SAS Category: Country Lodge

Small hotels with a distinctly local flavour. Standards of accommodation and service a very high by international comparison, some of these feature among the 100 top restaurants in South Africa.

Lavender Manor

Lavender Manor, Hermanus

A perfect location with beautiful rooms close to a beach

Lavender Manor is a small lodge with 9 rooms with a choice of mountain facing or sea facing aspects. It is close to the centre of Hermanus and the beach is just across the road. Each of the rooms is beautifully appointed and are very spacious. Decor is a blend between the traditional and modern but no expense has been spared in creating a truly captivating experience in this recently opened property. The bathrooms vary from large to huge and one of the bedrooms has superb views over the bay with the scope to be able to see whales in season. You will be guaranteed a personal touch and a very comfortable stay.

About the Location

Hermanus is a good location for seeing whales in the season which lasts from June to December. The area has some of the best land based whale watching anywhere in the world and you are also able to take a guided boat trip in order to see these wonderful mammals close up. The centre of Hermanus is a 5 minute drive and here you will find numerous great restaurants.  The Hemel-en-Aarde wineries are a 20 minute drive away and is home to Hamilton Russell which is often  as one of the top wineries in South Africa.


Agulhas Country Lodge, Cape Agulhas

Agulhas Country Lodge has one of the most romantic locations at the southern tip of Africa

Agulhas Country Lodge is positioned at the most southerly tip of Africa. The lodge is a beautiful limestone building furnished with antiques and South African art. The building has the air of a remote Scottish castle with original wood fittings rescued from historic properties in The Cape. Sit by a blazing log fire in the winter and read about some of the fascinating shipwrecks that have occurred (and are still occurring) along this notorious stretch of coastline. There are eight, large and sunny rooms and all have balconies and great sea views. Some rooms also have a Jacuzzi. As well as a sumptuous South African breakfast, dinner is included which always promises to be an experience.

About Agulhas Country Lodge’s Location

This is a great area for whale watching in season (June to December). An eco Quad Biking tour of the coastline and nearby nature reserve is an experience to remember in this interesting but often forgotten corner of South Africa. Visit the fascinating lighthouse which was modeled on the ancient Pharos of Alexandria. This is the third oldest lighthouse in South Africa and dates back to 1849. The lighthouse has a restaurant, museum and curio shop. Nearby Struisbaai has wide sandy beaches and old whitewashed fishermen’s cottages. More of these national heritage buildings can be found in Arniston and Waenhuiskrans which are a short drive away. Further inland are some more interestingly rural towns that have been ‘discovered’ by South African artists and entertainers. As this  is just a 2 1/2 hour drive from Cape Town, the area is also being discovered by tourists. There is even a local wine route which are the southernmost wineries in Africa. There is also a 9 hole golf course in Bredasdorp which is the southernmost golf course in Africa.

Auberge Burgundy, Hermanus

Auberge Burgundy occupies a great location in the centre of this bustling and trendy seaside town

Auberge Burgundy is four star accommodation at its best set in the centre of Hermanus. The style of the hotel is just as the name suggests with echoes of laid back rural France. The 14 rooms and 5 suites are spacious and very comfortably appointed with soothing light tones to the decor.  There is a roof top pool for relaxing when you just want to chill out rather than walk the short distance down to the beach. The poolside is a good option for those clients who enjoy easy pool access. The restaurant opposite used to be a part of the hotel and guests still eat breakfast here and can book for an excellent evening meal.

About Auberge Burgundy’s Location

The bustling town centre is close and sports a number of individual boutiques. Walker Bay is an excellent location to see Southern Right Whales between June and November.  Humpback Whales can normally be viewed from August to December. Their presence is greeted by the colourful, and noisy, Hermanus Whale Crier. He pounds the streets of the town to inform the residents of the most recent orcadian residents in the bay! This location has a lot to offer even outside the whale season. There is shark cage diving close by in Gansbaai and Sea Kayaking can be arranged locally. For the super fit, Sandboarding on the dunes at Betty’s Bay (30 minute drive) can be fun! For those who enjoy more passive pursuits, a trip to the local wine route of Hemel-en-Aarde will be rewarding. Two of South Africa’s top wineries, Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson are located in this charming valley just 15 minutes from Hermanus. Township tours, Paragliding, Deep Sea Fishing and Horse Riding are among the many activities available.


Jan Harmsgat Country House

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.


