A few years ago, I compiled a list on My Best Child-friendly Restaurants and Wine Farms near Cape Town. Since then, the response to that post has been overwhelming. At the time of my writing it, most of my friends had children but never knew where to take them. And I was inspired to write a post to help parents. Fast forward a few years and now, as a new mother myself, I have a deeply vested interest in not only finding child-friendly places but also in sharing them. Load Up the Pram, Baby, Let’s Hit the Road I know…
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The Cape Winelands in the beautiful Western Cape offer some of the best picnics and lunches in South Africa. Regardless of whether you are looking for a classy, yet homely weekend lunch, romantic picnic for two or simply a great family meal – this unique region is a foodies’ paradise. The Cape Winelands: A Foodie Destination for All Over time, I have had the pleasure of dining out at some of the Cape’s loveliest wine farms. I have sampled everything from gourmet picnics to soothing lunches. And in this post, I share my pick of my most memorable picnics and…
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The Western Cape is famous for its charming small towns and villages. In this post, I share some of my favourite, best Western Cape towns and villages. Whether you are looking for an in-land adventure or coastal escape, these local gems are made for travellers to explore. Exploring the Best Western Cape Towns and Villages Over the years, I have had the pleasure of exploring most of the well-known, iconic towns in the Western Cape. Growing up in the Klein Karoo town of Montagu allowed us easier access and relaxed road trips to nearby gems. Although there are many other Cape…
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Being raised in the Klein Karoo from a tender age, it gradually became difficult for remote Cape regions to impress me. After all, the sky strung with stars at night or painted crimson at dawn or dusk was the norm for me. As were the freezing, icy winters (often with snowfall) or barren, dry landscapes covered only with fynbos, sparse trees, succulents and seasonal wild flowers. In many ways, I was a little naïve to think it was a desolate place when, just beneath and even above the surface, teemed such abundant life. As a teen, as I finally started…
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Hout Bay is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and, at times, underrated suburbs. This charming seaside village, so rich in history and blessed with cheery demeanour aplenty, is rightfully well-loved among its locals and tourists. Yet, it is perhaps somewhat underexplored by Capetonians at large. Hout Bay, which is fondly considered its own ‘republic’ (it even has its own passport), is one of my favourite parts of Cape Town. Since I first properly explored Hout Bay in 2014, I have found myself frequently answering its sweet siren’s call. This post is my local love letter to the Republic of…
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It’s not often that one can say you discovered a slice of Tuscany in the Western Cape. And yet, Fields of Gold Farm, tucked near the mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, certainly feels like a trip to some quaint European villa. The only thing that makes it even better is the fact that it’s edged by our own beautiful South African wine farms and olive trees, with spectacular mountains behind. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a country escape, while still being wonderfully close by to local restaurants, wine farms and shops. (There is a rustic dirt road to access…
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Pet-friendly travel – both in terms of accommodation and eateries – is becoming a major, important requirement for pet lovers. To most of us – myself included – our pets are as much a part of our family as anyone else. So being able to or feeling welcome to bring them along matters. (Obviously, not every trip or holiday is geared towards bringing your floof with. But most are suitable for pets, especially local day trips and getaways.) In light of this, I wanted to share some pet-friendly accommodation and restaurants across the Western Cape. These are all places that…
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Tucked away in the shadow of the Kogelberg mountains, in the fiercely beautiful Cape Overberg Region, you find the charming Villa Chad Luxury Guesthouse. This Kleinmond accommodation escape promises idyllic couples’ getaways, fun one-night stays with larger groups of friends or colleagues and even a wellness retreat for anyone who needs to recharge, refresh and revitalise their soul. What makes Villa Chad especially alluring is how it is the perfect blend of an international-type stay right here in a quaint South African coastal town. Because, aside from the quality amenities and facilities, the facade and paintwork bear subtle, yet striking…
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Although February is famously the month of love (and my birth month so I am particularly partial towards it) – I don’t believe romantic gestures and fun couple experiences should be reserved to a single day or month. So, to help you build lasting memories with your sweetheart, here are some special date ideas to enjoy around the Western Cape year-round! Romantic and Special Date Ideas to Enjoy Around the Western Cape With everything from fun, outdoorsy adventures to secret beach escapes and romantic meals for two, this list has something to suit every couple, love language and budget. Without…
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Wellington is one of my favourite, though personally more undiscovered parts of the Cape Winelands. This small town has plenty of country charm, stunning mountain vistas and amazing wine farms, accommodation and restaurants to enjoy so it’s definitely a destination we plan to explore more as a family in time. For now though, it’s enough to have spent two luxurious nights at one of Wellington’s long-standing, beautiful institutions in Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate. With two on-site eateries, a gorgeous farm setting (with views to rival anywhere in the world) and luxury accommodation, you might not even be…