve and across to Spioenkop. This is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and around a 2 1/2 hour drive from Durban Airport. This can be included in a trip taking in a private safari lodge in Northern Zululand (this area is malarial), the Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift battlefields and the nearby Drakensberg Mountains.

Michael Poliza

Thanda Private Game Reserve, Elephant Coast

One of the great Private Game Reserves of KwaZulu-Natal

Thanda has 9 luxury bush villas each with their own lounge, boma and, heated, splash pool. The bathroom features indoor and outdoor showers. In addition to an exclusive villa, there are also 16 luxurious tents with sweeping views of the reserve. These enable guests to get even closer to nature yet benefit from the height of luxury. The central facilities include full bar, lounge and ‘wellness centre’. The beautifully crafted food features traditional Zulu as well as interesting fusion between Western and African cuisine.

About the Location

There are a variety of different activities and experiences on offer. In addition to ‘Big Five’ game viewing on the reserve where the original ecosystem is being restored, Thanda can also arrange bush walks, excursions to the nearby Indian Ocean beaches and a variety of Zulu cultural experiences. Private game drives can also be arranged. Accommodation is provided on an ‘All Inclusive’ basis including game drives. the best time of the year to visit this area for a wonderful game experience is during South Africa’s winter season between May and November. This is the dry season for this region and this will help with game viewing. The humidity which can be intense during the summer months is much less in winter.

White Elephant Safari Lodge, Pongola, Northern Zululand

A real back to nature experience in the African Bush in Northern Zululand

White Elephant Lodge offers safari with a difference. Accommodation in the Safari Lodge is in 8 luxurious safari tents. These are well equipped with beautiful bathrooms, private, outdoor canvas shower, private veranda and personal bar. Exquisite white percale bed linen completes the style and each tent has insect gauze on the windows, ceiling fans and mosquito nets. Sumptuous meals are served at the main house, which is a restored colonial homestead. Accommodation in the Bush Camp is simpler in 7 thatched chalets. There is the same attention to style and quality and meals are taken in the dining area close to the viewing deck. Both lodges have a welcome swimming pool for relaxing beside after the day’s activities.

About the Location

The lodge is situated close to the border with Mozambique and Swaziland approximately a 5 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg airport and 3 hours from Durban Airport. Two eco activities are included in the price. Activities include game drives into the Pongola Game Reserve, which was the first to be declared by President Kruger at the end of the 1800s, guided walks, Rhino walks, and Elephanting where guests participate in the reserve’s elephant monitoring project. Guest can also take a scenic flight with the flying doctor service into local communities, experience a number of cultural tours into the surrounding Zulu communities or participate in a programme where a psychologist provides a de-stressing programme with the elephants. The lodge also has a fully equipped wellness centre. Therefore, whether you are looking for a game experience, want to discover Zulu culture or just a chance to relax and de-stress, White Elephant should provide you with a memorable experience.

Hartford House, Giant’s Castle, Drakensberg

A stylish 5 star country house hotel in the beautiful Natal Midlands

This is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest boutique hotels. The location is exceptional as the hotel forms part of Summerhill, which is one of South Africa’s leading racehorse stud farms. There are 14 luxurious suites decorated in a style that befits this gracious Victorian estate. There is a renowned restaurant for fine dining and the Natal Midlands area is home to numerous good and casual restaurants. The Wellness centre will pamper you especially after a long flight and swimming and tennis are also available in the exquisite gardens. This is a very popular location for weddings.

About the Location

Durban Airport is a 2 hour drive and from here you will be able to drive easily to the Drakensbergs (Giant’s Castle is relatively close and Cathedral Peak is not too far). There are numerous Boer War battlefields close by and the Zulu battlefields are a 1 1/2 hour drive. Personal tours into the Drakensbergs can be arranged.

Notten’s Bush Camp, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

A firm favourite in one of the best locations for game viewing

Set within the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Notten’s Bush Camp is an exclusively intimate retreat. The Lodge has been run by the Notten family for the past 30 years and is alive with the heart and soul of Africa. This is truly one of our and our clients’ favourite game lodges. Each of the 8 private suites is traditionally styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. This very different to most of the private game lodges with the deliberate absence of electricity. Ambient candlelight and lanterns capture an enchanting spirit of romance and the African bush reminiscent of a bygone era. You will warm to the wonderful staff many of whom are from the local Shangaan people and who have been with the lodge for many years. This speaks volumes for the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the unique lodge which has been voted one of the best game lodges in Africa. The rooms are all en suite, with mosquito netting on the windows and doors, and private viewing decks.

About the Location

The views in this peaceful setting are breathtaking and relaxation is guaranteed. Guests can also explore the regions prolific wildlife on safaris led by experienced rangers in open-top Land Rovers. Daily bush walks are available, and lazy hours at the sparkling infinity pool or a visit to the well equipped spa can fill the gaps. Notten’s prides itself in offering its guests some of the best wildlife experiences on offer in South Africa. The evocative sounds of the African night sets the perfect mood for dinning in the enchanting candlelit boma, beneath a canopy of stars. The massage deck is an ideal, peaceful setting for relaxing therapeutic treatments. Other facilities include the indoor lounge with a large fireplace, bar and wine cellar. The open-plan lounge and dining area leads onto a wooden deck overlooking a vast plain and waterhole. Our clients regard a visit to Notten’s as one of the highlights of their stays in South Africa.