Rouxwill Farm

Rouxwill Farm, Greyton, Nr. Caledon

A personal favourite in beautiful countryside with wonderful accommodation

For people looking for a country getaway – this is for you. Rouxwil is a working farm with one bedroom, 2 luxury bedrooms with sweeping views over the countryside and 1 garden family unit. The Farmhouse is set in a valley surrounded by fields of wheat, in season, orchards and the natural Cape fynbos. The rooms are beautifully decorated with entrances into the gardens that boast far-reaching views of the mountains. The  rooms are complete with original antique furniture collected locally and have exquisite bathrooms completed in the owners’ inimitable style.

About the location

The farm is situated near the little towns of Elgin and Greyton, which are famous for their apple orchards, and Villiersdorp that is well known for its Cape Dutch architecture and fields of lavender. Caledon is not far away with its impressively refurbished Victorian thermal spa. This has been redeveloped into a complete spa centre but retains the original (very) hot baths that are reputed to have healing properties. Franschhoek and the Winelands is a 20-minute drive over the spectacular Franschhoek Pass and Hermanus, which is fabulous for whale watching in season (between June and December), is a short 30 minutes’ drive. The owners live on the farm and here you will experience fine home cooking. This is a quiet, relaxing location but it could also be a good centre for those wanting to hike and explore this beautiful location on foot. 4×4 trips around the property can also be arranged. Rouxwil is only an hour’s drive to Cape Town International Airport along fast roads.


Rothman Manor, Swellendam

Rothman Manor, Swellendam, Overberg

Rothman Manor is a luxurious, historic gem in South Africa’s third oldest town

Rothman Manor’s 200-year-old thatched Cape Dutch house is set in the centre of historic Swellendam. However, once in the grounds you could be in the middle of the countryside. The 6 suites are beautifully appointed with a perfect blend of European and South African touches.  The larger than normal suites comprise comfortable period style beds, beautiful bathrooms and a lounge area. The rooms open onto the fabulous gardens that in season are full of colour. Relaxing by the pool you will be able to look over the rest of the grounds, which the owner has stocked with small buck such as Springbok. This property continues to be a favourite with our clients confirming the owners’ excellent ratings and reviews on Trip Advisor.

About Rothman Manor’s Location

There are several good restaurants in Swellendam and one, The Old Mill, is opposite Rothman Manor. Breakfast is either served in the period dining room panelled in stinkwood or outside on the stoep overlooking the gardens.  Swellendam has some great restaurants providing excellent gourmet lunches and dinner. ou 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. Locally, the Bontebok National Park is an easy 10-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.  There is an excellent wine trail between Swellendam and nearby Robertson. 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.


Kings Walden Garden Manor

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.


Ingwe Manor

Ingwe Manor, Margate, South Coast

Popular location on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast with a Blue Flag Beach

This is a charming, 7-bedroom property with a unit suitable for a family. The rooms are nicely appointed and we particularly liked the four-poster bed! The bathrooms are enormous and by the exquisite pool and gazebo there is a Jacuzzi. The terrace is a perfect spot for breakfast or a sundowner, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

The resort of Margate may be a little ‘tired’, although it does have an excellent, clean, Blue Flag beach with great facilities, but the delightful little resort of Ramsgate is a five-minute drive away with some very good restaurants. This would make an excellent base for a family to explore the South Coast area of KwaZulu-Natal and down to the Wild Coast and for golfers there are good courses nearby and the owner will be delighted to make arrangements and has been known to accompany guests for a game or two!


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.


Fairlight

Fairlight, Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal, North Coast

Fairlight is right by a great beach on the Indian Ocean and walk to restaurants

Fairlight was the original building in this area over 100 years ago. Dating back to the early 1900’s, the house was built by Squire Bacon – Margaret Bacon Avenue is named after his wife. The Squire often enjoyed watching a particular trading schooner from England sailing past his house. Its name was ‘Fairlight’, and his house found a name. The property is rated 5 star and is alongside one of the finest bathing beaches on the North Coast.  The 4 bedrooms and 2  suites (1 ideal for a family) are beautifully decorated and  comfortable although the beds tend to be firm. All the rooms are sea facing and two can be used on a self-catering basis and for families.  You will be able to enjoy the sumptuous breakfast overlooking the pool or the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

This property is conveniently located between Durban and the Game Reserves and  just 20 minutes from Durban Airport. The area has many activities to keep even the most active people occupied. This includes Scuba Diving, Horse Riding, surfing, golf and for those who enjoy the finer things in life there are excellent restaurants a short walk away.