Have your pick from our selection of four fantastic local destinations where you’ll be able to enjoy delicious gourmet eats, special touches and luxurious rooms.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Joburg
This hillside hotel may be an icon of the Joburg skyline, but hiding within its wonderful walls are three culinary gems, also to be relished. Refined elegance runs through the spacious and luxuriously decorated rooms and suites. Set out terrace-style up the hill, the rooms have fabulous views over Joburg’s tree-lined streets, and each room is designed to offer guests a feeling of absolute privacy. The hotel prides itself on attention to detail, evident in everything from the complimentary bath products to the friendly smiles and helping hand you’ll get at every turn. From the moment you check in, you feel like a VIP.
Foodies will delight in a stay at The Westcliff as there are so many different options to tickle your taste buds. Flames will go down a treat for meat eaters, with a definite must-try being their 600g Tomahawk Ribeye steak. The only way to enjoy this beast of a meal is with one of the local craft beers, which Flames offers on-tap. For a meal with a view, you can’t go wrong with a reservation at the hotel’s View. Not only will your senses be taken on a culinary journey with Joburg’s pretty vistas as your background, but you’ll also be able to peer into the kitchen as the team of chefs work furiously on your dinner.
COST From R4 800pn for a two-sleeper Garden-View Deluxe Room, including breakfast. For more information, see fourseasons.com/johannesburg
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Makaranga Garden Lodge, Kloof
Nature lovers and stressed-out city slickers will find the breathing space they need at this botanical retreat in Kloof. With its sprawling lawns and pathways through indigenous forests past tranquil lily ponds, Makaranga is a haven for the body and soul that also happens to house three world-class eateries. Tasteful decor and stylish minimalism are the order of the day at Makaranga. Suites are individually decorated, each with its own veranda that allows guests to soak up the magnificent panoramic views of the gardens. For longer stays and bigger groups, The Apartment is perfect, offering two bedrooms in a self-catering unit.
You won’t go hungry at Makaranga, with three fabulous eateries to choose from – Nonna, The Deli, and The Library Bar – each offering unique tastes to savour. Nonna is set inside a Victorian warehouse – the grandeur of the building overshadowed only by the cuisine. The Deli is stocked with cheeses, pickles, vegetables, pâtés and breads, so you can customise your own picnic baskets. The Library Bar is the ideal spot to relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
COST From R1 890pn for a Standard Double Room, including breakfast. For more information, see makaranga.com
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Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Part of Franschhoek’s renowned food and wine valley, Rickety Bridge Wine Estate overlooks endless vineyards and the Wemmershoek mountain range, and boasts a winemaking history that dates back to the 17th century. The estate is named after the old railway sleeper bridge that crossed the Franschhoek River on the property, and its rooms – restored to reflect their 19th-century heritage – offer a sense of history and refined luxury. Unwind with a relaxing massage in your own room or take a stroll through 27 hectares of vineyard. Sample wine made on the estate, or go on the hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram to see the area and wine farms in the vicinity. There’s also horseback riding and mountain biking for more adventurous guests.
As part of the gourmet capital of the Cape, Rickety Bridge offers fine dining in scenic settings. Paulina’s sumptuous cuisine is prepared by a team of talented chefs. Indulge in hearty fare, such as delicious curries and soups. Take an exclusive cellar tour, sampling fine wines on cosy leather couches in front of a crackling fire to salute the autumn nights.
COST From R3 000pn for a double room at the Rickety Bridge Manor House, including breakfast. For more information, see ricketybridge.com
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Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch
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Luxurious accommodations, designed to make you feel at home in another world.
This fine luxury estate is situated on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, the historic lookout point for ships entering Table Bay Harbour. Luxury is the raison d’être at this exclusive estate, where guests can stay in one of the designer lodges. Each lodge has a private heated infinity pool, as well as a butler’s kitchen – all with endless breathtaking views over the vineyards. And with Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and Helderberg on your doorstep, sampling the region’s best wines is easily pencilled in.
Enjoy food prepared by our team of professional chefs, whose menus are shaped around the seasons and include signature dishes like Cape Seafood Risotto and Karoo Lamb. Only the finest ingredients are used, with fresh organic produce grown in the greenhouse. From private Delaire wine cellar tours to wine tastings and guided vineyard walks, guests will feel like royalty.
COST From R19 050pn for the two-sleeper Deluxe Lodge, including breakfast and a range of luxurious activities, such as wine tasting. For more information, see delaire.co.za
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